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What Simon Sinek and Others Got Right About Personal Brand Purpose

Posted on by Bhavik Sarkhedi

Introduction to Personal Branding

Once in a while there comes a group of people who redefine the industry or niche they work in. You can absolutely find such people in every industry or sector. To give you the quickest answer, Simon Sinek and others are just those people in the world of personal branding. Observing the importance of personal branding as the main pillar, Simon Sinek, a renowned thought leader, popularized the concept of “Start With Why.” This concept emphasizes the purpose that drives connection and influence. His framework, alongside insights from other experts, has reshaped how individuals craft their personal brands. A personal brand taking birth and having strong links to the purpose is authentic, memorable, and impactful, resonating with audiences on a deeper level. This blog explores what Sinek and others got right about personal brand purpose, diving into its importance, practical applications, and strategies to align your brand with your core values. By understanding and implementing these principles, you can create a personal brand that stands out in a crowded digital landscape.

The reason we crafted this blog is because we have personally created a personal branding e-book called “Become Someone From No One.” Both are the brainchild of Bhavik Sarkhedi and Sahil Gandhi. Both are renowned in the field of branding and helping brands become better and achieve their targets. They own one of the top Webflow agency, Blushush, and a personal branding firm, Ohh My Brand. Today, with the help of this blog, we are going to decipher how Simon Sinek, along with a couple of other personal branding experts, has unlocked the true power of personal brand purpose and success.

Hop on the ride starts here.

The Power of “Why” in Personal Branding

Simon Sinek’s “Golden Circle” model, starting with why, then how, and finally what, has become a blueprint for building purpose-driven brands. The “why” represents your core purpose, the reason you exist beyond making money or achieving status. For personal branding, this translates to identifying what drives you, what you stand for, and what unique value you bring to the world. Sinek argues that people connect with the “why” because it taps into emotions, fostering trust and loyalty. When your personal brand communicates a clear purpose, it differentiates you from others who focus solely on their skills or achievements. For instance, a graphic designer emphasizing creating art to inspire social change will likely run parallel more than the one who only showcases technical expertise. Purpose makes your brand relatable and human. Always remember that.

Authenticity as the Foundation

You are you, and that is your superpower. Nobody can be you, and that’s their weakness. Stop taking uniqueness and authenticity for corporate jargon.This is the difference that Sinek and others like Brené Brown emphasize in its critical role. Brown’s work on vulnerability highlights that authentic brands are built on honesty and self-awareness. The importance of personal brand purpose must reflect your true values, not a manufactured persona designed to impress.

People can sense inauthenticity, and it erodes trust. If you are copying someone, then you are already not yourself, which itself is a drastic mistake. To be authentic, you need to introspect and define what matters most to you.

Are you driven by innovation, community, or justice?

Once identified, your purpose should permeate every aspect of your brand: your social media posts, professional interactions, and even the way you handle setbacks. Authenticity isn’t about perfection; it’s about consistency between your actions and your stated purpose.

The Role of Storytelling

This is where things start getting serious. A good story is something everyone wants to hear. A good narrative, if used with a good personal branding framework, can make all the difference to your tale. Storytelling is an art as well as a skill. If you crack this in personal branding, you automatically put yourself way ahead of others. Guess what Simon Sinek did? Exactly the same.

Sinek often stresses that storytelling is how we communicate purpose. A compelling personal brand tells a story that connects your “why” to your audience’s values. Other thought leaders, like Donald Miller, author of Building a StoryBrand, reinforce this by suggesting that your brand should position you as a guide, not the hero, in your audience’s journey. Share stories that illustrate your purpose in action, whether it’s a career pivot driven by a desire to make a difference or a small act of kindness that reflects your values. For instance, a consultant might share how they helped a struggling business thrive, tying it to their purpose of empowering others. Effective storytelling humanizes your brand, making it relatable and memorable.

Emotional Connection and Trust

A purpose-driven personal brand leads to breeding emotional connections in your customers and clients and being honest with your whole target audience, which are vital for building trust. Sinek’s stress on inspiring rather than manipulating aligns with psychological research showing that people are drawn to brands that evoke positive emotions. When your personal brand reflects a purpose that runs parallel with your audience’s values, it creates a sense of shared mission. So the audience thinks that the brand itself is a mindset that they share a common sentiment with.

To give you an example, an entrepreneur whose purpose is sustainability will attract environmentally conscious followers who trust their commitment. Experts like Seth Godin, who champions building “tribes,” argue that purpose unites people around a common cause. Your brand becomes a beacon for those who share your vision, creating a loyal community that amplifies your impact.

Consistency Across Platforms

This is something we have already discussed a thousand times now, but somehow this comes up again. The best part is, I’m willing to talk about it for as long as it takes for you to understand that you need to be consistent with your actions. A strong personal brand requires consistency, a point Sinek and others like Gary Vaynerchuk emphasize.

Your purpose should be evident across all platforms: LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, personal websites, or even in-person interactions. Inconsistent messaging dilutes your brand’s impact and confuses your audience. Vaynerchuk, a marketing guru, stresses that every piece of content you share should reinforce your core purpose. If your purpose is to inspire creativity, your Instagram posts, blog articles, and keynote speeches should all reflect that theme. Learn and focus on building your personal brand using book frameworks. Consistency doesn’t mean repetition; it means aligning diverse content with a unified message. This builds recognition and trust, making your brand instantly identifiable.

Purpose as a Differentiator

This is where you understand the key difference that you must draw to bring in the attention. You as a pursuer of personal branding have to use your purpose as a differentiator. The market has become so clamorous and so crowded with brands, clients, customers, and all these marketing gimmicks that it has become impossible to spot the right intentions and emotions in the market. This is why you need purpose because purpose sets you apart. Sinek’s teachings highlight that while many people can offer similar skills or services, your “why” is unique. Other experts, like Dorie Clark, author of Stand Out, argue that a clear purpose helps you carve a niche.

For instance, if there are two financial advisors with similar qualifications, the one who focuses on empowering women to achieve financial independence stands out. Your purpose becomes your unique selling proposition, attracting opportunities and audiences that align with your values. This differentiation is especially crucial in saturated industries where technical skills alone aren’t enough to shine. This is just one simple example for you to learn.

Practical Steps to Define Your Purpose

Okay now, we went through how Simon Sinek and others have made it big and right using the correct way of Simon Sinek personal brand purpose. Here are some of the key practical steps that will help you define your purpose.

  • Align purpose with action
  • Build a community around your purpose.
  • Face challenges and overcome obstacles
  • Keeping track of the impact and progress of your purpose
  • Lastly, evolve your purpose from time to time.

All these pointers are so simple and are also some of the best personal branding insights from thought leaders that I don’t think there is any particular need for me to explain them thoroughly to you.

