How These Regular Guys Built Empires with A Simple Personal Brand

The business world as you know it has shifted

…and you didn’t even realize it!

Does it surprise you to hear that there are men and women out there making millions of dollars a year just by WRITING?

I know traditional writers, they are not necessarily rolling in it. That’s all changed.

With the emergence of AI, we all can now write because what AI is great at isn't writing.

It’s generating ideas, and templates and organizing your thoughts. 

Marketing is in for a disruption now as tools get easier to use and thousand-page books aren’t necessary to run a successful marketing campaign because they are more automated.
More so, as traditional marketing avenues become increasingly crowded, a fresh paradigm is emerging. People are now emphasizing the significance of self-branding and the importance of building a personal brand for your own audience. Platforms that were once viewed as purely professional networking tools, such as personal branding LinkedIn, are now arenas for strategic branding and audience cultivation.

Put it this way:

Imagine a world where you can get 20 million followers and just sell to them! 

No more advertising

No more cold calling

Just build an audience.

Neil Patel, a well-known figure in the digital marketing realm, embodies this transition perfectly. Once focusing largely on SEO and digital strategies, Neil has expanded his brand with a plethora of personal branding courses and how-tos. From in-depth YouTube tutorials to tweet threads that captivate thousands, Neil illustrates the power of creating a comprehensive digital presence. Of course, beneath all the giveaways in the content, he is selling an agency.

Dan Koe and Justin Welsh also exemplify the power of branding expert strategies. Both have a unique approach to building their personal brand. For instance, Welsh's tweets have become synonymous with startup insights and candid discussions about the trials and triumphs of entrepreneurial life and people are devouring it. A quick look at some of their personal brand website examples showcases a masterclass in branding, combining informative content with engaging visuals and authentic storytelling.

As for Dan Koe, his approach to self-branding ideas intertwines with his journey. By leveraging platforms like Twitter (now known as X), “Solopreneur Sprints” and video podcasts on YouTube, Koe shares tales of business ventures, creating an authentic bond with his followers. This strategy of self-branding on social media proves that it's not always about hard sell; sometimes, it's about sharing experiences and lessons learned.

With social media and personal branding becoming intertwined, we've witnessed the rise of new forms of expression, catering to various niches.  Personal branding for artists has transformed the art world, allowing individual artists to gain recognition and carve their niche without always relying on galleries or shows. As an “ex-artist” myself, I wish I had (and completely understood) these tools back in my performance days. Likewise in business, personal branding for leaders has enabled industry pioneers to share their insights and build thought leadership in their domains.

You can’t deny or overlook the wave of branding consultants like Koe or Welsh for aspiring small businesses offering their expertise, helping startups and entrepreneurs understand the power of branding in the digital age. Their message is clear: if you aim to start an online business, your personal brand is your strongest asset. They are building an empire by showing people how to start a business.

Let me say that again.

These guys are posting on social media to sell a future. They are speaking to your innermost desire.

“Look at how much money I make”

“Do this if you want to make money”

“Look how easy this is”

They give away how it’s done then sell the coaching or masterminds for mega dollars, getting thousands to buy in on how to succeed.

It’s brilliant.

Think about that! Many of these experts are encouraging individuals to write online and cultivate their brands, eventually launching businesses and teaching others how to, ironically, start a business. They then go out and do the same thing. Ponzi scheme?

Regardless, the future of marketing revolves around audience building. Famous personal branding examples showcase that catering to the audience's deepest desires, even discussing earnings (a previously taboo topic), can lead to significant engagement. As the lines between building a personal brand on social media and traditional branding blur, one thing is evident: personal branding is not just about selling a product or service; it's about selling a story, an experience, and ultimately, the American Dream.

Daniel Powers Jr, the founder of Real Brave™, serves as the chief inspiration to thousands of students in the Real Brave music instruction program. He's also the visionary behind PracticePad™, an online platform for live one-on-one online music lessons, lesson tracking, and scheduling. Beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits, Daniel leads a non-profit organization that provides formerly homeless children with access to music education, making a profound impact on their lives. His unwavering dedication to music, innovation, and education continues to inspire individuals to reach their fullest potential while creating positive change in communities.