Learn how to build your personal brand beyond LinkedIn with podcasts, public speaking, and thought leadership, boosting visibility, credibility, and influence.
Why Expanding Your Professional Brand Matters
LinkedIn is a powerful tool for networking and sharing your career achievements; however, relying solely on one platform can limit your reach. Fortunately, expanding your professional brand beyond LinkedIn through podcasts, speaking engagements, and thought leadership allows you to:
- Reach new audiences beyond your existing network.
- Establish credibility and authority in your field.
- Open doors to collaborations, consulting opportunities, and career growth.
Moreover, whether you’re looking to grow professionally, share expertise, or inspire others, these strategies help you stand out and make a lasting impression.
For more on building your online presence, check out our post on “Building Your Professional Identity Online”.
How Podcasts Can Showcase Your Expertise
Podcasts are a dynamic way to share your knowledge and connect with audiences on a deeper level.
Here are some tips for UMBC professionals:
- First, be a guest: Offer your expertise on industry‑focused podcasts.
- Next, start your own: Even a small, niche podcast can help build your reputation.
- Finally, repurpose content: Turn episodes into blog posts, social media clips, or newsletters to maximize impact.
Overall, podcasts help position you as a thought leader, while also providing content that can be shared long after the episode airs.
Leverage Public Speaking to Strengthen Your Personal Brand
Speaking engagements showcase your expertise and help build trust with new audiences.
To get started, consider the following tips:
- First, start small: Attend local networking events, UMBC workshops, or webinars.
- Next, focus on your strengths: Share insights from your research, projects, or career experience.
- Finally, document your talks: Record presentations to share on your website or social platforms.
Ultimately, speaking publicly can elevate your professional profile, while also strengthening connections with peers and industry leaders.
See our post on “5 practical ways to manage stress as a working professional” for tips on presentation‑mindset and professional resilience.
Thought Leadership: Elevate Your Personal Brand
Thought leadership allows you to influence your industry and shape important conversations.
Here are some ways to develop thought leadership:
- First, write articles, blogs, or white papers to share your expertise.
- Next, participate in panels, webinars, and professional forums to engage with peers and expand your reach.
- Additionally, share insights consistently to maintain visibility and credibility.
Consequently, by consistently contributing unique perspectives, you position yourself as someone others turn to for guidance and expertise.
Final Thought
Building a personal brand beyond LinkedIn takes intention and effort—but the payoff is lasting influence, new opportunities, and professional growth. By leveraging podcasts, speaking engagements, and thought leadership, UMBC professionals can expand their reach, share their expertise, and make meaningful connections across industries.
For additional guidance and resources — including personalized support — explore UMBC Professional Programs and the UMBC Career Center for tools to help you succeed.