27 Ways to work on your personal brand
Personal brand - How to squeeze the juice out of every opportunity and work hard once (not all the time)
Let’s start with why working on your personal brand matters
If you’ve ever done a thing – a talk, a panel, a podcast appearance, a guest article – and then… just moved on with your life, you’re not alone.
Most of us do it. We put in all the effort, show up, say the thing, smile for the camera, and then poof – it’s gone.
But what if that moment could work harder for you? What if you could take the visibility you’ve just earned and stretch it – across platforms, audiences and even time?
Drawing on advice from my book Make Yourself a Little Bit Famous and the keynote of the same title, Find a speaker on personal brand and raising your profile as an expert, here's my best advice.
It’s packed with practical ways to:
- Maximise visibility without shouting or spamming
- Repurpose what you’ve already created so you’re not reinventing the wheel every time
- Build credibility over time, one small, visible step at a time
- Position yourself as someone worth listening to, without feeling like a show-off
This isn’t about chasing fame for fame’s sake. It’s about being known just enough – by the right people, for the right reasons.
And the trick is this: when you do something good, don’t let it end there. Ask yourself, how else can I use this? What more can I get from it?
Welcome to the WHO club (that’s Work Hard Once, not the band). Let’s get started.
How to squeeze the juice out of every opportunity and work hard once (not all the time)
Here are 27 ways to get more mileage from every opportunity, build your profile, and make sure your effort lives a little longer than that 20-minute fame flame.
Before the event or appearance
1. Share the prep
Don’t wait until the event to talk about it. Show you’re working on it. A LinkedIn post with a snap of your notes, slides, or even your “up to my eyes in prep” face works a treat. Mention what you’ll be speaking about, and tag the event.
2. Use the organiser’s publicity
They’re marketing it - brilliant. When they post your name or photo, jump in. Like it, comment, share it. Show that you’re part of something. Be seen.
3. Mention it in your newsletter
Even if people can’t attend, tell them you’re doing it. “Here’s what I’m talking about and why it matters.” It builds your authority and reminds them you’re brilliant at what you do.
4. Send personal invites
Email a few clients, colleagues or contacts. Not because you expect them to turn up, but because it’s a warm excuse to get in touch and say: “Hey, I’m doing this interesting thing…”
5. Film a teaser
A week or two before the event, record a short video on your mobile: “I’ll be speaking about X at Y event – really looking forward to it.” Share it on social, use hashtags, tag organisers.
By Penny Haslam
MD and Founder - Bit Famous
Penny Haslam is one of the most sought-after female motivational speakers in the UK with her talks on communication and confidence. She's an executive presence coach and is the author of two business books, Make Yourself a Little Bit Famous, and Panel Discussions - The Ultimate Guide.
Check Penny's availabilityWithout obligation
Need help booking the right speaker? Read my guides
About Penny Haslam - female motivational speaker UK
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On the day
6. Film a quick social video on your mobile at the venue
A short behind-the-scenes clip adds texture. Talk briefly about your topic, or share what you're learning. Keep it useful, not just a selfie with a banner.
7. Capture audience reactions
If you’re up for it (and have the energy after speaking), ask someone to record a quick audience reaction video. “What did you think?” “Was it useful?” Social proof, sorted.
8. Share content from others
If someone posts a photo of you or mentions your talk, share it, tag them back, and say thanks. This builds connection and extends your reach.
9. Turn questions into content
Someone asked a great question? Write a post or blog answering it. Share your response and tag the event or the person (if appropriate).
10. Ask for feedback
Follow up with the organiser: “Did you get any feedback?” If the scores are good, don’t be shy — share them. “Chuffed to get 9.3/10 for my talk on XYZ last week.”
Right after the event
11. Connect with people
On LinkedIn or Twitter, reach out to fellow panellists, audience members, or even the AV guy who saved your bacon. Expand your network while you're fresh in their mind.
12. Ask for a recommendation
Someone said you were brilliant? Great. Ask if they’ll write a short recommendation - for LinkedIn, or for your website.
13. Or… write it for them
Make it easy. Draft a few lines they can tweak or approve. Most people are happy to say yes when it takes zero effort.
14. Share the audience score
If the feedback was good, say so. “Rated ‘good or excellent’ by 96% of the audience.” Add a touch of personality: “Delighted / humbled / still blushing...”
Your digital presence
15. Do a quick social media audit
Check that your profiles reflect what you do and how good you are at doing it. Ask a savvy friend to take a look if you're not sure.
16. Sort your headshot
No more blurry holiday snaps. Use the same, professional, clear photo across platforms. Show your face. Make it easy for bookers, editors and event organisers.
17. Update your banners
Those big header images on LinkedIn or Twitter? Prime real estate. Use a photo of you in action — speaking, on a panel, on air. Instant credibility.
18. Keep your prep notes
Don’t throw them away. Keep a folder (real or digital) with every talk’s notes and slides. Reuse, rework and repurpose later. Work. Hard. Once.
Repurposing and recycling
19. Focus your expertise
Stick to a couple of key topics. That way you can reuse stories and examples without always starting from scratch.
20. Turn talks into content
That keynote could become a blog post. Or a short video. Or a training session. Or a chapter in your book. Or all four.
21. Build your list (creatively)
Live event? Take a jam jar. Invite people to drop in their business cards if they want your newsletter. Yes, a jam jar. Yes, it works.
22. Carry your business cards
Old-school? Maybe. But they’re still handy. Always have one on you.
23. Send a newsletter
Use Mailchimp, Campaign Monitor or whatever you like. Just do it regularly. Share where you’ve spoken, what you said, and how people can work with you.
Staying consistent
24. Get active on social
You don’t have to be on all the platforms. Just pick one or two and use them well. Comment, post, share, engage. Bit by bit.
25. Block out fame time
Pop a weekly fame slot in your diary. Maybe 20 minutes. Small, doable tasks: write a post, reach out to an organiser, share a video. Consistency beats intensity.
26. Recycle your content
That Monday post? Use it again Wednesday in a different way. One event = a week’s worth of content. Don’t overthink it.
27. Keep this blog handy
Print it. Bookmark it. Refer to it every time you do something visibility-related. And don’t lend it to your flaky cousin. Tell them to buy their own copy of Make Yourself a Little Bit Famous.
Final thought
You don’t have to be everywhere. You just have to make the most of where you already are.
So the next time you land a spot on a stage, a podcast, or in a meeting that matters — don’t just do it. Maximise it. Milk it. Multiply it.
Make your fame go further. You deserve the spotlight - even just a little one.
