C-Suite Network™

Categories
Branding Marketing Strategy

The Influence Shift: How Today’s Leaders Get Found, Chosen, and Trusted

There’s a quiet revolution happening in the C-suite—not of power, but of perception.

Today’s leaders aren’t just evaluated in the boardroom. They’re being vetted, researched, and even eliminated from opportunity long before a conversation ever begins. And it’s happening online.

This is The Influence Shift—a transformation in how senior leaders are discovered, remembered, and selected. Your reputation no longer walks into the room with you. It gets there first.

Let’s explore what’s changing—and what to do about it.


Shift 1: First Impressions Are Now Digital

The executive handshake has gone digital. In most cases, people don’t meet you first—they look you up. And if your online presence is sparse, outdated, or off-message, they’ll fill in the blanks themselves.

But here’s the problem: the stories people create from limited data are usually wrong.

One of my clients—now a close colleague—had a career marked by a series of short, high-impact C-level roles. Before meeting him, I skimmed his LinkedIn profile and privately assumed he must be brilliant but difficult to work with. I couldn’t have been more mistaken. He was, in fact, a highly sought-after turnaround expert—consistently brought in to fix what was broken and then move on.

Lesson learned: If you don’t control the narrative, others will write one for you—and it may not reflect your brilliance.

Even more concerning? Most executives aren’t findable on LinkedIn at all. Their profiles are so bare that they don’t rank in search results when recruiters or board nominators are looking for someone with their exact expertise.

In this new era, you can’t make the impact you’re here to make if people can’t find you.


Shift 2: Your Profile Speaks When You’re Not in the Room

Your LinkedIn profile isn’t just a placeholder—it’s your proxy. It speaks on your behalf to people who are evaluating your readiness, relevance, and resonance.

When you’re not in the room (and let’s face it—you usually aren’t), your profile is doing the talking.

Does it showcase your leadership philosophy? Your strategic priorities? The kinds of opportunities you want next?

Or does it read like a digital obituary of your past roles?

If you haven’t updated it since your last job search, it’s likely misrepresenting you—or worse, it’s working against you.


Shift 3: You’re Being Looked Up—Even When You’re Not Looking

You may not be actively job-hunting—but executive recruiters, nominating committees, and strategic partners are still searching for people like you.

And when they search, they start online.

They’re asking:

  • Do you sound like a thought leader or a placeholder?

  • Are you engaged in relevant conversations?

  • Would your voice strengthen the room—or require translation?

Your visibility is your eligibility. If you’re not visible, you’re simply not considered.


Shift 4: Thought Leadership Is the New Executive Presence

True presence used to mean commanding attention in a meeting. Now it includes contributing meaningfully in the digital arena. Strategic visibility shows others that you are engaged, current, and relevant.

You don’t need to post daily. But you do need to be present where it matters—offering insights, engaging with colleagues, and curating ideas aligned with your leadership voice.

A few well-timed posts per month—especially when aligned with your profile—can dramatically elevate your influence.

It’s not about broadcasting. It’s about positioning.


Shift 5: From Presence to Possibility

When your visibility aligns with your value, something powerful happens: opportunities find you.

One of my clients had optimized her profile and started engaging periodically on LinkedIn. Soon after, she was contacted by the programming chair of a major industry event—someone who had discovered her through a second-degree connection and was impressed by how clearly her leadership positioning came through online.

She wasn’t pitching herself. Her presence did the work.

That’s the shift from passive presence to active possibility.

When your digital narrative reflects who you are and what you’re ready for, it becomes magnetic. Visibility stops being a chore—and starts being a catalyst.


In Closing: The Influence Shift Isn’t Optional

Influence used to be built behind closed doors. Now it starts online—and long before anyone picks up the phone.

If your profile is passive, your presence reactive, and your thinking invisible, the next opportunity may never find you. Not because you’re not qualified, but because you weren’t discoverable.

The good news? You can change that—today.

Because when you shape your digital presence with intention, you don’t just get found.
You get chosen. You get trusted. And you get remembered.

 

Categories
Branding Entrepreneurship Strategy

“A Brand Is(n’t Ready to Be) Born”

Fear of success can be a dealbreaker.


Let me set the scene: it’s your second or third call with a Personal Brand Strategist. You have no objections to the specifics of the program, the fee, the promise… in fact, it feels like you’re having the same call that you had last time, when any reservations were addressed.

