I left halfway through her performance. The show had become unbearable for me. My roommate, Crystal, and I had gotten tickets to see Serena Kerrigan, the "Queen of Confidence” in Boston on a Friday night a couple of years ago. As she took the stage in her black power suit and stiletto pumps, the audience responded with cheers. I didn’t know what to expect, but her opening monologue revealed a hinted nervousness, and made me squirm in my seat a little.

There’s nothing wrong with making beautiful, aspirational videos. I love creating that kind of content, and I love to consume it as well. But that kind of content only shows one facet of your life. An authentic personal brand goes deeper. An authentic personal brand says…

After you start creating content, your experience on social media will never be the same. You will pay attention to every opening line, the music used, the camera angles, what catches people's interest and what doesn't. A big part of personal branding is showing your face online. People love to see the person behind the name, the writing, and the videos. We want to know who we’re following. The best way to show people who you are, is to tell them. So let’s review one of the best methods for doing so.

When you are authentic online, you may receive feedback on your beliefs and opinions. It may not be true for you, but remember, it is always true for the person who is sharing it with you. And in that regard, it might be important for you to consider.

I had only one goal this year...

to finish writing my book.

The idea for my book came to me in the middle of the night. I was staying at a hostel in Portland, Maine ​(more on that story here)​, woke up the next morning and started writing, feverishly. Conviction pulsing through my fingertips. The storyline was there, all I had to do was type.

But then, life got busy. I had recently moved to Boston, and my focus had shifted to settling into my new home, making new friends, and working on my business.

Do you want others to notice your accomplishments without having to talk about them? Maybe you avoid creating content so others won't think you're trying to show off. If you want to build your personal brand, but don't want to appear self-serving, this bulletin is for you. Today, I'm going to show you how you can create content with tact and intention.

Soon, our news feeds will be flooded with end-of-year posts. People will be showcasing their achievements, you’ll come across plenty of photos and videos, and perhaps even listen to some podcasts that summarize the year. Maybe you’ve seen some of these posts in the past and felt inclined to share your own thoughts as well. If that’s you, make this your year to start! There’s never been a better time.

In this issue, we'll discuss the power of self-approval and how to get over the fear of what people will think of you. Plus, why you already have what you're looking for 👀

I fell in love with Boston and moved here on a whim. Since then, I've frequently been asked for recommendations. So, here they are! Enjoy.

The Complete Guide to build your personal brand with confidence! Discover the exact steps to uncover your Personal Brand Story, create your visual identity, plan your Personal Brand Photoshoot, optimize your social media profiles, and post with confidence online. Share your story with confidence and attract more opportunities with this comprehensive guide.

If you want to clarify your message, writing your Personal Brand Story is the first step. Sharing your Personal Brand Story takes bravery and vulnerability, but it's the best way to actualize your work and build a strong personal brand with a core message that people remember.

When deciding on your niche, you can either choose to focus on a specific area in your content or become your niche by incorporating all aspects of your life into your marketing strategy. Regardless of your choice, consistency in content and maintaining a clear direction are key to avoiding confusion for your audience.

You don’t have to feel limited, here’s how.

Good writing takes you where you want to go. To build your personal brand, a good rule to follow is, “Share what you know online, over and over again.” This practice attracts an audience, the people who will later become your followers, clients, and customers. The more content you share, the more you establish yourself as an expert, and give people a window into who you are and what’s important to you. By doing so, you can build a loyal community of people who not only appreciate your insights but also feel connected to you on a personal level. This is the prize to be won!

Fear is what prevents people from creating content and putting themselves out there online. This fear can stem from a lack of experience or time, or even dissatisfaction your current life. But you can overcome these hesitations. You can build a strong personal brand by being radically authentic, prioritizing what excites you, and strengthening your ability to stop chasing an ideal. It is possible to achieve this precisely where you are right now. Nothing needs to change except your scope of what you believe is possible.

I called myself a Personal Brand Strategist before I had any clients. I vividly remember setting up my LinkedIn profile after making the decision to start my business. I typed the words 'Personal Brand Strategist' into the title field, hit save, and hoped for the best. I had never worked with any clients before, and I hardly had any money at the time, but I was determined to change my situation and work with as many clients as possible.

Many people, although reluctant to admit it, want to build their audience as quickly as possible when they first start building their personal brand. Some are upfront about their desire for fast growth, while others may say something like, "Getting followers isn't my main priority, but I want my efforts to count for something."

The number of followers a person has become a new form of social currency. Even so, I’ll be honest with you: getting followers for my clients and students is **not** a top priority for me. And I’ll tell you why in a second.

Have you ever tried filming yourself in public before? If you have, I’m sure you know how cringey it can feel at first 🤪 It can even feel scary! Here are some tricks I’ve shared with my students that might help you take action and get started today: