Personal Storytelling for Network Building

SHARING PERSONAL STUFF ON LINKEDIN? Lately, I’ve been thinking about the personal storytelling in professional spaces, especially here, on LinkedIn.   We see selfies and origin stories (often with tough lessons or raw emotions) being shared publicly. My two points here: 1️⃣ How do they build your professional presence? 2️⃣ When might they backfire?   Let’s start with selfies. They are not just about showing your face, but carry symbolic and social meaning, even if implicitly: ▫️ posh backdrops, events, or travel settings act as shorthand for status and (at best) professional capital ▫️ a clear, unfiltered selfie with thoughtful framing can increase trust and relatability ▫️ posture, clothing, and gaze all give subtle cues   That’s not inherently bad: it's a nonverbal resume. But relevance matters. A rooftop selfie at Cannes with no connection to your work?   Next, moving from selfies to stories.   Personal storytelling gives a face to our professional identity. It shows why we work the way we do, not just what we do. I’ve shared before that I grew up in an alcoholic family. That experience has shaped how I relate to things like unfinished projects, perfectionism, and shame. So, I don’t share it for sympathy, but as a lens that informs my professional depth as a coach.   Of course, not every story is suitable for LinkedIn. When stories aren’t linked to a broader insight or relevance, they risk falling flat. Similarly, any uncontained raw emotion without reflection can make people feel uncomfortable rather than connected. Whatever you share, it should be processed through: exposing your vulnerability per se is seldom a valid strategy.   So, I think we should ask three crucial questions: 1️⃣ Is this story reflected on, or still raw? 2️⃣ Does it offer something beyond you – a lesson, a question, a resonance? 3️⃣ Can you connect it back to how you work, relate, or think?   Ultimately, sharing personal things in professional spaces is about discernment, which makes me think about authenticity.   We stage the selfies, edit video clips, and craft our stories. That’s not deception but direction: behind every choice is a value we’re expressing, consciously or not.   Authenticity is not the absence of curation. It’s choosing which part of the truth to bring forward: intentionally, meaningfully, and in a way that connects.   We all curate. The question is: are we curating to perform, or to relate?   I’m not sure there’s one answer. But maybe the best personal posts on LinkedIn don’t just reveal something about the person but invite something in the reader.   How do you decide what personal things belong in your professional story? Is there a line – or just context?   #CoachRisto #CareerPerceptions   #storytelling #LinkedIn

I was packing for an upcoming trip, pulling out summer clothes amidst “Feels like -9°” temps at home, when my phone rang. It was a childhood friend—such a surprise, given how rare unscheduled calls are these days. (To be fair, she was returning my unscheduled call from a week ago.) For the next hour, we swapped funny, relatable stories about our parents—wondering aloud if we’ll become like them as we age. It wasn’t a rundown of life updates; it was storytelling. The kind that made me laugh out loud and later share a few highlights with my 20-year-old son because they were that memorable. That’s the power of stories: they make you want to share them, shift your perspective, or even inspire action. One of the leaders I worked with years ago excelled at this. He didn’t just run meetings—he shared stories. Tales of awkward but transformative moments working with a board or navigating life with his college-aged son. Those stories didn’t just entertain; they connected us, built trust, and shaped a loyal team culture. But many leaders shy away from storytelling because they don’t see its value—or they don’t feel equipped to do it well. Matthew Dicks, author of Storyworthy and Stories Sell, offers practical advice for storytelling: ✅ Recognize “storyworthy” moments. They don’t have to be extraordinary; everyday experiences can hold deep meaning or lessons. ✅ Be authentic and vulnerable. Sharing personal challenges or failures make stories more relatable, helping to build connection and trust. ✅ Know your destination. Start with the end in mind– what’s the key message or insight you want to stock with your audience?   ✅ Create stakes, suspense or surprise. Without change–whether it’s an insight, resolution, or a-ha moment – your story becomes just a list of events or facts. One tool he advocates–and one I plan to try– is “Homework for Life.” It’s a simple daily practice—jotting down one storyworthy moment each day in a spreadsheet. Over time, it builds a bank of stories, sharpens your ability to spot meaningful moments, and makes your life more memorable. And here’s a shortcut for sharing stories: start with location and action. Set the scene and engage your audience by creating a vivid image in their minds. For professionals, storytelling isn’t just a skill—it’s a competitive advantage. Stories build trust, foster connections, and strengthen culture. Want your meetings to matter more? Share a real moment instead of just delivering facts.

