Ever had someone vouch for you at just the right moment? Maybe you got a job because someone spoke highly of your work or landed a client because your reputation precedes you. Such moments depict the true value of reputation.
However, word-of-mouth isn’t the only thing that builds your reputation in today’s world.
In fact, it’s far less effective than what people see and experience about you, online and offline. That’s where personal branding comes in.
Many of us assume that personal branding is reserved for influencers or CEOs. But the truth is, it’s for anyone who wants to make an impression and stand out in a world full of noise.
Stick around as we discuss the personal branding definition and tips on how to do it right.
Oprah Winfrey, an American host and television producer, has a massive follower base. She’s built a media empire, but what’s interesting is that Oprah, the person, is often more recognized than the media networks she owns.
People follow her for something beyond her shows; they connect with her personality. Whether she’s talking about personal growth or endorsing a new book, her personal brand resonates with millions out there.
Therefore, the logo of the company she owns isn’t the one drawing people in but the person behind it (Oprah herself).
This is the essence of personal branding.
It aims to build a reputation that is uniquely yours. It strives to shape how the world perceives you. It seeks to create an impression that resonates with others. And above all, it lets your reputation work for you.
Unlike corporate branding, it’s deeply personal (hence the name) and tied to what makes you, you.
We mean, there’s a reason why a whopping 74% of Americans say they’d trust someone with an established personal brand. It’s clear that a strong personal brand can boost your influence far beyond any business card could ever do.
Oftentimes, some people get all the opportunities, while others - equally talented - get overlooked. This isn’t mere luck. In many cases, the difference boils down to personal branding.
When you’ve built a personal brand, people know what you stand for and why you’re different from the rest. It’s like the reputation works for you even when you’re not in the room. However, the perks go far beyond recognition.
Consider two people with the same qualifications. One has a well-established personal brand, while the other doesn’t. Who do you think will stand out?
The one with a recognizable personal brand, of course.
Few personal brands illustrate this better than Gordon Ramsay. He built his reputation not just as a chef, but as a personality across television, restaurants, and digital media. His shows like Hell’s Kitchen and MasterChef introduced him to millions of viewers worldwide, helping him expand his reach far beyond the kitchen.
He also runs a highly followed YouTube channel with millions of subscribers and uses platforms like TikTok and Instagram to share engaging content that keeps audiences returning.
This wide visibility led to deals with cookware brands, appearances in advertising campaigns, and global restaurant ventures in over 30 countries, all because people recognize his name and expertise.
When you’re known for your expertise and authenticity, opportunities come easier, whether you intend to apply for a job or get invited to speak at an event. Your reputation will always give you a competitive edge.
When people trust you, selling becomes much smoother. It’s easier to convince someone to buy your product or service because they’ve already been following your insights.
They know what you’re capable of and what you bring to the table. This means your personal brand will be the deciding factor in a sale.
Just like you might be less interested in buying a gadget from a new tech company, but if someone like Bill Gates or Tim Cook will recommend it, you’d likely pay attention. Why? Because they’re some of the best personal branding examples.
For example, Russell Brunson, co‑founder of ClickFunnels, has built a personal brand as a trusted online marketing expert and author. Entrepreneurs follow his advice, buy his books, and invest in his software because they’ve seen him teach sales funnels and conversion strategies repeatedly over years, making his recommendations carry real weight. He also has a podcast with hundreds of thousands of viewers.
While personal branding is primarily about how others see you, it’s also about getting clear on what you want. In other words, when you take the time to build your brand, you’re forced to reflect on your values and long-term goals.
This clarity helps you focus on what truly matters and align your personal and professional lives.
For example, Marie Forleo has built a personal brand that reflects her passion for helping people create meaningful work and lives.
She began with coaching and business advice. Then, she launched MarieTV, bestselling books, and online programs that align with her values of growth and empowerment. Over time, that focus on her core interests helped her clarify what matters most to her audience and herself.
A well-established personal brand comes with a supportive network. You gain confidence that comes from knowing you’ve got people in your corner. This can also be your safety net when life takes unexpected turns.
Take the example of a guy’s story shared in a LinkedIn post. He had been at his job for five years, promoted multiple times, and given raises. The guy was clearly in a stable position - until one day, he wasn’t. He got laid off, and it hit him hard. What gave him hope at this point wasn’t his old job title but the personal brand he’d built on LinkedIn.
With 15,000 followers and a strong network, he didn’t feel lost. In fact, his audience became his greatest asset, and he got an opportunity soon.
Building a personal brand isn’t something that happens overnight. It’s a journey of discovery, consistency, and persistence.
You start gradually and with time and effort, you create something memorable. But where do you begin? And how do you make sure your brand grows in the right direction? Below, we discuss that.
Vulnerability requires you to show your authentic self, including the imperfections and all. It’s the raw, real part of you that resonates deeply with others.
When you allow yourself to be vulnerable, you invite people to connect with you; as Psychiatric Associates mentions, “Being vulnerable allows us to connect to others.”
This is especially important when it comes to personal branding. If you’re not ready to show your true self, it’ll be challenging to build a meaningful brand.
That’s because a brand built solely on a facade can’t sustain the connections you need to thrive.
So, if you’re hesitant about being open and honest, it might be worth reconsidering your approach to personal branding.
For starters, events offer a golden opportunity to showcase your expertise. They allow you to engage directly with your audience and answer their questions in real-time. Plus, they position you as a go-to resource in your field.
