How to use your personal brand to build connection and community
Over the past five years, through founding the philanthropic platform and community Mumble Forum and growing my brand consultancy MHouse, I’ve seen first-hand how powerful a well defined personal brand can be. It’s not just about marketing yourself or standing out professionally; it’s about creating meaningful connections and fostering communities that thrive on authenticity, support, and shared purpose.
For women in business, personal branding isn’t just a ‘nice to have’ but essential. It goes beyond aesthetics or having a polished LinkedIn profile. It’s about showing up in a way that reflects your values, your voice, and your vision as well as using that presence to build networks that uplift and empower. A strong personal brand can serve as the bridge between isolation and belonging, between stagnation and growth.
Get to grips with your sense of self
Your personal brand begins with knowing yourself. This isn’t just knowing what your business and skill sets are, but also knowing what you stand for, what your core values are and what experiences have shaped you as part of your business journey.
This introspection lays the foundation for a personal brand that is not only compelling but deeply resonant with others. I’ve found that I connect with other mothers and with other self starters who have built themselves from the ground up and that’s always been through our shared experiences.
When your brand is rooted in purpose and a commonality, it attracts people who align with your mission. That alignment is what turns passive audiences into engaged communities, and what makes others want to engage with you.
Be real
In the digital age, where curated images and highlight reels often dominate, authenticity is what we’re looking for. To build genuine connections,you need to show up as a whole person. This includes the flaws, struggles, and everything else. Let your audience see your journey, not just your destination and remember we’re not just looking for perfection but for people who are relatable and can speak from their heart.
A consistent voice across platforms (social media, speaking events, articles) that reflects your real self builds trust. And trust is the bedrock of any strong community.
When I launched Mumble Forum, it wasn’t from a place of having all the answers. It was born from a need to connect with other women navigating the ups and downs of life and business. That vulnerability resonated and became the cornerstone of our community, and it’s still present today.
Serve before you sell
True personal branding is about service. Before asking for support or promoting your work, show up for your community. Share your knowledge, celebrate others’ successes, and offer genuine encouragement that can help people get to where they want to be. It’s this spirit of generosity that transforms a brand into a movement, and turns a group of people into a community.
At MHouse, we focus on helping entrepreneurs and executives tap into their unique voice to create impact but always through the lens of service first. That’s how networks become ecosystems, where everyone has something valuable to contribute and something to gain.
Leverage your story
Stories create connection, and they remind us that we’re not alone in our experiences. When you share stories about your challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned along the way, you invite others into your world. More importantly, you give them permission to share their stories too.
Whether it’s through public speaking, newsletters, or Instagram captions, storytelling is one of the most effective ways to deepen engagement and spark dialogue within your community. It’s also a tool for healing, both individually and collectively.
Inclusion not exclusion
A personal brand with true power is one that uplifts others. This means making space for diverse voices, sharing your platform, inviting collaboration, and building relationships as a result. Connection and community are strengthened when everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
In our work at Mumble Forum, we are intentional about representing different perspectives and creating environments where people from all backgrounds feel welcome. Inclusion is not a trend, it’s a necessity for building communities that are not only vibrant but sustainable.
Foster offline connections
Digital presence is important, but real magic often happens offline and when we get the chance to be together in real life. Use your personal brand to host gatherings, workshops, or informal meetups that bring your community together in person and see how much stronger those relationships are now you’ve been face to face.. These interactions deepen bonds and cultivate trust in ways that digital touchpoints simply can’t replicate.
These in person experiences also create memorable moments that reinforce your brand’s values and purpose, building loyalty and emotional connection.
Mental health matters
One of the most overlooked aspects of community building is its impact on mental health. In a time where loneliness and burnout are on the rise, creating spaces where people feel understood and supported is revolutionary.
Through Mumble Forum, I’ve seen how community can be a lifeline; not just professionally but emotionally. A personal brand that prioritises empathy, listening, and support can become a sanctuary for those who need it and even for those who don’t realise they do.
Build your brand for you, not just your career
Your personal brand is not just a tool for career advancement, instead it’s a vehicle for change. When built with intention and compassion, it can foster real connection, inspire collective action, and provide a sense of belonging in a disconnected world.
Start by showing up, speaking your truth, and inviting others in. Because the most powerful communities are born from personal brands that dare to be human and want to see us for what we are, rather than what we think we should be.
Dame Monique Hodgson is a women in business expert, founder of Mumble Forum, and lead consultant at MHouse. She advocates for the power of community in business and life, and regularly speaks on branding, connection, and female empowerment.
