How Personal Branding Creates Lasting Connections

Why Your Brand Colors—and Effort—Matter More Than You Think

Building a Signature Brand That Sticks

Recently, I had an experience that reminded me just how much influence our personal and professional brands can truly have, even when we don’t always see the results right away. I walked into a networking event for a local women’s group and what happened next caught me completely off guard, and in the best possible way.

A woman, whom I’d only met once before, approached me with a level of excitement that was both flattering and surprising. She told me she had to show me these sunglasses she owned. “I assume you already have them because they’re in your brand color, but every time I wear them, I think of you,” she told me. Imagine my delight to learn that someone, after a single encounter, so strongly associated a particular shade of teal (my brand’s signature color) with me that she thought of me every time she put on her sunglasses!

It was a beautiful reminder of the strength of a clear, cohesive brand and how those intentional choices (like a signature color) can create a resonance far beyond what we realize.

The Unexpected Joy of Being Remembered

What made this moment even more special was the backstory. We’d first met at a conference, and the reason we struck up conversation? We were both wearing the same teal blazer. That shared choice instantly connected us, but I never realized it would leave such an impression.

When she showed me the sunglasses on her phone, I made a mental note to look them up later. Needless to say, after doing some research, I bought them for myself. Now I get to enjoy not only an accessory that makes me happy, but I also have a tangible reminder of this connection. The beautiful twist is that now, every time I wear those sunglasses, I also think of her.

This whole experience filled me with gratitude and joy. It also reinforced how meaningful it can be to let someone know when they’ve made an impact on you, however small it might seem.

Never Underestimate Your Impact

Reflecting on this, I realized that we almost never know the full extent of our influence, especially as business owners and leaders. It’s easy to fall into the trap of chasing metrics: impressions, likes, comments. But not every impact is visible, and not everyone takes the time to tell you that your work is resonating with them.

That woman could have simply smiled at me and kept her thoughts to herself. Instead, she stepped up and told me how my brand made her think of me, even if it felt a little odd to her at first. And that vulnerability created a new level of connection between us.

As I think about my own journey, I realize how much I appreciate it when someone reaches out and acknowledges something meaningful I’ve done, even if it seems insignificant. This affirmation reminds me that my brand isn’t just a color palette, or a logo, or a collection of marketing posts. It’s something that can genuinely touch people - even those you might only meet once.

Encouragement for Fellow Business Owners

So, if you’re a business owner or a leader feeling frustrated by a lack of visible engagement or interaction, I want to say this: don’t let a seeming lack of results stop you from showing up.

You may not see huge numbers of impressions. You may not get as many comments as you hoped. But people are noticing you and your work more than you realize. They’re absorbing your message, connecting with your stories, and often, associating you with something as specific as a color or an idea.

Remember, your work is making an impact, whether or not it’s always acknowledged. As my own story shows, your authentic choices and presence may just be leaving a signature mark in ways you’d never expect.

The Ripple Effect of Real Connection

The next time something or someone makes a positive impression on you, don’t hesitate to tell them. These moments of connection and acknowledgement fuel authenticity and build real relationships.

If you’re feeling unseen in your marketing, know that the ripples you’re sending out have a further reach than you can imagine. Stick with your authentic self and signature brand - someone, somewhere, is being inspired more than you know.

And if you need some guidance and encouragement on your marketing journey so you can start feeling clear and confident, and stop feeling frustrated and overwhelmed - let’s chat about it.