You control how people perceive you, and that starts with the image you project. If you want others to associate you with innovation, leadership, or any other strength, you must prime them to see those traits every time you show up.
Look at your current social circle and the content you share. Do they match the attributes you want others to notice? If not, change it. Engage with mentors who display the qualities you aim to develop. Champion causes that align with your professional aspirations. Surround yourself with products, ideas, and communities that reinforce the specific image you want to build.
At the same time, avoid drawing attention to areas you are still refining. If you have weaknesses you’re working on, let them simmer behind the scenes. Instead, consistently highlight the strengths you want people to associate with your name. Over time, you’ll diminish the impact of those undeveloped skills.
Think of every interaction—online or in person—as a spotlight on your personal brand. Offer insights that demonstrate competence. Align with experts who embody excellence. Do it repeatedly until people can’t help but link you to the attributes you’ve decided to promote.
This is not about faking who you are. It’s about consciously choosing which parts of your identity to magnify. The more intentionally you prime others to see your chosen strengths, the faster you shape a personal brand that opens doors that you want (and deserve).