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The #1 Brand-Buster for Coaches and Entrepreneurs on LinkedIn (And How to Fix It)

Let’s address the elephant in the room—or rather, the sad gray box on your LinkedIn profile.

If you’re an entrepreneur or coach running your own business, but your current role shows a gray placeholder instead of a professional logo, it’s more than a small oversight—it’s a serious branding mistake.

Here’s what that sad gray box is saying about you:

  • You don’t take your own business seriously.
  • You haven’t invested in your brand.
  • You’re not competent regarding the use of technology.
  • Maybe, just maybe, your business isn’t legitimate.

If this sounds harsh, good. Because this is your wake-up call.

The Brand-Busting Consequences of a Sad Gray Box

This missing logo is more than just a visual annoyance—it actively undermines your credibility, professionalism, and opportunities. Here’s how:

  1. It Damages Trust.
    Clients and collaborators are looking for professionals who are confident and established. A missing logo creates doubt about your legitimacy and commitment to your own business.
  2. It Breaks Brand Consistency.
    Your LinkedIn profile is part of your brand ecosystem. Without a logo, you’re leaving a key element unfinished—and that inconsistency can shake people’s confidence in you.
  3. It Makes You Invisible.
    A LinkedIn company page (with your logo) isn’t just for show—it’s part of the platform’s search engine. Without it, your business is harder to find, which means fewer opportunities.
  4. It Sends the Wrong Message.
    Whether you realize it or not, every detail on your profile contributes to how others perceive you. That gray box tells a story—one of missed opportunities and unpolished branding.

This Problem Is 100% in Your Control

Here’s the best part: this brand-busting issue is completely fixable. You’re in charge of your business, and that includes creating a professional presence on LinkedIn.

Here’s how to fix it:

  1. Create a LinkedIn Company Page.
    Your company logo comes from your LinkedIn company page. If you don’t have one, you can’t display a logo for your current role. Creating a page is quick, free, and straightforward. Go to the LinkedIn Work icon (the grid image on the right side of your tool bar), select Create a Company Page, and follow the prompts. Upload your logo, add a compelling description, and include your website link.
  2. Link Your Role to the Page.
    Update your Experience section to connect your current role to your new company page. The gray box will disappear and be replaced by your professional logo. Have your employees and board members do the same.
  3. Build Beyond the Logo.
    Your company page isn’t just for show. Use it to post updates, share insights, and establish credibility. It’s a branding tool that works alongside your profile to tell your business story.

 

Sad gray boxes may also appear for other positions and for your educational institutions. To address these other types of missing logos, see my articles here and here.

Why This Matters

Every day your LinkedIn profile shows a sad gray box for your current business, you’re sending the wrong message. You’re losing potential clients and missing opportunities to build trust.

Ask yourself: Can you really afford to let your LinkedIn presence tell the world you don’t take your own business seriously?

Your brand deserves better. Create your company page. Add your logo. And watch as your LinkedIn profile starts working as hard as you do.

 

 

Imagine a LinkedIn profile that not only showcases your expertise but also reinforces the legitimacy of your business through consistent, professional branding. Your profile isn’t just a digital résumé—it’s a first impression, a trust-builder, and a magnet for the clients and opportunities you want to attract.

As an entrepreneur or coach, your brand is your business. A polished profile with a professional logo for your current venture signals to the world that you’re serious, credible, and ready to lead. Don’t let a missing logo—or any other oversight—undermine your hard-earned credibility.

With over a decade of experience, I’ve helped entrepreneurs, coaches, and senior executives refine their LinkedIn presence to reflect their unique value and attract opportunities that align with their goals. Recognized by MSN.com, The American Reporter, and the Coach Foundation as a top branding expert, I bring the insights and expertise necessary to elevate your LinkedIn profile.

Ready to ensure your LinkedIn presence reflects the professionalism and polish your business deserves? Schedule a complimentary Executive Discovery Call today. Together, we’ll transform your profile into a powerful tool for building trust, growing your influence, and attracting your ideal opportunities.

Carol Kaemmerer
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