Brewing Your Brand: The November Edition

November sneaks up on me every year. One minute I’m sipping my first pumpkin spice latte of the season, and the next thing I know, the leaves are gone, my calendar is full, and I’m wondering how we got to Thanksgiving already.

Maybe that’s why this month feels like the perfect time to talk about authenticity, on and off LinkedIn. In a world that moves fast (and lately even faster), the most powerful thing we can do for our brand is to slow down, show up with integrity, and connect for real.

Goodbye Pods, Hello Authentic Engagement

You might’ve seen the news on LinkedIn: the platform promises they are cracking down on engagement pods.

When Gyanda Sachdeva, LinkedIn’s VP of Product, shared her latest update, I couldn’t help but cheer… and comment. (And even better, someone else at LinkedIn replied that they’re actively working on it!)

This is cause for celebration for those of us who believe in organic growth and authentic engagement. Pods might inflate your numbers, but they deflate trust.
And trust is the foundation and core of every personal brand.

For years, I’ve been saying it (along with others who love the platform): real connection beats shortcuts every time. So I am hopeful that the algorithm is finally going to focus on the people who’ve been doing it right all along: those who engage with others content because they want to, and whose posts are most assuredly not boosted by bot comments and fake reposts.

The Most Powerful Visibility Strategy? Gratitude.

As we head into Thanksgiving, I’ve been reflecting on the role gratitude plays in brand-building. Gratitude isn’t passive, it’s active visibility. It’s what happens when we take a moment to acknowledge the people who’ve supported us, mentored us, collaborated with us, or simply believed in us along the way.

If you want a visibility practice that feels good and works? Consider this your invitation to make gratitude part of your content strategy. Thank someone publicly in a post. Share a story about how they’ve impacted you. Comment on others’ content thoughtfully. Send a message that isn’t a pitch. Write a recommendation, or endorse someone for skills.

Your brand grows stronger every time you make someone else feel seen.

Calling Everyone In The Raleigh-Durham Area

Speaking of gratitude, I’m beyond thankful (and excited!) for what’s brewing next month.
On December 8, I’ll be in North Carolina for the inaugural Own Your Spotlight Summit, a full-day experience that blends taking action on your brand, networking with like minded entrepreneurs, and building community.

But this isn’t just an event. Own Your Spotlight is a mission and a movement, one that celebrates business owners ready to build visibility, credibility, and revenue by owning their voice and leading the conversation. This one day summit is for you if you’re done waiting to be discovered and are ready to be remembered. If this sounds like you, visit ownyourspotlightsummit.com/nc to learn more and buy your ticket.

My LinkedIn Tip Of The Month

Do you have a Featured section on your LinkedIn profile? During a recent corporate training, I was surprised to learn that many people present didn’t have one. The Featured section isn’t a default section on your profile, you have to add it. And if you haven’t you’re definitely missing out.

The Featured section is prime real estate on your profile, showing up just below your About section, and before your activity. That’s right, your About section will show up on your profile before your most recent post.

If you don’t have one, this is your nudge to add one. And if you do have one, give some thought as to what you want to put there. While it’s tempting to showcase your most viral post, I recommend skipping that and pinning something there that drives your audience to where you want them to go: A link to subscribe to your newsletter, a link to your website, an event that you’re hosting. Here is my little cheat sheet, depending upon whether you’re working in corporate, or you’re a business owner:

If you’re in a corporate role:
• An insightful post or article on a current industry-relevant topic that showcases your knowledge and expertise
• A press mention, podcast, or panel appearance
• Important company news

If you’re a business owner or consultant:
• Your signature offer or free resource
• Client success story or recommendations
• A link to your newsletter or website

Don’t forget to check it quarterly and make sure it still reflects what you want people to know most.

Closing Sip

This month, I’m raising my (coffee) mug to everyone building with integrity.
To those choosing long-term trust over short-term tricks.
To the voices that remind us that real engagement, just like good coffee, takes time to brew.

May your connections be genuine, your gratitude visible, and your DMs blissfully spam-free.

Until next time,
Melissa