What is it, then? Everything that comes out of your mouth is positive. This consultant comes highly recommended. You love their work. You even tell them that they’re your guy, or gal, “when the time comes.” But it’s as if each affirmation is tinged with regret.


If you see yourself in this moment—circling the runway, engine running, but never quite taking off—it’s time for some real talk.

Ask yourself (taking a breath before you answer each question):

  • What is actually getting in the way of me pulling the trigger and saying yes?
  • What do I think I gain by hesitating to go forward?
  • Why does mulling it over feel safer than taking action?

Finally,

  • What is the risk I’m taking by engaging with a pro in the creation of my personal Brand?

Fear of success is trickier than fear of failure. It shows up wearing the mask of logic: “I just need more time.” “I’m not 100% sure yet.” But if you dig deeper, you may find that what you’re really unsure of… is how much your life will change when you stop playing small.

It can even be excitement – or what should be excitement – about a positive outcome that presents with a side of apprehension. And which emotion wins the battle makes all the difference.

A brand isn’t something you wait around for—it’s something you decide to build. Not because you’re ready. But because you’re committed.

Only you can decide whether or not to birth this thing. But considering that the thing is you, it’s not hard to see what happens if you don’t.


I build brands that open doors – our clients achieve greater impact, influence, and growth through messaging, brand voice, and brand strategy. If you’re ready to unleash your INCOMPARABLE self in the service of your mission, book your complimentary Personal Brand Audit now. YES! to owning your spotlight, no epidural required.

Categories
Advice Books Branding

Your Personal Brand is Your IP.

Your Personal Brand is Your IP.

That’s the bottom line. And the only relevant question is, “What’s it worth to you?”

As a Service Provider, I’m supposed to solve a problem, right? People only care about solving their problem, so don’t bore them with what you do, or why, or how. JUST SOLVE THE PROBLEM!!!

For purposes of this article, the problem I solve is this:

You’re about to throw away the most valuable asset you have: yourself, and everything you stand for. And my job is to catch you in the act, talk you down, and show you how to wear your flowers like armor.

The International Trade Administration states that “Intellectual property (IP) refers to creations of the mind: inventions; literary and artistic works; and symbols, images, names and logos used in commerce.” They add that,

“Businesses are often unaware that their business assets include IP rights. Your intellectual property is a valuable intangible asset that should be protected to enhance your competitive advantage in the marketplace.”

I resonate with that piece, because most often your Personal Brand is a valuable intangible asset that enhances your competitive advantage. It’s not so much about putting a price tag on it. The value of your Personal Brand increases the more you develop it.

In fact, the stronger your Personal Brand, the easier it is to:

  • Increase Confidence
  • Gain Scalable Influence
  • Achieve Purpose-Driven Success
  • Build Your Legacy
  • Protect Your Reputation

and a whole host of other things, depending on your goals.

What it really boils down to is actualization of your potential.

Many of my clients seek to distinguish themselves from the “company brand.” The amazing thing, and the reason I do what I do, is that your Personal Brand is sooooo much bigger than the company brand. And that’s true regardless of how many billions of dollars in revenue a given company generates. As the CEO of a company, or the Founder of a business, the “company” is merely a piece of you, or an element in your ecosystem.

So, while it’s perfectly reasonable to lay out specific goals and project returns, the truest value of your Personal Brand depends on the commitment you make to nurturing it.

If you liked this article, subscribe to my Selling the Truth Today newsletter, and book your complimentary Personal Brand Audit now.

Categories
Books Branding Entrepreneurship

You Have an Embarrassment of Riches

Don’t Be Embarrassed… Define your Personal Brand.

You invested heavily in your education. You earned an advanced degree. In fact, you pursued another advanced degree mid-career.

You also have a number of certifications, which allow you to niche down within your chosen field.

It’s not like no one has noticed: you were featured in 30 under 30, 40 under 40, and the new 50 over 50 issue of that must-read mag making all that noise these days.

Not bad.

Add to that the fact that you are in something of a give-back phase. To the point that it truly serves your charitable endeavors to include Philanthropist among your key descriptors.

This makes your LinkedIn headline a bit chunky, but hey, what are vertical bars for, if not to enumerate the myriad superlatives that set you apart??

You could thin it out, but we all know that no one really reads the Experience section, other than to see if you’re still doing what you were doing last time they looked. And isn’t that what the headline is for?