Stories build brands. The best-performing posts on LinkedIn? They're not just expert tips. They're not fancy frameworks. They're STORIES. Because stories hit differently. They show your truth, your voice, your journey. And they connect like nothing else. I’ve tested it all: ✅ How-to guides → Decent engagement ✅ Bullet lists → Gets the job done ✅ Professional tips → Standard stuff But every time I post a story? My inbox lights up with messages like: “This happened to me too.” “I felt that.” “Thank you for sharing.” Here’s what I’ve learned about storytelling on LinkedIn: ✨ Start with tension → “I almost lost my biggest client” ✨ Add real emotions → “My hands were shaking” ✨ Share the shift → “That’s when I realized…” Your career is filled with stories: Big wins Hard lessons First-day fumbles Moments of doubt turned into growth Don’t just tell people what you’ve done. Tell them how it felt. What it taught you. What it changed. That’s personal branding done right. 📩 Want to build a story-led LinkedIn profile or elevate your personal brand? DM me – I help professionals like you turn their experience into influence. Let’s make your LinkedIn speak for you. #PersonalBranding #LinkedInTips #CareerGrowth #Storytelling #CareerSpotlightCoach #LinkedInCoach

Showing Up on LinkedIn: A Game-Changer for Your Professional Journey In the dynamic world of LinkedIn, there’s one unwritten rule that I’ve found to be a game-changer: showing up. As a storyteller and leadership consultant, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of this simple act on careers and professional connections. It helped me in my career as an entrepreneur and offered a platform for what’s your story slam. Why is showing up on LinkedIn so crucial? It’s more than just routine updates or casual likes. It’s about: 🔹 Building Your Personal Brand: Carving out your unique space in the industry. 🔹 Creating Meaningful Connections: Forming bonds that go beyond just adding contacts. 🔹 Gaining Industry Insights: Staying ahead with trends and innovations. 🔹 Showcasing Expertise: Establishing yourself as a thought leader. But, it’s not just about being there; it’s about being real. Let me share a quick story - when I first started actively engaging on LinkedIn, I was hesitant to share my challenges transitioning from banking into storytelling - when What's Your Story Slam first started. The day I opened up about overcoming a major setback, the support and connections I made were beyond what I had imagined. I managed to fill up a theatre full of supporters. It reconnected me with ex-colleagues. That’s when I realized LinkedIn is more than a network; it’s a community ready to engage with authentic stories and experiences. So, how can you show up authentically on LinkedIn? 🔹 Share your real experiences, challenges, and triumphs. 🔹 Start genuine conversations and foster meaningful relationships. I’d love to hear from you: 🔹 How do you make your presence felt on LinkedIn? 🔹 What strategies do you use to engage authentically on this platform? Join the conversation below and let’s explore the power of presence on LinkedIn together! #LinkedInTips #ProfessionalGrowth #Networking #Authenticity #PersonalBranding #storytelling

