They say disappear for 6 months and change your life. But I chose to disappear for 1.5 years. Did it change my life? Yes, but that's a story for another day. I'm officially out of hibernation and back on the personal branding wagon.
“74% of consumers would likely trust someone who has a respected personal brand.” - Brand Builders.
When I started building my personal brand in 2015, it was extremely uncomfortable, it seemed too promotional, self-serving and chest-thumping. Despite pushing myself through the process, I cringed at almost every moment. I still feel a little bit that way even until today. But with some trial and error in finding the right approach, strategy, and storytelling, that changed significantly for me. I began seeing it as how I define the distinctive value that I bring to my career, clients, and companies that I work for. Most importantly, it has the potential to strengthen connections and deepen engagement with colleagues and counterparts. It allows me to articulate my brand, help others understand who I really am, what I stand for, and hopefully build authentic relationships and ultimately, realize my goals.
Some of you may have noticed I have been quiet on LinkedIn for over 1.5 years. It was in part a social media detox, part by choice and part circumstantial. And now, I’m back! I hadn't planned for my first post after such a long time, to be about a dear friend who passed away but it was only apt and respectful for me to do so, in honour of her memory, given the timing. She was such a bright light that it nudged me even more to come out of my social media hibernation.
So, this is what I did recently…
> I shared my personal website with Vipin Agrawal, and he gave me his feedback. I took some of it onboard. Thanks Vipin!
> Updated more info on my past ventures and portfolio of projects, to provide a more 360 storytelling of what I’ve done and can do. Plus, it is a great extension to a CV.
> I'm also sharing the redacted early version of Marqetr investor pitch deck on the website, in hopes that it may help with knowledge sharing, and inspire others to innovate and think outside the box.
> Added a blog where I will sometimes share my thoughts, ramblings, musings on non-controversial topics, and some occasional stress-busting cooking and baking recipes.
> Then, 3 days ago, I took my website out of hibernation and opened it up to public access.
As I mentioned to Vipin, the personal website is like a person... it is always a work-in-progress, it’s never done, far from perfect, and constantly evolving and growing. So, please excuse any shortcomings that you may see. I hope it will serve its purpose in illustrating how I can help build your brands too, on both personal and organizational levels.