To be safe, you choose between the ultra-detailed About (aka “The Long Story”) or the mysterious About (“Believer in what goes in

How about the moniker? It helps, right? Or does it?

Now hold on – this newsletter edition is NOT about LinkedIn best practices! Does my headline say “LinkedIn Expert”? No, it does not. And if it said, “MBA | MFA | Certified NSCA Coach | Wellness Enthusiast | Lightworker | LinkedIn Expert | Fractional CMO | “The Educated Fit & Fractional LinkedIn Guy” — what would you make of that?

Sometimes less is more. And sometimes, more is flat-out confusing!

The solution is not in making the hard choices about what to include.

And it’s not in streamlining your story to the point that you read it and no longer even see yourself in it.

The solution is in the BIG PICTURE.

Try this exercise: Think of the cumulative effect of all the things we discussed: education, personal passions, professional achievements, accolades, and honors. The knowledge you’ve gained and how you now wish to use it. Write down the words that come to mind. From those words you will start to frame your mission. And you will likely come away with something shorter and more original than what you had before.

There is always room for a story well told. And when you think in terms of meaning, it will come to you in fewer words.

I build brands that open doors – our clients achieve greater impact, influence, and growth through messaging, brand voice, and brand strategy. Book your Personal Brand Audit now to see what’s possible on the way to incomparable.

Categories
Branding News and Politics Women In Business

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Influence-Magazine.Today Launches Historic Women of Power Global Edition Celebrating Every Woman in Business
No nominations. No application. No limits. Every woman who submits by May 31 will be featured in the most inclusive business recognition issue to date.

CLEARWATER FL — April 1, 2025Influence-Magazine.Today, in collaboration with the C-Suite Network and LeadHERship Global, is proud to announce the launch of its most expansive editorial initiative to date: the Women of Power Global Edition—a special issue dedicated to celebrating women in business from around the world. Open to all women across every sector, this edition will include every valid submission received by May 31, 2025—with no application, selection, or nomination process required, according to contributor guidelines.

This landmark issue will elevate the stories of women entrepreneurs, executives, innovators, creatives, social impact leaders, and community business builders—regardless of title, background, age, or location. From global boardrooms to rural startups, the Women of Power issue promises to redefine what inclusion in business media looks like.

“We’re not creating a shortlist—we’re opening a stage,” said David James Dunworth, Publisher of Influence-Magazine.Today. “The women transforming our world aren’t waiting for permission to lead, and they shouldn’t have to wait for permission to be seen either. This issue is a celebration of all women in business who are shaping our future in their own way.”

Participants will be featured in the globally distributed digital edition of Influence-Magazine.Today, reaching audiences across industries and continents. The editorial will include profile stories, first-person essays, and thought leadership from women of all experience levels and regions. Each participant will also benefit from expanded exposure through the magazine’s social and partner networks.

Submissions are open now at:
👉mailto:davidjdunworth@gmail.com

Women may submit original articles or opt to answer guided questions that the editorial team will transform into a full-feature profile. There is no cap on participation—every woman who submits by the May 31 deadline will be included.

Key Details:

  • Open to women worldwide across all business sectors and stages.
  • No nominations, applications, or selection process—every story counts.
  • Deadline: May 31, 2025, for inclusion in the digital feature release.
  • Full editorial support is available for submissions that require guidance.

The initiative was developed in response to the ongoing underrepresentation of women in traditional recognition platforms, which often limit inclusion to narrow categories or elite criteria. With this special issue, Influence-Magazine.Today is making a bold editorial statement: there is no such thing as too many powerful women.

 

About Influence-Magazine.Today

Influence-Magazine.Today is a global digital publication spotlighting leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, and transformation. Through its thought leadership features, editorial campaigns, and community partnerships, the magazine elevates voices that drive meaningful impact across business and society. It serves a global readership of professionals, investors, policymakers, creatives, and change agents seeking insight, inspiration, and influence that matters.

 

Media Contact:
David James Dunworth | Publisher
Influence-Magazine.Today
Email: mailto:davidjdunworth@gmail.com

Website: https://Influence-Magazine.Today

Categories
Branding Leadership Strategy

The Influence Shift: The Hidden Gap Keeping You Invisible

Despite your impressive track record, the doors you expected to open may remain stubbornly closed.
It’s not because you lack qualifications — it’s because you lack strategic visibility.

