Personal Branding for Introverts

by Goldie Chan

Goldie Chan, dubbed "one of the most authentic and creative voices in personal branding" (Dorie Clark, author of The Long Game), shows introverts how to leverage their unique strengths to get ahead

To build a career, you need a personal brand to showcase your distinct skills, experience, and expertise. Building that brand can feel daunting—particularly for introverts. Conventional wisdom holds that introverts should fake extroversion in order to succeed, advice that can be terrifying for anyone who finds social interaction exhausting. Personal branding expert and introvert Goldie Chan says it doesn’t have to be this way.

Chan empowers introverts to create memorable and recognizable personal brands without feeling the pressure to become someone else. With examples from everyday introverts to introvert celebrities like Taylor Swift and LeVar Burton, Chan shows how introversion can be a superpower when building a personal brand. She shares strategies for goal setting, navigating in-person networking events, building online and offline communities, partnering effectively with extroverts, and sustaining energy for the long run.

This book is essential reading for any introvert looking to level up a career or community without sacrificing authenticity.

Genres: Nonfiction, Business, Leadership, Personal Development, Psychology, Self Help, Management

216 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 28, 2025

About the author

https://www.goldiechan.com/book
About me:
I love books and spent most of my childhood in my local library (in the beautiful Bay Area, CA!) reading everything from graphic novels to fantasy to business to crafting and DIY. I'm thankful to be a published writer and I hope you'll support a first-time author by putting my book "Personal Branding for Introverts" on your shelf to read later!

Official bio:
Goldie Chan is a creative, keynote speaker, author and cancer survivor. She has nearly half a million followers and was named the "Oprah of LinkedIn" by Huffington Post and her creative video channel won LinkedIn Top Voice. Goldie also founded Warm Robots, an award-winning social media strategy and creative agency based in Los Angeles with global clients and previously was a Sr. Contributor at Forbes where her internationally-recognized column received nearly 10M views and she was named Journalist Of the Year in 2024. Her book, “Personal Branding for Introverts” through Basic Venture (Hachette Book Group) comes out in October 2025, writes for Archie Comics and has been featured as a fresh voice in The New York Times, CNN, Fast Company and more and is based in sunny Los Angeles.

Reviews

[Hades ( Disney's version ) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much Netgalley and Basic Books/ Basic Venture for an ARC of this book!! 


Honestly, we're going infinite stars with this one!! 


🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟♾️🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟


When you're sitting on Oprah's couch one day while she's asking what contributed to your success WITHOUT A DOUBT, Personally Branding For Introverts by Goldie Chan will be one of the first things you mention. 


Everyone Born after the 90's should read this book, no, NEEDS to read this book actually. All generations have introverts obviously but I think the introvert BOOM really started with us 90's babies. I personally think this is due to a mixture of a crazy society and people realizing their self worth and that they don't need to deal with sed crazy society if they simply don't have to. 


More and more we have people realizing they don't need to be part of a government 9-5 to be successful but they also don't know where to start a career of their own.. This book will literally be a GODSEND to those people.


In our current society you'll find grocery and retail stores just as busy on a Tuesday as a Saturday. At first you want to yell "does anybody work anymore" .. but then you realize that they do, it's just that more people are working on THEIR terms. 


We are definitely back in the times of grinding and hard work, it just looks a little different. Instead of grinding, working 4 jobs, to barely feed a family of 18, people are grinding towards achieving their dreams.


 A lot of us want to be apart of that grind but for whatever reason don't know where to start. My personal reasons being, depression, ADD, & having it instilled in me at a young age that I suck at everything. 


 I wasn't even a quarter done with this and I was texting all my cousins that they absolutely needed this book in their lives! And it started a discussion that is still currently in progress.(We share a lot of the same issues) 


This book just makes sense, as if she's speaking a language only introverts can understand. If I had this book 10 years ago my life would be completely different. 


Sometimes when you have a brain that thinks too much at once, it's very easy to over look things others may view as "common sense" .. one of the many things that makes this book amazing is everything in it is VERY achievable. You'll honestly probably spend a lot of time going " oh my gosh, why didnt I think of that".. This is help in such a digestible format it's insane!!


I've always been a believer that everything happens for a reason. If I wasn't lucky enough to already be friends with this Author on Goodreads, I probably would have never heard of this book. Which honestly is a little hard to imagine since I already plan on using it as a regular tool. I absolutely cannot wait to buy a hard copy of this book and introduce it to my pens and post-its!



