A Crisis of Confidence: Building Your Personal Brand Without the Fear of Oversharing

This issue is presented by:

The Bestselling Personal Branding Book …

​Front & Center Leadership by Brandon Birkmeyer​

I was speaking to a group of talented learning and development professionals yesterday and one of the topics that resonated was this idea of a “crisis of confidence”. I am so excited to share this with you, that it’s the first thing I started writing about when I got home that night for you today!

We’ve all had the moment where we’ve avoided posting online and putting ourselves out there. But where does that come from and how do we get past it? And is it worth it?

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In today’s digital world, the pressure to create and maintain a personal brand online can feel overwhelming. Many people, whether entrepreneurs, executives, or creatives, struggle with a crisis of confidence when it comes to sharing their ideas online. The thought of bragging, oversharing, or appearing too self-centered can lead to hesitation, leaving valuable insights untold. The challenge lies not only in navigating these fears but in building a presence that is authentic, engaging, and aligned with who we truly are.

However, if we want to make an impact, whether in our industry, our community, or even within our own company, we need to push past the fear and begin to establish both an online and offline presence. But how do we do this without feeling like we’re overstepping boundaries? The answer starts with three key principles discussed below.

But let me ask you a question first. Do you know, like, and trust… yourself? 🤯

Let’s dive into it.

1. Know Yourself: Build a Personal Brand Truth

The foundation of a strong personal brand starts with self-awareness. To authentically share your ideas and experiences, you need to understand your own story. Knowing yourself means reflecting on your past, present, and future to uncover your true brand truth.

• Your Past: What experiences have shaped you? What obstacles have you overcome? When you understand how your past has contributed to your growth, you gain clarity on what to share with your audience. Your experiences hold immense value, and your lessons learned can inspire others.
• Your Present: Ground yourself in the reality of where you are now. Speak only about what you know today. This isn’t about pretending to be an expert in areas where you have no experience. Instead, it’s about owning your current journey, whether you’re a seasoned leader or someone just starting out. Share what you’re learning, and show your audience the process behind your growth.
• Your Future: Building a vision for your future is just as important as understanding where you come from. Knowing where you’re headed helps you navigate your content strategy and ensures that your personal brand aligns with your long-term aspirations. A forward-thinking vision fuels confidence in your actions today.

By knowing yourself, you position your brand in a way that allows you to share what truly matters. That is your stories and insights rooted in your own experiences. This eliminates the pressure to overshare and helps avoid the “bragging” trap. Instead, you communicate with purpose and authenticity.

2. Like Yourself: Shape and Share Your Brand Image

Once you know your brand truth, the next step is to like yourself. To do this, you must shape a brand image that reflects your authentic self and be comfortable with it. Many people hold back from sharing their full profile online because they fear judgment. But here’s the truth… the more you own and celebrate your journey (i.e. accolades, successes, failures), the more people will connect with you.

Your personal brand is an expression of your identity, and it’s okay to be proud of the milestones you’ve reached. Sharing your achievements is not bragging; it’s a testament to your hard work, growth, and resilience. Whether it’s showcasing your professional accomplishments, personal stories, or even the challenges you’ve faced, each piece of your story adds depth and credibility to your brand.

Think about how you can shape your online presence to reflect a well-rounded image. Share your experiences, lessons learned, and the insights you’ve gained along the way. The more you like yourself and are confident in your own story, the easier it becomes to present yourself authentically to your audience.

3. Trust Yourself: Find and Express Your Brand Voice

The final key to overcoming the crisis of confidence is trusting yourself. This involves finding your unique brand voice and expressing it consistently online. Trust is built through content creation, sharing your perspective, and engaging with your audience. It’s about communicating with clarity and conviction, even when doubts arise.

Building trust in your personal brand starts with the simple act of showing up consistently. Whether through blog posts, social media content, videos, or speaking engagements, each piece of content is an opportunity to express your thoughts, share your perspective, and contribute to conversations that matter to you and your audience. The more you trust yourself to share, the more natural and effective your content will become.

As you grow more confident in your brand voice, you’ll notice that your audience begins to engage more deeply. Trust is built over time through consistency and authenticity. Share your unique insights, offer helpful advice, and connect with people on a human level. When you trust your voice, your audience will too.

🚨The Importance of Both an Online and Offline Presence 🚨

It’s important to remember that building your personal brand is not just about the content you create online. It’s also about how you show up in the world. Your offline presence plays a crucial role in reinforcing the message you communicate digitally. Whether it’s through networking, attending events, or speaking engagements, your offline interactions should align with the brand you’re building online.

A strong personal brand exists in both realms. Your online presence is an extension of who you are in real life. When you know, like, and trust yourself, your interactions both online and offline become more meaningful and impactful. You’ll find that the more confidence you have in sharing your story, the more opportunities will open up for collaboration, growth, and influence.

We Shall Overcome 🥳

The crisis of confidence when it comes to building a personal brand is real, but it’s something that can be overcome. By knowing yourself, liking yourself, and trusting yourself, you can build a personal brand that is not only authentic but also impactful. The key is to understand that you’re not oversharing or bragging. You’re simply sharing your story and offering your unique perspective. When you embrace these principles, you’ll find that building a strong online and offline presence is not only possible but empowering.

So, take the leap! Be proud of your journey, trust in your voice, and share it with the world. Your personal brand is waiting to shine.

😝Thanks for reading! Do you have any questions you’d like answered? Email me at brandon@brandsonbrands.com and let me know!

Talk soon,

Brandon Birkmeyer

Personal Branding Coach, Bestselling author of Front & Center Leadership​