Power Up Your Personal Brand
658 words | 5.3 Minutes
Last week, I was invited to share some thoughts with our leadership team on the topic of personal branding. That sparked a moment of reflection—back to when I first joined The Armstrong Company over 20 years ago.
At the time, I wasn’t thinking about building a “brand.” But I was thinking about how I could bring value, make an impact, and stand out in meaningful ways. That mindset led to the creation of a simple newsletter, which eventually evolved into this blog, now 20 years strong. (Yes, 20 years! 🎉)
The Foundation of a Strong Personal Brand
Building a personal brand is about standing out—in your company, your market, and your industry. It’s not reserved for executives or entrepreneurs. It’s just as relevant for every role—from the president to the person who sweeps the floor.
We all have a brand. The real question is: Are you shaping yours intentionally, or letting others define it for you?
Start Small, Stand Out
You don’t need a big budget or a fancy strategy to build your brand. In fact, here are four powerful ways to start—no resources required:
Live by the Golden Rule
Help the people around you
Be generous
Practice good manners
These simple actions can set you apart more than you might think. And when practiced consistently, they build trust, credibility, and influence.
So Why Does Personal Branding Matter?
Your personal brand is like your logo—when people think of you, they associate you with certain values, behaviors, and contributions. It impacts:
Opportunities
Relationships
Trust
It also differentiates you from others in your field. Whether you're:
Early in your career, trying to stand out
Mid-level, positioning yourself for leadership
Or a leader, looking to inspire and influence—
A strong brand helps you do it more effectively.
One of my favorite quotes is from Jim Rohn:
“You can’t pursue success—you need to attract it.”
And a great personal brand? It’s magnetic. It draws in talent, partners, customers, and opportunities.
Powerful Personal Brands in Action
I once heard a leader say, "There’s always room for the person who says, ‘I’ll get it done.’”
Think about someone in your organization who has that reputation. Their brand is built on reliability, initiative, and results. That brand can open doors to promotions, better pay, and lasting relationships.
Share Generously—Then Ask
Many people shape their brand online, but there’s a key principle that can guide your approach:
The 5:1 “Give-to-Ask” Content Ratio.
Craig Fisher introduces this in his book Hiring Humans. The idea? Share five helpful, generous, or insightful pieces of content for every one thing you ask for. That might include articles, advice, resources, or encouragement. Over time, this builds your reputation as a giver—and givers are remembered.
Don’t Rush the Moments That Matter
Want to build a meaningful brand? Try walking slowly through the crowd. Ask people about their story. Be present.
When’s the last time you asked a teammate how they’re doing? What they enjoy about their work? Whether they have ideas for improvement?
Those small moments add up—and shape how people remember you.
Aligning Your Brand with Your Company’s Brand
This is where the magic really happens. When your personal brand reflects your organization’s values, mission, and purpose, it creates alignment and momentum.
I’ve seen leaders tell personal stories that tie beautifully into the corporate brand. It’s like rooting for a sports team and getting to know the players—it deepens the connection. The ROI? Huge. Relationships, referrals, and reputational lift.
Final Thoughts
So, let me ask you:
What are you doing to build your personal brand?
Is it aligned with your company’s mission and culture?
I’m currently working on a new project, and I’d love to hear your stories and ideas. How are you shaping your brand - what are you known for? Let’s learn from each other and grow together.
Here’s to building a brand that attracts trust, opportunity, and success—for the next 20 years and beyond…
Quote of the Day: “How you do anything is how you do everything.” Kelvin Sampson
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Looking for a book to share with your team? Pick up a copy of my book Find Your Lane, Life in the Leadership Lane, or DriveWithPurpose or send them a copy of my journal Milemarkers – great for team building and great for employee engagement.
This is “Move to Inspire” with Bruce Waller! For more resources, visit www.BruceWaller.com to learn more about relocation support, keynote speaking, Bruce’s books, and Life in the Leadership Lane podcast. Bruce can be reached for relocation services or speaking engagements at 972-389-5673 or email bwaller@goarmstrong.com.