Resources
Featured image for David Did It! – Personal Branding

David Did It! – Personal Branding

Personal Branding – Forget the Noise (David Did It!)

Starting the year off with a topic that’s a bit left-field for me: personal branding. Yes, it’s a little “me, me, me” (what do you expect from someone who named his blog and business after himself? 😂). But stick with me, because this one’s for anyone navigating legal, accountancy, or recruitment and wondering if being “yourself” online actually matters.

Why Personal Branding Matters (Even If You Cringe at the Idea)

  • Last week, I spoke with a Head of Litigation in London, someone we’d sent out to interview. I asked how they’d found me. Simple answer: LinkedIn. But what really caught my attention was what they remembered. Not the usual recruitment spiel, but the posts about my background, travels, and *shock horror* my own life.
  • It’s a reminder: people do business with people, not logos. In legal and accountancy, where everyone’s got similar qualifications, your story is what makes you memorable.

The Honest Bit: Putting Yourself Out There

  • I’m not a branding guru – far from it. I’m still figuring it out, and yes, sometimes it’s terrifying.
  • One of my team asked, “But what if people laugh at you?” My answer: “I know they do!” I’ve heard the gossip, the jokes, and even some homophobic remarks. Growing up gay in Ireland has given me a thicker skin than I realised.
  • Here’s the thing: I post what matters to me. If it’s not your cup of tea, scroll on. My friends, family, and colleagues know I laugh at myself more than anyone else ever could.

Blocking Out the Noise, And Why It’s Good for Business

  • The positive feedback from the website, blog, and LinkedIn massively outweighs the negativity. That’s what I focus on.
  • Every time someone reaches out because they “remembered” me from a post, it’s a reminder that authenticity pays off.
  • Think of it as a BS suppressant – I simply don’t have time for the noise.

What I See in Recruitment, Accountancy, and Legal

  • The candidates who get noticed? They’re active on LinkedIn, writing about their specialism, maybe even showing up on podcasts.
  • It’s not about being an “influencer” it’s about showing you know your stuff and letting your personality show through. Firms want to see the real person behind the CV.
  • For clients, a visible, authentic brand builds trust. People want to work with someone they feel they know, even if it’s just from a few posts and a dodgy holiday snap.

Practical Tips for Building Your Brand (Without the Ick)

  • Share stories, not just stats. Talk about challenges, lessons learned, and the odd win (or fail).
  • Be consistent and show up regularly, even if it’s just a quick update or sharing someone else’s insight.
  • Don’t overthink it. If you’re proud of something, or even just found it funny, post it.
  • Engage with others. Comment, like, and support your network – it’s not all about broadcasting.

Final Thoughts

  • Personal branding isn’t just for “creatives” or “extroverts”. In recruitment, accountancy, and legal, it’s how you stand out in a sea of sameness.
  • If you’re worried what people will say, trust me, they’ll say it anyway. Focus on the positives and the people you help.
  • So here’s your sign: do the thing that scares you, be unapologetically you, and build something brilliant for yourself.

Because if David did it, so can you.

#DavidDidIt #PersonalBranding #ForgetTheNoise #Recruitment #Accountancy #LegalCareers