Investing in Your Brand: How to Build Influence and Advance Your Career

Speaking Engagement Recap | July 30, 2023

Investing in your brand isn’t just about buying courses or certifications — it’s about strategic actions that elevate your professional presence, credibility, and influence. At a recent fireside chat, I shared how embracing your identity, leveraging education, networking, and mentorship can transform your career trajectory. Here’s a recap of the key takeaways and actionable steps for building a strong, authentic personal brand.

Why Investing in Your Brand Matters

Many professionals overlook the power of personal branding. It’s not about ego — it’s about creating opportunities, gaining recognition, and ensuring your career growth aligns with your values. From small actions like reading a book to more formal investments in courses and certifications, every step matters.

My personal journey began while working at a private institution for 12+ years. Despite great perks — paid vacations, free education benefits — there was no career development or personal investment in employees. I realized fulfillment comes from investing in yourself first, and that’s what shifted my focus to empowering individuals rather than organizations.

Leverage Networking, Mentorship, and Education

Networking Is More Than Connections

Formal education can be the most expensive networking event you’ll ever attend. Shared commonalities with peers, alumni, and colleagues open doors that your resume alone cannot. For Latinos and minority professionals, networking helps cut through cultural barriers and workplace stigma around asking for help.

Actionable Steps:

Join professional associations or alumni networks.
Reach out to former colleagues or classmates via LinkedIn or email.
Ask insightful questions and focus on shared experiences.
Nurture relationships — they will feed into your growth.

Building Your Brand Identity

Speak Your Value

Your career growth is your responsibility. Clearly communicate your ambitions, achievements, and expertise.

Audit Your Brand Equity

Brand equity includes:

Awareness
Trustworthiness and loyalty
Perceived influence in your field

Embody Your Brand

Use your voice and personality consistently online and offline.
Lean into transparency to build credibility.
Share unique insights, speak at events, or host podcasts to establish authority.

LinkedIn as Your Launchpad

Start with LinkedIn unless you have a personal website or portfolio. Key steps:

Professional headshot and creative bio
Optimized URL and discoverable hashtags
Clear “About Me” summary highlighting skills, achievements, and expertise
SEO-optimized posts, endorsements, and recommendations
Join industry-specific groups and actively engage

Resumes and Purpose

A powerful brand translates to your resume and career narrative. Key areas to focus on:

Career highlights/achievements: Quantify everything and seek input from your network.
Transferrable skills: Identify core competencies that span industries.
Professional summary: Make the top third of your resume compelling — it decides whether a recruiter reads further.
Ikigai (Purpose Alignment): Reflect on what you love, what you’re good at, and what the world needs to align your work with your passion.

Key Takeaways

Invest in yourself — education, networking, and mentorship are critical.
Build your brand identity with purpose and authenticity.
Speak your value, track achievements, and embrace your unique story.
Use LinkedIn strategically to amplify visibility and influence.
Align your career with your personal purpose (Ikigai) for sustainable growth.

Take Action Today

Your personal brand is one of your most valuable assets. Start small: update your LinkedIn, audit your brand, and engage with your network meaningfully.

Visit our Resources page for the download: Investing in Your Brand: Action Steps & Planner

Marchan Group