The Power of Being Visible: How to Show Up Online and Offline

I don’t feel ready, but here goes…

That’s how I often feel publishing my writing despite a subscriber list full of friends (hello to those of you reading 👋🏻) 

Sharing my thoughts with the world still feels uncomfortable.

Even after a year or so of being visible online and after seeing all the real-life, in person benefits that come from sharing authentically, putting myself out there in new ways (such as sharing this website with you all) continues to challenge me.

Last year was my year of being visible. It worked. I did it. But it’s not always easy to keep at it. I have to learn how to do it again. And again.

I have to challenge myself to share my achievements and what I’m working on. Get comfortable with people knowing more about me.

I question what I’ve got to share, and can lose sight of why I’m here and who I’m writing for. It can lead to overthinking and a noisy inner critic asking “Exactly who do you think you are?” 

But – and it’s a big BUT – achieving clarity through writing and visibility (both online and offline) has transformed my career and connections in ways I never expected.

If you’re hesitating about putting yourself out there, this is a reminder of why visibility is worth the discomfort. 

Why Visibility Matters

When you consistently share insights about what you’re passionate about, people start thinking of you first when those topics come up. That’s led to speaking opportunities, board roles and collaborations I wouldn’t otherwise have had. And if you don’t share the brilliant things you’re working on, who will? Your perspective could be exactly what someone else needs to hear.

Here’s proof, if you want it:

My Top Ten Visibility Wins:

1. Generated leads for opportunities and introductions to meaningful collaborations
2. Grew self-awareness; sharing financial education generously is my superpower!
3. Built better relationships with colleagues that have endured
4. Increased my knowledge and network in social finance quickly 
5. Created new opportunities; I was offered Board Trustee and Non-Exec roles
6. Asked to guest on one of my most-listened-to podcasts (pinch me)
7. Booked to speak at events and join panels on my favourite subjects
8. Recommended as a good person to learn authentic visibility from
9. Built a community that I love and a much more engaged support network
10. Received multiple messages thanking me for sharing my experiences

Consider this inspiration to do the same. BE VISIBLE and share all the brilliant things you’re working on. Because if you don’t, who will? 

I could go on, but you get the idea. What are you waiting for? 

Your reflection: Which of these outcomes would be most valuable for your own career and personal growth? What’s currently holding you back from pursuing visibility?

Being Visible Online: How I Write

Writing online didn’t come easy for me.

Some of my old NatWest colleagues might remember my resistance to a LinkedIn challenge circa 2014. It took another six years after that to become a regular poster.

Overcoming a challenge forced me to get on with it. LinkedIn was essential for building a sales pipeline from zero for a new product in a new business after maternity leave.

I’ve become braver with a bit of practice.

If you’re thinking of writing more online – and lots of people tell me they are – these five tips may help:

1. Write About Something You’re Passionate About

Write about what you enjoy and what you’ve been talking or thinking about. I like to write about leadership, managing teams, wellbeing, learning, networking and what I’ve been up to (often a mix of all that!). If you do that, it’s not hard to sound like yourself.

2. Have Someone in Mind

Who will benefit from the knowledge you are sharing? This takes the pressure off sharing your thoughts with the WHOLE WORLD. Focus on one or two friends – friends that you chat about this kind of stuff with. That makes the shift from broadcasting to conversation.

3. Be Curious and Open-Minded

Curate your feed. Interact with your interests and the algorithm will work its magic showing you more of what you are interested in. If you’re inspired and surrounded by like-minded people, sharing your thoughts is easier – plus you’ll have plenty of role models for doing it well.

4. Have a Regular Time for Writing

I used to write and post on the train. It kept me accountable and entertained for the journey. As I did it more often, it became a key part of my weekly reflection and development. Now I no longer commute, I pick up the laptop when I’m home alone and the kids are in bed. It’s my alternative to watching a box set. Pick a time and place that’s consistent rather than perfect.

5. Be Generous and Kind

If you enjoyed reading someone’s writing, tell them what you liked – if not in the comments, by message. Everyone appreciates the feedback – pressing publish is a big step for many. Take this kindness to the comments using it as writing practice and that can build your confidence for publishing more frequently.

Your reflection: What topics are you naturally passionate about? Who in your network would benefit from your insights and experiences?

Being Visible Offline: Building Real Connections

But visibility isn’t just about online presence. Some of my most meaningful opportunities have come from showing up in person and building genuine relationships. An event just last week reminded me of these five things about networking, community and building relationships.

1. The Compound Effect of Showing Up

Networking and attending events alone can be daunting but it’s worth the investment – when you arrive at future events and you already know the majority of the attendees, your hard work has paid off. All you have to do then is enjoy it.

2. Be Selective and Choose Wisely

Go to events that you enjoy, with people you’d like to spend more time with. Sounds simple but it can be easy to be distracted by the next invite. Take a breath and figure out if the event fits the bill.

3. Bring a Friend

If you’re nervous about going alone, bring a friend who would be a good addition and who will enjoy it. I did that at a recent conference and it made a world of difference to how much I was looking forward to it and how at ease I felt.

4. Embrace Serendipity

Serendipity is finding something good when you’re not looking for it. I’m so grateful to the people I’ve met through work who’ve now made it to my personal WhatsApp – often through the most unlikely of introductions. Be open to this.

5. Find Your Flock

You’re not going to achieve this overnight but, remember, as humans, we’re social creatures! Finding your flock of like-minded people online and offline will make you happier and healthier.

Your reflection: What events or communities align with your interests and goals? How could you make networking feel more natural and enjoyable?

Questions for Your Own Visibility Journey

As you think about increasing your own visibility:

• What unique perspective or experience do you have that others could benefit from?
• How could you start small with either online writing or offline networking?
• Who could you write for and who could benefit from what you know?
• What would make showing up feel more natural and less forced?
• Who in your existing network could support your visibility efforts?
• What outcomes would make the discomfort of visibility worth it for you?

What I’d say to you now

What I’ve actually realised is that visibility is about connection, opportunities and recognition, not self-promotion and showing off (as you might fear).

The discomfort of visibility is real, but so are the rewards. Every time you post something helpful, attend an event, or share your expertise, you create opportunities for others to learn and for meaningful relationships to develop.

Visibility is definitely a practice, not a destination; each time still requires courage, but it does get easier, I promise. Start small, be consistent, and remember:

If you don’t share the brilliant things you are working on, who will?

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Much of what I share here comes from my experience of learning from Lauren Currie and UPFRONT‘s flagship learning experience, The Bond. Both have transformed how I think about writing and visibility – this article is how I’ve put brilliant guidance into action in a way that feels true to me.