How To Get Ahead Of 99% Of People: Personal Branding 101

Let me paint a picture for you. Back in August 2023, I was preparing to start my new role as a Software Engineer, having just left my career as a Pharmacist. Friends and family were constantly asking me about this big career switch. It got me thinking💡—if they were curious, maybe others would be too. I realised there might be people out there who needed to hear these conversations. Conversations about how you don’t have to stay stuck in a career just because it’s what you studied, and about how to successfully pivot when you’re ready for a change.

That’s when I decided to share my journey. I started posting on TikTok, writing blogs (what you're reading now), and sharing on Instagram and LinkedIn 👩🏾‍💻. I wish I could tell you it all came easily, but it didn’t. Putting myself out there was terrifying. The idea of friends seeing my TikToks pop up on their FYP? Total 😬. But I made a deal with myself.

In August 2023, I wrote myself an email that would arrive exactly one year later. I filled it with questions—questions to measure the real impact of this journey and, more importantly, to give myself permission to stop if it didn’t feel right anymore.

Over the past few months, I’ve reflected on my journey and kept track of everything in Notion, just like my past self instructed. And let me tell you, sharing my story has been so worth it. So, it was only right that I shared why I think you should be working on your personal brand in 2025.

What I Gained from Putting Myself Out There

I’ve experienced some incredible opportunities since I took that first leap. I’ve been nominated for awards, like the Black Tech Awards. I’ve met truly inspiring people—people with MBEs, entrepreneurs, community builders, and innovators who motivate me to push harder🎯. My network has grown, and having those connections to lean on for advice has been priceless.

I’ve also collaborated with brands, attended fantastic events, and earned extra income from it. Posting on LinkedIn alone made a huge difference—I started getting messages from recruiters with offers after just six months in my new field.

But perhaps the best part? Helping you 💛. I love hearing your stories about how my content made a difference. Whether it was advice on landing a bootcamp or how a certain post drove you into taking bigger action.

Why Staying Invisible is No Longer an Option

Sometimes we convince ourselves that inaction is better than making the wrong move, but honestly, they’re one in the same. There are people out there whose success depends on you stepping up, sharing your journey, and showing them what’s possible 💭.

If you're thinking, "But I don’t have anything to share," remember this: if we can share the stories of people long gone, then surely you—alive and full of experiences—have something valuable to offer. It doesn’t have to be polished or perfect. In the book “Show Your Work,” by Austin Kleon, it’s clear that sharing the process is enough. If you’re learning to play an instrument, figuring out public speaking, or navigating a career switch, that’s the time to share. It’s when people can relate to you the most. Once you’ve reached the top, you’re harder to connect with.

Overcoming the ‘Cringe’

I still remember my first TikTok. (Yes, the video’s still up if you want to see it... at your own risk!) I posted it and immediately turned off my phone…and went to bed😅. I was terrified of the reactions—what if it got one like? What if people thought, What is she even doing?

But when I feel that way, I remind myself: we’re all just paying taxes on a floating rock. It’s not that deep. Now, I have one simple rule—if my post impacts even one person (not counting my mum, who’s my number one fan), I’ve done my job. It’s easy to downplay one like on social media, but if that person came up to me in real life to say they enjoyed my work, I’d be over the moon.

Why Personal Branding is More Important Than Ever

In today’s world, two people can have identical skills or products, but the one who shares their story and connects with their audience will win every time. Personal branding makes you visible, and that visibility can change your life.

My goal with RuthfulTech is to build a community of action-takers—a community that doesn’t just enjoy nice ideas, but actually follows through. I want to see people say they want to become public speakers, and then sign up for a course the very next day. I want people to dream of starting a charity and then take that first step towards registering it.

So, if you’ve been waiting for a sign to start building your personal brand, this is it. Post about what’s happening in your industry. Start a blog. Share videos on TikTok. And most importantly, ✨be consistent✨. If something doesn’t work, pivot, refocus, and change your strategy. But whatever you do, just start.

And Remember...

"You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.” - Matthew 5:14-16

Until next time,

Ruth