In 2025, while most people are hustling hard just to get noticed, I’ve already taken three weeks off by the end of February (2 for jury service, one for skiing). Yet, during this time, I’ve delivered six presentations – all by invitation. I haven’t paid for a single stage or spent a penny on paid ads. I’m given an audience because I’ve built a strong personal brand that demonstrates one thing clearly: I’m good at what I do – marketing.
How? It’s a blend of providing valuable content and maintaining an active, engaging digital footprint, and building relationships. This is the power of personal branding, and it’s not just working for me, but for countless other founders who are leveraging their personal influence to grow their businesses.
Why Personal Branding Matters
Your personal brand is more than just a logo or a tagline; it’s your reputation, your voice, and the trust you build with your audience. In an age where people buy from people, not companies, a strong personal brand can set you apart from your competitors. It humanises your business, builds authority, and attracts opportunities organically.
Take my example: I don’t have to chase speaking gigs, they come to me (and I appreciate them). This isn’t luck; it’s strategy. By consistently showing up, sharing my knowledge, and engaging with my audience, I’ve positioned myself as an authority in marketing.
Founders Who’ve Mastered Personal Branding
Many of the world’s most influential entrepreneurs have mastered the art of personal branding, often outshining their companies’ own profiles. Here are a few notable examples:
- Elon Musk: With more followers than Tesla, Elon Musk’s personal brand is synonymous with innovation and disruption. People don’t just buy Tesla cars, they buy into Musk’s vision of the future.
- Sara Blakely: The founder of Spanx leveraged her personal story of bootstrapping her business into a billion-dollar empire. Her relatability and authenticity resonate more with her audience than any corporate campaign could.
- Richard Branson: More than just the face of Virgin, Branson’s adventurous, charismatic personality attracts followers who admire his lifestyle as much as his business acumen.
- Gary Vaynerchuk: Known for his no-nonsense advice and relentless hustle, Gary Vee’s personal brand powers his marketing agency, VaynerMedia. His influence has created multiple revenue streams beyond his core business.
These founders demonstrate that a powerful personal brand not only builds trust but also acts as a magnet for new business opportunities.
How to Leverage Personal Branding for Business Growth
- Consistency is Key
Show up regularly and consistently across platforms. Whether it’s LinkedIn, Instagram, or speaking engagements, make sure your message and values are clear and consistent. - Provide Value
Share your expertise freely. Educational content, actionable tips, and insightful opinions position you as an authority. Don’t just sell, educate. - Engage Authentically
Be genuine in your interactions. Respond to comments, engage in meaningful conversations, and be approachable. People want to connect with real people, not faceless corporations. - Build a Digital Footprint
The more you’re seen, the more you’re remembered. Consistently publish blogs, videos, or social media posts to maintain visibility. Mix this with public speaking, podcasts, or webinars to expand your reach.
The Result? Organic Growth and Authority
By building a strong personal brand, you create a network of trust and credibility. People start to associate your name with your area of expertise. In my case, being recognised as an authority in marketing means I’m regularly invited to speak at events, connect with potential clients, and even mentor other entrepreneurs, all without spending on ads or cold outreach.
Imagine what this could do for your business.
Ready to Build Your Personal Brand?
At Lincolnshire Marketing, we help entrepreneurs and business owners build their authority through strategic personal branding. At Legal Growth, we help lawyers stand out in a crowded market place where the consumer doesn’t know the difference between one practitioner and another. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to amplify your influence, we can provide a clear roadmap to grow your personal brand and your business.
Want to get started? I’m offering a free 30-minute conversation to help you understand the next steps and provide actionable insights tailored to your industry.
Book your session today by emailing me at tom@lincolnshiremarketing.co.uk or visiting www.tomstansfield.co.uk.
