Reasons to Build Your Online Presence

In my conversations with the top C-suite leaders, one thing often comes up: the hesitation and fear to step into personal branding. I hear things like: “What if I look self-promotional?” “I’m too busy running the company.” “My work should speak for itself.” But here’s the truth I share with my clients: You’re not just competing for market share, you’re competing for attention. And in a world where 82% of people trust leaders who have a visible presence online (LinkedIn, Edelman Trust Barometer), staying invisible is no longer an option. Here’s why personal branding is non-negotiable for high-authority leaders: 1️⃣ People trust leaders, not logos. Your corporate brand can only go so far. Studies show that 76% of executives are more likely to trust a company led by a CEO they recognize and respect (Harvard Business Review). By building your personal brand, you humanize your business and earn the trust of stakeholders, employees, and even investors. 2️⃣ Your influence can attract top talent. Nearly 50% of employees say they research a company leader’s social presence before deciding to join (Glassdoor). Personal branding doesn’t just help you attract customers—it’s a magnet for the best and brightest talent. 3️⃣ A strong personal brand is crisis insurance. Think about it: When a crisis hits, would you rather be an anonymous figure scrambling to explain yourself or a respected thought leader people already trust? Leaders with strong personal brands have an edge in controlling the narrative. 4️⃣ You’re already being Googled: control what they see. Like it or not, 71% of professionals Google their leaders (Forbes). If your online presence is nonexistent or outdated, you’re missing a huge opportunity to tell your story your way. I tell them: Personal branding isn’t about self-promotion, it’s about leadership. Here’s how you can start: 1. Share your expertise. Write LinkedIn posts or articles about the challenges your industry is facing and how you’re solving them. Thought leadership builds authority. 2. Show your values. Highlight causes or initiatives you care about. Employees and customers want to align with leaders who stand for something bigger than profits. 3. Be visible but authentic. It’s not about perfection—it’s about being relatable. Share stories from your leadership journey, lessons learned, and even failures. If you’re afraid of personal branding, here’s the truth: Your reputation isn’t optional, it’s already being built, with or without you. The question is, will you own it or let others decide it for you? The leaders dominating their industries today aren’t just experts in their fields- they’re visible, trusted, and human. And when you build your personal brand, you’re not just investing in yourself. You’re building credibility, trust, and opportunities for your company. Are you ready to take control of your narrative? #Leadership #PersonalBranding #Headhunting #ExecutiveHiring #Growth

Your personal brand is your lifelong distribution engine. Whether you choose to start a newsletter, build a social presence, or host a podcast, the medium is totally up to you. But you have to start putting yourself out there. Especially if you’re a builder, creator, or entrepreneur. One of the biggest problems founders face is user acquisition. Yeah, you can build an amazing product, but how do you get the word out? Paid marketing is getting more expensive. Growth marketers can be tough to hire (especially if you want someone with years of experience in your specific niche). My recommendation is to keep an active, steadily growing personal online presence. This way, you can funnel your audience to whatever projects you’re working on at any given time. This will also deepen the relationship with your online community since they’ll see your progression over time. I’ve been publishing online for nearly 15 years, and some of the of the people who follow me have seen me grow from the kid who just got into college, to landing my first real job, to working at LinkedIn, to going on a National DJ Tour, and all of the miscellaneous side projects along the way. I’ve had countless job offers, reverse hiring pitches, and even helped my last startup raise a seed round of funding by tapping into my network (long live Crave It). I’ve also used my online presence to drive thousands of downloads for that startup, grow my podcast to 10k downloads in 4 weeks, and sell hundreds of thousands of tickets for DJ gigs. Having an online presence is a superpower. I hope this post prompts you to get started (or double down if you’re already doing your thing). 🫡

Build Your Brand in Cybersecurity Here’s something I wish more cybersecurity professionals know ✨ You don’t need to be the loudest in the room to be heard.
 ✨ You just need to start showing up. We often hear a lot about the “cyber talent shortage.”
But here’s the thing we’re not short on talent. We’re short on visibility.
There are brilliant minds in this field doing impactful work who aren’t being seen, heard, or invested in. In a time of layoffs, hiring freezes, unpredictability & constant change, your personal brand is a strategic move. I built mine while raising four kids, going back to school, switching & rebuilding careers, & figuring it out along the way. 
And the doors it opened? Game changing. From job opportunities, invitations to speaking gigs including a Tedx talk, more exposure & collaboration to share my cybersecurity children’s books with the right audience & even sponsored brand content creation opportunities. It started with one post, one story, one intention to show up. But too many still hold back because of myths like these Myth 1 - “I need to be an expert first.” Truth - Your journey & insights are valuable at every stage. Sharing your experiences contributes to the community & builds your expertise. Myth 2 - “I’m too late to start building my brand.” Truth - The cybersecurity space constantly craves fresh perspectives. Now is the perfect time to start sharing yours. Myth 3 - “I need thousands of followers to make an impact.” Truth - Impactful branding starts with one follower & one post at a time. Authenticity attracts the right audience, not just a large one. Myth 4 - “Personal branding won’t really benefit my career.” Truth - A strong personal brand significantly boosts your visibility, opening doors to opportunities and networks that can propel your career forward. Here’s the truth. We can’t solve the pipeline problem if people don’t know you’re in the pipeline. Your voice, perspectives and your presence belongs in this space. P.s. Be intentional. Get visible. Build your personal brand. Grow. #Cybersecurity #Personalbrand #branding #cybercareer

