How to Do Personal Branding for AI Founders
The AI space is noisy, with groundbreaking innovations emerging daily.
As someone deeply entrenched in the world of personal branding, I’ve lived this journey firsthand.
My name is Bhavik Sarkhedi, and I’ve spent over a decade helping individuals and brands carve out identities that resonate.
From founding Write Right, which grew from two to seventy-five employees before I exited, to crafting impactful stories for platforms like Forbes and The New York Times, personal branding has been at the heart of my career.
Building a brand isn’t just a professional endeavor for me; it’s a personal mission.
Through my ventures, including Dad of Ad and Ohh My Brand, I’ve worked with entrepreneurs, creators, and companies to shape narratives that go beyond the surface.
My journey is rooted in storytelling — as the author of ten books, including The Unproposed Guy, I’ve mastered the art of weaving complex ideas into relatable, engaging content.
When it comes to AI founders, the principles of branding remain the same: authenticity, clarity, and connection.
But I’ve also seen the nuances unique to tech leaders.
Whether it’s navigating the technical jargon or highlighting the human impact of AI, I’ve helped leaders transform their expertise into narratives that stick.
My own experience with scaling businesses and creating thought leadership content has shown me the immense potential of a well-curated personal brand.
Having been featured in outlets like Entrepreneur and HuffPost, and with years of experience writing SEO-driven content, I understand the power of visibility. It’s not just about being seen; it’s about being remembered.
And as an AI founder, your personal brand is your chance to be more than just a name behind an innovation — it’s your opportunity to inspire trust, foster collaboration, and lead the conversation in your industry.
When I first ventured into personal branding, I didn’t fully grasp its transformative power.
Over the years, I’ve seen personal branding evolve from a luxury to a necessity, especially in tech-driven spaces like AI.
As an AI founder, your expertise might lie in crafting algorithms or scaling machine learning models, but in a crowded market, your brand is what will set you apart.
Let me guide you through creating a personal brand that speaks volumes.
Understand Your “Why”
Before diving into strategies, ask yourself:
What is my core purpose?
AI founders often get caught up in the technicalities — what the product does, how it’s built — but a strong personal brand starts with the “why.” Are you passionate about solving real-world problems through AI?
Do you aim to make technology more accessible?
Your purpose will become the cornerstone of your narrative.
Define Your Unique Value Proposition (UVP)
The AI space is noisy, with groundbreaking innovations emerging daily. To stand out, you need a clear UVP. What is the one thing that makes your journey unique? Perhaps you’ve transitioned from academia to entrepreneurship or built AI solutions for underserved markets. Lean into these distinctions and craft messaging that showcases your individuality.
Leverage Thought Leadership
AI is complex, but your personal brand can make it relatable. Start by sharing insights on platforms like LinkedIn, Medium, and Twitter. Write about:
- Future Trends: How will generative AI reshape industries?
- Lessons Learned: What challenges have you faced as an AI founder?
- Technical Insights: Simplify complex topics for a broader audience.
By consistently contributing meaningful content, you position yourself as a thought leader — someone people turn to for wisdom in the field.
Build a Magnetic Online Presence
Your online presence is often the first impression potential partners, clients, or investors have of you. Here’s how to refine it:
LinkedIn Optimization:
- Craft a compelling headline (e.g., “Founder | Driving Ethical AI Solutions | Forbes Contributor”).
- Use the “About” section to narrate your story — why you founded your company, what drives you, and your vision for the future.
Personal Website:
- Create a site that showcases your expertise, speaking engagements, media features, and blogs. Make it visually appealing yet easy to navigate.
Social Media Strategy:
- Focus on platforms where your audience engages most. For AI, Twitter and LinkedIn often hold the spotlight.
- Share a mix of personal anecdotes, industry news, and company milestones.
Collaborate and Network
The tech industry thrives on collaboration. As an AI founder, align yourself with influential peers. Speak at conferences, join panels, or collaborate on joint projects. Networking doesn’t have to feel transactional; think of it as building meaningful connections that can amplify your brand.
Invest in PR and Media
While organic growth is vital, investing in PR can provide that initial boost. Pitch your story to industry publications, contribute guest articles, or secure interviews. Media coverage not only elevates your credibility but also creates a lasting digital footprint.
Stay Authentic
Authenticity is the backbone of any personal brand. Share your challenges and successes openly. Whether it’s a failed funding round or a breakthrough product launch, people resonate with real stories. AI founders often grapple with imposter syndrome, but your honesty will humanize your brand and foster trust.
Monitor and Evolve
Personal branding isn’t a one-and-done deal. Continuously assess your strategy:
- Are your posts driving engagement?
- Is your UVP still relevant?
- Are you reaching your target audience?
Use analytics tools to track progress and adjust your approach as needed. The AI industry evolves rapidly, and so should your personal brand.