Conclusion: Crafting Your Purpose-Driven Brand

And here we are. In conclusion, I would like to mention that Simon Sinek and other thought leaders have smartly shown us that a personal brand rooted in purpose is more than a marketing tool; it’s a way to create meaningful connections and lasting impact. By starting with your “why,” embracing authenticity, and aligning your actions with your values, you can build a brand that stands out and inspires. You can always read the books by these branding experts, and while challenges like consistency and evolution arise, the rewards trust, loyalty, and influence are worth the effort. Having said that, we would again like to mention that you can download the Personal Branding Gold Mine eBook called “Become Someone From No One.” This will be your guide in building a purpose-driven brand. This book is crafted by Sahil Gandhi aka “Brand Professor” and Bhavik Sarkhedi who have a long and rich experience of helping brands achieve their targets and branding goals.

Take time to define your purpose, share it through compelling stories, and engage your community. In doing so, you’ll create a personal brand so that next time someone asks you why purpose matters in personal branding your operations will answer the question and it will also reflect who you along with leaving a positive mark on the world. 

The Top Personal Branding Frameworks from Bestselling Books

Posted on by Bhavik Sarkhedi

Introduction: Why Frameworks Matter in Personal Branding

A framework is not a new thing that people should actually be talking about. Everything we do, especially in branding comes with a framework itself. In a world where your online presence can be searched before you even enter the room. Everything about you is out there and people will sooner or later draw a perspective of you. This means the best way to handle this is to make sure you work on your personal branding and make sure people only know the things you want them to know and build a personal brand strategy for yourself.

It doesn’t matter who you are. A founder, a freelancer, or a professional aiming for the next big role, the way you tell your story determines whether you end up getting lost in the clamour or stand out as an example for people to learn and look up to. There is a lot that can be done by choosing the right framework for your book. If I confide this little truth with you: branding yourself is not about “being everywhere” or posting endless selfies. All of this starts with three simple yet crucial words that are not just words but keys to your proven success. The words are clarity, consistency, and connection.

We aim at making people learn about these frameworks and lucky for you, you don’t have to invent your own from scratch. Some of the world’s best thinkers in branding, leadership, and marketing have distilled decades of expertise into actionable systems that anyone can apply. Why did we do this?  We have created a new personal branding ebook coauthored by Bhavik Sarkhedi and Sahil Gandhi, who is also known as the “Brand Professor”. They both co-own webflow agency Blushush and the personal branding firm Ohh My Brand. In this blog ahead, we will explore eight of the most powerful personal branding frameworks from best personal branding books, supported by real-world data and examples that prove they work.

Start With Why: Simon Sinek

Simon Sinek’s Start With Why remains one of the most cited ideas in the branding world, and for good reason. His “Golden Circle” model flips the traditional communication order. Instead of beginning with what you do, Sinek urges you to start with why you do it, your purpose, cause, or belief, then explain how you deliver on it, and only then talk about what you actually provide.

The impact of leading with purpose is measurable: According to LinkedIn Business Solutions employees who connect with an organization’s purpose are 57% more effective and 85% more engaged. The same logic applies to individuals. A personal brand grounded in a clear “why” attracts not only opportunities but also the right audience that shares your values.

In a nutshell, whatever you do, let’s extend this to your personal life as well. Whatever you do, make sure you are certain with your “why”. Only then, you’ll be able to have better clarity and all your operations and updates will move in the right direction.

Building a StoryBrand: Donald Miller

Donald Miller’s Building a StoryBrand applies the principles of storytelling to branding. In his seven-part framework, your audience is the hero, and you are the guide who helps them solve a problem, provides a plan, and leads them to success while helping them avoid failure. In this framework the audience as in the reader of the book is designated as the hero of the narrative and then everything becomes more personal and more interesting to solve a problem.

Because of this there comes a sure shift in the reader’s perspective from self-promotion to problem-solving. This creates relevance and emotional connection. Miller’s emphasis on story is backed by research: content presented in narrative form is 22 times more memorable than standalone facts. For personal branding, this means the story you tell about yourself must be structured around the change and targets you help others achieve.

Known: Mark Schaefer

Mark Schaefer’s Known offers a highly practical, four-step process for building digital-age authority: identify your niche, find the platforms where your audience spends time, create consistent content, and develop an actionable audience that engages with you. Schaefer’s method is disciplined and long-term, focusing on building trust over fleeting attention. Consistency is the unglamorous but critical ingredient here; Lucidpress shows that maintaining a consistent brand across platforms can increase revenue by up to 23%. For personal brands, consistency in tone, visuals, and messaging reinforces credibility. Always remember this.

Reinventing You & Stand Out: Dorie Clark

This is number fourth on our book framework list. When it comes to career reinvention, Dorie Clark’s Reinventing You and Stand Out are essential reading. Clark advocates for auditing your current reputation, identifying your strengths, and repositioning yourself for new opportunities. She then pushes you to develop a signature idea that sets you apart as a thought leader and to build a network that amplifies your message.

This is especially valuable for professionals pivoting into new industries or roles. The urgency of this work is clear when you consider that 94% of recruiters use LinkedIn to vet candidates before any formal conversation takes place. Without a deliberate strategy, your personal brand is being judged anyway better to control that narrative yourself. This shows how you need to present yourself in an active and alive manner. Playing and founding yourself on your current reputation and repositioning yourself to make sure you are visible, heard and considered around new opportunities.

The Aaker Model  David Aaker

On number five on this list we have David Aaker’s Brand Identity Model, while originally designed for corporate branding, adapts remarkably well to individuals. Aaker breaks brand identity into four dimensions: product scope (your skills or services), organizational attributes (your values and culture), personality (your behavioral and communication style), and symbol (your visual identity and signature elements). This means that although the book framework is for corporate branding, if you can use it in the right way, you use it for personal branding as well.

By dissecting your brand into these facets, you can ensure it is multidimensional and coherent rather than fragmented. The importance of this structure is underscored by data from Demand Metric, which found that brands with consistent identity elements visual and verbal are 3.5 times more likely to achieve strong visibility.

Fascinate: Sally Hogshead

Alright now, with this book framework we enter into a different ballgame. Sally Hogshead’s Fascinate and its companion tool, The Fascination Advantage, focus on differentiation through innate strengths. Based on research by Kelton Global with over 100,000 participants, her system identifies seven “advantages”: Power, Passion, Mystique, Prestige, Alert, Innovation, and Trust and helps you uncover your top two.

The premise is simple: instead of trying to be better than others, lean into being different in the way that comes most naturally to you. You must learn to build your personal brand using book frameworks. For personal branding, this creates an authentic competitive edge that can’t be replicated by simply copying others. Yes, you need to be authentic and for that the first step is stop imitating others and bringing up an original idea.