Old Thinking ❌: Be careful what you post online—your future employer might not like it. New Thinking ✔️: Post frequently reflecting your vision and brand—only you can show who you are beyond the résumé. Years ago, we heard this loud and clear: “Be careful what you post online— your future employer will look you up before making a hiring decision.” It was a wake-up call about our digital footprint. A warning that stuck with us. And it’s still relevant today. HR teams are out there right now. They’re combing through your profiles. They’re running background checks. They’re screening for culture and values. But it’s not just about avoiding mistakes. Your future employer wants to know more. They’re looking beyond a clean record. They’re trying to understand who you really are. They’re asking questions your résumé can’t answer like... Who are you as a person? What does your network look like? What projects have you brought to life? What’s your personal brand? What does your voice sound like? What’s your vision for solving problems? Who are you beyond that piece of paper? Old thinking says to play it safe. Be careful. Avoid the risks. But we’re in an incredible time now. People are landing opportunities—huge ones— because a vision went viral. That’s what gets monetized today. Not just a linear path through the job market. Your ideas turn into production. There are services out there— background checks and screening tools. They’ll find what doesn’t align with a company. They’ll spot the clashes in culture or values. But...there’s no system or tool that can screen... - a high quality voice. - OR a valuable mission. That’s where you step in. Don’t just be careful about what you post online. Be intentional about it. Your online presence isn’t a trap to avoid. It’s your stage to own. ----- 👩💻 I’m an AI and business intelligence consultant, dedicated to helping companies and people seize opportunities for growth and expansion in tomorrow’s markets using today’s cutting-edge technologies. If this post struck a chord with you, I’ve got a tip to help you take control of your online presence and make it work for you. 🤖 Dump your résumé into a GPT and ask it to build an ontology around you—a clear map of who you are. Then, let it ask you some personal questions, things you’re comfortable with the world knowing, like what you’re passionate about. Next, have it craft a vision and mission board for you. Finally, ask it what kind of content could boost your online presence and connect you with the right audiences—posts that truly reflect the real you. Try it out, and watch your digital footprint start to spark a unique impact in the world around you. 📲 Follow 📝Jacqueline DeStefano-Tangorra, CPA, MBA, CFE📊 for more content like this.

Last year, I lost a job that had become a major part of my identity. I had poured everything into the role. I was my title. I loved the work, the company, and the prestige. But when I was laid off, the silence that followed was jarring. For the first time in years, I didn’t know how to introduce myself. Who was I without that title? That question led me down a path that changed everything: I stopped hiding behind job titles and started building my personal brand. And not just because it’s trendy, because it’s essential. A lot of people think personal branding is just about building a following and posting on social media, but it's actually about owning your story, defining your value, and building something that can’t be erased by a layoff, a career pivot, or an unexpected change. When you’re intentional about your brand: ↳ You shape the narrative of your work and your values ↳ You attract aligned opportunities without constantly chasing them ↳ You build recognition and trust within your industry You create stability, even when your external situation changes. Once I started showing up regularly on LinkedIn, sharing lessons I’d learned, ideas I was exploring, and challenges I’d faced, things shifted. People reached out for advice. New opportunities showed up. And I felt more grounded and confident in who I was outside a title. And you can do the same.

No one told me that staying quiet could cost me more than speaking up. In my early career, I thought being successful meant being grateful, staying in my lane, and letting my work speak for itself.      It didn’t.     It took me years to understand that personal branding isn’t about being loud or self-promotional. It’s about being seen for who you truly are, so the right people can find you, support you, and open doors you didn’t even know existed. That’s what I call true brand advocacy.     When I do guest lectures with undergrad and grad students at UT Austin or speak to professional women at The WIT Network events, I see the same fear show up:    “What if they don't like me?”  “What if I sound too confident?”  “How can I be truly me while at work, I could get fired?!”    Here's what I wish someone had told me earlier: You don’t need permission to start showing up as your truest self. The sooner you learn to be unapologetically you in your career, the sooner you’ll attract the RIGHT opportunities for YOU, not what people think you should do.    And guess what, LinkedIn’s 2024 Future of Work Report said that 77% of professionals believe building a personal brand is more important than ever.  So, if you're a business professional wanting more out of your career here’s what I want you to know:    Different is Better   🟣 As Sally Hogshead famously says, 'Different is better than better. Don’t change who you are, become more of who you are.' Your greatest advantage isn't just doing your job well, it's your story, your perspective, your unique energy. Don't make your title the headline of your life; instead, embrace what makes you distinctly valuable.    Your Network is Your Net Worth   🟣 Build relationships before you need them. Your network is your net worth, yes, but it’s also your mirror. The right people help you see what you can’t yet see in yourself.    Perceptions are Reality   🟣 People are going to dislike you. Get over that. What matters is that you attract the right people into your life and make them your advocates! So each moment is a way for you to show up and create the reality you desire. You already have a brand. The way you write, speak, show up in meetings, it’s all shaping how people experience you. Be intentional.    No more excuses. Your voice matters and it’s time for you to show up 100% as you. What’s one thing you wish someone had told you at the start of your career?    #LIPostingDayApril #PersonalBranding #Leadership #CareerAdvice #StandOutAuthority  

