Personal Branding Essentials

Personal Branding - Want to stand out on LinkedIn in the AI era? Here’s what actually works. Personal branding in 2025 isn’t about showing up, it’s about showing up differently. AI can automate, rewrite, and optimize. But it can’t replace you. So how do you make sure your brand isn’t just another optimized, AI-polished profile? (From someone who’s seen what actually moves the needle) 1. Inject your real interests – If you love jazz, reference Miles Davis when talking about leadership. If you’re a chess player, use strategy analogies to break down business decisions. People remember what feels human. 2. Tie your beliefs into your content – Not political stances, but how you see the world. Are you obsessed with efficiency? Do you think storytelling beats data? Let people know. Thought leadership isn’t about being right, it’s about being distinct. 3. Share frameworks, not fluff – Instead of saying, “Consistency is key,” break down your process 👇 “I write 3 posts every Sunday, schedule them, and engage for 20 minutes daily.” People trust what they can replicate. 4. Write for search, but sound like you – AI-driven platforms reward search-friendly content. But if your post reads like ChatGPT wrote it, it’s game over. Optimize smartly. Keep your voice unmistakable. 5. Turn your personal stories into professional lessons – A hiking trip, a failed startup, a childhood lesson, everything is content if you know how to connect it to your audience’s world. AI can’t do that. AI is here to stay. If you are not using it, you are losing the game. But standing out isn’t about fighting it, it’s about playing a different game. So, what’s your differentiator in this era? Ashu Singh Tasha Burhani Brndly Ashu Shukla #personalbranding #personalbrand #coaches #founders #linkedin

Ever tried showing up as a “personal brand” on days you don’t even feel like a person? You’re staring at the camera. You’re opening Canva. You’re trying to write that “insightful” post or shoot that Reel. And your brain? Blank. Frozen. Maybe even yelling “No thanks” in protest. But the algorithm doesn’t care. The market doesn’t pause. The pressure to stay visible… keeps pulsing. Here’s what I wish someone told me when I first started building my brand: You don’t need to feel inspired to show up. You need a system that works even on your off days. Here’s what I recommend to every coach or expert who’s trying to build their presence: 🔹 Step 1: Ditch the idea of being ‘creative’. Get clear instead. Don’t open Canva. Don’t open your Notes app. Just ask yourself: Who am I really trying to reach? What’s one thing I wish they knew right now? Why does it matter today? Start with clarity. The creativity will follow. 🔹 Step 2: Use plug-and-play post formulas. The biggest myth? That personal branding is about reinventing the wheel every day. Here’s how I shortcut it: Story > Insight > Call to action Pain > Shift > Value Hook > Truth > Takeaway Structure isn’t your enemy. It’s your secret weapon. 🔹 Step 3: Don’t wait for motivation. Use motion. Set a 15-min timer. Say the idea out loud as if you're texting a friend. Record a quick voice note. Dump a messy version in your Google Doc. Done is better than perfect. Especially in personal branding. Because let’s face it, no one’s going viral for being polished. They’re connecting because they’re real. And being real consistently? That’s what builds trust. That’s what creates demand. That’s what brings clients, even on your low days. So if today’s one of those toothpaste tube days… Just write one messy line. Show up for 10 honest seconds. It still counts. You’ve got this #PersonalBranding #CoachesOfLinkedIn

