Stop Comparing, Start Branding: Why Your Unique Voice Matters

March 19, 2025
Introverts, LinkedIn, Personal Branding, Social Media

We’ve all been there.

Scrolling through LinkedIn, watching someone in your industry absolutely crush it, and thinking:

“There’s no way I can get what they have.”
“I could never influence the way they do.”
“They have something special that I just don’t.”

Sound familiar? It sure does for me.

I used to compare myself to others ALL. THE. TIME. Every personal branding expert, every LinkedIn™ influencer, every thought leader—it felt like they had some secret sauce that I just wasn’t born with.

Their success felt unattainable, like they had a magic formula I’d never figure out. And honestly? It made me question if I should even bother trying.

But here is the one truth that snaps me out of it, every single time:

One person’s success does NOT mean your failure.

Your Beginning ≠ Their Middle

It’s easy to forget that we’re all at different points in our journey.

The people you admire? They didn’t wake up one day with thousands of followers, a thriving business, and a brand that people instantly recognize.

They started from scratch—just like I did, just like you did.

What we don’t see in those polished LinkedIn posts and highlight reels are the years of trial and error, the failed ideas, the content that got ignored, and the times they thought about giving up.

But the biggest mistake we make? Comparing our chapter one to someone else’s chapter twenty.

And that comparison? It’s the fastest way to talk yourself out of taking action.

Because when you think, “I’ll never get there,” what do you do?

You don’t put yourself out there. You don’t post that content. You don’t reach out to that potential client.

Not because you can’t—but because you’ve convinced yourself it’s pointless before you even try.

How to Shift Your Mindset from Comparison to Confidence

I won’t tell you to “just stop comparing” because it’s harder than you think—our brains love to measure, analyze, and (sometimes unfairly) judge.

But here’s what helped me break out of the comparison trap:

1. Reframe Success as Proof of Possibility

Instead of thinking, “Ugh, they’re so far ahead, I’ll never get there,” try this:

“If they did it, that means it’s possible. That means I can too.”

Success isn’t a limited resource. Someone else’s win doesn’t mean less opportunity for you. It means the opportunity exists.

2. Look at Their Timeline, Not Just Their Highlight Reel

That person you admire? Scroll back. Read their old posts. See how they started.

Chances are, they weren’t as polished, confident, or well-known as they are now.

Everyone starts as a beginner. The only difference between them and you? They kept going.

3. Audit Your Own Growth

Instead of only looking at how far they’ve come, take a second to recognize how far you’ve come.

A year ago, what did you not know how to do that you do now? What have you accomplished that your past self would be proud of?

Your journey is unfolding exactly as it should. Stay focused on your progress.

Your Brand, Your Rules

Friend, your messaging, your audience, your goals, your expertise—it’s all yours.

And that’s what makes your brand so valuable.

Let’s break down my business as an example.

There are plenty of personal branding experts and trainers out there. But what I bring to the table is different:

✅ I’m an introvert.
I know what it’s like to be a thoughtful professional trying to stand out in an overly salesy, noisy marketplace. I help other introverts do the same—without feeling like they have to shout to be heard.

✅ I turn personal branding into measurable steps.
Branding feels so subjective, and that drives me nuts. So I break it down into clear, objective strategies that actually make sense.

✅ I’m sarcastic.
It’s not the most polished way to communicate, but it’s what comes naturally to me—especially in writing. My style attracts people who get me and repels those who don’t. And guess what?

I’m okay with that.

You Should Be Okay With That Too

This is the one truth I want you to take away from this post:

You don’t have to be like anyone else to be successful.

Your brand will resonate with some people and not with others—and that’s a good thing.

Because if you try to appeal to everyone, you’ll end up appealing to no one.

Think about your favorite brands, authors, speakers, or influencers. Do they try to please everyone? Nope. They lean into what makes them them, and that’s exactly why their audience connects with them.

So instead of worrying about the people who don’t connect with your message…

Focus on the ones who do.

They’re your people. They’re the ones who will support, engage, and ultimately help you grow.