Building Digital Presence

She was visible in the room but invisible online. A client said to me recently, “In person, people know who I am and what I bring. But online? You’d never know it.” And she was right. In person it was clear she had decades of credibility. She was the person people turned to when decisions needed to be made, things needed to get done, problems solved, or trust established. Her peers knew it. Her clients knew it. Her team knew it. But when someone Googled her, her LinkedIn profile came up, and the message simply didn’t match. 📉 A profile that undersold her expertise. 📉 Inconsistent or non-existent activity. 📉 A digital first impression that didn’t reflect the reputation she’d earned. And here is the challenge with this - people don’t separate offline from online anymore. ✨ The client meeting you tomorrow has already looked you up today. ✨ The board member you’re pitching to has already scanned your profile. ✨ The graduate considering your firm has already checked your team’s presence. ✨ The investor you’re meeting next week has already searched your name. ✨ The client referral you haven’t even met yet has already formed an impression. If your online presence doesn’t reflect your offline reputation, it creates disconnect before you even enter the room. “Are they really the expert?” “If their business is as strong as they say, why can’t I see it here?” You’ve worked too hard to be invisible. The good news? You don’t need constant posting or flashy campaigns to close that gap. What you need are the right foundations: ✔️ A profile that communicates value, not just a job title. ✔️ Consistent, purposeful activity that mirrors how you show up in person. ✔️ A digital presence that builds trust before the first handshake. Because your reputation shouldn’t depend on which version of you people happens to find first. Make sure the person people meet online is the same one they already trust in the room.

If you don’t have a visibility rhythm, you don’t have visibility. Ghosting your audience isn’t a brand strategy. Because here’s the truth no one likes to talk about: It’s not your talent. It’s not your offer. It’s not your pricing. It’s your disappearing act. You show up strong for a few weeks. You post with purpose. Your energy is magnetic. And then... Life gets full. Client work piles up. Family needs you. Your calendar implodes. So your content goes quiet. Your visibility drops. And the people watching? They move on. This is something I see all the time... especially with new transitioners. You’ve just left the 9-5. You’re navigating your own rhythm. Trying to build and deliver at the same time. And visibility? Feels like the first thing to go. But here’s what you need to hear: Inconsistency is trust’s fastest enemy. If you’re building a business on expertise… People need to see that expertise. Regularly. Repeatedly. Not just in your highlight reel. Not just in your "I’m back!" posts. But in the ordinary weeks, too. In the messy middle. In the real moments. And your authority? It’s not built in launch weeks. It’s built in the quiet middle. The moments no one sees... except the right people who are watching. If you’re in that early stage of consultancy or business Still trying to find your groove The question becomes: How can you show up in a way that doesn’t burn you out… But builds your presence and trust over time? That’s why you need a visibility rhythm. And it starts with these 3 essentials: ★ Profile → Your profile is your digital first impression. → A chance to tell your story → Show your values and explain how you help. → It should be maintained regularly. ★ Content → Whether you’re sharing your own posts, adding insight to others’, or resharing value → Your content is your signal. → It keeps you visible, top of mind, and relevant. ★ Engagement → Visibility isn’t just about creating. → It’s about connecting and conversations. → Comments and DMs build trust. You don’t need to be everywhere. You don’t need to post every day. You just need to build your rhythm. Because if they can’t find you, They can’t hire you. Let’s stop ghosting your potential. P.S. Which of these three (Profile, Content, or Engagement) are you skipping right now? P.P.S. Have you noticed yourself falling into the stop-start cycle? Let’s chat about how to break it - your visibility depends on it.

Not one of the 35 Fellowship trained surgeons raised their hands. Scott Sigman MD spoke last weekend at a Future Leaders Sports Medicine Course. Dr. Sigman asked the attendees about to enter the ranks of Orthopedic surgery and Sports Medicine to raise their hands for anyone that has developed a social media brand strategy? Not a single hand was raised. Surgeons nearing the end of their fellowship, on the brink of stepping into crucial roles within their medical careers, yet lacking in one critical area: an established social media presence. The medical industry is increasingly influenced by digital engagement and public perception. Surgeons without a social media presence may find themselves at a disadvantage, both professionally and in terms of patient engagement. These surgeons feel apprehensive and unprepared to manage and integrate a digital persona with their professional responsibilities. In an era where personal branding is not just about visibility but about connecting authentically with peers and patients, remaining digitally invisible is no longer viable. It's one of the reasons Dr. Sigman and I wrote, Physician Brand Rx, a forthcoming book designed specifically for medical professionals to craft, manage, and excel through personal branding in the digital world. We understand the pressures and the steep learning curve that surgeons face when transitioning from academic to professional stages, especially in harnessing the power of digital tools for personal branding. Crafted by leading physicians in both medical and digital branding fields, "Physician Brand Rx" offers a blend of industry insights, practical strategies, and real-life success stories to guide surgeons in establishing a compelling digital presence. Physician Brand Rx provides these future orthopedic leaders with a plan: 1. Foundation Building: Learn the essentials of digital identity and how to align it with professional integrity and personal values. 2. Engagement Strategies: Gain insights into effectively engaging with both medical peers and the wider public through targeted content and interactions. 3. Sustainable Growth: Implement long-term strategies for maintaining and evolving a digital presence that grows with their careers. Surgeons transform from digitally inexperienced to digitally empowered professionals, using their new platforms to influence, educate, and lead in the evolving landscape of healthcare.

Digital marketing success takes time Sam stared at the laptop screen, frustration etched across his face. Three weeks into the company's new digital marketing campaign, and the sales needle had barely moved. He'd invested countless hours crafting the "perfect" strategy, secured budget approval, and promised impressive results. "This isn't working," he muttered, checking the analytics dashboard yet again. His boss called, asking for updates. Sam forced optimism into his voice while remembering his grandfather's wisdom: "Expecting instant results in digital marketing is like planting a seed today and expecting a tree tomorrow." What Sam experienced wasn't failure—it was the natural germination period of digital marketing. Like all good things that grow, campaigns need time to take root. "The companies that succeed understand that digital marketing is both a sprint and a marathon. You need quick wins to build momentum, but the big payoffs come from playing the long game," explains a veteran marketer. Consider a company's digital marketing journey: - Months 1-3: Established foundations—optimized website, created quality content, built social presence. - Months 4-6: Implemented A/B testing, discovering longer-form content resonated better. Engagement improved by 15%. - Months 7-12: Consistent posting and growing email list doubled website traffic with upward conversion trends. - Year 2: After data-driven refinements, sales increased 300% compared to pre-strategy days. Successful digital marketers follow these principles: 1)Preparation matters: Set proper foundations with website optimization, content plan, and strategic planning. 2) Regular nourishment: Provide consistent content updates and audience engagement. 3) Patience through seasons: Weather algorithm changes and market fluctuations like a garden face environmental challenges. 4)Data-driven adjustments: Analyze performance and adapt strategies accordingly. Six months later, Sam's campaign delivered impressive results. Rather than abandoning his strategy early, he: - Implemented A/B testing, discovering his initial messaging needed adjustment - Focused on high-engagement topics - Remained patient with SEO efforts that paid dividends after four months - Built relationships with industry influencers, creating network effects When his boss called this time, Sam confidently shared not just improved metrics but valuable audience insights reshaping the company's approach. The businesses that succeed aren't necessarily those with the biggest budgets. They're the ones that understand marketing is about nurturing relationships, building trust, and delivering consistent value over time. "The results didn't come from pushing harder or spending more," Sam reflected, "They came from embracing the process, trusting the data, and giving our strategy time to grow roots. #adaptability #digitalmarketing #emails #patience #strategy

Everyone’s an expert now. Slap a title on your bio and boom, you’re in business. “Coach.” “Mentor.” “Thought leader.” “Guru.” But the market isn’t buying it anymore. Every dollar is under a microscope. Every decision is slower. Trust isn’t given—it’s earned. And people don’t want titles. They want proof. → Who have you helped? → What results have you delivered? → Can I see it right now, online? Because if they can’t? They’ll move on to someone who shows their work. That’s why your digital presence matters. It’s not just a flex. It’s your portfolio. Your pitch. Your first impression, all in one place. So if you’re a founder, coach, or creator trying to grow this year, here’s the play: Pick your platform – show up where your ideal client already scrolls Share your thinking – valuable content > vague advice Build actual community – comments > cold DMs Stay in the game – consistency is what compounds trust Because in today’s market, expertise isn’t rare. Proof is. And your online presence is where people go to find it...or not.

Networking isn't just for when you're job hunting. It's a daily habit. Smart professionals know this. Your digital presence matters: How you present yourself online → shapes first impressions. What you share → builds your narrative. Who you connect with → sets the stage for future opportunities. Time to elevate your networking game: 1. Build genuine relationships. ↳ Engage in meaningful conversations. Go beyond small talk. 2. Craft a memorable digital presence. ↳ Your profile should tell your unique story, not just list jobs. 3. Be proactive, not reactive. ↳ Network consistently, not just when you need something. 4. Utilize virtual coffee chats. ↳ These are gold for authentic engagement. 5. Create a content engine. ↳ Share valuable insights regularly. Stay visible and relevant. Networking is about connections, not transactions.

If you're a young person creating digital content in African agriculture… You might be asking yourself: Is anyone even watching? Can social media really grow my business or attract investment? Here’s what many don’t realize: You're not just posting—you’re positioning. Let’s break it down: If Africa had just 100 people: ↳ 60 depend on agriculture for their livelihood ↳ 33 are under 30 ↳ 20 are unemployed ↳ 15 use social media daily ↳ Only 4 use it to grow a business or brand Yet, digital platforms are becoming the fastest way for entrepreneurs to build trust, attract buyers, and even pitch to investors. In today’s world, if you’re not online—you’re invisible. Now, here’s how to use digital creation to turn your agri-work into business growth: 1/ Stop Posting, Start Positioning Social media is more than entertainment—it's an ecosystem. ↳ Create content that solves problems or tells powerful stories ↳ Highlight results, not just activities ↳ Educate your audience about your value The more consistent your message, the more credible your brand. 2/ Own Your Digital Real Estate You don’t need a big following—you need an intentional one. ↳ Use platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and WhatsApp Business to share your work ↳ Develop a personal brand that’s connected to your enterprise ↳ Make it easy for people to find, understand, and trust you Visibility builds community—and community drives conversion. 3/ Grow Through Collaboration Your phone is a networking tool. ↳ Tag partners and customers in your stories ↳ Go live with fellow agripreneurs ↳ Share behind-the-scenes of your process When you bring others into your story, they amplify your message. 4/ Learn the Language of Business Investors, donors, and buyers want clarity. ↳ Talk numbers: yield increase, cost savings, job creation ↳ Keep a digital portfolio: before/after photos, testimonials, short case studies ↳ Share results that inspire confidence Data + storytelling = digital trust. 5/ Show Up Where It Matters Online presence is powerful, but showing up in real-life rooms builds stronger ties. ↳ Attend business forums, pitch events, and industry breakfasts ↳ Share your social content with offline networks ↳ Be seen both on-screen and on the ground Which brings me to this opportunity: I’ll be speaking at the JCI Rwanda Business Breakfast Meeting 📅 Thursday, May 29, 2025 🕗 08:00 AM – 09:30 AM 📍 Kacyiru, Kigali Alongside inspiring speakers Pamela MUDAKIKWA and Shyaka Noella, we’ll explore how to turn your online presence into offline results—by using social media to grow your business, connect with investors, and create lasting impact. This space offers: ✔ Practical strategies for digital growth ✔ Direct business matching ✔ Access to an entrepreneur masterclass ✔ Networking with forward-thinking professionals 🎟 Only 15 seats are available 💵 RWF 15,000 🔗 Register: https://lnkd.in/dBapYQsC If you’re ready to turn your phone into your most powerful business tool—start here.