You should stick to storytelling. That’s what you’re known for,” the workshop facilitator advised as I was learning how to craft a keynote. I don’t like feeling boxed in. I am more than just a storyteller. I have various interests outside storytelling —I am an entrepreneur, a speaker, a mental health advocate, and a fitness enthusiast. These varied interests make up the multifaceted brand that is me—and you can do it too. Even my show, What’s Your Story Slam, doesn’t quite fit in a box. Theatre folks would say it’s not a show—many people still think it’s a wannabe TED Talk (it’s not). It’s not a place for speeches like MICE events. It’s somewhere in between. Just like my show, your personal brand doesn’t have to fit neatly into any one category. And I like that it’s not in a box. I think you should be known for the multidimensional person that you are. And for personal branding, you should stand for several things. It will help you pivot. 🔥 The Power of a Multifaceted Personal Brand 🔥 Have you ever felt pigeonholed in your career? A multifaceted personal brand might be your game-changer. 💡 What is it? It is a brand that showcases not just one, but multiple talents and expertise. Think of it as a 360° view of YOU. 💪 Why go multifaceted? 1. Versatility: Opens doors to diverse opportunities. 2. Relatability: Connects with a broader audience. 3. Adaptability: Easier to pivot in changing market dynamics. 🚀 Building a Multifaceted Brand: 1. Diversify Content: One day, share a personal narrative. The next day, a public speaking tip. 2. Engage in Varied Activities: Attend workshops and collaborate with experts. 3. Consistent Communication: Varied doesn’t mean inconsistent. Stay true to your voice across topics. 💥 Remember: Being multifaceted isn’t about being everything to everyone. It’s about authentically showcasing ALL that makes you unique. Do you think a multifaceted brand is the future? Let me know in the comments! #PersonalBrand #CareerGrowth #storytelling

DIY branding is tempting. It's quick, cheap... and sometimes gets the job done. But you always forget that your visuals are often the first impression potential clients get of you. Especially on LinkedIn. If your branding doesn’t scream professional and trustworthy, you might be losing leads before you even say "hello." Here are 5 common DIY mistakes that could be driving clients away: 1️⃣ Inconsistent visuals: Using random colors and fonts makes your brand look messy. Consistency builds trust—chaos? Not so much. 2️⃣ Unclear messaging: Your visuals should reflect who you are and who you help. If your audience can’t “get it” at a glance, they’ll scroll on. 3️⃣ Low-quality graphics: Blurry images and stretched logos? Clients notice. And they might wonder if your services are as sloppy as your visuals. 4️⃣ Generic look & feel If your brand looks like everyone else’s, why should they choose you? DIY often lacks the depth and differentiation that a strategic design brings. 5️⃣ You hate sending people to your profile or website If you avoid sharing your links because they feel “off”… Your brand should make you feel proud, not apologetic. Tbh, you don’t need a massive budget for polished, client-attracting branding. You just need a clear strategy and the right elements in place. If you’re thinking, “This is me 😬,” you’re not alone. Many of my clients felt the same before we revamped their visual identity and they started attracting better clients fast😉 What’s the biggest branding challenge you’ve faced? Let’s build your irresistible visual brand. 📩 DM me “Branding” to start. #BuildYourBrand

“Just another boring LinkedIn post” Not if you know how to turn your career moments into stories that stick. The truth? People don’t connect with bullet points or jargon, they connect with you. Your challenges. Your wins. Your lessons. Here’s the storytelling formula I use for posts that consistently get massive engagement and build trust with my audience: 1. Start with a moment of tension → That time I almost missed a crucial deadline → When I made a huge mistake in a presentation 2. Share the raw emotions → The fear, doubt, or excitement you felt in that moment → What kept you up at night 3. Show the transformation → What you learned from it → How it changed your approach going forward 4. End with value for others → A practical takeaway → A lesson they can apply immediately I’ve seen my engagement triple since I started doing this. Why? Because people connect with real stories, not corporate jargon. Every career moment has a story worth telling. The key is being genuine. Being vulnerable. Being you. So, what career moment would you turn into a story? Drop it in the comments, and let’s inspire each other. P.S. If you’re interested in LinkedIn personal branding or a complete profile revamp, DM me. Let’s make sure your profile and posts tell the kind of stories that attract the right opportunities. #LinkedInTips #PersonalBranding #Storytelling

