Creating a personal brand might initially feel daunting, but it’s essential to maintaining an online presence in this digital age. We asked industry experts to share one piece of advice they’d give to someone hesitant to start building their personal brand. What can you gain from taking the first step? Here are the steps they suggest for ensuring your personal brand stands out in a crowded online space.
How to Take the First Step to Build Your Personal Brand
- Focus on Expertise Over Appearances
- Share Your Unique Story
- Showcase Distinctive Skills and Passions
- Start Building Your Brand Now
- Control Your Narrative
- Just Start Building Your Brand
- Share What You Know
- Push Past the Discomfort
- Start by Sharing What You Know
- Personal Brands Are the Future
- Start with Clarity
- Help Others Through Your Expertise
- Stop Overthinking and Start Branding
- Differentiate with High-Quality Content
- Build a Separate Account for Branding
Focus on Expertise Over Appearances
Many people hesitate to build their personal brand because they fear judgment or feel they’re not ready. However, in my experience, the strongest personal brand isn’t built on appearances or curated images but on solid expertise. Throughout my career, I’ve always prioritized developing and showcasing my technical skills; over time, they have become my most valuable asset. A well-polished image without real knowledge and competence will eventually fall short.
Building a personal brand should not be about chasing visibility for its own sake but about demonstrating true expertise and providing value to others. By investing in your knowledge and continuously improving your skills, you create a foundation that speaks for itself. The digital world rewards consistency, depth, and authenticity—those who share valuable insights and real-world expertise stand out far more than those who focus solely on self-promotion.
Taking the first step doesn’t mean waiting until you feel “ready” or perfect; it means starting where you are, sharing what you know, and growing in the process. The longer you wait, the more opportunities you let pass. Your knowledge, experience, and problem-solving ability are the pillars of a strong personal brand. Focus on that, and everything else will follow.
Antonio Grasso
Technologist in the Creator Economy | Global B2B Influencer | Sustainability Advocate, Digital Business Innovation Srl
Share Your Unique Story
Your story is unique, and there’s genuine value in sharing it with others: it can inspire, support, and genuinely resonate with people who see themselves in your experiences. From my experience, the main hesitation in building a personal brand comes from worrying that your story isn’t special enough or thinking nobody will care. But remember, even simple moments from your journey can feel relatable and meaningful to someone facing similar situations.
Sharing your personal insights, small wins, or even past struggles doesn’t have to be complicated or perfect; it’s about being honest and human. As soon as you start openly sharing your experiences, you’ll notice that people respond; they connect, learn from you, and appreciate your honesty. And through these relatable interactions, your confidence grows, your network expands, and new opportunities naturally start flowing your way.
Bayu Prihandito
Psychology Consultant, Life Coach, Founder, Life Architekture
Showcase Distinctive Skills and Passions
When I first contemplated building my brand, doubt clouded my vision. The benefits seemed abstract, and the process daunting. Yet, that initial step forward has fundamentally transformed my professional trajectory.
Authentically showcasing my distinctive skills and passions set me apart in my industry. Rather than blending in, I emerged as a recognizable voice, fostering meaningful connections that transcended typical networking. This deliberate brand cultivation unlocked remarkable opportunities, including coveted columnist positions at Forbes and Inc.
These platforms didn’t just provide visibility; they validated my expertise and amplified my voice to audiences I couldn’t reach.
Media recognition became a powerful catalyst. Featured across prominent news outlets, my professional profile soared, opening doors previously sealed shut. Speaking engagements, strategic partnerships, and collaboration requests followed, each directly impacting my financial growth. By establishing myself as a thought leader, I attracted opportunities perfectly aligned with my aspirations, accelerating my wealth goals.
The verdict is clear. Investing in my brand wasn’t merely about visibility—it was a strategic investment in my future. Beyond enhancing my industry presence, it created a pathway to opportunities that have delivered substantial financial rewards and professional fulfillment.
Rhett Power
CEO and Co-Founder, Accountability Inc.
Start Building Your Brand Now
Now is the right time to go from “You know who I am?” to “You know who I am.” If you’re hesitant to start building your personal brand, I believe the biggest mistake is waiting for the perfect time. There’s no perfect time. No moment where you suddenly feel “ready.” The only way to build a brand is to start; it’s messy, imperfect, and maybe even a little uncomfortable.
I think people overcomplicate personal branding. They assume it means becoming an influencer or crafting some larger-than-life persona. It doesn’t. A personal brand is simply your reputation, online and offline. It’s what people think of when they hear your name. And if you don’t shape that narrative, someone, or worse, silence, will do it for you.
Taking the first step opens doors you didn’t even know existed, posting a thought on LinkedIn, sharing an insight from your experience, or even engaging with others. Opportunities find you. People start recognizing your expertise. And most importantly, you build credibility that compounds over time. The cost of not creating a personal brand? Being invisible. And in a world where attention is currency, invisibility is the most significant disadvantage.
Bhavik Sarkhedi
Founder & Content Lead, Ohh My Brand
Control Your Narrative
If you’re hesitant to start building your personal brand, remember this: your personal brand already exists—it’s what people think and say about you when you’re not in the room. The difference between letting it form passively and shaping it intentionally is control. Taking the first step gives you the power to define your own narrative, showcase your unique strengths, and stand out in your industry. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a job seeker, or someone looking to grow professionally, a well-crafted personal brand opens doors that might have remained closed.
One of the biggest fears people have is putting themselves “out there.” But personal branding isn’t about bragging or pretending to be someone you’re not. It’s about authenticity—sharing your knowledge, experiences, and values in a way that resonates with the right audience. You don’t have to be an expert to start; you just need to be willing to share what you know and learn along the way. Small, consistent actions—like posting insights on LinkedIn, sharing your work, or engaging in relevant conversations—can lead to significant growth over time.
The benefits of building your personal brand are immense. You establish credibility, attract new opportunities, and create a network of like-minded professionals who support your journey. The impact is long-lasting, whether it’s getting noticed by recruiters, landing speaking engagements, or becoming a go-to expert in your field. More importantly, personal branding creates opportunities rather than waiting for them to come to you.
Taking the first step might feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be intentional. Start small, be consistent, and refine your approach as you grow. The sooner you take control of your narrative, the sooner you can shape your own success.
Kumar Abhinav
Senior Link Building Analyst, Mavlers
Just Start Building Your Brand
For anyone hesitant to start building their personal brand, my advice is simple: don’t overthink it, just start. Your personal brand isn’t about self-promotion; it’s about credibility and trust. As an entrepreneur, I’ve seen firsthand how a strong personal brand can open doors, attract top-tier clients, and position you as an authority in your industry. Early on, I focused entirely on building my company’s reputation. Still, once I started sharing my own insights on leadership, tech trends, and business strategy, I noticed that people engaged more because they connected with the person behind the company.
Taking that first step, whether posting on LinkedIn, speaking at industry events, or writing thought leadership content, creates opportunities that wouldn’t exist otherwise. When you consistently share value, people start recognizing you as a go-to expert, and that visibility leads to partnerships, mentorships, and business growth. The key is authenticity; don’t try to manufacture an image. Speak about what you know, share your experiences, and let your expertise naturally build your reputation.
Antony Marceles
Founder, Pumex Computing
Share What You Know
I used to think personal branding was just for influencers or people with decades of experience. I told myself I’d start once I had more to show—more wins, knowledge, and confidence. But that moment never just happens. The turning point came when I shared a simple insight from my work, and someone reached out, saying it helped them solve a real problem. That’s when I realized personal branding isn’t about proving expertise; it’s about being useful.
The more I shared, the more doors opened. Conversations led to opportunities I never expected—clients, partnerships, even speaking gigs—all because I stopped waiting and started showing up. If you’re hesitant, know this: you don’t need to be perfect. You just need to start.
Alan Chen
President & CEO, DataNumen, Inc.
Push Past the Discomfort
Ask yourself, “What’s there to lose?”
Aside from investing some time and pushing past the discomfort of putting yourself out there, you have so much to gain:
- Discipline: Posting consistently builds discipline.
- Writing Skills: Crafting content sharpens your ability to communicate.
- Creativity: Generating ideas fuels your creative thinking.
- Credibility: Sharing your insights establishes authority in your field.
When I transitioned from a television host and UN communications consultant to a public speaking coach, I had to grow my personal brand from scratch. It took a lot of effort (and consistency), but the opportunities that have come my way already have been invaluable.
Stop letting fear hold you back. You don’t need to be an expert to start. You become one by showing up, learning, and sharing your journey. Instead of thinking, “What will others think of me?” shift to, “What am I excited to share?”
Your work alone won’t always speak for you. You must build your personal brand.
Maria C. Rincon
Public Speaking Coach | Ex-Tv Host & Un Comms Consultant, Public Speaking with Maria
Start by Sharing What You Know
If you’re hesitant about building your personal brand, my advice is simple: start by sharing what you already know. Many people hold back because they think they need to be an industry leader before they can have a voice. The truth is, your experiences, insights, and unique perspectives are already valuable—you just need to put them out there.
Think of it as an evolving process rather than a perfectly crafted launch. Share small takeaways from your work, reflect on challenges you’ve overcome, and converse with others in your field. You don’t need a perfectly polished message to start—you just need consistency.
The biggest advantage is trust and opportunity. When people recognize and trust you, it creates new possibilities—business partnerships, company growth, and a more substantial influence in your industry. People connect with people, not just brands.
