Why Your Personal Brand Matters More Than Ever (Even If You Hate That Term)
A real talk post from someone figuring it out in real time
For the past few weeks, I’ve been head down working contract jobs, juggling multiple priorities, and barely coming up for air. The posts I meant to write? They’re still sitting in my notes app, half-drafted. But here’s the thing I’ve realized:
If you don’t make time to shape your personal brand, the world will make assumptions for you.
It’s easy to think “personal brand” means a perfectly curated Instagram grid or a trendy font on your website. But the truth is, your personal brand is already out there—whether or not you’ve been intentional about it.
Your brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room.
It’s how a former client describes you to a friend. How a recruiter Googles you. How a prospect reads between the lines of your LinkedIn bio.
And if you’re freelancing, consulting, starting over, or shifting gears mid-career? Your personal brand is the difference between staying booked—or staying stuck.
Here’s what I’ve learned (the hard way):
You can’t just rely on your resume anymore. Titles don’t build trust—your voice, perspective, and consistency do.
Your past doesn’t define you, but it can position you. I spent 20 years in corporate media sales, but that’s not who I am now. I’m a strategic closer, a consultant, a writer, and a woman over 50 rewriting the rules.
People hire people, not bullet points. The more human and relatable you are, the more people want to work with you.
Don’t overthink it—start with these 3 moves:
Google yourself. What shows up? Is it aligned with the story you want to tell?
Pick one place to show up regularly. LinkedIn, Substack, Instagram, your website—pick your lane and start sharing insights, not just accomplishments.
Tell the truth. That’s your edge. Share what you’re learning, what you believe, what you care about. That’s what builds trust and connection.
I’ll be writing more about this in the coming weeks—because building a personal brand after 50 isn’t about reinventing yourself into something new. It’s about stripping away the noise and showing up as who you’ve been all along.
Next up: a checklist to help you audit your digital presence and brand story. After that, we’ll talk about bios, LinkedIn, and real-life credibility beyond the algorithm.
For now, I’ll leave you with this:
If you're in a season of change, start documenting it. Show your work. Be seen, even when it’s messy. That’s how your next opportunity finds you.