Last week, I was coaching 30 business owners and 90% were scared of the same thing: Putting their face in their LinkedIn content. I get it. I really do. Last year, I had my first crack at video content on TikTok/Instagram. I have a lazy eyelid that I've been self-conscious about my entire life.  The kind of thing that makes you avoid photos or stand at certain angles. And unsurprisingly, someone commented on it.  And you know what? It wasn't the end of the world. Putting the personal in personal brand isn't optional anymore. It's required. Especially if you're a millennial or boomer who grew up believing business should be formal and buttoned-up. Your audience doesn't want to buy from a logo.  They want to buy from a human they trust. Here's how to start adding personal elements without feeling exposed: 1/ Use your authority in hooks • Tell people why they should listen to YOUR message vs. someone else's. Referencing your successes or people with status in your hooks. • Example: https://lnkd.in/gsWbmr8x 2/ Use personal stories in your hooks • Leading with your experience. This is more subtle than using authority. • Example: https://lnkd.in/ggHGQG_H 3/ Put pictures of you on carousel covers • Even just a simple headshot makes content feel more personal.  • Example: https://lnkd.in/gVSgpVU6  4/ Use caricatures with consistent branding • If photos feel too vulnerable, a good caricature keeps it personal but less intimidating. I use this all the time. It does need to look like you though! • Example: https://lnkd.in/g8W35YZr 5/ Share behind-the-scenes moments • Your messy desk. What the work actually looks like. This doesn't mean selfies, it means sharing the actual work. • Example: https://lnkd.in/gRnQdXH9 This doesn't mean you need to share EVERYTHING in your life. Just pick one way that people can get to know you a bit better. Your quirks aren't flaws to hide. They're features that make you memorable. Start small.  Pick one thing from this list. And if you want to get better at LinkedIn in general, here's my free 37-min video playbook: https://lnkd.in/ga7QpS8v ♻️ Share this with someone who needs to hear it today. ➕ Follow me for more like this.

THE IMPORTANCE OF A DIVERSE (multi-talent/multi-skill) LINKEDIN PROFILE Recently, I’ve had some interactions with people regarding #LinkedIn profiles. I was concerned about the mixed messages from the exchanges, and I would appreciate your input. To start, I am an advocate for having a diverse & multifaceted LinkedIn profile. I believe it is essential to showcase the full range of an individual’s or organization’s capabilities. Some people staunchly advocate for a singular focus or topic. This approach feels unnatural, limiting, and in conflict with the actual depth & breadth of skills and experience. I know I’m not one-dimensional! Are there benefits to having a realistic multi-topic/multi-capabilities approach? Here are a few thoughts on multi-talent/multi-skill profiles: 💡 REFLECTS REAL-WORLD COMPLEXITY—Most professionals possess a variety of skills, #expertise, and experiences that span multiple areas. A profile that captures this #diversity can better represent an individual’s or organization’s capabilities, making it more relatable & #authentic. 💡 ENGAGES A BROADER AUDIENCE - By covering various topics, we engage with a broader audience, which increases visibility and fosters connections with individuals who may have different interests or needs. 💡 ADAPTIVENESS TO CHANGING TIDES (trends & fads) - The professional landscape is constantly evolving. A profile that’s too narrowly defined may struggle to adapt to new trends or opportunities. ✨ A diverse profile allows for flexibility & responsiveness to market changes 💥 STRATEGIES FOR SHOWCASING DIVERSITY OF TALENTS 💥 1️⃣ CONTENT VARIETY - Share posts, articles, and updates that cover different aspects of your expertise, including industry insights, personal experiences, or commentary on relevant trends. Engaging with various topics can help demonstrate versatility. 2️⃣ HIGHLIGHTING DIFFERENT SKILLS - Use the skills section of your profile to list a range of competencies. This section not only showcases your abilities but also helps you appear in searches related to those skills. 3️⃣ STORYTELLING - Craft the profile narrative to include diverse experiences and achievements. Depending on the style, it can be written in either the first or third person, but the key is to weave a story that reflects our multifaceted background. 4️⃣ NETWORKING & ENGAGEMENT - Engage actively with content from different fields and industries. Commenting on and sharing diverse posts can help position us as well-rounded professionals. ✨ Multifaceted LinkedIn profiles reflect our capabilities and may provide a #strategic advantage in today’s diverse professional world. By embracing our diversity in our content and engagement, we create a more compelling and authentic presence that resonates with broader audiences. ❓ Am I totally off-base here❓ Please share your thoughts in the comments below 👇

