why personal branding matters on social media

Let’s look at these real-life examples for why personal branding matters on social media, because these days social media can be both a powerful tool AND such a detrimental waste of energy. On one hand, it’s pretty rad that we can connect with likeminded people all over the world. On the other hand, are we not tired of seeing blurry pictures of our high school friend’s fourth baby?! I DIGRESS.

I’ve been seeing a bunch of posts, messages, and comments on Instagram lately about how frustrating it is to be overwhelmed by social media – to have a billion thoughts and feelings but not be able to express them with words.

Entrepreneurs truly do want to be present online, to share their values and beliefs, to connect with their communities, but they just can’t bring themselves to.

And I’m here to tell you that if you can’t right now… don’t.

We’re so inundated with information, from all directions, 24/7, that by the time we’ve processed how we feel and know what we want to say in response to ONE event or tragedy – two more already happened. And it’s almost like there’s an unspoken expectation that because we have access to information in real time, that means we need to react publicly in real time too.

But that’s not necessary, and it’s often impossible. (This is especially true for those of us who process internally, not externally. We can’t talk about it until we think about it!).

I promise it’s okay to log off, unplug, and process offline. It’s okay to not have the words to immediately express your feelings.

We feel pressured to speak our minds and share opinions instantly because cancel culture feels like a constant threat. We don’t want to offend anyone by not speaking up, but we also don’t want to offend other people by saying the wrong thing. So instead we say nothing – waiting for things to “get back to normal” or just completely shutting down because we feel overwhelmed.

Give yourself permission to take the time you need to process – as long as you come back strong when you’re ready. Because I believe that if you have a platform, you have a duty to use it responsibly. You have a duty to start conversations, share factual information, and inspire your community to fight for change.

4 reasons why personal branding matters on social media:

1. Your personal brand protects your time and energy as you log off to process AND as you step back onto your digital soapbox to share your perspectives and ideas.

2. Your personal brand empowers you to think outside your industry + encourages you to make business decisions based on your values instead of trends.

3. Your personal brand guides you to speak your mind about the shit you believe in and allows you to be unconcerned about whether you’ll offend people who disagree.

4. Your personal brand encourages you to let the most unique parts of your true self shine – which is the best and most effective way to stand out from the crowd.

And here’s the truth:

If sharing your thoughts and opinions about political news, current events, and social movements doesn’t feel “on brand” for you… you have a weak personal brand.

If you tend to “wait for the storm to pass” instead of speaking up online about current events and tragedies… you have a weak personal brand.

Personal branding matters on social media because using your platform responsibly matters.

Talking about the change you want to see in your community matters.

Making the people in your circle know they’re safe and supported matters.

Using your business not just as a way to make money but also as a tool to impact the world matters.

Ready to start building a strong personal brand right now?

Download your free copy of The No-Bullshit Guide to Branding: