Building a strong personal brand involves leveraging your expertise, clarity in communication, audience alignment, and storytelling.

Can you speak off the cuff (for 15 minutes on a topic you know well? If so, you’re already building a strong personal brand.

Here’s the truth: Building a brand isn’t rocket science. It’s about:

“What you know.”

What you’re known for.

How you share it with the world.

But here’s the catch: Even strong passion alone might not be enough to stand out. So, how can you move beyond that?

How to Go Beyond the Basics:

Clarity over Length: Don’t just talk for 15 minutes—be clear and impactful.

Think of Your Audience: Align your message with what they value, not just what you know.

Use Stories: People connect with stories. Personal insights make your brand unforgettable.

Leverage Generative AI: AI tools can help uncover blind spots, provide insights on your performance, and offer targeted recommendations to refine your strengths and address your weaknesses.

Start with this challenge:

Pick a topic you can talk about for 15 minutes without prep. Then, set a timer and begin speaking! Refine your message using feedback or AI tools to enhance its effectiveness and impact.

Finally, share what you’ve learned confidently with your audience—don’t hesitate.

Share your message with the world and make a lasting impact. Your personal brand should say, “No one else can do what I do.”

Step into the spotlight and own it.

Here’s why this exercise matters for building a brand.

When I published my first book, I realized the power of personal branding firsthand. I joined forces with a book event marketer, leveraging our individual strengths. His event-organization and exposure skills, along with my background as a broadcast journalist, helped us excel. I spoke at several events and conferences, which led to more live speaking and radio guest appearances. Beyond the mic, my passion for helping new authors was strong. I spoke without notes, fueled by my drive to help others market and sell books.

Back then (2006), we referred to those benefits as publicity; today, we call it earned media. Earned media is a long-term investment in your brand’s reach and reputation. It comes from speaking about your expertise and provides reach (exposure) that would cost six figures in advertising.

To make this challenge less academic, actually try it the next time you chat with a friend—take that step! A real friend will listen. 😉

#PersonalBranding #StandOut #CareerGrowth #GenerativeAI #Storytelling