Authentic Personal Branding and Social Media Discernment
Insights from Three Sixty Conversations Podcast hosted by Tamu Thomas
One of the things I enjoyed most about my conversation with Tamu was how honest and natural it felt. We spoke openly about the realities of using social media today — the pressure that can come with constantly showing up online, the benefits of building visibility and the importance of staying connected to who you are throughout the process. What made the conversation so impactful was the space Tamu created for us to flow naturally rather than forcing polished or performative answers. It allowed us to explore the real challenges and opportunities that come with building a presence online, particularly for people trying to grow a personal brand authentically. My hope is that listeners not only enjoy the conversation, but also take away practical lessons they can apply to their own journeys.
How to Use Social Media Effectively
Using social media effectively is no longer optional for entrepreneurs, creators and professionals looking to grow their visibility and influence. Platforms such as Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and X have become powerful tools for building communities, establishing credibility and creating new career or business opportunities. However, effective social media marketing is not simply about posting every day or following trends blindly. The real value comes from understanding your audience, creating content with intention and engaging in a way that feels authentic rather than transactional.
One of the most important things we discussed is that people connect with consistency and clarity. Whether you are sharing industry insights, personal experiences or lessons from your journey, your audience should have a clear understanding of who you are and what you stand for. Social media works best when it is used as a tool for connection rather than performance.
How to Build a Personal Brand on Social Media
Learning how to build a personal brand on social media can open doors professionally and personally. Your personal brand is not just your logo, aesthetic or follower count; it’s your reputation, your perspective and the value that people associate with your name, what do they say about you when you’re not in the room. Social media gives you the opportunity to shape that narrative yourself. A strong personal brand is built through intentional storytelling, valuable content and showing up consistently over time. This could mean sharing your expertise, documenting your growth, speaking about topics that matter to you or offering insights that help your audience solve problems. The goal is not to present a perfect version of yourself, but to build trust and recognition over time.
For entrepreneurs and professionals especially, personal branding can lead to speaking opportunities, partnerships, clients, media visibility and career growth. In an increasingly competitive digital landscape, people are more likely to connect with individuals they feel they know and trust.
Why Authenticity Matters When Building a Personal Brand
One of the biggest takeaways from the conversation was the importance of authenticity in personal branding. Audiences are becoming increasingly aware of overly curated content and performative online behaviour. People want connection, honesty and perspective. That does not mean sharing every detail of your life, but it does mean being intentional about showing up as yourself rather than creating a version of yourself that feels disconnected from reality.
Some of the most impactful personal brands are built on relatability, trust and lived experience. Sharing what you are learning, the challenges you are navigating and the values that guide you often creates deeper engagement than trying to appear perfect. Authenticity helps build long-term community, not just short-term attention.
Ultimately, social media should feel like an extension of who you are, not a performance that distances you from yourself. When used thoughtfully, it can become a powerful platform for connection, growth and opportunity while still allowing you to stay rooted in your values and voice.
If you would like support to boost your personal brand do not hesitate to get in touch.
Personal Brand 3 Month Deep Dive Coaching Package is ideal for business owners, entrepreneurs, creatives or professionals who want to raise their visibility and business credibility through dedicated and intentional personal brand coaching.
This coaching package is for you if:
You have been working hard in your sector for many years but do not get the recognition that you feel like you deserve.
You are tired of doubting yourself and limiting yourself in your sector.
You are often overlooked for exciting new opportunities in your sector.
You are ready for a breakthrough as a leader in your sector.
You have goals that you have buried because of your lack of confidence and are constantly concerned with what other people will think.
You want to widen your circle of influence beyond the people who currently know you.
You are frustrated with the way your online footprint represents you.
You know something is holding you back and need a passionate, honest and pragmatic personal branding coach to take you to the next level.
Clients who have booked this package have left with renewed confidence in their goals and aims; established clarity as it pertains to how they position themselves in their industries and have attracted exciting opportunities which have led to career and business growth. Read what past clients have to say about the personal brand coaching sessions here.
What we will cover over the course of our 3 months:
The Power of a Personal brand - how having a strong personal brand can open up new opportunities in your business or career journey.
Mindset and confidence review - discuss barriers and limitations and how to overcome them.
Harnessing your voice - Knowing and understanding what your message is, who your audience is and how to reach them.
Using PR to enhance your profile - Using public relations strategies to enhance your public profile.
Media training and visibility - how to engage with the press
Identifying your values & Knowing your purpose - Understanding what your brand is and how you can maintain your integrity and authenticity.
Social Media strategy - How to use social media platforms to raise your visibility.
Understanding your audience - unpacking who your audience is and why you want to engage with them
Public Speaking Tips - Advice and guidance on becoming a more confident public speaker.
Measuring Success - Assessing Long term goals and celebrating success.
How it works:
Conducted within 3 calendar months or 12 weeks - must be taken consecutively unless otherwise agreed.
60 minute preparation and brainstorming call - personal branding questionnaire
Two 90 minute coaching calls/face to face meet ups each month or 3 × 1 hour sessions per month
Email check-ins in between calls/meet ups
Assignments and shared document to review progress
Key goals and targets designed to improve progress
Cancellations* must be made within 7 days of order being placed. After which point a refund will be made less a £50 termination fee. This is based on no work being undertaken. If work has already commenced services are not refundable but transferable.
Cancellations on the grounds of a change of business circumstances.