Mumbai: Sackberry, a personal branding agency, helps founders, CXOs, professionals, and coaches elevate their online presence. Crafting compelling narratives that showcase each client's unique expertise, shapes the digital identities of industry leaders.

As trends like storytelling, LinkedIn marketing, and video content evolve, Sackberry remains at the forefront, ensuring clients stay authentic and impactful in a tech-driven world where personal branding is key to success.

Indiantelevision.com’s Suman Baidh caught up with Sackberry founder Sakshi Darpan to talk about the evolving landscape of personal branding, the role of digital platforms in shaping online identities and more…

On key trends that you have seen shaping the future of personal branding, particularly for Indian professionals

Looking ahead, some key trends shaping personal branding for Indian professionals include storytelling that adds value, showcasing your uniqueness, and staying consistent. Video content and LinkedIn influencer marketing are also big trends shaping the future of personal branding. Just keep being authentic and true to yourself– that’s what really makes an impact!

On the cruciality of personal branding for professionals in leadership roles today and the impact it has on their careers and businesses

For professionals in leadership, personal branding is huge! How you present yourself can really shape how people perceive you as a leader. Being transparent and sharing valuable insights really builds trust and authority. And leaders who share their experiences and wisdom often become the go-to voices in their fields. So, rather than pretending to be something you’re not, showcasing your genuine self can open doors to new opportunities and make a big impact on your career and business. This includes building partnerships, improving your company’s reputation, and creating career advancements.

On the most common challenges that professionals face when trying to build a personal brand, especially in a fast-paced market like India

One big challenge is staying consistent. People often think it’s all about the numbers, but it’s really about making genuine connections. Many find it hard to show their vulnerable side, they think that it would expose a bit too much to the world but being open and authentic helps you connect with others and build a stronger brand.

On common mistakes that individuals should avoid when crafting their personal brand

I would greatly suggest individuals avoid these mistakes: not posting regularly, missing their target audience, posting just to fill space, sticking too rigidly to one topic, and not sharing relatable stories. Being genuine and relevant is what makes a difference.

On individuals leverage personal branding on LinkedIn to generate leads and grow their business

To generate leads and grow your business on LinkedIn, first figure out who your target audience is and make sure you’re reaching out to them. Engage with thought leaders by commenting on their posts and share content that's not just about personal stories but also offers real value. Connecting with LinkedIn influencers can also help get your name out there and build your brand. These strategies can help you build a stronger presence and attract new opportunities.

On important is authenticity in personal branding and helping your clients maintain it while building their brand

Authenticity is what we call the crux of personal branding. Without it, it’s tough to make real connections or build a network. I guide my clients to be authentic by encouraging them to share their personal stories, including their ups and downs. It’s about mixing in real-world experiences, talking about successes and struggles, and being open about strengths and weaknesses. It’s like doing a personal SWOT analysis and using that to add real value to their brand.

On the personal branding industry evolving in the next 5-10 years, particularly with the rise of digital platforms  

In the business world, where everyone’s trying to stand out, personal branding is set to become even more important over the next 5 to 10 years. It will keep evolving with tech, especially with AI making things more personalized and the rise of video and evolving trends, it’s clear that the landscape will keep changing. But what remains static is Authenticity, consistency and transparency. These are must-haves in personal branding, no matter how many years come and go or how trends evolve.

On AI impacting the personal branding landscape and professionals prepare for it

As I mentioned earlier, AI is set to simplify how we predict, analyze, and personalize content. LinkedIn’s new video feature is already making waves, helping users boost their reach and engagement. This trend will be a big plus for professionals looking to build a strong brand. To stay relevant and visible, it’s important for everyone to adapt to these emerging trends and make the most of them.