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“Your brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room.”
Jeff Bezos famously shared this as his definition of personal branding. Meanwhile, Seth Godin had a slightly different definition when I interviewed him for the Talk About Talk podcast:
“Your personal brand is what people believe you’ll do next.”
I love both of these interpretations, but they leave little room for agency. And guess what? You CAN control your personal brand.
I know it firsthand, because I spend my time guiding clients as they create and manage their personal brands. I teach them to take ownership and influence over what people think and say about them.
So here’s how I like to define it:
“Your personal brand is about being yourself on purpose.”
There are two parts to this definition.
The “being yourself” is about being your true, authentic self. And the “on purpose” is where we are strategic and disciplined about unapologetically sharing our strengths and positive attributes.
Putting your personal brand into action can be accomplished in so many different ways, but I have a few favorites. Here are three actionable ways to take ownership of your personal brand:
3 Things to Talk About This Week
- A three-step framework for introducing yourself
- How to optimize your digital footprint
- Develop a quality network
 A three-step framework for introducing yourself
Introducing yourself might seem simple, but let’s be honest—it can be anxiety-inducing. Whether it’s a networking event, a virtual meeting, or an in-person gathering, that moment when someone says, “Let’s go around and introduce ourselves,” can make even the most confident professional pause.
So how do you nail your introduction every time? I created a three-step framework on introductions for a Harvard Business Review article. (It was one of the top three downloaded articles in 2023!) My proven framework works in any professional setting.
Step 1: Present: Who you are and what you do
Start with the present tense. Highlight who you are and what you do.
“Hi, my name is Dr. Andrea Wojnicki—please call me Andrea. I’m an executive communication coach at Talk About Talk.”
That’s it! State your name, title, and what you do. If you’ve done some thinking about your personal brand, you can also share your unique strengths and passions.
Step 2: Past: Establish credibility
Now, elaborate on your background. In a professional setting, this means mentioning your experience, education, or achievements that validate your expertise.
“Previously, I was a marketing executive at a global firm, and I earned my doctorate in business from Harvard.”
Focus on your past achievements that are relevant for this context. This step builds trust and helps people understand why they should listen to you.
Step 3: Future: Show enthusiasm
This is the icing on the cake—where you set the tone for what’s next. Research shows that people are more likely to engage with you if you express enthusiasm.
“Right now, I’m focused on helping executives become more confident communicators, and I love sharing insights on personal branding!”
By showing genuine excitement, you leave a lasting impression and open the door for future conversations.
Final Thought: Own your introduction
Your introduction isn’t just a formality—it’s an opportunity to reinforce your personal brand.
With this three-step framework, you can ditch the anxiety and introduce yourself with clarity, confidence, and credibility.
How to optimize your digital footprint to support your personal brand
Want to know how others see you online? Google yourself. Open an incognito window (or ask a friend to search) and check the first page of results. Is what you find consistent with your personal brand? If not, it’s time to take control.
The easiest way to take control of your digital identity—especially in a professional context—is LinkedIn. Your profile is free online real estate that you control. So make the most of it:
✔ Use a professional headshot—people should recognize you.
✔ Add a banner image that reinforces your brand.
✔ Elaborate in your headline – beyond just your title, highlight your industry, skills, and leadership style.
✔ Follow LinkedIn’s profile suggestions—they make it easy to optimize your profile!
The more active you are on LinkedIn, the higher your profile ranks when people search for you on other platforms like Google.
And here’s an important tip when it comes to your digital identity:
Be consistent across all platforms
Your visual identity matters. Use the same headshot everywhere so people instantly recognize you. And don’t stress about changing it—consistency is key.
A final thought: Own your signature style. For me, it’s turquoise—I wear it, use it in my branding, and have it all over my website. Find what represents you and use it consistently.
At the end of the day, your digital footprint should work for you, not against you. Take control, stay consistent, and let your online presence support the brand you’ve built.
Develop a quality network to support your personal brand
When it comes to networking, quality > quantity. It’s not about collecting followers or handing out business cards—it’s about building genuine, valuable relationships both online and in person. Here’s how:
1. Be generous
If networking feels uncomfortable, shift your mindset from “selling” to giving. Instead of worrying about what you can gain, ask yourself: How can I provide value?
✔ Listen generously.
✔ Introduce people to each other.
✔ Share relevant articles, insights, or opportunities.
The more you help others, the more meaningful your connections will become.
2. Always follow up
The easiest way to stand out? Follow up with everyone you meet.
✔ Send a quick “great to meet you” message.
✔ Reinforce your personal brand by sharing a helpful resource.
✔ After meetings or interviews, express gratitude—it’s a chance to leave a lasting impression.
A simple follow-up turns a brief interaction into a lasting connection.
3. Approach odd numbers
Walking into a networking event and unsure where to start? If you approach two people in conversation, then by definition you’re the third wheel. Instead, look for groups of one or three.
✔ A solo person is likely open to conversation.
✔ A trio makes it easy to join without disrupting a one-on-one discussion.
This small shift removes social anxiety and makes networking feel natural.
Networking isn’t about working the room—it’s about creating meaningful, lasting connections. Focus on giving, follow up, and use smart strategies to engage. The more intentional you are, the more your personal brand will thrive.
P.S. If these topics resonate with you, my Professional Identity & Personal Branding Bootcamp would be a great next step in your career development. Learn more about this incredible opportunity.
What else is going on at Talk About Talk?
Ladies, you know you’re “board ready.” But does the board community know?
Join my FREE live training with Board Service Coach Kelly Huang to Brand Yourself Board Ready in 2025. After this training, you’ll have the confidence and networking skills to position yourself for a board offer. Kelly and I will also be holding a live Q&A after the webinar, so bring all of your questions about securing a board offer!
Tap into your true potential with my Professional Identity & Personal Branding Bootcamp. In this transformative four-week bootcamp you’ll learn how to introduce yourself in any context, create your customized personal branding template, and learn how to articulate your expertise, passions, and superpowers.
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