I had believed that working hard and delivering quality results would be enough in building my career. Until seven years ago, when I was strategizing on how to achieve a goal of mine to secure a job in the US. I realized that without a relevant network or a clear and engaging way to present the value I bring, I wouldn't be able to differentiate myself.   Until then, every job I had accepted was because someone else came to me. Flattering? Sure, but it wasn't always aligned with my aspirations. And when I started thinking about it back then, I wasn't really sure what that was. Building a personal brand was a new concept for me, but I had always been passionate about personal development. So, seven years ago, I set out to build and communicate my brand intentionally and consistently, and I started helping others to do the same. Telling your own story helps design your career and create a life you love to live. Learn some concrete steps from Jill Avery and Rachel Greenwald in their HBR article:    💛 Define your purpose: Explore your mission, passion, and strengths, and think about whom you want to make a difference to and how. Knowing your purpose will help you communicate your brand effectively. 💛 Audit your personal brand equity: Catalog your credentials, do a self-assessment, and research how others view you. This step will help you understand where you stand and what areas you need to improve. 💛 Construct your personal narrative: Identify memorable and resonant stories that best convey your brand. These stories will help people remember and connect with your brand. 💛 Embody your brand: Pay attention to the message you’re sending in every social interaction. Your behavior should align with your brand message. 💛 Communicate your brand: Use speeches, social media, the press, and other channels to communicate your brand consistently. People should see a consistent message across all channels. 💛 Socialize your brand: Get influential people to share your stories. This step will help you expand your network and reach a broader audience. 💛 Reevaluate and adjust your brand: Do an annual audit to find deficits to fix and strengths to build on. This step will help you stay on track and adjust your brand to fit your goals and values.   Believe it or not but I find most people struggle with simply knowing what they want and being comfortable talking about it out loud. But once you do, it'll help you get what you want our of your life and tell the stories to help you get there. Remember, your brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room. Are you intentional about what they say?    #PersonalBranding #Business #PersonalDevelopment #Careers #job https://lnkd.in/ecHGbfd2

I used to think personal branding was just about vanity metrics. But through conversations with the entrepreneurs we work with, my perspective has completely changed. Your personal brand holds tremendous untapped value beyond social media clout. By sharing your authentic story across platforms, you can build meaningful relationships, establish yourself as a thought leader, and pave the way for career opportunities you never imagined possible. Think about the connections in your network. The wisdom you’ve accumulated. Your unique innovations. The impact you want to make in the world. Distill all of that into compelling stories others can learn from.  One founder we worked with formed such a strong bond with industry peers that they now have a 24/7 support community talking daily. Your story is your legacy. Let us help you share it with the world.

CyBUr Smart Summer - What is YOUR Origin Story? Have you ever wondered why superheroes have origin stories? It's because knowing where they came from gives depth to their characters, magnifies their motivations, and strengthens the emotional connection we have with them. The same principles apply to each one of us in our professional lives. 💼🌱 With my CyBUr GUy Podcast, I am offering up the opportunity for folks in the cyber world to get out their own original stories because I think we can all learn from each other to help people get more CyBUr Smart. An individual's Origin Story is also a potent tool in personal branding. It adds a human element to your professional image, making you more than just a resume or a list of achievements. Here are some key benefits of articulating your own Origin Story: 1️⃣ Builds Authenticity: Your origin story showcases the experiences and struggles that have shaped you. It's the 'real you', establishing credibility and authenticity. 2️⃣ Enhances Connection: Stories are powerful connectors. They foster empathy and enable others to relate to you on a more personal level, which can lead to better networking and stronger relationships. 3️⃣ Displays Resilience: Sharing how you overcame obstacles and grew from them illustrates your resilience and adaptability, qualities highly prized in any professional setting. 4️⃣ Provides Inspiration: Your story could inspire others, particularly those who may be at an earlier stage of a similar journey. You never know who you might be influencing! 5️⃣ Differentiates You: In a world of similar qualifications and skills, your unique story sets you apart from the crowd, adding a personal touch to your professional persona. My motivation for this is largely because one of my passions is helping others (as i note in my own Origin Story in my latest podcast...https://lnkd.in/gK74FDZk) 💪 Plus I like to learn from others and build relationships. Do you have an Origin Story to tell. Let me know. You can also simply schedule a time to be on the podcast here....https://lnkd.in/gEu6AcgQ. Enjoy your Tuesday. 🚀 #OriginStory #PersonalBranding #CareerGrowth #cybersecurity #podcast #knowledgeisprotection #helpothers #payitforward