Dare to Lead (BRAVING Model)  Brené Brown

The second last on our list of the top personal branding frameworks for bestselling books we have Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead brings the BRAVING model into the branding conversation. BRAVING is an acronym for Boundaries, Reliability, Accountability, Vault (confidentiality), Integrity, Non-judgment, and Generosity, even behaviors that build trust.

Trust is the currency of both leadership and branding tips from books; without it, even the best messaging will fall flat. Edelman’s 2021 Trust Barometer found that 81% of consumers say brand trust is a deciding factor in their buying decisions, and while this study focuses on corporate brands, the implications for personal brands are identical.

The Brand You 50: Tom Peters

Finally we have reached the bottom of this insightful list. The last name of the top personal branding framework is of course Tom Peters’ The Brand You 50. This delivers fifty rapid-fire, actionable steps to become “distinct or extinct.” From documenting measurable results to curating your online footprint, Peters’ approach is unapologetically execution-oriented. His advice aligns with findings from CareerBuilder that professionals who actively manage their personal brand are three times more likely to land higher-paying roles.

So, with this book you get 50 no bullshit but actionable measures that you can simply adapt to without having to think twice. But of course, make sure your intentions are well aligned with it.

Lasting Thoughts

The combined evidence makes it clear: personal branding frameworks are not just motivational theory but they’re practical roadmaps supported by measurable impact. Edelman’s Trust Barometer reports that 65% of people trust experts more than governments or organizations, meaning your perceived expertise directly shapes your influence. Applying these frameworks effectively starts with selectivity. You do not need to master all eight at once, in fact, that’s a recipe for overwhelm. On the contrary, we would like you to download the Personal Branding Gold Mine eBook crafted by Sahil Gandhi also known as the “Brand Professor” and Bhavik Sarkhedi who owns Ohh My Brand and let us know which book framework we have adopted for this book. After this book, you will stop asking how to build a personal brand. Your ability to stand out as a thought leader will come from this book, and we hope you don’t need any other book for your personal branding.

How to Build Your Personal Brand Using Book Frameworks

Posted on by Bhavik Sarkhedi

Building a personal brand is a powerful way to stand out in today’s competitive world. This applies to everyone from an entrepreneur to a professional to a creative to a well-crafted personal brand as well. The right use of book frameworks can open doors to opportunities, establish credibility, and create a lasting impression. One effective way to structure your personal brand is by taking advantage of frameworks from influential books written by experts in branding, marketing, and personal development. These frameworks provide structured, actionable strategies that can guide you in defining your identity, communicating your value, and connecting with your audience.

Alright, we know you must be thinking, “Why are we all of a sudden talking about book frameworks?” I mean, yes, it is a relevant topic, but why now? So, let me break the news to you: we are here with our new personal branding ebook called “Become Someone From No One.” This book is the brainchild of Bhavik Sarkhedi and Sahil Gandhi. Both have, over the years, gathered immense experience in the personal branding domain. Not to forget, they both co-own the Webflow agency Blushush. 

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how to build your personal brand using top personal branding frameworks from notable books, breaking down their principles into practical steps. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to create a compelling and authentic personal brand that resonates with your target audience.

Understanding Personal Branding

Personal branding is defining and promoting what you as a brand stand for. This includes everything from your values, skills, and unique qualities. It’s about shaping how others perceive you and look at you and meticulously ensuring that your target audience’s perception aligns with your goals. According to branding expert Dorie Clark in her book Reinventing You, personal branding with storytelling is about “controlling the narrative” of your professional identity. Clark further emphasized that a strong personal brand is not about being inauthentic. There is more to it than just what meets our eyes. It focuses on strategically highlighting the aspects of yourself that are most relevant to your audience. To begin, reflect on your core strengths, passions, and the value you bring to others. This self-awareness is the foundation of any effective personal brand clarity. Always remember this as one of the gold standard pieces of advice. Now let us look at 6 essential frameworks that will help you fathom how you can literally build a personal brand using book frameworks. Yes, not some podcast, not some online advice, not any digital course, but just simple and yet perfectly designed book frameworks. If you are someone who thinks books are old school and books are in the past, be ready to get surprised; you’re in for a treat.

Let’s go.

Framework 1: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People provides a timeless framework for personal development. This is highly advised to be adapted to built a personal brand. Covey’s first habit, “Be Proactive,” encourages you to take ownership of your brand. Instead of waiting for opportunities, proactively define your niche. So for instance, if you’re a graphic designer, decide whether you specialize in minimalist branding or vibrant illustrations. Next, Covey’s second habit, “Begin with the End in Mind,” prompts you to envision your long-term brand identity. Ask yourself: What do you want to be known for in five years? Write a personal mission statement that encapsulates your values and goals. For instance, a mission statement like “Empowering small businesses through innovative design solutions” can guide your branding efforts.

Covey’s third habit, “Put First Things First,” emphasizes prioritizing tasks that align with your brand vision. Focus on high-impact activities, such as creating a professional website or publishing thought-leadership content, rather than getting lost in less impactful tasks like excessive social media scrolling. The remaining habits are win-win, seek first to understand, synergize, and sharpen the saw, encouraging building relationships, listening to your audience, collaborating with others, and continuously improving your skills. Applying these habits ensures your personal brand is proactive, purposeful, and aligned with your long-term goals.

For anyone struggling with their professional as well as personal life. This will also enlighten you as to why authors make better personal brand strategists. These 7 habits of consistency can literally change the way you operate, and this has emerged as a proven framework to follow.

Framework 2: Start with Why by Simon Sinek

No matter how many times we talk, discuss, or even mention this book. The standard this book has established is something that makes you keep coming back to it over and over again. Simon Sinek’s Start with Why introduces the Golden Circle framework, which consists of three concentric circles: Why, How, and What. At the core is your “Why”—your purpose or the reason you do what you do. To build a personal brand, start by articulating your why. To give you an explanation via example, a career coach might say, “I believe in helping people unlock their potential to live fulfilling lives.” This “why” becomes the emotional hook that connects you with your audience. Next, define your “how”—the unique processes or approaches you use. The career coach might highlight their empathetic listening skills or data-driven strategies. Finally, your “What” is the tangible output, such as coaching sessions or online courses.

Many people get stuck in this, but to be honest, it is pretty simple. To apply Sinek’s framework, craft a narrative that communicates your why in a compelling way. Share this story on your website, social media bio, or during networking events. This promotes consistency and catering to audiences across different platforms. For instance, post a LinkedIn article explaining why you’re passionate about your work and how you help others. Sinek’s framework ensures your brand is rooted in purpose, making it authentic and memorable to your audience.