"They Googled me and found...nothing." At 62, Margaret wasn't just being ignored by recruiters. She was invisible. Three decades as a CMO. Groundbreaking campaigns. Bottom-line impact. Yet her LinkedIn profile screamed "retired" without saying a word. While younger candidates showcased their expertise daily, her digital presence was collecting dust. No posts. No engagement.  No proof she was still in the game. Here's the 5-step Digital Presence Revival that changed everything: 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝟭: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝘁 → Last post: 8 months ago (a corporate announcement she didn't even write) ↳ Strategy: Share one piece of battle-tested marketing wisdom twice a week ↳ Focus: Problems she'd solved, not positions she'd held 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝟮: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 → Her headline? "Experienced Marketing Executive" = Generic. Invisible. ↳ We rewrote it to showcase her specialty: Turning struggling brands into category leaders. 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝟯: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝘁 → Ditched the resume dump. Added the metrics that mattered: ↳ 43% revenue growth ↳ 3 successful pivots ↳ 12 brands revitalized 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝟰: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 → No more lurking. She started: ↳ Answering questions others couldn't ↳ Sharing insights only a veteran would know ↳ Building relationships, not just connections 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝟱: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿 → One meaty post per week about: ↳ Crisis management lessons ↳ Team building in chaos ↳Marketing fundamentals that never die The result? Three interview requests in 14 days. Two speaking invitations  (which led to even more exposure, and more interest). Here's the truth about your LinkedIn presence: It's not about age. It's about relevance. It's about proving you're still creating value. Don't let your profile collect cobwebs while opportunities pass you by. 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦-𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘥𝘰𝘮 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘦𝘭𝘴𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘦𝘥?

Most people on LinkedIn are building a personal brand but leaving $10,000/month on the table by missing one crucial step: SEO. Followers are great, but turning them into paying clients is the real game. Let’s map this out together. Brand Definition - Define your niche by focusing on a specific audience or expertise to establish credibility. - Be clear about the problems you solve and how you stand out. - Build a professional website that reflects your brand and includes a blog, services, and contact information. Highlight certifications, experience, or unique insights to showcase your expertise. Keyword Research Target long-tail, high-intent keywords like: - “Personal branding tips for beginners.” - “Best digital marketing tools for small business owners.” - “Personal branding consultant in New York.” Use tools like SEO Stuff to identify low-competition, high-value keywords. Focus on keywords with commercial intent to attract relevant leads. Website Strategy Include these key pages: About Page: Share your story and showcase your expertise. Services Page: Clearly outline your offerings like consulting, courses, or speaking gigs. Blog Page: Post regular content that provides value to your audience. Ensure your website is mobile-friendly, fast-loading, and user-friendly. Make navigation intuitive with clear calls-to-action. Authority Content Publish high-value content such as: - “10 Essential Personal Branding Strategies for 2024.” - “How to Build a Strong Online Presence in Digital Marketing.” - “My Journey in Digital Marketing and How You Can Succeed.” Incorporate storytelling and personal anecdotes to build trust and authenticity. Build Credibility - Write guest posts for industry-relevant blogs to gain backlinks. - Collaborate with influencers or thought leaders in your niche. - Use PR tools like the ones on my website to secure media coverage. - Share your website or expertise in podcasts, webinars, and other speaking opportunities. Monetize Monetize through: - Consulting, coaching, or speaking gigs based on your expertise. - Digital products like e-books, courses, or templates. - Affiliate product promotions related to your niche through SEO-optimized blog posts. Social Integration - Optimize social profiles with consistent branding and relevant keywords. - Share blog posts, insights, and content on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. - Use hashtags and keywords to boost discoverability like #PersonalBranding or #MarketingTips. - Engage with your audience by responding to comments and starting conversations. Video Strategy Create YouTube content such as: - “How to Build a Successful Personal Brand.” - “Top 5 Branding Strategies for Entrepreneurs in 2024.” - Optimize titles and descriptions with relevant keywords. - Add captions and timestamps to improve accessibility and rankings. - Use videos to connect on a deeper level with your followers and build trust. And if you need PR help, check my site.

How can rebranding enhance your digital identity? A strong digital identity is vital for firms aiming to connect meaningfully in our online-first world. Rebranding can be a powerful way to reshape this identity, ensuring it’s aligned with your values, market relevance, and audience expectations. Whether it’s refreshing visuals, updating messaging, or enhancing user experience, rebranding offers a chance to make your digital presence a true reflection of who you are today. When rebranding with digital in mind, some key considerations include: 1️⃣ Consistent Visual Identity: A cohesive look across digital platforms builds recognition and trust. 2️⃣ Updated Messaging: Engaging and relevant messaging that speaks to today’s digital audience is crucial for standing out. 3️⃣ User Experience: An improved user experience on websites and apps can support stronger connections with clients. 4️⃣ SEO and Social Alignment: Ensuring SEO and social media strategies match the new brand can boost visibility and engagement. Rebranding to strengthen your digital identity allows you to meet clients where they are, creating a presence that feels both credible and current. How important is digital identity for your brand? #DigitalMarketing #SEO #Strategy #Branding