Power of A Personal Brand

Jovie Chen
Apr 24
3 min read

Usually, when you don’t know someone, what’s the first thing you do? You look them up.

Whether it's Instagram, LinkedIn, or a quick Google search, we all do it. And that’s exactly why personal branding matters. It’s not just for influencers or entrepreneurs—it’s for everyone. Your personal brand is how you show up to the world, both online and offline. It’s your story, your values, your vibe, and what makes you different.

As the incoming 2025–26 AMA President, I recently co-led a meeting on crafting elevator pitches—basically a 1-minute personal brand highlight reel. We talked about how you are your own best marketing campaign. Whether you're networking, applying for jobs, or just showing up online, your personal brand is what sticks. And everything translates: how you talk about yourself, how others describe you, even what your feed looks like.

What is a personal brand?

Think of it as your professional energy. It’s not just your resume or LinkedIn headline—it’s the feeling people get when they interact with you, see your content, or hear your name. It’s your aesthetic, your beliefs, the way you carry yourself—and yes, even your Instagram grid.

Are you bold? Thoughtful? Creative? Strategic? A little bit of all four?

Some good questions to ask:

What words come to mind when others think of me?
What do I want to be known for?
What do I care about?
How do I provide value to others?

The power of consistency

Your personal brand works best when it’s consistent across all platforms. You don’t need to post the same content everywhere, but there should be a clear throughline. Maybe you’re known for being a creative problem solver, a great listener, or someone who just gets things done. Let that show up on LinkedIn, in your captions, your work, and in how you carry yourself.

Social media is your portfolio

Your digital footprint speaks before you do. That doesn’t mean you need to be “perfect”—just intentional. Are you showing up the way you want to be perceived? Would you be proud of what someone sees if they searched your name? (Yes, we’ve all Googled ourselves. No shame.)

Crafting an authentic, marketable image

The best personal brands feel real. The most impactful ones reflect who someone actually is. It’s okay if you’re still figuring that out (we all are). Start by identifying your strengths, your passions, and the kind of impact you want to make—then build around that.

Don’t be afraid to sprinkle in personality. Show your behind-the-scenes, your interests, your quirks. That’s what makes you you—and that’s what people remember.

When I was applying for internships, I realized how much my personal brand mattered—especially when recruiters looked me up on LinkedIn or Instagram before interviews. I started being more intentional about what I shared: highlighting leadership roles, design work, and moments from study abroad that shaped my worldview. I know having a strong, authentic online presence helped me stand out, not just for what I’ve done, but for who I am.

3 Tips to Strengthen Your Personal Brand:

Google yourself—what shows up first?
Update your LinkedIn headline to reflect your current goals.
Share one thing this week that reflects your values or passions.

Takeaway:

Your personal brand is already out there—so why not own the narrative? It’s not about being someone you’re not. It’s about showing up fully as you, and letting the right people find you because of it.