Framework 3: Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller

For the third framework we would like to mention none other than Donald Miller’s Building a StoryBrand. This book offers the StoryBrand framework, which positions your audience as the hero and you as the guide. This storytelling approach is ideal for author strategies for personal branding because it shifts the focus from self-promotion to solving your audience’s problems. Start by identifying your audience’s pain points. For instance, if you’re a fitness coach, your audience might struggle with staying motivated or finding time to exercise. Position yourself as the guide by showcasing your expertise and offering a clear plan to help them succeed, such as a 30-day workout program or a free consultation. The reason why this framework works is because it puts you in the position of hero, and so the entire framework and process look familiar and feel personal to you.

Miller suggests creating a brand script with seven elements: a character (your audience), their problem, a guide (you), a plan, a call to action, success, and failure (what’s at stake). For example, a financial advisor’s brand script might describe clients who feel overwhelmed by debt (problem), position the advisor as an experienced mentor (guide), and offer a step-by-step budgeting plan (plan). Share this narrative through blog posts, videos, or email newsletters. By framing your brand as a guide, you build trust and make your audience feel empowered.

Framework 4: The 22 Immutable Laws of Branding by Al and Laura Ries

On number four we will talk about The 22 Immutable Laws of Branding. Al and Laura Ries outline principles for creating a memorable brand. Several laws apply directly to personal branding. The Law of Focus suggests narrowing your brand to a single word or concept. This is a common practice, and you can find such examples in the real world, such as Oprah Winfrey being synonymous with “inspiration,” while Elon Musk is tied to “innovation.” These two are just basic examples. The core idea behind this is for you to identify one word that encapsulates your brand, such as “creativity” for an artist or “leadership” for an executive coach. The Law of Publicity is centered around the thought that brands are built through exposure, not just conventional advertising. If you want to excel and become a personal brand, you need to rigorously start sharing your expertise through guest articles, podcasts, or speaking engagements to increase visibility. This simply means to show that you are active and 

The Law of Consistency reminds you to maintain a cohesive brand image across all platforms. Use consistent colors, fonts, and messaging on your website, social media, and business cards. For example, if your brand is professional and approachable, avoid overly casual language in professional settings. Finally, the Law of Singularity highlights the importance of being distinct. Identify what sets you apart, perhaps a unique skill, experience, or perspective, and emphasize it in your branding materials. Applying these laws ensures your personal brand is focused, visible, and distinctive.

Framework 5: Crush It! by Gary Vaynerchuk

I mean, who has heard of the name Gary Vaynerchuk? His work is observed as a doctrine in the field of digital marketing and branding.Gary Vaynerchuk’s Crush It! talks deeply about how to leverage digital platforms to build a personal brand. His framework revolves around three principles: love your work, create great content, and engage with your audience.

Now, if you think about it, if you are able to do this consistently, you will automatically become better than the rest of the crowd and competitors. To begin with, first, identify a niche you’re passionate about, as passion fuels consistency. For example, if you love sustainable fashion, build your brand around eco-friendly style tips. Next, create high-quality content that showcases your expertise. Learn to build personal brand using book frameworks. This could include YouTube tutorials, Instagram Reels, or a blog. Vaynerchuk stresses the importance of storytelling, sharing personal anecdotes to make your content relatable.

Finally, engage actively with your audience by responding to comments, joining online communities, and collaborating with others in your niche. For instance, host an Instagram Live Q&A or participate in Twitter Spaces discussions. Vaynerchuk also advocates for using multiple platforms to maximize reach. Experiment with LinkedIn for professional content, TikTok for creative videos, and a personal blog for in-depth insights. By following Vaynerchuk’s framework, you can build a dynamic online presence that attracts and retains a loyal audience.

Framework 6: Dorie Clark’s Reinventing You

The last framework on our list is Dorie Clark’s Reinventing You. Her framework for personal reinvention is particularly useful for those transitioning careers or redefining their brand. Clark suggests three steps: assess, reposition, and amplify. First, assess your current reputation by seeking feedback from colleagues, friends, or mentors. 

Conduct a “360-degree review” by asking questions like, “What am I known for?” or “What’s my greatest strength?” This helps identify gaps between your current and desired brand. The more questions you ask, the more uncomfortable you will get, which will eventually make you get better at finding the right answers and acting on them.

Think about it like this: when you ask such questions and cannot answer them right away, this directly points out the problem you are facing. Work on it relentlessly.

Next, reposition yourself by aligning your skills and experiences with your new brand identity. For example, if you’re a marketer transitioning to a consultant, highlight transferable skills like strategic thinking and client management. Update your LinkedIn profile, resume, and portfolio to reflect this new narrative. Finally, amplify your brand by sharing your story through content creation, networking, and media appearances. Write articles for industry publications, attend conferences, or pitch yourself as a podcast guest. Clark’s framework is ideal for those looking to pivot their brand while staying authentic.

Practical Steps to Implement These Frameworks

Alright now, we move to our next section, which is to understand practical steps to incorporate and execute these six frameworks.

Step 1: Define Your Core Identity: Use Covey’s habits to clarify your mission and Sinek’s Golden Circle to articulate your why. Write a one-sentence brand statement, such as “I help entrepreneurs grow their businesses through data-driven marketing strategies.”

Step 2: Know Your Audience: Apply Miller’s StoryBrand framework to understand your audience’s needs and position yourself as their guide. Conduct surveys or analyze social media comments to identify their pain points.

Step 3: Create a Consistent Brand Image: Follow the Ries’ Law of Consistency by designing a cohesive visual identity. Use tools like Canva to create a logo, select a color palette, and design social media templates. Ensure your messaging aligns across platforms.

Step 4: Produce Valuable Content: Draw from Vaynerchuk’s advice to create content that educates, entertains, or inspires. Aim for a mix of formats, try building a content system boom based strategies such as blog posts, videos, and infographics. Schedule content using tools like Buffer or Hootsuite to maintain consistency.

Step 5: Build Relationships: Use Covey’s win-win mindset and Vaynerchuk’s engagement strategies to connect with your audience and industry peers. Join online communities, attend virtual events, or collaborate on projects.

Step 6: Amplify Your Reach: Apply Clark’s amplification tactics and the Ries’ Law of Publicity to increase visibility. Pitch yourself to media outlets, guest blog for reputable sites, or speak at industry events.

Step 7: Measure and Adapt: The last step is not about any framework but to make you understand that the work doesn’t end at the sixth step. You need to track your progress using metrics like website traffic, social media engagement, or client inquiries. Adjust your strategy based on what resonates with your audience.

Overcoming Common Challenges

Building a personal brand can never be a walk in the park; there will come a series of challenges. The only thing that can assure you that you will become better is how you face these challenges and never repeat your mistakes and fall for common pitfalls. For instance, you will have one common obstacle: fear of self-promotion. To overcome this, focus on providing value rather than boasting. Share tips, insights, or resources that help your audience, as Miller’s framework suggests. Another challenge is time management. We already learned how and what Simon Sinek and others got right about personal branding.

