67% of Gen Z believes it’s important to have a strong personal brand — far higher than their millennial counterparts (51%) and US adults overall (40%). According to Morning Consult, this stems from Gen Z’s love for creator-driven apps as well as the harsh realities of the current business climate: mass layoffs and economic uncertainty persist. While Gen Z leads in personal branding, this skill is important across generations and industries. To celebrate the new year, we tapped iQ 360’s resident Gen Zers, Ian Tsang and Dori Nakayama, to share tips for improved personal branding in 2025.
Lock in with LinkedIn
LinkedIn is your digital handshake. Invest time in thoroughly building out your profile to convey your story, your relationship to your work, your skills and value proposition and your best mode of contact.
Use LinkedIn as a tool for opportunity; it can lead to new business and professional relationships. Identify topics and trends in your industry, and plan to share your insights in posts or collaborative articles. Be a thought leader and demonstrate expertise in your field. As a trusted voice on a platform with 65M decision makers, you will be better positioned to capitalize on opportunities as they arise.
Update Your Headshot
Does 2025 call for a refresh of your professional image? Customizing your presence with a high-resolution, current headshot should be a priority.
Search engine results often prioritize LinkedIn, displaying your headshot at the top of the results page. High-quality headshots can effectively communicate professionalism, attentiveness and seriousness. Low-quality, dated headshots may lead to lackluster first impressions, or confusion when real-life appearances don’t align. Styles vary, so consider what is standard and expected in your industry.
If hiring a professional photographer is not in the cards, using the portrait mode on your phone — in good light with a neutral, non-distracting background — should work well.
Invest in Your Future
Prioritizing professional development is also essential for advancing your career. This growth isn’t merely a checkbox on a performance review; it’s a lifestyle, so strive to learn all you can.
Explore workshops, webinars or online courses that spark your interests and align with your future goals. Skills certifications, which are often easily accessible, affordable and can be completed asynchronously, are a great option. (They also fortify your brand by providing evidence of your expertise in given job functions.)
If your company does not offer professional development programs or opportunities, take the initiative to seek out industry events or classes that enhance your skills. Remember, investing in yourself is the best investment you can make — and it pays off significantly for both you and your employer.
Attend Community Events
Are there conferences, mixers or community events you want to attend? Maintaining a physical presence — beyond your immediate network — is just as crucial as your digital footprint.
Attending in-person events allows you to meet new people, build relationships and give back to your community. Setting aside dates in advance ensures you stay engaged while balancing your professional and personal lives.
Foster In-Person Connections
Sure, we love our DMs and Zoom calls, but let’s not forget the power of face-to-face interaction to maintain your brand. Connecting in person — through coffee chats or quick desk visits — can significantly enhance your personal and professional networks. These interactions foster deeper relationships that digital communication often cannot replicate, leading to enhanced collaboration and creativity.