In my work with senior leaders and executives, I see this pattern time and again.
You’ve put in the hard work. You’ve delivered results. You’ve built a stellar reputation — inside your organization.

But outside your organization?
Decision-makers, recruiters, and board nominating committees don’t know you exist.

This is the hidden influence gap.


The Silent Barrier to Your Next Opportunity

Most executives worry about making a good first impression.
But there’s a problem even bigger than that: the missed impression.

The reality is that decision-makers aren’t starting with your name.
They’re searching for keywords — qualifications, specialties, and leadership characteristics relevant to the roles they’re filling.

If your profile isn’t optimized to show up in these searches, you’re invisible.
You don’t make a poor first impression — you make no impression at all.

And even when you do surface in search results, you still face the first impression problem.

Does your profile tell the story of a trusted leader, ready for board service, the C-suite, or strategic advisory roles?
Or does it read like an outdated résumé, listing past roles but offering no insight into your value, voice, or influence?

When these silent signals of credibility and influence are missing, the opportunity goes elsewhere.


Making The Influence Shift

The good news? This is fixable — without spending hours posting random content or chasing engagement.

The shift is simple but powerful:

Move from being present on LinkedIn to being influential on LinkedIn.

This means:

✅ Crafting a profile that positions you as the leader you are
✅ Sending clear, silent signals of influence to those who are searching
✅ Engaging strategically — with purpose, not just presence

When you make this shift, doors open.
You don’t have to chase opportunity — you begin to attract it.


A Personal Invitation

In the coming weeks, I’ll be guiding you step by step through this process in my #littlelinkedinlesson series.

And if you’re ready for a deeper transformation, I’m inviting a select group of leaders into the Founders Group of the Executive Influence Revolution™, where you’ll learn to position yourself for the next level of leadership, opportunity, and influence. Learn more here.

Let’s make your brilliance impossible to ignore.


Categories
Branding Leadership Marketing

Living Your Brand with Hospitality – The Essence of Gracious Hosting

Living Your Brand with Hospitality

The Essence of Gracious Hosting

Living your brand extends beyond the mere visual aspects; it encompasses every interaction and experience associated with your organization. Hospitality, often overlooked, is a critical tenet in this context. It’s about being more than just product or service providers; it’s about being gracious hosts. This essay delves into the nuances of hospitality as an integral part of living your brand. It focuses on standing upon someone entering, offering refreshments, and guiding them to their destination.

The Art of Greeting

Standing up when someone enters the room is a powerful gesture of respect and attentiveness. It transcends cultural boundaries and is universally recognized as a sign of good manners. For a brand, this simple act signals that each visitor is important and worthy of attention. It sets a welcoming tone for the interaction and creates an atmosphere of respect and professionalism.

The Gesture of Offering Refreshments

Offering water, coffee, or tea is a hallmark of traditional hospitality. It goes beyond the essential provision of comfort; it’s a symbolic act of care and nurturing. In a business setting, offering refreshments is a small but impactful way to make visitors feel valued and comfortable. It demonstrates attentiveness to their needs and contributes to a positive, relaxed environment.

Personal Guidance Over Impersonal Directions

When guiding visitors to the appropriate office or location, the personal touch of walking them there, rather than pointing or giving verbal directions, is significant. It shows a commitment to ensuring their comfort and convenience. This practice makes the visitor’s experience more pleasant and provides an opportunity for casual interaction, which can strengthen relationships and enhance the brand’s perception.

Creating Memorable Experiences Through Hospitality

In the realm of customer engagement, the role of hospitality m creating memorable experiences is paramount. When visitors are treated with respect and care, their interaction with the brand transcends mere transactional expertise and becomes a cherished memory. This essay explores the impact of hospitality in forging lasting positive impressions and how such experiences can shape a customer’s perception and advocacy for a brand.

The Essence of Hospitality in Customer Experience

Hospitality, at its core, is about making visitors feel welcomed, valued, and cared for. It involves genuinely catering to their needs and ensuring their comfort. In a business context, hospitality can be expressed through attentive service, a warm and inviting environment, and thoughtful gestures that exceed expectations.

Impact on Customer Perception

How a brand treats a visitor can significantly influence their overall perception of the brand. Hospitality that makes them feel respected and valued can leave a lasting positive impression. This positive experience becomes associated with the brand, enhancing its reputation in the eyes of the customers and making it more likely that they will return.