Use Covey’s habit of putting first things first to prioritize high-impact branding tasks. If you’re struggling to stand out, lean on the Ries’ Law of Singularity to emphasize your unique qualities. For example, if you’re a photographer with a knack for storytelling, highlight your ability to capture emotions in your work.

Consistency can also be difficult, especially with a busy schedule. Create a content calendar and batch-produce content to stay on track. Finally, some may worry about authenticity. Sinek’s focus on why ensures your brand remains true to your values. Regularly revisit your mission statement to stay grounded.

Tools and Resources to Support Your Brand

Several tools can streamline your branding efforts. For content creation, use Canva for visuals, Grammarly for polished writing, and Anchor for podcasting. For social media management, tools like Later or Sprout Social help schedule posts and analyze performance. To build a website, platforms like Squarespace or WordPress offer user-friendly templates. For networking, LinkedIn and Clubhouse are ideal for connecting with professionals and joining industry conversations. Invest in learning resources like online courses from Coursera or Skillshare to enhance your skills and stay competitive.

Case Studies of Successful Personal Brands

To illustrate these frameworks in action, consider the personal brand of Marie Forleo, a business coach and author. Forleo applies Sinek’s Golden Circle by clearly articulating her Why: empowering people to create a life they love. Her How includes practical tools like her B-School program, and her What is her engaging content, such as YouTube videos and her podcast. She uses Miller’s StoryBrand framework by positioning her audience as the hero and herself as the guide, offering clear plans like free workshops. Forleo also follows Vaynerchuk’s advice by creating high-quality, multi-platform content and engaging with her community through comments and live events.

Another example is Tim Ferriss, author of The 4-Hour Workweek. Ferriss applies the Ries’ Law of Focus by being synonymous with “productivity.” He amplifies his brand through his podcast, blog, and books, following Clark’s framework. His consistent messaging and unique perspective on lifestyle design align with the Law of Singularity, making him stand out in a crowded space.

Long-Term Maintenance of Your Personal Brand

A personal brand requires ongoing effort to stay relevant. This will help you across all platforms and especially related to LinkedIn brand building. Regularly update your content to reflect industry trends and audience needs. For example, if you’re a tech consultant and AI becomes a hot topic, create content about its impact in your niche. Continue seeking feedback, as Clark suggests, to ensure your brand aligns with how others perceive you. Invest in lifelong learning by reading books, attending webinars, or earning certifications. Covey’s habit of sharpening the saw emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement.

Engage with your audience consistently to imply book frameworks for brand building and build loyalty. Respond to comments, host Q&A sessions, or send newsletters with exclusive insights. Monitor your brand’s performance using analytics tools to identify what’s working and what isn’t. For instance, if your Instagram posts get more engagement than your blog, focus more on visual content. Finally, stay authentic by revisiting your reasons and ensuring your actions align with your values.

Conclusion

Building a personal brand is a journey that requires clarity, consistency, and connection. By leveraging frameworks from books like The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Start with Why, Building a StoryBrand, The 22 Immutable Laws of Branding, Crush It!, and Reinventing You, you can create a brand that is authentic, impactful, and memorable. In the end, we will urge you to download the Personal Branding Gold Mine eBook crafted by Sahil Gandhi, also known as the “Brand Professor,” and Bhavik Sarkhedi, who owns Ohh My Brand. After this book, you will stop asking how to build a personal brand forever.

Start by defining your purpose and audience, then craft a cohesive narrative and share it through strategic content and engagement. Overcome challenges by focusing on value, prioritizing tasks, and staying true to your unique qualities. With dedication and the right tools, your personal brand can become a powerful asset that opens doors and drives success.

Personal Branding Strategy: From Seed Stage to Scale in 2025

Posted on by Bhavik Sarkhedi

In the early days of a startup, you are the brand. Your name, story, and values shape the company’s reputation when the logo alone holds little weight. A founder’s brand is “largely indistinguishable” from the startup’s identity at launch, so the way you present yourself directly affects funding, partnerships, and customers. 

Research shows that CEOs with strong personal brands drive their companies’ success; their firms’ share prices grow roughly 80% faster than peers. In practical terms, a clear founder narrative builds immediate trust and attracts early stakeholders. A personal brand is more than being visible; as one expert puts it, it’s an “intentional, strategic practice” that defines the associations, beliefs, feelings… people hold about you. In other words, what people think about you becomes a vital asset.

Startups often skip founder branding, but that’s a mistake. At the seed stage, you need fast trust, the kind that closes deals and wins dollars. Investors and customers have little company track record to rely on, so they look at you: your expertise, values, and confidence. As a LinkedIn-based consulting panel notes, pre-Series A, your reputation is the primary trust signal. 

Remember: people buy from people. Almost every first customer or hire in a young company comes through personal networks, individuals who “like and trust you.” Building that trust early sets the stage for smoother fundraising and sales later on. This playbook will walk through the founder-brand strategies that grow with your company, from visibility and trust at Seed to positioning and authority in Growth, and finally to influence and media reach at Scale.

Early Stage: Visibility + Trust

At the seed and pre-seed stage, you’re hustling to prove the business model, and your brand must amplify that effort. Your goals are to get seen and be trusted by customers, investors, and potential hires. Concretely, this means clarifying why you exist and whom you serve, then broadcasting it authentically. Define your core story: what problem are you solving, for whom, and why does it matter? Align your values and mission with this story so that even casual listeners can immediately “associate your name with a category, a niche, or a pain.”

  • Create consistent content: Share your thinking on social media, blogs, or newsletters. You don’t need fancy production; even one insightful LinkedIn post a week helps. The key is consistency and substance. Write about industry insights, your startup’s progress, or lessons learned. Over time, this “content base” allows people to understand who you are at a deeper level. Don’t worry if the audience is tiny at first. Author Jason Yeh advises founders to “shout into the void” without fussing over likes. The reach comes later; your focus now is authenticity. If what you say matters to you, it will resonate with the right audience.
  • Use social proof and networks: Leverage early milestones and endorsements as trust signals. For example, announce your first small funding round, pilot project, or user success story on social media and your website. Mention early partners or advisors (with permission) to show credibility. This aligns with the idea that founder branding adds social proof for an otherwise unknown company. 

Also, actively network: attend meetups, industry Slack/Discord channels, or alumni events. Talking directly to potential customers or mentors gives you insights (and warm leads) while putting a face to your startup. Remember, as the Heavybit founder Karl Hughes notes: “Almost every first customer comes from previous relationships with people who like and trust you.”

