Authentic Personal Branding: How to Confidentially Market Yourself
by Laurel B. Lujan
Marketing your Authentic Self
When introducing yourself to others, it’s natural to want to make a good impression. Whether it’s a meeting with a potential client, partner or a special someone, having the confidence to be authentic in a comprehensible way can do most of the footwork. What makes a person comprehensible can simply be their dictation and tone. Taking the time to speak clearly with the knowledge that you have will show why you’re the person to go to and to work with.
Even if English isn’t your first language, for example, having the air of confidence to further exhibit your knowledge on the chosen topic of discussion will help you move forward quickly. This applies to in-person and online interactions where being authentic is worth its weight in gold especially in terms of personal branding in the long run.
In Terms of Personal Branding
How we speak doesn’t just shape our first impressions, it becomes a part of our personal brand. As Northeastern University defines it, branding is more than image, it’s how you build trust by exhibiting your authentic strengths:
Branding is the being of yourself.
It highlights your biggest strengths.
Establishes your reputation by building trust.
Aids in communicating your exceptional knowledge within your chosen industry.
It’s also the way we speak, present our ideas, opinions and thoughts. What I personally love telling my Leo mother, despite her grumbling, is- ‘It’s not what you say, but how you say it.’ It’s okay to have an opinion while sharing your unique knowledge on the industry you’ve chosen to work in (which I hope that you’re very much passionate about) however; the tone and how you speak can set you apart from others that can make a positive impression.
Believe it or not, branding isn’t always associated with businesses or celebrities. It can be aligned with how people see you in general whether it’s you as an employee, a student, a friend or a long term customer.
Their first impression of your physical appearance is one thing, but once the conversations flow and you become closer to them, your own brand and physical aesthetic merges with the way you communicate which not only highlights your strengths but builds trust and loyalty based on your comprehension of the chosen industry.
Look into your mirror to practice your own self-branding. Simple affirmations will help embrace your authentic self.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Begin with this…
Practice your personal branding and communication in the mirror by starting with a simple introduction and a smile that you feel comfortable with giving. Take note of your posture- is it slouched or upright as it should be?
If that is too much to begin with, try starting your practice by reading affirmations that uplift you aloud in the mirror until you believe them. Look yourself in the eye with your shoulders back and head held high so that you will eventually believe in not only who you are but what you desire to portray to others including your authentic self in a positive light.
I’m aware it’s a juxtaposition to think of an ‘authentic self’ and an ‘outside image’ as synonymous but they can be with the exercises suggested above. Authentic self aligns with who we genuinely are as people. It’s raw, unfiltered and a large part of how we were brought up. Self branding is a bit more polished but should still be aligned with who you are as a person. Yet according to the Search Engine Journal article, The Rise of Authenticity: Why Genuine Connections Will Drive Social Media in 2025 by Donna Almonte people online crave authenticity not just from online influencers but from companies. This can pertain to product and service reviews, genuinely liking something and it’s not just about money. This is why certain online platforms such as TikTok are successful because those ‘influencers’ are raw, in the moment but are able to express who they are. What you see is what you get. Being on TikTok, you know what you’re going to expect in terms of online interactions.
A Note from Moi
Be yourself but still have respect for yourself and others. Stay strong in your beliefs and opinions yet be clear in how you communicate them in such a way that you’re able to present your expertise in the chosen topic. Whether people agree or disagree, your personal branding is you and can take you a lot further than inauthenticity of what you think others may want to hear. Even if you’re the shiest person, practice improves your confidence, self-image and marketing of your authentic self.
