At a recent Global Women in PR breakfast in Dubai, the conversation turned to personal branding and social leadership — two topics that continue to shape how communications professionals grow their influence. The discussion explored how personal reputation, visibility and authenticity are increasingly central to success in the industry. While social media can amplify your voice, the foundation of any strong personal brand still lies in how you show up in real life — how you treat colleagues, clients and even the people you interact with every day. Relationships remain the real currency of business.
Rethinking Personal Branding
Personal branding isn’t about creating a glossy version of yourself or building a fake online persona. It’s about protecting and investing in your reputation. The aim is simple: to earn trust and build influence. Those who do it well tend to open more doors, attract better opportunities and build stronger networks.
The Mindset Shift
The first step is mindset. Building a personal brand isn’t about ego or self-promotion — it’s about your audience and the value you bring to them. If you’re overthinking a post, you’re probably thinking about yourself rather than what others might find useful or interesting. Many women, in particular, hesitate to share their achievements for fear of seeming self-promotional. Yet visibility matters. Silence doesn’t scale — if you’re not visible, you’re invisible. Being seen helps others understand your expertise, your values and your contribution.
Networking with Purpose
Networking, both online and offline, was another key theme. Social platforms like LinkedIn make it possible to connect with many people efficiently — a few minutes a day spent engaging with others’ posts or sharing your own insights can build meaningful relationships over time. At in-person events, preparation makes all the difference. Go in with a plan: know who you want to meet, do your research, and follow up within 24 hours. Most people forget new connections quickly, so following through keeps you front of mind.
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