How to Make Personal Branding Feel Less Uncomfortable

As you put yourself out into the employment world, you have to make yourself a brand. You need to be able to promote and network your skills so companies and recruiters can see it and picture if you’re their ideal candidate.

Your brand should show the real you. People want to know who you are as a person and as an employee. Especially, when it comes to your skills and achievements. When building your brand, it’s understandable, if it seems like you are bragging about what you have done and accomplished. But you have to remember everyone has different experiences and it’s okay if your portfolio or resume is less or more than another employee’s.

You have to reframe your mindset and approach personal branding with authenticity so you can make the process more comfortable for yourself.

1. Shift from “bragging” to “sharing”
When you talk about your skills, experiences, and accomplishments, you are informing people what you bring to the employers’ table. You can think of this as telling your story. You have a unique journey, challenges and successes that make you who you are and that are worth sharing. Sharing who you are can help connect with others on a personal level as well as a business level. This mindset will give you the opportunity to have genuine self-expression rather than the discomfort of self-promotion. 

2. Focus on the Value You Offer
Think about what problems you can solve and the skills you bring that benefit the employer when building your brand. It can make the process feel less self-centered and more about the contributions you can bring.

3. Receive Feedback from Your Peers
Ask colleagues, mentors, or friends for feedback on your personal brand. They can provide valuable insights on how you’re perceived and suggest ways to highlight your strengths without feeling like you’re bragging. You can use their feedback to make your messaging authentic and resonant with others. 

4. Practice Respectful Confidence
When promoting your personal brand, it’s good to be confident without being arrogant. Acknowledge your successes but also recognize the contributions of others who help you along the way. Mention your mentors and colleagues that have helped you. It will demonstrate your self-awareness and appreciation which makes your brand more grounded.

5. Take Small Steps
If personal branding starts to feel overwhelmed, take it slow. Update your Linkedin profile, you can create a blog post, or even attend a networking event. It will help you build your brand at your own pace. Recognizing what you are doing for your brand and taking your time will make the process more enjoyable. 

Personal branding doesn’t have to be uncomfortable if you work on it with the right mindset and the right process that is right for you. By focusing on sharing, values, feedback, confidence, and authenticity, you can create a brand that feels true to you and demonstrates who you are while showcasing your strengths and abilities to potential employers.