Until next time,
Hades
🩵

[Christian Dennison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personal Branding for Introverts turns the idea of self-promotion upside down. Chan shows how being thoughtful, reflective, and intentional can actually make your brand more powerful. It’s not just a career book—it’s a mindset shift.

[Melinda Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Authentic, Insightful, and Game-Changing
Goldie Chan completely redefines personal branding. Her compassionate tone and actionable insights make you feel understood and empowered. I especially appreciated the sections on building communities and managing energy—it’s advice that finally feels sustainable.

[Dr. Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful, Encouraging, and Real
Goldie Chan’s writing feels like a conversation with a wise friend who’s been where you are. Her guidance is practical and deeply empathetic. I now see my introversion not as a limitation but as a powerful part of my personal brand.

[Kashif Nasir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring is the word that comes to my mind when I think of Goldie's book 'Personal Branding for Introverts'. Life has taught me that the right books and the right people enter your life when you need them the most.

As a deaf, introverted freelance writer who is very close to earning the top-rated badge, this book felt like a revelation. The biggest problem we freelancers face is constantly hunting for clients and work. And like Goldie said in her book, before she developed her brand, she was manually applying for jobs, and I guess that's where I am.

I just wish I had read this book five years ago. Because I completely neglected branding myself on social media and LinkedIn. I imagine how many clients and opportunities I missed because I wasn't aware of what Chan has shared in this book. It's a must-read for all introverts who have been immensely blessed with extraordinary talent yet are too shy to market their skills.

[Jennifer]

DNF @ 25%

This book is very well written. I only read Part 1, which goes over what a personal brand is, and why it's beneficial, and especially challenging for introverts as compared to extraverts. The author also talks a bit about herself, and her accomplishments, which shows that she knows what she's talking about (which is always nice. hah.) It's really geared towards introverts (or even just really shy people) who are entrepreneurs, or who run businesses and want to create a brand for themselves or their business, or to become recognized for their skills (example: "Oh you need a carpenter? You need to call THIS guy!"), etc.

But what it taught me personally is that, I realized I'm not merely an introvert - I'm asocial. I kind of already knew that, but this really confirmed it. When I got to Part 2 "Creating your personal brand", I realized I wasn't really connecting with the material at all, and was quickly losing interest, because I have no desire to make myself known to anyone. I used to run a business, and this book would have been SO helpful back then, but since I have retired.

So my DNF'ing this book is completely a personal choice. It truly is very well-written and seems like it would be a very helpful book for anyone who wants to create a personal brand for themselves, or their small business!

[Kevin Perino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smart Advice Without the Extrovert Pressure
I loved that Chan never suggests “pretending to be outgoing.” Instead, she shows how quiet people can shine by being themselves. Clear, modern, and refreshingly honest.

[Hussain AlMeraj · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me permission to show up as myself. Goldie Chan proves that you don’t need to fake extroversion to succeed—you just need the right tools. I finished it feeling confident, calm, and capable of building my brand my way.

[Mae B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read! A solid perspective on introverts and the best way to approach social media and branding.

[Sabrina Ackermann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leaving my last job was harder than I expected. The uncertainty of searching for something new left me feeling overwhelmed and invisible, like I did not know how to stand out without shouting louder than everyone else. Picking up Personal Branding for Introverts felt like a lifeline. Goldie’s words reminded me that I do not have to change who I am to be seen. I can build a brand that reflects my quiet strengths.

The book gave me simple, energizing tools that made me feel excited again. The 5 C’s framework showed me how to clarify my story and share it in ways that feel authentic. Suddenly, networking and visibility felt possible, even joyful.

Most importantly, Personal Branding for Introverts gave me back my confidence. It showed me that being introverted is not a limitation. It is a superpower. I am proud to embrace my identity as an introvert and use it to build a career path that feels aligned, authentic, and full of possibility.

I am happy to say: I am an introvert, and that is exactly what makes my brand powerful!

[Dianti Silviana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't wait to Ideal Day Dream and create my perfect day after reading this early copy of the book! Reading it felt like reading about myself—it was almost too real. It helped explain so much about why I think, act, or feel a certain way, especially in environments where being loud is seen as the default. There are so many takeaways, but as a fellow introvert, I know I’ll need time to process everything and figure out when I’m ready to start building my own personal brand.

What stood out to me, compared to other self-help or branding books, was how authentic it felt. Goldie Chan shares moments from her own experience, including interactions with both well-known and more personal figures, which gave the book a surprising level of honesty and depth.

If you’re someone who prefers listening over speaking, this book offers a quiet boost of confidence and practical ways to express yourself—without having to be someone you’re not. Honestly, I think Goldie may have just created the blueprint for introverts everywhere, and I’m grateful for that.

[Cortez Hammes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offers a methodical, serene technique that is ideal for introverts. It teaches you how to generate significant visibility through calm confidence and sincerity rather than imposing loud marketing. Each chapter was a breath of fresh air.

[Christina Garnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

There isn't a lack of personal branding books, but there is a Goldie Chan shaped hole in the market for this empathetic, introspective, and masterful look at personal branding from the perspective of an introvert.

It is thoughtfully written and vulnerable at times, showing that introverts can have personal brands without betraying themselves. Would recommend this to anyone who wants to be known but secretly wants to hide out in their room and listen to their favorite music.

A must-read from one of the most brilliant and kind people in the marketing space.

[Pratibha Malav · Rating 5 out of 5]

In “Personal Branding for Introverts”, Goldie Chan—hailed as ‘one of the most authentic and creative voices in personal branding’—offers a refreshing, empathetic, and highly practical guide for introverts who want to build strong personal brands without pretending to be extroverts. Drawing from her own experiences as an introvert and branding expert, Chan reframes the concept of visibility as something rooted in authenticity rather than performance.

Where many career books push introverts to ‘act more outgoing,’ Chan takes the opposite approach: she celebrates introversion as a superpower. Through insightful examples ranging from everyday professionals to high-profile introvert figures like Taylor Swift and LeVar Burton, she shows that influence and confidence don’t require loudness—they require clarity, consistency, and self-awareness.

Chan’s advice is actionable and encouraging, covering key areas like goal setting, networking without exhaustion, community building (both online and offline), and collaborating with extroverts in ways that feel natural. Her tone throughout is warm, reassuring, and deeply understanding of the introvert’s inner world. The strategies she offers—such as recharging routines, mindful self-promotion, and creating content that speaks rather than shouts—are grounded in real-world experience and psychological insight.

What truly makes this book shine is its message: you don’t have to change who you are to be seen and respected. Chan gives readers permission to embrace quiet influence—to show up as themselves and still make an impact.

“Personal Branding for Introverts” is an empowering, insightful, and refreshingly human guide to self-promotion and career growth. Goldie Chan turns the daunting process of personal branding into an exercise in authenticity and self-discovery.

[Stacey Roshan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I’d had this book back when I was (unintentionally) building my own brand. As a teacher at heart, I started sharing online simply to help others. When my platforms began to grow, the introvert in me hesitated to be too “loud," yet I couldn’t ignore the impact my voice was making. It wasn’t until I published my book that I realized I had been strategically building a brand all along, even without naming it as such. What I didn’t understand then was just how essential intentional branding was for me to make maximum impact.

In "Personal Branding for Introverts," Goldie beautifully explains why intentional branding matters—for your reputation, for trust, and for building your community—and shows how to do it in a way that honors your personality and taps into your introverted strengths. What makes her guidance especially powerful is that it's rooted in her own lived experiences. As an introvert who has built a large, engaged audience and frequently speaks at major events, Goldie offers practical strategies for maintaining your energy, connecting authentically, and using your natural strengths to stand out. Her advice isn't about pretending to be someone you're not or forcing yourself into an extroverted mold—it's about recognizing how you get energy and truly honoring that.

Goldie offers a refreshing perspective on personal branding that feels genuine, actionable, and deeply empathetic. Whether you’re just beginning to share your work or looking to refine your online presence, "Personal Branding for Introverts" is a thoughtful, practical guide to doing so in a way that's most authentic to you.

[Lauryn Ipsum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really recommend this for any introverts or anyone who’s just plain shy. If you’ve ever felt like you have to fake being extroverted to get anywhere, this book is a breath of fresh air. It’s about how to build a brand while actually staying true to yourself, and it treats introversion as a real strength instead of something to “fix.” Most people who know me wouldn’t think of me as shy, but the truth is I can get overwhelmed in large groups and new settings, and that’s exactly why this book resonated with me.