The Ripple Effect of Memorable Experiences

Memorable experiences created through hospitality have a ripple effect. Satisfied visitors are likelier to share their positive experiences with friends, family, and broader social networks. This word-of-mouth is incredibly valuable as it is a genuine and trusted form of endorsement for the brand.

Strategies for  Delivering  Memorable Experiences

  • Personalized Service Tailoring service to meet each visitor’s preferences and needs shows that the brand values them as individuals. This could include personalized greetings, remembering previous preferences, or offering customized recommendations.
  • Attention to Detail – Often, the small things make a big difference. Paying attention to detail in every aspect of service delivery can significantly enhance the visitor’s experience. Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere —-The environment in which visitors interact with the brand should be warm, inviting, and comfortable. This atmosphere sets the stage for a positive experience.
  • Empathy and  Responsiveness -Staff should be trained to empathize with visitors and respond promptly and effectively to their requests or concerns. Empathy in service delivery shows that the brand cares about the visitor’s experience.

Going Beyond Expectations – The Ultimate Differentiator

True hospitality is about anticipating needs before they are even expressed. A well­ trained team understands the importance of being proactive rather than reactive. For example, offering a guest a seat before they ask, adjusting the room temperature based on visible discomfort, or providing reading glasses for a visitor struggling to read documents. These seemingly minor actions leave an indelible impression that sets a brand apart from competitors.

Additionally, genuine hospitality extends beyond physical spaces –it permeates digital interactions as well. A thoughtful, timely follow-up email thanking a visitor for their time, remembering a detail from a past conversation, or sending a handwritten note all reinforce the idea that the brand values relationships, not just transactions.

Challenges and Considerations

While striving to provide excellent hospitality, brands must be mindful of not overstepping boundaries or making assumptions about what visitors may need or prefer. Hospitality should be adaptable and responsive to the unique needs of each visitor. Respecting personal preferences, cultural nuances, and professional boundaries ensures that hospitality remains a positive force rather than an intrusion.

The Lasting Legacy of Hospitality in Branding

Incorporating hospitality into the very DNA of a brand is not just about short-term impressions; it is about long-term reputation. The most beloved brands are those that make customers feel seen, valued, and genuinely appreciated. A warm greeting, an unexpected kindness, or a thoughtful gesture are more than acts of courtesy; they are foundational pillars of brand identity that shape consumer loyalty and advocacy for years to come.

Key Takeaways:

  • Hospitality is a fundamental aspect of brand experience, going beyond visual branding elements.
  • Simple gestures such as standing to greet, offering refreshments, and personally guiding visitors enhance the customer
  • Thoughtful hospitality fosters positive brand perception and strengthens customer loyalty.
  • Memorable experiences have a ripple effect, leading to word-of-mouth recommendations and increased brand
  • Personalization, attention to detail, empathy, and a welcoming atmosphere are critical strategies for delivering exceptional hospitality.
  • Anticipating needs before they are expressed differentiates a brand and solidifies its reputation for excellence.
  • Thoughtful hospitality should be extended to digital interactions to reinforce strong relationships beyond face-to-face encounters.

Call to Action:

Transform your brand into a beacon of hospitality. Evaluate your customer interactions– you making each visitor feel valued, respected, and truly welcomed? Take intentional steps to weave hospitality into your brand culture, train your team in gracious hosting, and watch as your reputation flourishes. A single thoughtful gesture can turn an ordinary encounter into an extraordinary experience

–start today and make hospitality the heart of your brand identity.

 

Author’s Note

I want to take a moment to honor the man in the opening image of this article. You see, I worked with this inimitable and wonderful man in 1992-3, in Chicago, Illinois. His name is Emerson Frith. Emerson was my Food and Beverage Manager, who I considered to be my Assistant Manager, who held a lot of responsibility. You see, at the Monroe Club, Members paid a lot of money just to come to the Club to eat lunch. Some of the top financial heads in the city were Members, and they relied on supreme service, tremendous food and beverages, and an atmosphere worthy of striking multi-million dollar deals at the dining table.

Emerson’s signature and infectious smile immediately changed any mood to one of the finest hospitality and warmth. Members would often tell me that with as many choices to dine in the city, they came to Monroe Club because they knew Emerson would not only ensure the event was memorable, but their guests would be wowed by the experience.

