The Future of Work is Here: Why a Personal Brand is Your Ticket to Success

Imagine a world where half of all professionals are their own bosses in some capacity. According to an OECD forecast, by 2030, 50% of all professionals will have embraced a portfolio career—diversifying their income sources through multiple gigs, projects, or entrepreneurial ventures. This isn’t just a distant possibility; it’s the unfolding reality of the future of work.

Meanwhile, the creator economy—a realm where individuals capitalize on their unique skills and passions to build personal brands and businesses—is booming. It’s projected to surge from a $250 billion industry to a whopping $480 billion within the next five years. This growth isn’t just about numbers; it represents a shift in how we define work and success.

As someone who joined the creator economy and started building my personal brand on LinkedIn in November 2023, I’ve firsthand experienced this transformation. It has completely revolutionized my business and my portfolio career, opening doors to opportunities I never thought possible. From enhancing my visibility to establishing my credibility in a crowded market, the impact has been profound.

In this article, we’ll explore why building your personal brand is crucial, not just for those looking to make a name for themselves online, but especially for anyone aspiring to thrive in the rapidly evolving workforce. By the end, you’ll not only understand the power of a personal brand but also be inspired to start crafting yours with precision and passion.

Part 1: The Rise of the Portfolio Career

From Corporate to Startup Founder to Portfolio Career: My Journey

Ever felt stuck in a job and dreamed of doing something really exciting? That was me before I took a big leap. My adventure started in the corporate world where everything seemed set in stone. But deep down, I knew I wanted more—more freedom, more variety, and more ways to make a difference.

The Spark That Changed Everything

One day, at an INSEAD webinar, a business coach shared his story about having a “portfolio career.” That means doing different kinds of work all at once. His story was so interesting that it made me want to try it too. So, I decided to dive in and start building my own mix of jobs.

Step-by-Step to a New World

First, I co-founded a tech company called Le VPN. It was a huge step from my old job and it taught me a lot about the ups and downs of starting a business. After that, I didn’t stop. I kept adding more pieces to my career puzzle. I became a business coach at INSEAD, helped out in design thinking workshops, got some digital marketing consulting gigs, and even mentored startups. Each new role was like adding a piece to a big, exciting puzzle, the center of which was me with my passions, interests, and areas of expertise.

The Benefits of Having Many Roles

Here’s why having a portfolio career is awesome:

• Flexibility: You can choose what kind of work you do and when you do it.
• Safety Net: If one job isn’t going so well, you have other jobs to help you out.
• Fun and Fulfillment: Doing different things means you never get bored and you always have new things to learn.

Why Your Personal Brand Matters

Through all these changes, one thing was super important—my personal brand. Think of your personal brand like your story that you tell the world or your reputation that generates inbound leads through word-of-mouth as it does for me or through online presence. 

It helps people understand who you are and what you’re great at. My personal brand that I recently launched online opened new doors and made all these different jobs possible. It’s like the glue that holds my career pieces together.

Recently, I was invited to work as a coach on the INSEAD campus in Fontainebleau after a salesperson (who already knew me by name) saw my activity on LinkedIn and thought of me among all the other coaches. The same goes for my clients in my private coaching practice who used to come to me through word-of-mouth and recommendations of those I already worked with, but now find me on social media more and more and book a free coaching exploration call directly on my calendar.

Your Turn to Shine

Understanding how to mix and match different jobs into a portfolio career is a great way to take charge of your life. It’s not just about making money; it’s about making your work life fit your dreams. If you’re curious about how this works and want to get started, check out my free training on building a portfolio career. It’s packed with tips on how to combine your skills and interests just like I did.

Ready to build a career as unique as you? Jump into my free training and let’s make it happen together! It’s your turn to create a work life that you love.

Part 2: Building Your Personal Brand

Building a personal brand is crucial whether you’re aiming to leap into entrepreneurship or expand your corporate job into a dynamic portfolio career. A well-crafted personal brand not only distinguishes you from the competition but also opens doors to new opportunities. 

Below, we outline essential steps to developing your personal brand, illustrated by the success story of Hanna Larsson, a former sales director who transformed her career and became a business owner and one of the top LinkedIn influencers.

I worked with Hanna at the very beginning of my personal branding on LinkedIn journey at the end of 2023. As she coached me and shared her best practices in building a personal brand, I learned from her experience and kept on following her journey since then. 

Here are the key steps that you may find useful to start building your own personal brand on LinkedIn or another online platform, with examples of how Hanna applied them to her own brand.

Step 1: Identify Your Strengths: 

• Begin by conducting a thorough self-assessment. What are you good at? What unique skills or experiences do you bring to the table? 
• For Hanna, it was her exceptional ability to build and lead high-performing sales teams. Recognizing this allowed her to focus her brand on these strengths.
• Reflect: What unique strengths can you leverage to start building your brand today?

Step 2: Understand Your Audience: 

• Knowing who your audience is is crucial. Are they businesses, fellow professionals, or perhaps a broader public audience? 
• Hanna targeted other professionals and businesses that could benefit from her expertise in sales performance, tailoring her message to meet their needs and challenges.
• Reflect: What does your audience look like? Who do you want to be speaking to?

Step 3: Craft Your Message: 

• Once you know your strengths and your audience, it’s time to craft a compelling message that connects the two. Your message should clearly communicate what you offer and why it matters. 
• Hanna’s message was all about empowerment and achieving success through enhanced sales strategies, which resonated deeply with her target audience.
• Reflect: What are you trying to achieve with your personal brand?

Step 4: Consistency Is Key: 

• Your personal brand should be consistent across all platforms and communications. This consistency helps to reinforce your identity and ensures that your audience receives a coherent message. 
• Hanna maintained consistency by regularly sharing insights, successes, and even challenges related to building high-performing teams, which reinforced her brand as authentic and reliable.
• Reflect: How often can you commit to sharing your insights online? What platforms and formats will you use to start building your personal brand?