As someone who’s also struggled with self-esteem issues my whole life, I especially appreciated that Chan never tells you to be anyone but yourself. It’s refreshing, encouraging, and deeply validating. I know it’s what I need to hear.

[Jarvis Farina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for Anyone Who Dreads Networking
The tips on navigating events and building community were worth the price alone. This book helped me rethink how I show up—online and offline—without burning out.

[Colleen McKinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical, Inspiring, and Full of Heart
From goal-setting to partnering with extroverts, every chapter offers something useful. Goldie Chan turns personal branding into something authentic and doable for introverts.

[Hansel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally, a Branding Book That Gets Introverts
Goldie Chan breaks down personal branding in a way that feels empowering instead of overwhelming. As an introvert, I felt seen and understood on every page. Practical, gentle, and incredibly motivating.

[JessicaCasey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes a soothing, grounded, and long-lasting approach to branding. It made it clearer to me that introverts have certain talents like intense concentration and careful communication, which may strengthen a brand. Very perceptive.

[Linda Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book teaches you how to use introversion as a strength—not a setback. The examples and strategies are easy to follow and surprisingly encouraging. A must-read for career growth.

[Gabrielle Molina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goldie Chan beautifully put into words what it means to be an introvert and how to use it to your advantage. She used her own real experiences and even those of her friends to supplement the book which made it charming and relatable.

I love being an introvert, but I’d be lying if I said that I’ve never been insecure about it. People in my life have seen that trait in me and made me feel less because of it. As I’ve grown into adulthood, I’ve learned to appreciate it even more, and found it to be an asset of mine.

I’ve just recently started branding myself both on social media and on freelancing websites, and I’ve had a hard time with putting my true self out there. Having the chance to read this advanced reader copy gave me the push I needed to be more confident in myself and consistent in my branding.

[Angelina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personal Branding for Introverts is a refreshing and practical guide to increasing visibility without overwhelm and burnout. The clear and approachable style makes it an easy read! In addition to the practical frameworks that allow you to put the concepts into action immediately, I love how it reframes personal branding. It helps move it from a feeling of loud self-promotion, to a thoughtful, values-driven practice.

While there is much in the book to support introverts, Extraverts can benefit from the strategies that allow them to show up more intention - and in a sustainable way!

[Karley Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had never engaged with any of Chan’s content online, so I went in to this not knowing quite what to expect. What first drew me was the call to introverts, and since my family regularly refers to me being a “hermit”, I qualify. I’ve operated in many family run small businesses growing up, and have myself owned one as an adult. For years I struggled with my business identity, engagement, networking and branding. I wrote it off to not being able to hack it online as an introvert, I abhor sharing my personal life and struggle to maintain consistency.

This book.. has changed everything for me. Chan’s way of exploring what it means to be introverted, and how to navigate that in the business world as well as online is fantastic.

Her anecdotes were humorous, relatable and meaningfully applied throughout the book. I loved the small tasks given along with examples that led to starting a personal brand without even realizing it at first. It felt so much more attainable and satisfying. I especially liked the IDD exercise Chan created. It really opened my eyes in a productive way to how I want to see my career and life grow.

I began texting direct quotes from the book to my family of entrepreneurs and they were immediately interested in where this new wisdom originated.

I’ll be recommending this book to everyone I know, and gifting it to a few of my fellow introverts for Christmas - it’s that wonderful. And thanks to this book Goldie Chan has earned another follower looking for more inspiration and incredible advice.

[Barbara Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goldie Chan writes, "...personal branding is not about changing your essence--it's about embracing your true self and letting others see it too." In Personal Branding for Introverts, Chan leans into her experience as an introvert and branding expert to offer specific strategies to create a personal brand. The book opens with an explanation of the psychology of stress and the introvert's need for quiet space, which sets the foundation for why the suggested tools work effectively. In particular, Chan provides helpful tips for an introvert who is in a field that requires networking at events and conferences, as well as joining or building a community of like-minded people.

For a reader who is new to branding or has been reticent to try, Chan covers the basics of creating a brand such as choosing the colors, typefaces, logo, and keywords that best reflect the personality and business of the person. She also explains how these elements can work in an introvert's favor by showcasing the skills and features of the brand, and person, without having to constantly talk about it.