Facts tell, but stories sell. Are you telling yours the right way? I used to think storytelling was a natural talent, something that charismatic speakers and bestselling authors are born with. Luckily, time has proven me wrong on this one: Great storytelling is a skill anyone can develop. And if you’re building a personal brand, mastering storytelling is essential. Why? Because stories are what make people remember you, trust you, and connect with you. But how? It all comes down to three key elements: 📖 1. Learn the structure of good stories – Every great story has a setup, a conflict, and a resolution. Whether you're sharing a lesson from your career, a challenge you overcame, or a client success story, structure keeps your audience hooked. 🎤 2. Practice your delivery – A story is only as powerful as the way you tell it. The right tone, pacing, and even pauses can make all the difference. Writing, speaking, or even sharing stories through content. Make sure to find the medium that works best for you. 🎯 3. Tailor your story to your audience – The best storytellers go beyond talking, because their goal is to connect. Know who you’re speaking to, what they care about, and how your story fits into their world. So, what’s the story only you can tell? Share it. And that’s how your brand becomes unforgettable.

99% of stories don't generate attention on LinkedIn. Here’s how to join the 1%: I've seen thousands of posts crash and burn. ↳ Irrelevant fancy graphics ↳ Wasted viral hacks ↳ Trashed AI points What actually works: It's not about being louder. It's about being real. Personal stories are LinkedIn pots of gold. Here’s a 4 step process that works for me (and my clients): 𝟏/ 𝐏𝐨𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐫 ↳ Address your audience’s biggest pain point.  ↳ Find their raw nerve and pinch it. ↳ Be bold, be provocative. Make them stop scrolling and start nodding. 𝟐/ 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 ↳ Spark conversations that matter. ↳ Bring in a relevant industry voice. ↳ Leverage their audience and credibility. Connect your story to a known figure or company. 𝟑/ 𝐎𝐰𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 ↳ Choose one word (or phrase) that defines you. ↳ Weave it through every story you tell. ↳ YOUR word is your BRAND. Find your word. Own it. Live it. Breathe it. 𝟒/ 𝐊𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐂𝐓𝐀 ↳ Tell your story, then... stop. ↳ Share one key lesson learned. ↳ Leave them curious, wanting more. Great stories create their own momentum and breed engagement naturally. So: Don't push. Pull. LinkedIn is a social network. Use it as one. Remember: ↳ Emotion grabs attention ↳ Network amplifies reach ↳ Your word builds recognition ↳ Curiosity drives engagement Now, go tell your story. Make it personal. Make it powerful. Make it uniquely YOU.

The biggest mistake you're making in building your brand is hiding your story. One of the most critical steps to building your brand and the one many people get wrong - is taking complete and total ownership of your story. One of the first steps I have my clients take when they develop their brand is to write their story. When they share it with me, they are vulnerable and yet, often hide the most compelling parts of their stories from others. It’s tempting to hide parts of your story out of fear or shame, but the truth is, when we embrace every part of who we are, we unlock a sense of unshakeable confidence. Owning your story doesn’t mean sharing every detail or airing your dirty laundry. You don't have to share your darkest secrets to own your story. It’s about achieving 100% self-acceptance. When you do that, no one can use your story to shame you. Your self-acceptance is what will allow you to show up authentically, connect deeply, and build a brand that resonates with others. Storytelling creates a connection. People want to work with, do business with, and give opportunities to those they know, like, and trust. And by the way, it's not your achievements that make you relatable and likablele, it's your vulnerability. Here are a few tips for owning your story: ✅ Write It Down - Spend time reflecting and writing your story. Think about your experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Putting it on paper helps you process and identify the parts that matter most. ✅ Know Your Why - Consider why you’re sharing your story. Is it to inspire others, build trust, or show your expertise? Knowing your purpose will guide how you tell it. ✅ Identify Key Themes - What are the most important parts of your story that align with your personal brand? Focus on key elements and ensure they reflect the values you want to convey. ✅ Practice Telling It - Practice sharing your story in different contexts. The way you share with a potential client may differ from how you’d share at a networking event. Tailor it to your audience but always keep it real! ✅ Embrace Vulnerability Without Oversharing - You don’t need to disclose everything. Share enough to connect and build trust, but maintain boundaries that protect your comfort and privacy. The Latina LinkedIn Incubator I have been facilitating for the last 4 months has been working on sharing their stories and WOW, witnessing transformation in progress is powerful! When you fully own your story, you’re no longer just telling it - you’re living it with pride and purpose. Your story is waiting to inspire others. Will you own it?