After more than two decades in the corporate world, stepping into the open talent space was a bold and exciting move. As someone passionate about marketing communications, this transition offered the perfect opportunity to leverage my experience and redefine my professional identity in a way that truly aligns with who I am today. But let’s be honest—this transition wasn’t without its hurdles.

The Challenges

1. Uncertainty:
Leaving the stability of a corporate job, complete with regular paychecks and benefits, for the unpredictable world of freelance was daunting. There were moments when the uncertainty of finding the next project felt overwhelming. Learning to ride these waves took some adjustment.

2. Building a Client Base:
In the beginning, I had to shift from being an employee with a defined role to someone who pitches, networks, and negotiates contracts. I had to become my own business development manager, which was a new and sometimes uncomfortable skill to master. However, I realised that it wasn’t a hustle mindset that opened doors for me, but rather my authenticity and commitment to working with businesses aligned with my values.

3. Self-Management:
Without the structure of a corporate environment, managing time and workload was entirely up to me. There were no set hours, no supervisors checking in—it was all about self-discipline and staying organised.

4. Adapting Skills:
Corporate life often means working within a specific framework, but open talent demands flexibility. I found myself expanding my skill set, learning new tools and techniques to meet the diverse needs of clients across various industries.

The Rewards

Despite the challenges, the rewards have been incredible.

1. Flexibility and Autonomy:
I now have the freedom to choose the projects and clients that excite me, shaping a work-life balance that aligns with my personal goals. This autonomy has been one of the most satisfying aspects of the transition.

2. Diverse Experiences:
Working with different clients and members of the open talent community has broadened my perspective and deepened my expertise. Each project brings unique challenges and opportunities, keeping the work fresh and stimulating.

3. Creative Fulfillment:
In the corporate world, creativity can sometimes be stifled by bureaucracy. As an open talent professional, I’ve found room to innovate and take risks, leading to more fulfilling and impactful work.

4. Personal Branding:
This journey allowed me to build a personal brand that reflects my values and expertise—independent of my previous corporate title and company.

Building My Personal Brand on Social Media - Authenticity Over Frequency

For years, my identity was tied to my corporate brand—my title, the company I represented, and the projects I led. But transitioning to an open talent role in marketing communications has taught me the importance of building a personal brand that reflects me—my expertise, my passions, and my values.

Unlike some, I don’t post on LinkedIn every other day. Instead, I focus on being authentic, sharing insights and stories that truly resonate with who I am and what I stand for. It’s not about quantity, but quality and genuine connection.

Here are a few tips I’ve learned about staying authentic on social media:

Define Your Narrative: Share your journey, your values, and what drives you. Be honest about your experiences— both the wins and the lessons learned.

Engage Meaningfully: It’s not just about posting; it’s about connecting. Comment on posts that resonate with you and join conversations that align with your values.

Be Consistent, Not Constant: Post when you have something meaningful to share. Authenticity shines when you speak from the heart, not just to meet a schedule.

Showcase Your Passion: Share content that aligns with your passions and expertise. Whether it’s a case study or a personal story, make sure it reflects who you are.

Building a personal brand is about being true to yourself and offering real value to your network. It’s a journey of self-discovery, and I’m excited to continue shaping mine authentically as an open talent.

Have you navigated a career pivot? How has it shaped your personal brand? I’d love to hear your experiences—let’s connect and share!