Personal Branding Examples: Set the bar, then raise it and then raise it higher
It’s digging deep. What makes you, you? What makes people remember you when you’re not in the room?
How to Become the Personal Branding Example Everyone Talks About
Your name should spark recognition.
Not confusion.
Not indifference.
Recognition.
This guide?
It’s your blueprint to get there — bold moves, no fluff, all impact.
1. KNOW THYSELF. (BUT FOR REAL.)
Self-assessment is not staring at your LinkedIn wondering what sounds impressive. It’s digging deep. What makes you, you? What makes people remember you when you’re not in the room?
ACTION STEPS:
- List Your Wins: Real ones. Not “team player” fluff. Led a project? Closed a deal? Built something? Write it down.
- Ask Around: Send out a blunt survey: “What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of me?” Brace yourself. Gold comes from honesty.
🚀 Example: Dorie Clark built her brand on the power of self-reflection and honest feedback. Check her out at dorieclark.com — no sugarcoating, just results.
2. STAND FOR SOMETHING. OR STAND AS BACKGROUND NOISE.
Core values and purpose aren’t corporate buzzwords — they’re your compass. No compass? Expect to wander aimlessly.
ACTION STEPS:
- Write Your Non-Negotiables: What would you never compromise on? Integrity? Creativity? Being on time? (Yes, punctuality counts.)
- Craft Your Purpose: One sentence. No jargon. “I help people unlock their potential” beats “synergizing optimal solutions for scalable growth.”
🔥 Example: Simon Sinek didn’t just say “Start With Why” — he built a global movement. Need direction? simonsinek.com. Period.
3. GOALS: WANT TO BE EVERYWHERE OR ACTUALLY GET SOMEWHERE?
“I just want to get my name out there.” Boring. Be specific. Be strategic. Want stage time? Media features? Bigger deals? Name it. Claim it.
ACTION STEPS:
- Short-Term: “Book three podcasts in 90 days.” That’s a goal. Not “build visibility.”
- Long-Term: “Land a TEDx talk within a year.” Shoot your shot. TEDx events? ted.com/tedx.
💥 Example: Grace Beverley didn’t stumble into success — she set goals, hit them, and repeated. Look up her brand Tala. Enough said.
4. SPEAK TO YOUR PEOPLE. NOT EVERYONE.
Your brand isn’t for “everyone.” When you speak to everyone, no one listens.
ACTION STEPS:
- Identify Your People: CEOs? Creatives? Startup founders? Get specific.
- Talk Where They Hang Out: LinkedIn, Slack groups, conferences — be there. Engage. Don’t just lurk.
⚡ Example: Gary Vee speaks to entrepreneurs — and they listen. No fancy tricks. Just relentless presence and honesty. garyvaynerchuk.com.
5. BE UNMISSABLE. OR BE FORGOTTEN.
Your Unique Value Proposition (UVP)? That’s your headline. Make it punch.
ACTION STEPS:
- Research Your Competition: What are they saying? Say something better.
- State Your UVP: “I help SaaS founders triple leads without paid ads.” Clear beats clever. Always.
🔥 Example: Marie Forleo’s promise: “Everything is figureoutable.” Memorable. Sticky. Yours should be too. marieforleo.com
6. ONLINE PRESENCE THAT HITS DIFFERENT.
First impressions? Milliseconds. Make yours count.
ACTION STEPS:
- Website: Not a digital resume. A digital handshake. Tools? Wix, WordPress. No excuses.
- Social Profiles: Consistent images, bios, and links. Mismatched photos? Rookie move.
- Content: Regular, valuable, and shareable. Use Hootsuite to stay on schedule.
💣 Example: Neil Patel’s site hits you with value in seconds. That’s the bar: neilpatel.com.
7. NETWORK LIKE YOU MEAN IT.
Connections aren’t optional — they’re currency.
ACTION STEPS:
- Get in the Room: Conferences? Book them. Even virtual ones.
- Engage (Don’t Lurk): Comment, message, follow up. “Love your post” isn’t enough. Add value.
🚀 Example: Richard Branson built empires on handshakes and relationships. Don’t underestimate who you meet next. virgin.com
8. STAY SHARP. STAY RELEVANT.
If you’re not evolving, you’re dissolving.
ACTION STEPS:
- Feedback Loop: Quarterly check-ins. Use Qualtrics.
- Keep Learning: Courses on Coursera. No learning? No growth.
🔥 Example: Mel Robbins didn’t stop with one viral video. She iterates. Evolves. Wins. melrobbins.com.
9. TRACK IT OR WING IT. YOUR CHOICE.
Hope isn’t a strategy. Data is.
ACTION STEPS:
- Set KPIs: Followers? Leads? Bookings? Measure them.
- Use Tools: Google Analytics, LinkedIn Insights.
💥 Example: Chris Do tracks everything. His growth? No accident. thefutur.com
FINAL WORD? OWN IT.
This isn’t for the half-committed. If you want a personal brand that turns heads, gets clicks, and opens doors — you’ve got to show up. Loud. Clear. Unforgettable.
Not tomorrow. Today.
Resources You’ll Actually Use:
- Brand Yourself: Online reputation done right.
- Ohh My Brand: Personal Branding Agency
- LinkedIn Learning: Courses that don’t suck.
- SpeakerHub: Land that speaking gig.
