Senior Director in Charge of the Department of Economic, Trade & Investment at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, Ambassador Akinremi Bolaji, has continued to give back to his educational roots. The diplomat is particularly leading fellow alumni of Iroko Community Grammar School, Ibadan, in the cause to rebuild its glory, through various developmental strides they are undertaking on the platform of the Iroko Community Grammar School Old Students Association (ICGSOSA).
While the body alongside its various other sets are ministering to the school’s infrastructural renewal, the latest effort is sustained mentoring, which comes in the form of a monthly lecture series that ICGSOSA holds in the school. At the last lecture held on July 31, 2025, Bolaji, who is the Global President of the old students association, addressed the learners, staff and alumni on the significance and dynamics of personal, He, alongside the Product Officer of the Alternate Bank, Anjolaoluwa Diamond Babatunde, spoke on ‘Crafting your Personal Brand: Leveraging Social Media for Professional Growth’.
In his presentation titled Personal Branding and Online Presence, Bolaji highlighted the factors that stimulate impactful professional online drive.
He said, “In today’s world, you are your brand. Whether you’re job-hunting, building a company, or creating content, the first impression is often online. Strong personal branding and digital presence empower you to shape that impression purposefully — and convert visibility into real-world success.
According to him, personal branding is the conscious and intentional effort to shape how others perceive one, by communicating one’s values, skills, experiences, and unique identity. It’s about managing reputation and positioning oneself as an authority or thought leader in your field.
The ICGSOSA Global President explained: “On the other hand, Online Presence refers to “how visible and impactful you are on digital platforms such as websites, social media, blogs, and search engines. It includes your profiles, content, interactions, and digital footprint that shape public perception of you or your business.”
He identified trust and credibility, differentiation, career advancement, business growth as well as influence and thought leadership as the significance of personal branding.
He further stated, “People trust people more than companies. A strong personal brand builds credibility, especially for entrepreneurs, professionals, and leaders. Also, in a crowded digital space, personal branding helps individuals and businesses stand out by showcasing what makes them unique.
“Employers and clients often research candidates or partners online. A visible, coherent personal brand can open doors to jobs, contracts, speaking engagements, and collaborations. Personal branding humanises a company. Founders with strong personal brands often attract investors, partners, and loyal customers. Of course, a clear brand and online presence allow individuals to shape narratives, influence discussions, and inspire communities.”
Bolaji’s thoughts on ‘How to Build an Effective Online Presence’
Define Your Brand Identity:Who are you? What do you stand for? What problems do you solve?
Choose the Right Platforms LinkedIn for professionals, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X for personal and brand storytelling, A personal website or blog for full control over content.
Create Valuable Content: Share insights, behind-the-scenes, experiences, and solutions. Be authentic and consistent.
Engage with Your Audience:Respond to comments and messages. Participate in discussions and online communities in your niche.
Monitor and Update Regularly: Keep your profiles current. Google yourself often to manage your digital footprint.
Challenges and How to Overcome Them:
For Startups and Individuals:
Limited Resources: Use free tools (Canva, Buffer, Google Sites) and start small.
Lack of Strategy: Take time to create a personal branding and content plan.
Inconsistency: Schedule content weekly and remain active on your chosen platforms.
For Established Businesses or Older Professionals:
Digital Transition: Invest in training or hire consultants to build or revamp online presence.
Reputation Management: Address negative feedback openly, focus on delivering consistent value.
Staying Relevant: Share new insights, trends, or industry perspectives to stay visible.
He then concuded: “In today’s hyper-connected world, personal branding and online presence are not optional — they’re essential for visibility, credibility, and growth. Whether you’re an individual or a business, being deliberate about how you’re perceived online allows you to influence your narrative, expand your reach, and achieve your goals.”
On her part, Babatunde anchored the need for an enlightened personal branding on guaranteeing competitive edge, visibility boost and credit building. She explained, “Personal brand differentiates you in competitive spaces, increases visibility, credibility, and prepares you for meaningful career opportunities.
“A unique brand identity offers advantages in competitive industries. It simply improves people’s perception about you. It gives you an increased recognition through consistent engagement, expanding network, broader opportunity, just as it illustrates how trust and authority develop when brand aligns authentically with values and expertise.”
