Branding Hack: Stop Being Vanilla—Show Up Boldly as YOU!

Jun 5

Being vanilla isn’t doing your brand any favors. Blending in is safe, but it’s also forgettable. Your brand should reflect who you are, not just what you do. If your content feels bland or generic, it’s time to spice things up and show up boldly.

I get it. It’s tempting to play it safe and not stand out for the wrong reason especially on platforms like LinkedIn where professionalism often feels synonymous with being reserved.

Your clients aren’t looking for another cookie-cutter VA. They want someone with a voice, a personality, and a story. That’s what makes you memorable.

So how do you stop being vanilla and start being YOU? Here are some practical ways to infuse your unique energy into your brand without sacrificing professionalism.

1. Embrace Your Quirks: Let Your Personality Shine

One of the biggest mistakes I see VAs make is trying to sound “professional” by toning down their personality. But here’s the truth: Your quirks make you unique. Whether it’s your obsession with organizing spreadsheets, your passion for motivational quotes, or your love for a good coffee analogy, use it.

Think about the people you follow and why you love their content. Chances are, it’s not just their expertise that keeps you coming back it’s how they make you feel. They’re relatable, authentic, and they own who they are.

How to Make This Work:

Share a behind-the-scenes moment. Did your cat crash a Zoom call? Laugh about it.
Use your favorite sayings or phrases consistently. Whether it’s “You’ve got this!” or “Let’s make it happen!” make it yours.
Let your passion show. If you geek out about organizing client workflows, talk about it! Your enthusiasm will draw in like-minded clients.

2. Speak Like a Human: Drop the Corporate Jargon

When you’re crafting content, it’s easy to slip into “corporate mode.” But the most engaging brands don’t sound like instruction manuals they sound like real people. Clients want to feel like they’re getting to know YOU, not just your skillset.

Imagine you’re having coffee with a friend. How would you explain what you do and why it matters? Use that tone in your posts. You can be professional without being robotic.

How to Make This Work:

Start your posts with a question or statement that sounds like you.
Replace jargon with simple, clear language. Instead of “optimizing client efficiency,” say, “I help clients save time and stress.”
Tell stories. Instead of listing your skills, share how you’ve applied them to solve real problems.

Example: “I used to think LinkedIn posts had to sound polished and formal to be taken seriously. Spoiler: They don’t. Turns out, being myself sharing my real wins (and struggles) was what got me noticed.”

3. Show Your Expertise Without Flexing

There’s a fine line between showcasing your skills and sounding like you’re just out to impress. The trick? Be confident but relatable. Clients don’t want to be overwhelmed by buzzwords and lengthy skill lists. They want to know how you make their life easier.

Instead of saying, “I’m an expert in workflow optimization,” share a quick story about a client who was drowning in tasks and how you helped them get back on track. Focus on the outcome, not the process.

How to Make This Work:

Talk about your process in terms of results.
Use case studies or mini-stories to highlight your impact.
Share lessons learned, not just successes. Clients appreciate honesty.

Example: “The biggest shift in my VA business? Learning to say ‘no’ to tasks that didn’t move the needle. At first, I thought I had to say yes to everything to keep clients happy. But when I started focusing on what truly mattered, I saw real results and so did my clients.”

4. Be Consistent—Even When It Feels Quiet

One mistake I see often? Posting a few times, not seeing much engagement, and giving up. It’s easy to think, “No one’s paying attention.” But here’s the reality: Consistency builds credibility.

Just because people aren’t commenting doesn’t mean they’re not watching. Some of your best potential clients are lurkers they’re following your journey without saying a word. Show up regularly so that when they’re ready to invest, they know exactly who to reach out to.

How to Make This Work:

Set a simple posting schedule. Even once or twice a week is enough if you’re consistent.
Don’t overthink it, just show up and share. Real stories, client wins, lessons learned.
Celebrate small wins. Did you finally nail a client workflow? Talk about it.

Example: “I thought no one was noticing my posts, until a client messaged me saying they’d been following me for months. It was a reminder that consistency pays off. Show up, even when it feels like no one’s clapping.”

The Real Magic — Own Your Glow

Branding isn’t just about colors, fonts, or polished language. It’s about being recognizable and relatable. It’s about showing up as yourself and trusting that your vibe will attract the right people. When you stop worrying about being too much or not enough, you make space for clients who value you just as you are.

People don’t connect with perfection they connect with realness. Stop trying to fit into someone else’s idea of what a VA should be. Own your quirks, your skills, and your story. That’s your glow and it’s what makes your brand unforgettable.

If you’re ready to show up boldly and build a brand that’s all YOU, drop a comment below and tell me one way you’re planning to make your content more authentic. Let’s level up together.