You Don’t Need to Know It All

There’s an awkward moment we’ve all experienced. Someone mentions a major global event, a policy change, or a financial update, and suddenly everyone in the room seems to have something to say—except you. You smile, nod, and hope the spotlight shifts away before anyone notices you’re not quite up to date. And when they do, the usual comments follow: “Don’t you watch the news?” “How come your general knowledge is so weak?” It’s as though not knowing everything that’s going on in the world is some sort of failure.

But here’s a question worth reflecting on—why is it expected that everyone must be on top of every trending topic, political shift, economic update, or global issue? And more importantly, does not knowing everything really damage your personal brand?

We live in an age where information is thrown at us relentlessly. One scroll, one story, one podcast, and suddenly you're expected to form an opinion on 10 different issues. The pressure to “stay updated” is often more about perception than genuine awareness. But personal branding isn’t about being a walking news channel. It’s about being relevant, confident, and thoughtful. Knowing where to focus your attention is a strength—not a weakness.

People aren’t building successful brands because they know everything they’re doing it because they know the right things and know how to connect them to their work and audience. Your awareness needs to be purposeful, not performative.

The truth is, no one can stay updated with every sector of information. It’s simply not sustainable. What is sustainable—and strategic—is developing a clear filter. As a business owner or professional, staying updated on industry trends, client behavior, or changes that directly affect your growth is what matters most. If a current affair impacts your customers, your positioning, or your ability to serve—yes, it deserves your attention. But if not, you don’t owe anyone an explanation for not memorizing the headlines.

In fact, great personal branding isn’t about showing off what you know. It’s about how you respond when you don’t know something. A calm, “I haven’t read about that yet, what’s your view?” speaks volumes about your confidence, curiosity, and ability to hold space in a conversation without pretending. And that’s magnetic.

No one admires a know-it-all. But people deeply respect someone who’s present, intentional, and insightful. If you can draw connections between the world and your work, offer a fresh perspective, or even simplify something complex—your brand will stand out more than any encyclopaedia ever could.

So no, you don’t need to subscribe to every newsletter or debate over dinner tables just to prove you’re aware. Instead, you need to own your space with clarity. Curate your inputs wisely. Stay sharp in areas that influence your growth. Engage in conversations not to impress but to learn. That’s how a personal brand becomes powerful.

And if you’re a business owner, coach, or working professional trying to grow your presence and profits—here’s the good news. I’m onboarding just two high-end clientsthis month who are ready to 5x their revenue using personal branding. If you’re done just blending in, and ready to be seen as the go-to expert in your space, this is your cue.

You don’t need to know it all. But you do need to be known. As a Business Brand Strategist let me help you with developing your personal brand. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s connect and make your brand shine and profitable. You can reach out to me on:

Instagram: @suaveu6

LinkedIn: DivyaaAdvaani

YouTube:@ suaveu (Suave U – DivyaaAdvaani)

(The author is a personal branding expert. She has clients from 14+ countries. Views personal.)