📈 I posted consistently on LinkedIn for 1 year — and gained 𝟭𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬+ 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝘀. Here’s exactly how you can do the same: 𝟭. 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁. 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁. 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴. You don’t need a perfect graphic or a master plan. You just need one post and the courage to hit "Share." 𝟮. 𝗕𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝗹𝗱. 𝗕𝗲 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲. 𝗕𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁. 𝗕𝗲 𝗬𝗢𝗨. People don’t follow perfect - they follow personality. Skip the “I’m thrilled to announce…” energy. Say it how you would say it. Make it fun, punchy, honest. Your voice is the magic. 𝟯. 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁? 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲: Common + valuable topics: • Internship/job hunting tips • Resume or portfolio advice • Interview prep strategies • Study hacks or tech tools you love • What you learned from a recent project Then go personal: • Hot takes: “GPA is overrated. Here’s why.” • Life updates: “I didn’t get the return offer. And that’s okay.” • Lessons you’d give your younger self 𝟰. 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗮𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁. Every time a friend asks you a question, or you rant in a voice note — that’s content. If you’re repeating it, it’s worth posting. 𝟱. 𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀. 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲. I only write twice a month, but I crank out 5–10 posts at a time. Then I schedule them and forget about it. I’m rooting for you. You don’t need to go viral — you just need to start showing up. 🤨 What’s holding you back from posting? #LinkedInTips #PersonalBranding #ContentStrategy #EarlyCareer #TechLife #CareerTips #WomenInTech #PostYourStory #BigTech #10KChallenge #LinkedInGrowth

Got a kid in college (or heading there soon)? This one's for you! 🎓 Last week, I spoke to students at the University of Mississippi about LinkedIn and personal branding. One question kept coming up over and over: "What should I post on LinkedIn if I don’t have any real-world experience?" Here’s the advice I gave them (and shared with my own son): Start building your personal brand in college by sharing your JOURNEY. ✅ Post about lessons learned. ✅ Share class projects and experiences. ✅ Be real about mistakes (yes, mistakes). By doing this consistently—just 2-3 posts a week—you’ll build a rich, four-year archive of growth and insights. Now, here's the really cool part... When you apply for that first job, your hiring manager WILL check your LinkedIn profile. And instead of a blank page, they'll see depth, perspective, and initiative. Those qualities? They’ll separate you from other applicants. BELIEVE ME when I tell you this... 👉 Employers value initiative and credibility. A profile filled with your experiences and lessons learned shows ambition and proves you’ve got something special to offer...even without formal job history. Remember, #VisibilityCreatesOpportunities Start building your personal brand NOW! And shout out to the Ole Miss Women's Council for Philanthropy for inviting me speak. It was a great conference! #LinkedInTips #PersonalBranding #CollegeCareer #CareerGrowth

The most overlooked personal branding strategy: Talking about your passions! Most people think personal branding is just about showing off your skills. But think about the people you remember most. Is it because of their job title? Or because they bring you into their lives (even if it's just a small bit). Here’s an exercise to make your brand more authentic: Step 1: Identify what you are passionate about. Pick two areas: ✅ A functional skill or area of business (Something relevant to your workplace—your superpower. My superpowers are data visualization, personal development, and public speaking.) ✅ A passion, interest, hobby, or tradition (The things that light YOU up. For me, that's traveling, my Jewish/Iranian traditions, and my nephews and niece.) —— Step 2: Use your passions to your advantage. 📌 For functional skills: ↳ Join a stretch project that highlights your strengths. ↳ Tell your manager what excites you. This brings them in. ↳ Listen to podcasts, read books, and refine your expertise. (I listen to personal development podcasts on every commute.) 📌 For personal passions: ↳ Talk about them with your coworkers/friends/family. ↳ Share them in a LinkedIn post (like this one 😉). ↳ Find small ways to bring them into your work life. (For example: Earlier this week, I brought in hamantaschen—the cookie eaten during the Jewish holiday of Purim (which is today!). I loved sharing that important part of me with my coworkers.) —— Step 3: Keep your passions alive! Your personal brand is meant to be personal. The more you share what lights you up, the more people will connect with you—not just for what you do, but for who you are. What’s one passion you want to share more of? Drop it in the comments! —— P.S. If you want in-depth personal and career growth advice, sign up for my coaching style newsletter! You can find the link under my name👆 P.P.S. Happy Purim & Chag sameach to all who celebrate!