Redefining the Platform: Presence, Visibility, and Voice

In the age of the influencer, “platform” can feel like a loaded word. It conjures images of the stereotypical selfie-stick-wielding vlogger — you know, the one who’s always chasing the algorithm and doesn’t even pause the self-promotion over holiday dinner.

While I’ve never used a special occasion to boost my engagement metrics, I did learn the value of building a platform earlier than many. Despite that, I’ll be the first to admit that I struggled to reconcile what a “platform” meant in a professional context for a long time. It can be all too easy to think, that’s not for me, or I don’t need that.

The good news: building a platform is not all about ego, self-promotion, or being the loudest person in the room. When done intentionally, building a platform is about choice; it’s a blank canvas where you get to showcase the story of your accomplishments, capabilities, and your growth. And the best part? You get to do it in your voice and at your volume — no selfie stick required.

So, what is your platform, really?

“Platform” can be a somewhat nebulous term. Some associate it with politics, while others picture giant social media accounts and personal brands. If we take it back to basics though, Merriam-Webster offers a definition that fits beautifully here: “a means or opportunity to communicate ideas or information to a group of people.”

At its core, your platform is the space where your work lives, breathes, and gets seen. It’s where your voice and your unique expertise are on full display — online, in a conference room, or in a casual hallway conversation. 

One of the biggest misconceptions? That having a platform means you must have an online presence with a large following. Introverts, rejoice — that couldn’t be further from the truth! 

Yes, an online presence with a large audience can be part of a platform, or just a natural result of building one that resonates. But the goal of building an intentional platform isn’t to go viral, feed an algorithm, or gather likes. It’s to show up where it matters, even in one-on-one conversations, and to make your value undeniably evident. 

But if it's that simple, why can it feel so uncomfortable?

I speak from experience here: I had to make an unexpected career pivot in 2020. At the time, I didn’t have a platform or a portfolio. To top it off, my sense of purpose was evolving in a big way. 

With so much shifting around me, it was hard to understand why building a platform was even important — after all, visibility is often confused with vanity. 

So, in case you need to hear this: it’s okay to take up space intentionally. 

And it’s okay if that feels really uncomfortable at first. 

Taking up space, getting visible, speaking more boldly — these are skills. And like any skill, they require time, practice, and persistence to develop. Many women (especially those who thrive in behind-the-scenes roles) are conditioned to support others’ platforms, rather than build their own, and reshaping the way you think about the topic is a process. But it’s one worth starting. 

And what’s the best place to start? With clarity, of course.

Before you go forth and share your platform from the mountaintops, take some time to define your version of visibility and how your platform supports it. Remember that visibility exists on a spectrum; you can keep things fully private, share them in a limited capacity, or put the pedal to the metal and share them publicly. 

What does this look like in practice? You might have an idea that starts out as a private journal entry. As it grows and develops, perhaps you share it in a Slack group, and eventually post it publicly on LinkedIn. All three spaces – the journal, Slack, and LinkedIn – are components of your platform, with varying degrees of visibility. 

The same is true for those on more “traditionally visible” career paths; think marketers, communications professionals, speakers, and executives. In this case, part of a private platform might mean facilitating an internal team learning session. Co-hosting a panel could be a great next step, leading up to speaking on a main stage or delivering a virtual keynote. 

Bottom line: your platform, your rules. Start with your strengths and build from there. 

Last, but certainly not least, let’s bring it home by tackling that all-important question: why?

And let’s start by confronting the elephant in the room: the professional landscape, and the job market, have changed. AI tools now make it easy for everyone to put their best foot forward with a sharp resume and a compelling cover letter. When everyone looks great on paper, how do you differentiate yourself? 

Yup — with your platform (and the portfolio pieces that live there). 

- It’s a vehicle for clarity, helping you build confidence in your message and your voice.

- It creates momentum: people begin to understand what you’re all about and what you bring to the table.

- It opens doors: opportunities may start to find you, and it becomes easier to advocate for others, too.

Regardless of your role, your industry, or your goals, your platform is a foundational piece of your professional journey. Start building it, and you may just find an unexpected source of momentum toward your next step. 

Want help building yours? Join us at BusinessWomensGroup.com.