  • Engage in conversations: Be visible in forums and communities your audience cares about. Answer questions on platforms like StackOverflow or [suspicious link removed] (if relevant), engage on X (formerly Twitter) or LinkedIn, and join or host meetups/webinars. Each answer or post builds recognition. A BrandFog survey found that when the CEO publicly demonstrates company values on social media, 77% of people are more likely to buy from that company. Early on, even small efforts like a helpful tweet or participating in a relevant podcast can pay big dividends.
  • Solicit testimonials and feedback: Encourage early adopters or advisors to vouch for you. Publish any positive feedback or reviews from your MVP users, advisors, or mentors (with their consent). This shows that real people back you, not just marketing claims. In B2B, especially, trust is paramount; Column Content points out that in the early stage, nobody trusts a logo with a pitch deck. They trust stories and experiences. So let those authentic voices speak for your vision.
  • Be human and consistent: Show personality. Share a bit of your journey, why you started, and what keeps you motivated. Authentic storytelling builds emotional connection. Make sure your online profile (LinkedIn bio, X, etc.) tells a coherent story that matches your message. If you say you value sustainability, let that shine through your posts and company news. Over time, these consistent signals form a trustworthy picture. As one brand strategist puts it, living your brand values amplifies trust.

By focusing on visibility and genuine trust-building tactics, you turn yourself into a human “brand ambassador” for your startup. This “founder brand” accelerates early sales and fundraising. Column Content notes that a strong founder brand “shortens the time it takes to build market credibility.” In short, at the Seed stage, your presence is the lever that unlocks credibility and momentum.

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Growth Stage: Positioning + Authority

Once you’ve gained some traction (revenue, users, or Series A/B funding), your company and your brand must scale beyond the grassroots hustle. This Growth stage is about sharpening your market position and amplifying your authority. Your startup may now have a clearer product-market fit, so it’s time to refine what you stand for and broadcast expertise at a higher level.

  • Solidify your positioning: Clarify how your company and you fit into the market. What unique category are you creating or dominating? Are you the “affordable AI platform,” the “only carbon-neutral ledger,” or the “leader in rural fintech”? Craft a simple, powerful statement of your vision and differentiation. Use data and customer insights gathered so far to back this up. 

Communicate this positioning in every medium: website, pitch decks, social posts, and interviews. Founder positioning isn’t fluff; it signals to investors and customers that you know your space. As one communications expert notes, founders with a strong point of view and positioning have “a higher chance of succeeding” in growth rounds.

  • Publish thought leadership: By now, you should be talking about big ideas, not just your product’s features. Write longer-form articles or op-eds in trade publications about industry trends, challenges in your space, or lessons from scaling a startup. Host or speak at webinars and conferences. Consider guest blogging for well-known industry sites. Every piece of thought leadership cements you as an expert in your domain. Data shows this works: 64% of business decision-makers say they trust thought-leadership content more than a company’s marketing materials. 

When you share actionable insights (even ones not explicitly promoting your product), readers begin to see you as a credible authority. Column Content points out that while your company brand is now gaining weight, your POV still leads the narrative. In other words, continue to “own a space in your prospect’s brain” by consistently sharing valuable expertise.

  • Invest in PR and media: Growth-stage startups have more news: Series A/B funding, major hires, product milestones. Leverage these for media coverage. Work with a PR professional to craft compelling stories for tech blogs, business press, and industry outlets. Pitch interviews or bylines featuring you on topics that go beyond your own company, for example, regulations in your industry, or the future of your market. 

A well-told story in TechCrunch or Forbes not only raises your founder profile but also reinforces your startup’s credibility. Communications veterans stress that PR, founder thought leadership, and positioning all directly impact fundraising success. Make yourself available for the press, and when giving interviews, tie everything back to the vision that underpins your company.

  • Deepen community and analyst engagement: At this stage, build a tribe around your mission. Create or sponsor a user community, host a customer advisory board, or launch a small developer conference if that fits. Also, engage with industry analysts (like Gartner or Forrester) or notable influencers. Share your unique insights with them. Analyst endorsements or favorable reports (even by # of mentions) can serve as powerful validation.

Insight Partners advises defining a clear category strategy and proactively engaging analysts as part of growth branding. Even on a personal level, having respected voices echo your vision makes both you and your company more authoritative.

  • Align personal and company messaging: By now, your company likely has its brand collateral (logos, website, etc.). Make sure your brand narrative complements it. The corporate website should reflect the same values and story you share as a founder. In practice, this means using the same key phrases and positioning in your posts and presentations as your company does. 

Branding experts note that when done right, personal and corporate brands work in synergy and produce better results. For example, if your company message is “AI for Good,” your posts could highlight ethical AI or social impact startups. Consistency here amplifies impact.

  • Step into mentorship and leadership roles: As an emerging leader, you can heighten authority by giving back. Mentor startup accelerators, give guest lectures at universities, or join non-profit boards relevant to your field. These roles expand your network and mark you as a thought leader. They also generate content: speaking at an event means videos, photos, tweets, all reinforcing your visibility. For example, being a panelist at a major industry conference later can be quoted as “Founder X, now a recognized thought leader, spoke at [Event] about [Trend], signaling deep industry expertise.”

During Growth, your brand’s goal shifts from just “Can they deliver our product?” to “Do we trust their vision in the long run?” Maintaining authenticity is crucial: people see through hype. Data shows that 87% of executives agree that a CEO’s positive reputation attracts investors. 

This is the time to back your branding with results, share success metrics (growth stats, market share, funding raised) alongside your thought leadership. By weaving data into your story, you reinforce that your authority isn’t just talk. Remember Edelman’s finding: the highest trust is reserved for business leaders, so use this window to prove your trustworthiness through transparent, bold leadership.

Scale Stage: Influence + Media Strategy

By the time you reach Series C and beyond, your startup is now a recognizable player. The founder brand must now become an industry influencer and media presence, the kind of face that potential acquirers, global partners, or public markets will notice. At Scale, you amplify your impact and put a formal strategy behind your publicity efforts.

  • Elevate media presence: Aim for the “big leagues.” Instead of just niche trade press, target national business media (e.g., Wall Street Journal, [suspicious link removed], major podcasts) to tell your story. Craft thought pieces for top outlets on broad topics (like the future of work, tech policy, etc.) that connect back to your startup’s mission. A well-placed op-ed or televised interview can rapidly boost credibility. 

Actively pursue PR opportunities that highlight your expertise, not just product plugs. For example, when your company hits a huge milestone, send press kits focusing on the founder’s journey and vision. Every major article should reinforce your brand as the knowledgeable leader behind the growth.

  • Become a thought leader across channels: Scale up content to suit multiple formats. Consider writing a book or a series of LinkedIn Pulse articles that compile your insights. Launch a podcast or YouTube channel (even a short series) where you discuss industry trends and interview other leaders. 

At this stage, influence means being everywhere: your face on stage keynotes, guest spots on relevant podcasts, and quoting on news segments. For instance, if 2025’s buzzword is AI in healthcare, you could appear on a fintech or healthcare podcast explaining how your startup leverages that trend. Each appearance extends your reach and cements your status as a go-to expert.

