When we hear "brand," we often think of logos or companies. But in today's workplace, we are our own brand. Personal branding is how others see us—what we're known for, how we communicate, how we work.

Whether we're new to a job or aiming for a promotion, a strong personal brand can set us apart and open new doors.

Know your strengths and values

The first step in building our brand is getting clear about who we are and what we bring to the table. Are we known for solving problems under pressure? Are we the person people trust to explain complex ideas clearly? Let's think about what we do well—and also what we care about. A good personal brand blends skill and character.

We can start by asking:

– What do people often come to me for help with?

– What do I enjoy doing most at work?

– What are three words I want people to associate with me?

Be consistent—in work and in attitude

A strong brand is not about being loud. It's about being clear and consistent. We don't need to be perfect, but we do need to show up with the same work ethic, tone, and attention to detail across different situations. If we're known for being reliable, let's make sure our actions prove it, whether in emails, meetings, or last-minute requests.

Even small things—like how we write messages, how we handle feedback, and how we treat coworkers—shape our brand every day.

Share what you know, not just what you do

One of the best ways to build a personal brand is to add value beyond our job description. Do we know a trick that saves time in a tool everyone uses? Did we read an article that could help a teammate? Sharing knowledge makes us more visible and more helpful. We become known not just as someone who works hard, but someone who lifts the whole team.

We don't have to post on LinkedIn every day—but even suggesting a tip during a team chat or sharing insights in a meeting can build credibility.

Show up with purpose—online and offline

These days, our digital presence is part of our personal brand, too. Our email signature, work profile, and even our social media reflect who we are. Is our profile picture professional? Is our bio clear about what we do and what we care about?

We don't need to build a huge online following. But keeping our digital image aligned with our values helps others see us the way we want to be seen.

Build relationships, not just a résumé

Our brand is not just about skills—it's also about connections. We don't have to network in a fake way. Instead, we can focus on genuine relationships. A quick check-in with a teammate, a "thank you" note to someone who helped us, or giving credit during meetings—these small moments build trust. And trust is a powerful part of personal branding.

Keep growing, keep evolving

A personal brand isn't something we create once and forget. As we grow in our career, our brand should grow with us. Maybe we start as a detailed-focused analyst, but over time we become known as a team leader or mentor. Let's be open to learning, asking for feedback, and adjusting along the way.

What will your brand say about you?

Lykkers, the truth is—we already have a brand. The question is whether we're shaping it on purpose, or letting others define it for us. What's one word you hope your colleagues use to describe you? What's one small habit you could start today to make that happen?

Share your thoughts with us—we'd love to hear how you're building your brand. Because when we know our value and show it with confidence, others see it too.