I didn’t know I needed a personal brand. I thought doing good work was enough—that if I just kept my head down and delivered, people would notice and say nice things. But I learned the hard way that it’s not enough to assume others know what to say about you. Personal branding isn’t self-promotion—it’s clarity. It’s about defining what makes you unique and making sure your work and values speak for themselves. Trust starts with honesty, and that means being transparent about your experiences, sharing both wins and challenges. People connect with real stories, not just polished résumés. Credibility follows trust—and it’s built over time. Supporting your insights with data, industry knowledge, and personal experiences reinforces your authority. But the real key? Consistency. Whether through thought leadership, speaking engagements, or content creation, showing up regularly signals commitment. Three key takeaways for building a strong personal brand: ✅ Be intentional – Don’t assume people know your strengths. Define and communicate what makes you unique. ✅ Share your journey – Authenticity builds trust. Your challenges are just as important as your successes. ✅ Show up consistently – Whether through writing, speaking, or networking, regular engagement strengthens credibility. When your words align with your actions, people don’t just believe in your expertise—they come to rely on your perspective. That’s how you build real influence. What’s something you’ve learned about building your personal brand? Drop your thoughts below! 👇 #PersonalBranding #Authenticity #Leadership

Spent the first 20 years of my career building a business. Now I’m spending the next 20 building my brand. Because I believe a personal brand is the most priceless asset you have control over. Most people spend their entire career focused on their company brand. (I was one of them.) - They invest 1000s of hours building it. - They craft a great industry reputation. - Then they go ahead and sell it. In that moment… You get: A wire transfer. They get: Your life’s work. A good deal in most people’s eyes. But imagine if you’d built a personal brand alongside it? - You get more eyes on your company. - More opportunities presented to you. - A digital reputation that lasts forever. (Repeat: A digital reputation that lasts forever.) Your personal brand IS your storefront. People judge you off their first impression. ↳ But YOU have the chance to control that. So get started! 1/ Craft your LinkedIn profile 2/ Begin sharing your insights 3/ Connect with other creators There is no better way to invest your time in 2024. ★ P.S. When did you start building your personal brand?

When someone asks who you are in a professional setting how do you respond? Do you only mention your job title or the company you work for? I’ve learned that for many of us, our identities become so tied to the places we work that we forget who we are without the company name in our email signature And I get it when you’re early (or at any point) in your career, it can feel validating to be associated with a recognizable brand But at some point, you have to ask yourself if the job went away tomorrow, what would people still know you for? That’s the power of personal branding It’s not just about aesthetics or having a perfect elevator pitch It’s about making sure your values, your expertise, and your presence speak for you… Regardless of where you work You deserve to be known for you and you alone So today, I want y’all to sit with a few questions: ✨ Who are you and what do you want to be known for? ✨ What strengths, skills, or stories do you carry that others can’t replicate? ✨ In what ways are you already building a reputation without realizing it? Personal branding isn’t reserved for influencers or executives It starts now with how you show up, what you share, and how you make people feel What do you want your name to hold weight for? Let me know in the comments⬇️ #personalbranding #earlycareer #presence

Your personal brand matters. Building a strong personal brand allowed me to build a community of 500k+ of you across social media, multiple six-figure gigs, and a career that I love. In today’s world, your brand isn’t optional. Whether you’re actively building it or not, it’s being shaped every day by the way you show up. And here’s the truth: A strong personal brand doesn’t just set you apart — it creates opportunities. It builds connections, opens doors, and fosters trust in ways that can elevate your career or business. When I started building my personal brand, I felt overwhelmed. I wondered if I had anything “unique” to offer. But the more I leaned into my authentic self — my story, my voice, and my values — the more I realized that personal branding isn’t about being the loudest or the most polished. It’s about being real, intentional, and impactful. Here’s how I’ve approached personal branding: - Be consistent - Share your story - Add value Start asking yourself what you want your personal brand to say, and how you want people to feel when they think of you. Build a brand that authentically represents who you are and the impact you want to make. It’s your story, and you have the power to shape how it’s told. Let’s rewrite it and change the narrative. #StephSynergy