Step 5: Authenticity Brings Trust: 

• Authenticity is what will make your personal brand relatable and trustworthy. Don’t shy away from sharing your true self, including the hurdles you’ve overcome. 
• Hanna shared not only her successes but also the dissatisfaction and struggles she faced in her previous roles, which made her story relatable and her advice credible.
• Reflect: What stories could you publicly share that could create value for others?

Lastly: Leverage Social Media and Online Platforms: 

• Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, or your personal blog are invaluable tools for enhancing visibility. 
• Hanna used LinkedIn to share her journey and expertise, engaging with her audience through posts and discussions, which significantly boosted her visibility and credibility.
• Reflect: If you could pick only one, what would be your first online platform to build your personal brand on?

Hanna Larsson’s example vividly illustrates how effectively building and leveraging a personal brand can lead to significant career transformation and success. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or looking to expand your corporate role into something more fulfilling, these steps are fundamental in building a personal brand that stands out in today’s competitive market.

For those ready to begin this exciting journey, remember that your personal brand is your most powerful tool in the modern professional landscape. Start today by identifying your unique strengths and crafting a message that speaks directly to your ideal audience. With consistency and authenticity, you will not only enhance your career but also create opportunities that align with your professional goals and personal values.

Part 3: Leveraging Your Brand for Long-Term Success in Entrepreneurship and Portfolio Careers

Building a strong personal brand is essential, not just after you launch a business or start diversifying your career, but as a foundational step before these changes occur. For aspiring entrepreneurs and corporate professionals eyeing a portfolio career, a robust personal brand can be a game-changer. Here’s how you can leverage your personal brand to unlock opportunities and ensure long-term success:

Importance of Building a Personal Brand Early:

• Pre-Launch Visibility for Entrepreneurs: For entrepreneurs, starting to build a personal brand before launching a business can significantly boost your initial visibility and credibility. It establishes trust and lays a foundation for customer relationships and investor interest.
• Opportunity Identification for Portfolio Careers: For professionals, a personal brand helps in identifying and securing diverse roles that can fill a portfolio career. It makes you a preferred candidate for consulting gigs, part-time leadership roles, or board positions, as you are perceived as a proven expert in your field.

Converting Your Personal Brand into Opportunities:

• Speaking Engagements: Both entrepreneurs and those in portfolio careers can benefit from speaking engagements that not only bolster your personal brand but also open doors to new business and career opportunities through networking.
• Collaborations and Strategic Partnerships: Use your personal brand to attract collaborations that can lead to new business ventures or expand your role within your industry. These partnerships often result in innovative projects that can significantly enhance your professional portfolio and business offerings.
• Consultancy Opportunities: A recognized personal brand in your niche can help you secure consultancy roles. These roles not only increase your income but also expand your professional network and experience, further strengthening your personal brand.

Continuous Learning and Adapting: 

Keeping your personal brand relevant requires ongoing education and adaptation. Stay ahead of industry trends, continually update your skills, and adapt your brand messaging to reflect your evolving expertise and market changes. This approach not only enhances your brand’s appeal but also keeps you competitive in a fast-paced market.

Networking and Community Building:

• Engage on Social Media: Regularly interacting with your audience on platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter can help you maintain visibility and demonstrate your expertise. It allows you to share knowledge, engage with trends, and stay connected with your industry’s pulse.
• Participate in Professional Groups: Being active in professional groups provides opportunities to showcase your expertise and learn from others. This can be crucial for finding new roles and projects, especially for those building a portfolio career.
• Host or Participate in Events: Hosting workshops or participating in panels can significantly enhance your visibility and assert your position as a thought leader. These activities not only build your network but also open doors to new opportunities that can be pivotal in shaping your career trajectory.

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a corporate professional exploring a portfolio career, a well-crafted personal brand is your most strategic asset. It not only positions you as an expert in your field but also opens a multitude of doors for future opportunities. Start building your personal brand today—it will be the cornerstone of your success, helping you navigate and shape your career or business in the ways you envision.

Conclusion: Embrace the Power of Personal Branding

As we’ve explored throughout this article, the importance of building and leveraging a personal brand cannot be overstated. Whether you’re stepping into the entrepreneurial realm or crafting a diverse portfolio career, a well-defined personal brand is your key to unlocking new opportunities and achieving long-term success.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, your personal brand provides a crucial pre-launch platform to garner trust and establish credibility even before your business is off the ground. It sets the stage for strong customer relationships and attracts the attention of potential investors who are crucial for your growth.

For corporate professionals, a robust personal brand can significantly enhance your ability to identify and secure diverse roles, making you an attractive candidate for consulting gigs, leadership roles, or board positions. It’s about positioning yourself as a versatile and invaluable asset in today’s ever-evolving job market.

Your personal brand is more than just a tool for professional advancement—it’s a reflection of your unique value and expertise. As you’ve seen with examples and strategies discussed, from the fundamental steps of building your brand to strategically leveraging it for growth, the journey of personal branding is rich with potential.

Now is the perfect time to take action. If you’re ready to transform your professional life, to move from where you are to where you want to be, don’t hesitate to reach out. Book a free 30-minute coaching exploration call with me today. Together, we can discuss your personal branding strategy and how you can harness it to carve out a fulfilling career or launch a successful business. Let’s turn your professional dreams into reality.

Start now by making your personal brand a priority. Explore the different free resources of entrepreneurs on my website, check out my free training on building a portfolio career, or simply get in touch to discuss how I can help you on your journey. Your future is waiting, and it’s bright with possibilities.