Chan teaches introverted readers how to manage their energy resources in a way that allows them to thrive. Introverts who have a passion yet feel paralyzed to build their brand will be well service by Chan's clear, straightforward advice from one introvert to another.

Thank you to Goldie Chan, Basic Venture/Hachette Book Group, Inc., and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy for review.

[Hafsa Shah · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a person who has always been hanging on a pendulum, swinging between the desire to go out there and seize the day, and the fear that comes just thinking about it, this book might have saved me.
It has beautifully covered different aspects of introversion, making it so easy to accept yourself for who you are rather than fitting yourself into some mould. Being myself from a medical profession, I love how she has explained the mental state of an introvert with scientific facts.
In such a futuristic era, it is crucial for every individual to present himself out there, and what better way could possibly there be, than to make it with a ‘brand’ of your own. If you are thinking what a brand is, and how could you make one, this book is your answer to that.
It will help you with actual examples from author’s personal life, and people like Dr. Marie, Taylor Swift (yes, you heard me right, she is an introvert like us) and so many others.
It also aligns with the current reading style of today’s trend, informative and practical, yet easy to understand.
As a person, who would rather read fiction, this book actually grasped my attention and I would for sure recommend it, not only to the introverts, but to the extroverts too, because who doesn’t need a brand!

[Brian Honigman · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an introvert and freelancer who often needs to show up and show out for others, I feel more empowered to show up as I truly am after reading Personal Branding for Introverts.

There's a tension between prompting yourself to attract career opportunities and protecting your peace as a more reserved person, Goldie helps put you at ease with her spot-on recommendations, frameworks, and relatable examples to reference.

The advice I need to act on and thought was super helpful was partnering with extroverts as you each have attributes the others can benefit from, leading to a win-win for everyone. I've already made a list of kind folks I partner with on some upcoming projects. 

If you're more reserved or don't consider yourself the loudest voice in the room, this is the read for you to design and expand your personal brand on your terms without compromising who you are. 

P.S. I'm definitely stealing the phrase "the Internet is for Introverts" as that hits home! By steal, I mean using it and providing credit to the oh so clever Goldie. :)

[Melissa Connors · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an introvert, it is hard for me to put myself out there. Personal Branding for Introverts hits on everything I feel and how I am wired. But the tips in Goldie Chan’s book are a game-changer, starting with making a mission statement and creating a brand for myself. There are also great tips on how to “recharge”. Scheduling downtime, learning to say no (which is something I have a problem with), and using “quiet focus” when you are in a social situation and need to decompress. Goldie also touches on social media for introverts. This gives you access to share your brand, without having to socialize in the traditional sense. You can use your time to create and share, all while having your own time. Teaming up with an extrovert for occasions where public speaking or social events are required can help your social battery from draining. In other words, this book has opened my eyes to a wealth of information that can help me create and share my brand to make my introvert self the best she can be.

[Phoebe Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book hoping for some guidance on how to get noticed without pretending to be someone I’m not. Honestly, it delivered exactly what I needed.

What I liked is that the author doesn’t push you to “act extroverted” or completely reinvent your personality. Instead, the book gives simple, realistic ways to build visibility, things that actually feel doable when you already have a full plate and prefer quieter spaces.

A few things that really stuck with me:

You don’t have to be loud to be seen; you just need to be intentional.

There are small, manageable steps to grow your presence at work without burning out.

It’s possible to aim for a promotion and still stay true to your introverted nature.

I closed this book feeling more confident about moving toward the next step in my career. If you’re an introvert trying to figure out how to grow professionally, I think you’ll really appreciate this one.

[Malaki · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a big introvert who also loves a good night out, *Personal Branding for Introverts* felt like it was written just for me. Goldie totally gets that you can be quiet and still crave connection, visibility, and impact. Her advice doesn’t push you to fake extroversion + it helps you build a brand that feels true to you, whether you're posting from your cozy corner or showing up at a networking event in your own low-key way.

I loved how she used real examples (Taylor Swift before her NEW ALBUM yes please) to show that introverts can shine without shouting. It’s like having a super chill mentor who’s rooting for you to be seen, but on your own terms. If you’re someone who recharges solo but still wants to make waves, this book is your new best friend. Going to recommend this for my next book club read

Thanks for the early read, ARC