In 2026, how you show up online is shaping conversations long before you ever walk into a room. Your digital presence has become a core part of your professional reputation -influencing whether people engage, enquire, or move forward.
I see this shift every day across the business community and it’s why I recently shared my perspective in The Courier-Mail and on Sky Business News: first impressions don’t happen in meetings anymore. They happen online.
If your online presence isn’t clear, consistent and aligned to the work you want to be known for, opportunities slip past quietly. And the solution isn’t simply posting more – it’s being intentional about the impression you create.
As we move into a new business year, this alignment matters more than ever. I’m fortunate to be speaking in the months ahead at events including for the African Professionals of Australia, the National Association for Law Placement (USA), Law Society SA, the Asia Pacific Career Development Conference (Malaysia), and ALIA National Conference.
And closer to home, our first Local Link Networking event for 2026 kicks off on 28 January in Brisbane, bringing together professionals who value community, clarity and genuine connection.
Look forward to seeing you at an event or online soon!
In 2026, your online presence is no longer optional. I recently wrote an op-ed article, published in The Courier-Mail, sharing a perspective I see playing out across Brisbane’s business community every day.
First impressions no longer happen across desks.
They happen online. Before a meeting is booked. Before a proposal is opened. Before a referral is made. People look you up, and decisions are made quickly.
If your digital presence is unclear, outdated or inconsistent, it does not get the benefit of the doubt. It quietly removes you from the conversation. Being good at what you do is no longer enough if your online presence does not reflect it.
That gap between expertise and visibility is where opportunities are lost. The answer is not “post more” or “be everywhere”.
It is about:
- Being clear on how you want to be perceived
- Making your expertise easy to understand quickly
- Ensuring your digital first impression supports the conversation you want to have Your online presence is now part of your reputation, whether you actively manage it or not.
As the business year kicks off, here is a simple question to ask yourself: “If someone Googled you or checked LinkedIn today, would they feel confident moving forward?”
You can also check out my recent commentary on Sky Business News
As we move into 2026, LinkedIn is no longer a nice to have. It’s where business decisions are already being made before you ever enter the room. Before a conversation starts. Before a meeting is booked. Before trust is extended.
You can check out the full post and video here.
Some upcoming events include:
- 28 January 2026 – For those in Brisbane, join us for Local Link Networking.
- February – African Professionals of Australia, Australia – “How to Utilise Strategic Storytelling on Social Media for Your Business”
- February – The National Association for Law Placement, USA – “LinkedIn for Legal Professionals”
- March – Law Society SA, Australia – “LinkedIn for Legal Professionals”
- April – Asia Pacific Career Development Conference, Malaysia – “Entrepreneurial Competencies for Career Practitioners”
- May – ALIA National 2026 Conference, Australia – “Workshop – LinkedIn Leverage: Building Professional Visibility for Library and Information Professionals”
How we can work together in 2026
If you’re looking to build connection and credibility in a way that feels genuine and sustainable, there are a few ways we can work together.
• Join a community of professionals through Local Link Connect For business owners and professionals who value thoughtful connection, shared learning and practical conversations beyond the noise. Local Link Connect is designed to help you stay visible, connected and supported throughout the year.
• Book me to speak or deliver a pre-conference workshop I work with organisations, associations and conference teams to deliver practical sessions on LinkedIn strategy, your digital first impression and professional presence that people can apply immediately.
• Support your HR, Sales or Leadership teams I partner with teams to strengthen employer brand, leadership visibility and commercial impact by aligning how your people show up online with your organisational goals.