  • Maximize social media strategically: By now, hiring a social media manager or agency is common, but don’t outsource entirely. Work with experts to craft a cohesive content calendar. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your scaling process, live Q&As, or CEO office hours. 77% of people prefer companies where the CEO’s values are visible on social, so showcase transparency.

Instagramor TikTok can humanize you (company culture, quick tips), while LinkedIn or X (formerly Twitter) can handle long-form thought leadership. According to Weber Shandwick, top CEOs (92% public, 76% private) are visible online, and it’s practically expected. If you’re not on social media at this stage, you’re leaving trust and potential deals on the table.

  • Leverage strategic partnerships: At scale, collaborations amplify your brand. Co-create content with well-known industry figures or partner companies (e.g., joint webinars, research reports). When peers or influencers share or engage with your content, their audience meets you, too. 

Consider associations like trade councils, where you can represent your sector on a larger stage. Even government or NGO initiatives (e.g., tech panels, standard bodies) lend weight. These moves signal that you’re not an isolated founder but a respected voice in major conversations.

  • Utilize brand teams: As the founder’s brand grows, you’ll likely have help managing it. Invest in PR, communications, or brand specialists who align with your vision. These professionals can expand your “air cover,” scheduling interviews, preparing media training, and fine-tuning messaging for a global audience.

Insight Partners even suggests building a brand book and hiring dedicated brand and thought-leadership resources as you scale. Their role is to ensure that everything about your public persona, visuals, tone, and messaging is polished and consistent, reflecting the world-class company you’ve become.

  • Maintain trust at scale: Ironically, as you grow, authenticity remains crucial. Larger audiences can breed skepticism, so keep personal touches. Share lessons from failures or challenges, not just victories. Engage with fans and critics alike to show you’re approachable. The Edelman Trust Barometer stresses that people now trust business leaders more than other figures, so you must stay worthy of that trust. A genuine post about navigating a tough decision or a thoughtful comment on industry ethics goes a long way.

In short, influence and media strategy at Scale is about broadcasting your founder brand through every channel and event possible. You’re no longer just selling a startup; you’re shaping an industry conversation. Every interview, podcast, and tweet should align with your overarching narrative. By now, the goal is for your name to mean something in the market, a signal of insight, reliability, and innovation.

Throughout this journey, it can help to get expert guidance. Brand strategists Bhavik Sarkhedi and Sahil Gandhi often work directly with funded founders to evolve their positioning as their companies grow. They emphasize that founder branding pulls customers and capital toward you, creating a “flywheel” where your ideas attract attention and your company delivers results that reinforce your thought leadership. In practice, that means continuously adapting your strategy: what built trust at Seed must transform into authority by Growth and influence at Scale.

Book a Founder Brand Strategy Session to apply these tactics in a way that fits your unique journey. With tailored mentoring, you’ll build the credibility and visibility that unlock each round of growth, ensuring your narrative always drives, not lags, your startup’s success.

Your Name Is the Brand: Make Sure It’s Discoverable in 2025

Posted on by Bhavik Sarkhedi

In today’s digital age, every executive is a brand. Whether you’re a CEO in London or a founder in Manchester, people will Google your name to learn about you. A personal website ensures that what they find is your story, not a scattered collection of third-party profiles. 

As one expert notes, “in an era where digital real estate is paramount, a personal website serves as the cornerstone of your online presence”. Your website becomes the centerpiece of your digital footprint, showcasing your vision, values, and track record under your control.

Executives may not think of themselves this way, but data shows a compelling case: leaders with cohesive, visible personal brands earn more trust and opportunities. Consistent personal branding across all channels, including a dedicated website, can boost revenue by 20–33%. A well-crafted brand builds trust: “every C-suite executive has a personal brand, whether they consciously cultivate it or not,” and for executives, “it is a critical factor in establishing credibility, inspiring trust, and advancing career opportunities”. 

In practical terms, investing in your site means taking ownership of your narrative. When CEOs rely solely on LinkedIn or news profiles, they relinquish control of how they’re presented. A personal website flips that script; it draws prospective clients, media, and partners to you, and lets you highlight the exact qualifications and insights you want to emphasize.

Key benefits of a personal site:

  • Own your narrative: Unlike third‑party pages, your site is a canvas to tell your story. You can “highlight your achievements, share thought leadership articles, and demonstrate your expertise,” crafting each page precisely for your audience.
  • Maximize discoverability: An SEO-optimized site ensures that searching your name or specialty brings up your official pages first. Experts warn that SEO still matters for ‘branded search’ when someone looks up your name, you want accurate results. This is the modern equivalent of owning the search terms around your name or title.
  • Thought leadership platform: Publishing fresh content (blogs, reports, insights) on your site boosts your visibility as an industry authority. Research shows content marketing generates about 3x more leads than traditional methods and that 61% of customers trust brands with unique content; in other words, writing on your site is a powerful credibility-builder.
  • Consistent branding: Customers and colleagues trust executives who present a unified image. A recent study found that brand consistency, including a personal website, correlates with higher revenue (about a 20% boost) and stronger customer loyalty.

Whether you’re a UK-based executive or a global leader, your name is your most valuable brand. Owning a professional website by 2025 is no longer optional; it’s how you make sure you’re found, understood, and trusted exactly as you intend.

Thought Leadership Starts with Searchability

When you build a website around your personal brand, you’re signaling to Google and even AI tools (like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini) that you are a go-to voice on your subject. Every article, interview, or insight you publish on your site is indexed by search engines. Over time, this creates a deep well of content tied to your name and keywords, so that anyone searching for your expertise finds you first. In short, searchability amplifies thought leadership.

By consistently posting insights and articles on your site, you turn your expertise into discoverable content. One LinkedIn expert explains that a personal site is “more than a digital CV”, it’s a dynamic storytelling platform where you can share thought leadership pieces, essays, or videos. 

Each post can be optimized around industry topics or keywords (e.g., “sustainable finance leadership” or “AI in healthcare UK”), helping search engines associate your name with those subjects. Over time, you become a top result for those terms. This not only raises your profile but positions you as the expert; when reporters or decision makers Google a topic, they’ll see your name linked to insightful commentary, rather than a competitor’s.

As one branding specialist puts it, modern executive branding “blends design, storytelling, and digital strategy to make executives visible and trusted” online. Thought leadership content (blogs, white papers, video interviews) on your site demonstrates your voice and expertise in your own words. 

It also attracts inbound opportunities: for example, a UK tech CIO who launched a thought-leadership newsletter on his site reported “enhanced inbound from enterprise recruiters, digital boards, and leadership networks” after optimizing his content and site.

