New entrepreneurs often hide their personality, believing their work should stand alone. This stems from imposter syndrome and a desire to blend in. However, clients connect with the person behind the brand first. Hiding yourself is a disservice that prevents the trust and differentiation needed to build a loyal audience.

The term "personal brand" is modern slang for the timeless concept of reputation. Social media's power is that it acts as a lever, scaling that reputation to a much wider audience than ever before. A larger, more positive reputation directly translates to a higher volume of inbound personal and professional opportunities.

True self-awareness involves publicly admitting your weaknesses. By openly stating what you're bad at (e.g., 'I suck at 99% of things'), you build immense credibility and trust when you then declare your strengths. This approach validates your expertise in your core competencies.

Personal branding is not a short-term project; it's the long-term result of consistent actions. However, this hard-earned reputation is fragile and can be instantly destroyed by a single poor decision or inconsistent action. You must consciously play the long game to protect your brand equity.

A powerful brand shifts its focus from "look at me" to "sit with me." Instead of a solo spotlight demanding attention, think of your brand as a campfire that invites others to gather around. This community-centric approach fosters deeper loyalty and engagement.

High achievers operate with a discipline of consistently getting their thoughts and experiences out of their head and into a shareable format. Whether an internal email, a LinkedIn post, or a video, they are constantly asking, "What do I know that needs to get out?" This practice scales their influence and solidifies their status as an expert.

It's natural for a brand's visibility to ebb and flow based on your focus (e.g., building a company vs. creating content). Don't panic during quiet periods. This fluctuation is a normal part of a long-term career, allowing you to do deep work before returning to a period of high visibility.

The Tim Hortons CMO views her personal brand not as a passive trait but as a conscious leadership choice, focusing on being empathetic while projecting confidence. She maintains this through dedicated self-reflection during activities like exercise and playing piano, ensuring her actions consistently align with her stated values.

A strong personal brand is built on confidence, which is being quietly anchored in your worth and what you bring to the table. In contrast, ego is the need to loudly announce your importance, which often repels opportunities rather than attracting them.