Confessions of an Introverted Business Woman Part 3: Build Your Brand
Being an introvert can be a huge advantage as we discussed in Parts 1 and 2 of this series, but it doesn't have to define you. When it comes to your personal brand, I doubt that being an introvert is the first thing that you want to come to mind. Not because it's not awesome, just because it's not relevant. You would probably rather they associate you with words like "knowledgeable", "inspiring" or "capable".
Start by delivering results
As introverts, we're not likely to tout our achievements, so an alternative way to start building our brand is to deliver outstanding results. It might sound obvious but if you do good work, you will get recognised for it. Don't underestimate the power of being reliable–someone who does what they say they will do. If you consistently deliver, more and more will be asked of you and you will start building a reputation as someone who gets the job done.
Build sponsors to hype you up
If your brand is what people say about you when you're not in the room, then you need some friends in that room. Preferably influential ones. Mentors are great for ongoing career guidance. Sponsors are different but equally important. Think of them as your biggest fans. They are the ones that will put your name forward for exciting opportunities, sign off on your promotion, or even defend you against some unflattering gossip. They are fighting for you out there in the wild when you're not there to fight for yourself. The best part is that introverts are often great at building 1:1 relationships, so this tip plays to our strengths. Let a sponsor do the legwork of circulating your name to the many.
Show face (at least a little)
Ok so your brand can't entirely be built behind the scenes. Even if you quietly deliver results and build amazing sponsors to toot your horn for you, people will still need a face to the name. As painful as it is for me, I choose a few events to focus on each year to ensure that I am still being seen. Humans are susceptible to the exposure bias, which we've mentioned on past blogs before. The more people see your name and your face, the more positive the outlook on you will generally be. Periodic appearances will keep you relevant and top of mind.
Building your personal brand as an introverted businesswoman doesn’t mean pretending to be someone you’re not. It means leveraging your natural strengths in a way that feels aligned and sustainable. You don’t need to be the loudest person in the room to be remembered; you just need to be consistent, intentional, and visible enough to stay top of mind.
Start with results. Nurture relationships with sponsors. And yes, step into the light now and then. Your voice matters. Your work matters. And your brand can be just as powerful quietly.
By Elizabethe Dickens