Rauno Rüngas
CEO, Qminder
Personal Brands Are the Future
If you’re hesitant about building your personal brand, I want you to hear this loud and clear: personal brands are the future. In today’s world, people don’t connect with faceless corporations; they connect with people—real, relatable, and authentic individuals who share their values and experiences. Consumers, buyers, and decision-makers seek trust, credibility, and a personal connection before engaging with a brand, product, or service.
The way we do business has changed. AI, digital transformation, and evolving media landscapes mean that the strongest brands are those built around real people. Your reputation, expertise, and unique story are your most powerful marketing tools. If you don’t intentionally shape your narrative, someone else—or worse, AI—will do it for you.
Taking the first step to build your personal brand means stepping into opportunities you may not even realize exist. Whether positioning yourself as a thought leader, attracting new business, or making a deeper impact in your industry, a strong personal brand opens doors. It’s not just about being visible; it’s about being recognized for your value, building influence, and staying relevant in a competitive marketplace.
So, if you’re hesitating, I challenge you to reframe your thinking. The time to put yourself out there is now—because if you don’t, someone else will. And the next generation of leaders, buyers, and collaborators? They’re following people, not just businesses. Be the person they’re looking for.
Christina Pilarski
Founder & CEO, CIPR Communications
Start with Clarity
If you’re feeling overwhelmed building your personal brand, I advise you to start with clarity. Building a personal brand can be an overwhelming experience for anyone. I felt the same when I started my brand. The major mistake I made was not having clarity about what to offer.
Ask yourself: What do I stand for? What value can I consistently offer? Focus on just one or two platforms where your audience is active, and don’t try to do it all at once.
Begin with small, manageable steps, such as posting once a week or engaging meaningfully with others in your field.
Always remember, it’s not about being perfect; it’s about being authentic. Show up as yourself, and your brand will naturally take shape with time.
Simplify by focusing on connection, not just perfection.
Shubham Ahuja
Digital Marketing Manager, DigiLawyer
Help Others Through Your Expertise
Creating a personal brand doesn’t have to feel self-promotional; the idea is actually to go out there and help others through your expertise. Begin small: identify one area where you provide consistent value to your clients and share that knowledge online. In this industry, trust is everything: an intentional personal brand can position you as a trusted advisor, creating relationships beyond mere networking. Some brokers who offer great tips on simplifying healthcare decisions over time will see business grow their way organically without feeling “salesy.”
The best part? Technology has made it even easier. Like how we have made quoting a matter of weeks to minutes over at Health In Tech, we believe you can forge even stronger relationships through consistent and authentic online engagement.
In its most basic form, personal branding is not about self-promotion but rather about helping others. This is the mindset someone can choose to adopt from Day 1.
Tim Johnson
CEO, Health In Tech
Stop Overthinking and Start Branding
Building your personal brand is like planting a tree—it takes time to grow, but the sooner you start, the sooner you’ll have shade. It can be daunting to put yourself out there. But here’s the thing: your brand already exists. It’s how people perceive, discuss, and recall you. It all comes down to whether you will steer it or let it steer you.
And taking the first step doesn’t imply that you create some perfect version of yourself. It just means being you—that is, sharing what you know, sharing what you love, and sharing what makes you, you. And believe me, no one remembers the quiet person sitting in the back of the room. The worst thing that can happen is that you’re way more interesting than you thought. The best part is that you create a reputation that unlocks doors you didn’t even realize were there.
Kevin Connor
CEO, Modern SBC
Differentiate with High-Quality Content
We live in a world with an incredible amount of noise, and it’s harder than ever to engage people you don’t know via tools like email. Building a personal brand can create inbound demand for your products or services and position you as an expert in your field.
Remember that a lot of online brand building is shallow, so there’s a real opportunity to differentiate yourself with some high-quality content. Take a subject you feel passionate and knowledgeable about, write 600- 800-word short articles about it, and share them on LinkedIn, your own website, and other social media channels.
Use tools like ChatGPT to help if you find writing difficult or need inspiration.
Peter Franks
Partner, Neon River
Build a Separate Account for Branding
The main reason people are hesitant to build a personal brand is that they don’t want people they know outside of work to see their early efforts in building such a brand.
This fear often makes people shy about sharing content on social media.
So, I’d recommend that people set up a new account for building their personal brand if they have a lot of non-work friends following them on the account on which they want to build their brand.
That way, they don’t need to worry about friends and family seeing their early brand-building efforts.
Building a personal brand has the main benefit of protecting you from wider market forces that you cannot control.
No matter how your industry or the economy is doing in general, if you have a thriving personal brand, you should always have a pool of people who want to work with you.
This means that you will always have a financial safety net.
Sacha Fournier
Co-Founder, JournoFinder