Chicago is unique when it comes to dining. Some say it’s New York without the attitude, and London without the trans-Atlantic flight. In a town known the world over as Al Capone’s stomping ground, Chicago is a food town, Members have dozens of choices within a short walk, and Emerson made their visits bullet-proof (pun intended), with his impeccable attention to detail.

Emerson was my friend. Emerson was married to another dear friend Teresa, my go-to, accountant and wizard with the numbers. I say “was” because Emerson passed away several years ago of ALS–Lou Gehrig’s Disease. I, along with everyone who ever knew Emerson, miss him dearly. No one I have ever met would or could top him. This is my tribute to his uniqueness — his charm — his life.

I still keep in touch with Teresa, who was fortunate to share his short life with her. The use of his picture is with fondness and her permission.

Categories
Branding Networking Personal Development

When Staying Isn’t an Option: Preparing for the Unexpected

In today’s unpredictable professional landscape, job security can be more fragile than it appears. Factors like mergers and acquisitions, economic shifts, and changing political administrations can lead to unexpected job losses. As we await the entrance of the Trump administration, employees in Federal agencies he does not support may anticipate considerable disruption within their organization, including the elimination of functions and positions.

It’s easy to believe that dedication and performance will safeguard your position, but job eliminations are rarely personal; they are business decisions. This reality underscores the importance of preparing for the unexpected—not when the crisis hits, but long before. When staying isn’t an option, your readiness to navigate the transition makes all the difference.

Lessons Learned from Unexpected Job Loss

My experience with sudden job loss taught me lessons that guided my career and allowed me to help others. After two decades as a marketing communications consultant for a Fortune 500 company, my role was abruptly terminated due to departmental outsourcing. It was a seismic shift and an opportunity to reassess and realign my career path. These lessons are ones I wish I had known before the unexpected occurred:

1. Embrace Change as an Opportunity
Unexpected transitions are undeniably unsettling, and losing a job can feel like a profound loss—much like a death. The grief that follows often mirrors stages of denial, anger, and sadness, making it difficult to immediately see the potential for growth. Acknowledging these emotions and giving yourself time to process them is vital. Yet, as challenging as it may be, cultivating the mindset that change can lead to opportunity is transformative. When you reach a place where healing begins, creativity and clarity can emerge, opening doors to new professional avenues and personal development.

2. Leverage Transferable Skills
When my career shifted unexpectedly, I transitioned from branding products to branding people, using the same core marketing and communication skills in a completely new way. Similarly, when I work with professionals seeking to change industries or pursue new directions, we identify how their skills can be reframed and applied to different roles. This process uncovers hidden potential and builds confidence in their ability to succeed in new areas. Your existing skill set is a robust foundation for whatever comes next.

3. Cultivate Resilience
Resilience begins with self-care. Eating well, hydrating, getting enough sleep, and adopting a regular exercise routine—like walking or yoga—can strengthen both body and mind. Embracing a new activity can also help channel your energy and boost your mood. As Stephen Covey advised, “Sharpen the saw.” Caring for yourself equips you to face challenges with clarity, strength, and adaptability

Proactive Steps to Prepare for Potential Job Loss

To safeguard your career against the unexpected, consider these proactive measures:

  1. Maintain an Updated LinkedIn Profile: Most people haven’t reviewed their LinkedIn profile in a while. Take the time to read through yours. Does it represent you well? Does it highlight your most recent achievements, skills, and career trajectory? If not, it’s time for an update. Be aware that it is far easier to refresh your profile while you are employed than it will be when you’re not. A polished LinkedIn profile ensures your skills and experiences are always ready to showcase and position you favorably for new opportunities.
  2. Expand Your Professional Network: Build and nurture relationships with mentors, peers, and industry professionals. If your network is comprised entirely of people who work within your company, engage in professional activities such as industry associations, alumni groups, or community organizations to broaden your connections. A diverse network can provide guidance, support, and valuable leads.
  3. Enhance Your Skill Set: Pursue continuous learning through certifications, workshops, or self-study. Demonstrating adaptability and staying current with industry trends will strengthen your professional appeal.
  4. Establish a Financial Safety Net: Save for the unexpected. A financial cushion provides peace of mind and allows you to navigate a career transition without undue stress.