When people attend your events, they’re investing their time in you. So, make it worth their while by delivering value. And don’t forget, events offer a fantastic way to learn more about what your audience cares about.
Now, if you’re worried about the budget, don’t fret. Online audio events offer a cost-effective way to engage with your audience. In fact, platforms like LinkedIn let you host live audio events where you can invite people to join in.
Wouldn’t it be amazing to work alongside someone who’s just as passionate and knowledgeable about your field as you are?
Together, you can captivate your audience and open doors you might not have accessed on your own. That’s exactly what collaborating with others in your niche is like.
Here are some tips to consider for a successful collaboration.
If you’re just starting out with your personal brand and feel unsure of where to begin, here’s a tip: focus on meaningful commenting. That’s because, in the beginning, your posts might get lost in the void as no one knows who you are yet.
This isn’t to say that you should stop posting entirely, but it means that engaging in comments FIRST is a great way to show up, build rapport, and start getting noticed.
In fact, Jasmin Alic, a personal branding expert on LinkedIn, often advises that commenting is one of the best ways to start building your online presence.
Why? Because they allow you to be part of the conversation without needing to be the loudest voice in the room. Over time, those small interactions build up and help establish credibility.
Recently, Jasmin even shared a checklist on how to approach commenting.
One of the most powerful ways to stand out is by creating a signature series. It could be a weekly video or a social media post. Just have something uniquely yours that people can look forward to.
Once you have that, get consistent with it. This will keep your audience engaged and coming back for more.
Take Matty Piazzi, for example. His AskMatty episodes have become a staple in his personal brand. Each week, followers ask him health-related questions, and he offers expert advice in a conversational, no-nonsense way.
It’s simple yet effective - and people love it. They know what to expect, and they’re excited to tune in because it’s Matty’s thing. Plus, it makes him memorable.
After a year or two, someone might not remember a branding expert who shared health-related content but Matty, who came up with AskMatty episodes. You see?
There’s a reason why 93% of video marketers see video as an important part of their overall strategy. Whether it’s TikTok, YouTube, or Instagram Reels, video marketing captures people’s attention like never before.
If that’s not enough to convince you, LinkedIn has also introduced short form video format like other social media platforms - a huge sign that even professional platforms recognize the power of this medium.
This shift has led more branding experts to turn to video content, including Lara Acosta, a personal branding growth expert who previously only shared text-based posts.
There’s something compelling about videos. Your audience get to see your personality, hear your voice, and feel your energy. This creates a sense of familiarity that’s hard to achieve through written content alone.
So, if you’re serious about building your personal brand, jumping into video content could be the move that sets you apart (plus, it’s something AI can’t replicate, which is a plus).
Also, you don’t have to go overboard investing in fancy tech and gadgets, a simple video sharing your thoughts and insights will do.
Sharing your story forces you to articulate where you’ve come from and what you stand for. So, you can position your brand with purpose and make your message more relatable. When people hear about your challenges, decisions, and the lessons you’ve learned, they feel connected to you as a person.
For example, Sahil Bloom began sharing his career transition from private equity into investing and content creation openly on X and LinkedIn.
His narrative of growth and change drew followers who saw themselves in his journey, helping him grow a large audience and unlock opportunities in speaking, investing, and publishing.
Giving away valuable insights and resources without asking for anything in return builds goodwill and positions you as an authority people want to follow. When you make useful information available for free, you demonstrate expertise and lower the barrier for people to engage with your brand.
Neil Patel is a good example. He regularly shares detailed SEO and digital marketing guides, tools, and tutorials that help beginners and seasoned marketers alike.
People who benefit from his free content are much more likely to consider his paid courses and consulting because he’s already proven his worth.
Think about the people who’ve made the deepest impact on you. It wasn’t merely because they were polished or professional. It was because they were real. They had a story, a voice, and a purpose that resonated with you. That’s the magic of personal branding.
When you invest in personal branding, you’re investing in the same kind of impact. But remember, to build something that lasts, avoid focusing on perfection. Be genuine and consistent and you’ll set yourself up for success.
Now, as you build your brand, there’s one medium that can take you to the next level, and that’s video. It offers a direct and personal way to connect with your audience. And if you’re ready to take that leap, our video marketing agency can help.
At INDIRAP, we specialize in helping creators bring their personal brand to life through compelling video content. With our video production Chicago services, you’ll get noticed, and beyond that, be remembered. Book a strategy call with us to ace your personal branding.
Gary Vaynerchuk could be a great example of personal branding. His personal brand focuses on entrepreneurship and hustle. He consistently shows up as his authentic self in speaking events, podcasts, and social media. It helped him build a massive, loyal following that counts on him for advice.
According to Forbes, the seven pillars of personal branding are purpose, values, brand clarity and authenticity, strengths, energy, and legacy. However, it is worth noting that it’s not set in stone. So long as you comprehend the essence of personal branding, you can build your own pillars and follow them (just make sure they’re based on moral and ethical principles).
The five A’s of personal branding are Awareness, Authority, Appearance, Authenticity, and Audience. These elements help build trust and connect with others. You need to show up, be genuine, accessible, and better than most out there at what you do.
Start with introspection: What are you passionate about? What values do you stand for? What unique skills do you bring to the table? From there, ask yourself how you want others to perceive you. Once you have a clear picture, start showing up consistently with that message. Remember, your brand is a reflection of who you are, so make sure it’s aligned with your true self.
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