Let’s Get One Thing Straight
I’ve been in this marketing game for 22 years. That’s right, kids, I started back when we were still using dial-up and GeoCities was the hottest thing since sliced bread. I’ve seen trends come and go, and let me tell you, personal branding is the trend that just won’t quit. But here’s the thing: most of you are doing it wrong.
I’m not gonna sugarcoat it. I’ve made mistakes, too. Remember when I tried to rebrand myself as ‘The SEO Whisperer’ back in 2010? Yeah, don’t ask. But I’ve learned a thing or two, and I’m here to set the record straight.
It’s Not About You
Look, I get it. You wanna be famous. You wanna be liked. You wanna be the big fish in the little pond. But personal branding isn’t about you. It’s about what you can do for other people. It’s about solving problems, sharing knowledge, and being a damn good human being.
I had lunch with a friend last Tuesday, let’s call him Marcus. He was complaining about how his personal brand wasn’t getting enough traction. I asked him, ‘What have you done for your audience lately?’ And he looked at me like I had two heads. ‘It’s not about them,’ he said. Which… yeah. Fair enough.
So, step one: stop being so self-absorbed. Start thinking about what your audience needs, not what you want.
Authenticity is Overrated
Okay, hear me out. I know everyone’s been screaming ‘be authentic’ for the past decade. But honestly? It’s getting old. You don’t have to share your life story to build a personal brand. In fact, sometimes it’s better if you don’t.
I remember this colleague named Dave who thought he had to share every little detail of his life to connect with his audience. He posted about his morning routine, his workout regimen, his breakfast smoothie recipes. It was too much. People don’t care about your avocado toast, Dave. They care about what you can teach them.
So, be real, but don’t overshare. Be professional, but don’t be a robot. Find that sweet spot, and you’re gold.
Consistency is Key (But Not in the Way You Think)
Consistency is important, but not in the way most people think. It’s not about posting every single day. It’s about being consistent in your messaging, your values, and your commitment to your audience.
I see alot of people who post 10 times a day for a week, then disappear for a month. That’s not consistency. That’s chaos. And it’s not helping your personal brand.
Find a rhythm that works for you. Maybe it’s three times a week. Maybe it’s once a month. Whatever it is, stick to it. Your audience will appreciate the reliability.
And Now, a Quick Rant About Newsletters
Look, I get it. Everyone’s starting a newsletter these days. ‘Join my community,’ they say. ‘Get exclusive content,’ they say. But honestly, most of these newsletters are just a waste of time. If you’re gonna start one, make sure you have something valuable to say. Don’t just regurgitate what everyone else is saying. Give your audience something they can’t get anywhere else.
And for the love of all that is holy, don’t use your newsletter as a way to sell, sell, sell. It’s annoying. It’s tacky. And it’s not gonna make you any friends.
Let’s Talk About Failure
Here’s the thing about personal branding: it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. You’re gonna fail. You’re gonna make mistakes. And that’s okay. In fact, it’s more than okay. It’s a good thing.
I remember back in 2015, I tried to launch a podcast. It was gonna be this big, revolutionary thing. But it flopped. Hard. I was embarrassed. I was frustrated. But you know what? It taught me a valuable lesson. It taught me that not every idea is a good idea. And that’s okay.
So, don’t be afraid to fail. Embrace it. Learn from it. And move on.
Oh, and One More Thing
If you’re gonna talk the talk, you better walk the walk. That means staying up-to-date on industry news. Like, for example, keeping tabs on the election news coverage latest. Because let’s face it, politics can impact your business, too. So, stay informed. Be aware. And for the love of all that is holy, don’t be that person who says, ‘I don’t do politics.’ Because politics affects all of us, whether we like it or not.
Anyway, that’s enough from me. I could talk about this stuff for hours, but I won’t. Because, you know, I respect your time. And mine.
About the Author: Hi, I’m Sarah. I’ve been in the marketing game for what feels like forever. I’ve seen it all, done it all, and have the battle scars to prove it. I’m passionate, opinionated, and not afraid to call out bad behavior. When I’m not writing, you can find me hiking with my dog, reading a good book, or complaining about the lack of good coffee shops in my neighborhood. Follow me on Twitter @SarahMarketing, but only if you can handle the sass.