Call to Action

When the timing of your departure isn’t your choice, preparation is essential to making your next step successful. By focusing on personal branding, resilience, and a proactive approach, you can turn an unwelcome change into an opportunity for growth. If you’re ready to take control of your career and elevate your LinkedIn profile to reflect your true potential, I invite you to schedule a complimentary Executive Discovery Call today at https://go.oncehub.com/carolkaemmerer. Together, we’ll ensure your brand reflects your true value and prepares you for the opportunities ahead.


About the Author

I’m Carol Kaemmerer, an internationally recognized expert in executive branding and personal presence on LinkedIn. Named one of the Top 8 Personal Branding Experts by MSN, a Top 6 Personal Branding Expert by The American Reporter, and one of the Top 20 Executive Coaches by the Coach Foundation, I have dedicated this chapter of my career to helping executives, federal employees, and entrepreneurs navigate career transitions with confidence and clarity.

As the author of the #1 best-seller LinkedIn for the Savvy Executive: Promote Your Brand with Authenticity, Tact, and Power, I bring proven strategies that empower individuals to take charge of their personal brand and leverage LinkedIn to attract opportunities aligned with their unique goals.

If you’re ready to position yourself for success with an elevated LinkedIn profile,  I invite you to schedule a complimentary Executive Discovery Call today at https://go.oncehub.com/carolkaemmerer. Together, we’ll ensure your brand reflects your true value and prepares you for the opportunities ahead.

Categories
Best Practices Branding Entrepreneurship

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.

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Branding Marketing Strategy

The Competitive Edge: Why Senior Leaders’ LinkedIn Profiles Matter More Than Ever

With a notable shortage of skilled professionals, today’s job market has become highly competitive. Companies now face intense pressure to stand out as desirable workplaces to attract and retain top talent. For senior leaders, having a strong LinkedIn presence is essential—not only to build personal credibility but to showcase their company as a place where high-performing professionals want to work.

In an era where job candidates are in high demand, talented professionals are looking for more than just a paycheck. They seek leaders who are passionate, supportive, and committed to growth, and they’re doing their research. LinkedIn has become a key platform where candidates evaluate potential employers and their leadership teams. Here’s how a strong online brand for senior leaders can elevate a company’s appeal to skilled talent:

  1. Transparency and Authenticity Matter
    Today’s candidates are looking for leaders who communicate authentically and share their values openly. When senior leaders use LinkedIn to talk about their vision, leadership style, and passions, it signals to prospective hires that the company values transparency and employee-centered leadership.
  2. Demonstrating a Culture of Growth and Recognition
    Leaders who highlight team achievements and emphasize mentorship on LinkedIn show they prioritize professional growth and recognize contributions. These elements are vital in a tight labor market where job seekers prioritize career development and acknowledgment.
  3. Reflecting Purpose Beyond the Office
    In an era where work-life balance is paramount, professionals value leaders who also give back to the community. By showcasing volunteer activities and personal interests, leaders convey a well-rounded, balanced approach to work, which resonates with talent seeking meaningful connections and alignment with company values.

By cultivating an authentic and engaging LinkedIn presence, you can transform your profile into a powerful tool for attracting top talent. This individual effort enhances your effectiveness in showcasing your values and leadership approach, resonating with the skilled professionals who are actively seeking alignment with their leaders. When this strategy is embraced company-wide, the impact on recruitment and retention grows exponentially—creating a workplace culture that consistently appeals to high-caliber talent and strengthens the company’s position in today’s competitive market.


Are You Ready to Transform Your Online Presence?

Imagine a LinkedIn profile that actively champions your strengths, achievements, differentiators, and professional ethos, positioning you as a leader in your field. Now is the time to embrace executive LinkedIn profile optimization, refine your brand, articulate your value, and lead with distinction.

Schedule your complimentary Executive Discovery Call today to start your journey toward a powerful LinkedIn strategy that attracts your ideal opportunities.

With over a decade of experience, I have guided numerous C-level and senior executives in leveraging LinkedIn for personal and professional growth. MSN.com, The American Reporter, and the Coach Foundation have recognized me as a top executive coach and branding expert. I offer the insights and expertise necessary to craft an outstanding digital presence. My #1 Best-Selling book, LinkedIn for the Savvy Executive, has received numerous awards and accolades.

Reach out today to schedule a call and transform your LinkedIn profile into a powerful tool for career advancement and professional growth.