Staying searchable is especially crucial in 2025’s AI-driven landscape. Industry analysis warns that more people rely on AI answer engines for quick answers, and a site that’s well optimized (structured, with clear headings and facts) can even be cited by these AI tools as an authoritative source. 

In practice, this means your content can appear in Google’s featured snippets or ChatGPT answers to expert queries, giving you free exposure. The upshot: thought leadership and searchability feed each other. By owning a personal site, you control what comes up when someone asks the internet about your name or niche, cementing your status as an industry leader.

What to Include on Your Executive Site

Your site should encapsulate all the key facets of your professional identity. Think of it as your online resume, portfolio, and newsroom all in one. At a minimum, it should include your basic credentials (background, skills, experience, contact info) but presented in a more engaging, branded way. Here are the essential elements every CEO or executive should feature:

  • Custom domain & Home page: Secure a memorable domain name (ideally yourname.com). Your home page is often the first impression visitors will see, so make it count. It should quickly convey who you are and what you stand for, essentially an elevator pitch for your career. Use a professional photo, a concise tagline, and a summary of your mission. This page sets the tone for your brand.
  • Executive Bio/About: This is your detailed story. Write a concise narrative (2–3 paragraphs) that highlights your journey, core strengths, and values. Unlike a dry CV, you can infuse personality here. Mention major milestones or companies you’ve led, and explain what drives you. One career guide advises that this section should “understand who you are, what you do, and what you’re looking for” in a few punchy paragraphs. This is also a good place for a short professional headshot and a link to a downloadable resume if desired.
  • Experience & Achievements: Map out your career highlights, roles, and accomplishments. Many exec sites use a timeline or list of “Selected Highlights” or “Key Projects”. This could include deals closed, companies founded or scaled, awards, or noteworthy results. It’s essentially an annotated resume, but on your turf. As one guide puts it, your site should have the basic constructs of your resume, skills, experience, education, etc., but in a user-friendly format.
  • Thought Leadership / Insights: A blog or resources section is highly recommended. Here you can publish articles, white papers, or case studies that showcase your expertise. Writing regular content not only helps SEO but also demonstrates your intellectual leadership in the industry. For example, the sites of top executives often feature posts on current trends, lessons from experience, or commentary on industry news. Each post should align with your brand (e.g., sustainability, tech innovation) and can be tagged with relevant keywords to boost discoverability. Remember: quality content is key. As one branding expert notes, high‑quality, original content “engages your audience, improves SEO rankings, and builds credibility,” leading to more traffic and leads.
  • Media & Press: If you’ve been interviewed or featured in the media, link it here. Create a press/media page with embedded videos, podcast episodes, or news articles about you. This social proof shows that others have already vetted you. It also helps SEO if those press links have your name in them. Even linking to media coverage can boost your search presence.
  • Testimonials / Endorsements: Include quotes or testimonials from partners, board members, or clients. This could be a rotating carousel of praise or featured logos of companies you’ve worked with. Anything that “says ‘look at all the people and organizations who trust me’” will strengthen credibility. In the UK market, where trust and endorsements carry weight, showcasing recommendations (even LinkedIn recommendations clipped or reprinted) reinforces your reputation.
  • Speaking & Events: If you speak at conferences or webinars, list upcoming events or past appearances. This signals demand for your expertise. It’s another form of social proof that you’re a thought leader. (According to reputation experts, events and bookings are a valuable way to show your brand is active and in demand.)
  • Contact & Social: Make it easy to connect. Include a dedicated “Contact” page or section with an email form, and visible links to your LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), or company pages. As Reputation X advises, “your website won’t do much for you if it doesn’t give people a way to connect”. On this page, you might also include a brief call‑to‑action (e.g, “Email me to discuss opportunities” or a newsletter signup).
  • Visual Branding: Finally, your site’s design should feel like you. Use a professional headshot, a cohesive color scheme, and high-quality graphics that align with your industry image. (Redline Executive notes that “the visual aspect of your brand includes everything from professional headshots and personal website design to LinkedIn profiles”.) A polished, mobile-friendly design tells visitors they’re dealing with a competent leader.

Organizing these elements, for example, using an intuitive menu (About, Experience, Insights, Contact), creates a seamless experience. Remember to optimize behind the scenes: use descriptive page titles, meta descriptions, and structured data so search engines understand the content. 

For instance, publishing a well-tagged blog post on “AI strategy in finance” can help search engines (and ChatGPT) associate your name with those topics. In sum, every section of your site should reinforce your brand and make it easy for people to understand what you stand for.

Case Examples from Ohh My Brand Clients

We’ve helped numerous CEOs and founders worldwide (including leaders in the UK) turn their personal sites into powerful brand magnets. Here are a few examples:

Philip Coster – Tech Strategist: Philip is a veteran CIO/CTO who needed a sharper digital presence. After we launched his new executive site and content strategy, he saw “enhanced inbound from enterprise recruiters, digital boards, and leadership networks.” In other words, top companies began seeking him out online. Today, Philip’s profile ranks prominently when you search his name or titles like “Chief Innovation Officer”, and his site aligns perfectly with his decades of results.

Sahil Gandhi – “The Brand Professor”: Sahil was already a respected global brand expert, but his online identity was fragmented (split between his personal name and nickname). We unified his brand across Google, Gemini, LinkedIn and more. The results were dramatic: Sahil’s domain rating jumped from 0 to 34 in just 49 days, and he started showing up in AI-driven search overviews for key terms. 

Now, phrases like “top brand strategist” or “branding expert India” return Sahil’s pages with top visibility. All of this was achieved organically, no paid ads, simply by content and SEO strategy. As he puts it, “search engines recognize him, AI systems recommend him, LinkedIn drives real business”.

Joanna Miller – AI Transformation Leader: Joanna had 15+ years of tech leadership, but her brand was behind the scenes. We rebuilt her LinkedIn and built a new website with one focus: realigning her career narrative. By publishing thought leadership posts and showcasing her AI expertise, “her name now surfaces in rooms that matter”. 

Global companies have begun viewing her as an AI transformation partner (not just a consultant) because her online platform communicates her value. Joanna’s case shows that with a cohesive site and content, even very experienced executives can pivot into new roles, simply because the right people finally find them easily.

Each of these leaders saw measurable gains from their sites. As one summary noted, Sahil’s brand is now “fully aligned, quietly powerful and consistent.” And remember: many other examples can be found, from global CEOs in London boardrooms to tech founders in Europe, who report increased visibility, credibility, and inbound opportunities after making their name discoverable online.

Building a personal website is not about vanity; it’s about strategic visibility. In 2025, digital is the norm, and your next opportunity, be it an investment, partnership, or speaking gig, may start with a Google search of your name. By investing in a professional site and thoughtful content now, every executive in the UK (and beyond) can ensure they own their narrative and attract the right attention. In other words, your name is your brand; make sure it’s discoverable.