5 Things I Wish I Knew About Executive Branding Earlier
Public Relations Advice
5 Things I Wish I Knew About Executive Branding Earlier
Navigating the complex world of executive branding can often feel like uncharted territory. This article distills hard-earned wisdom from seasoned industry experts into actionable strategies. Discover the key tactics for positioning, valuing, and controlling a personal brand that resonates in today's competitive landscape.
- Position Yourself Strategically
- Recognize Branding's Tangible Value
- Control Your Narrative
- Embrace Authentic Storytelling
- Build a Strong Online Presence
Position Yourself Strategically
One thing I wish I had known earlier about executive branding is that it's not just about visibility-it's about positioning. Early in my career, I believed that personal branding was simply about getting noticed. However, I later realized that how you position yourself in the industry-through strategic storytelling, media presence, and credibility-building-is what truly attracts high-caliber clients and opportunities.
Had I understood this earlier, I would have been more intentional about curating my personal brand to align with the top 1% of entrepreneurs from the start. By leveraging press features, podcast interviews, and high-value content, I've been able to position myself as a thought leader, which has significantly impacted business growth. This knowledge has helped me not only elevate my own brand but also empower my clients to do the same, accelerating their success through executive branding.
Recognize Branding's Tangible Value
The one thing I wish I had known earlier about executive branding? Its measurable value. Branding isn't just a buzzword-it's an asset with tangible ROI. A strong executive brand attracts opportunities, whether that's job offers, client deals, or keynote invitations. It speaks for you when you're not in the room. It shows up before you do. Too often, people see branding as just what they say or post, but it's so much more. It's how you show up in every way-your presence, your style, your signature. Are you the black turtleneck, blue jeans, and sneakers (Steve Jobs)? The larger-than-life generosity (Oprah-YOU GET A CAR!)? The red lipstick, no matter the occasion (me)? If I had leaned into crafting and cultivating my brand sooner, I could have accelerated my trajectory-because the truth is, the right brand doesn't just open doors. It ensures the right doors find you.
Control Your Narrative
One thing I wish I had known earlier about executive branding is that it's not just about credibility-it's about controlling the narrative before others do. Early in my career, I focused heavily on results, assuming that expertise alone would naturally lead to recognition. But the reality is that if you don't intentionally shape your brand and visibility, the market (or competitors) will define it for you.
Had I understood this sooner, I would have built a stronger media presence, thought leadership portfolio, and digital authority much earlier. This would have allowed me to position myself strategically, attract high-caliber opportunities, and set the tone for how my expertise was perceived rather than leaving it to chance. Now, I approach executive branding as an asset that grows in value over time, leveraging PR, social credibility, and personal storytelling to ensure my expertise is both visible and memorable.
Embrace Authentic Storytelling
If I could give my younger self one piece of advice about executive branding, it would be this: Your brand isn't what you say about yourself-it's what others say when you're not in the room.
Earlier in my career, I had thought that leadership was more about building a company rather than building a personal brand. I placed most of my concentration on Legacy Online School and thought the work would speak for itself. However, what I didn't realize is that people connect with people-not just businesses.
It was when I finally embraced authentic storytelling, that everything changed. Instead of just talking about online education, I started sharing why I built Legacy-my passion for accessible learning, the challenges we faced, and the real impact on families. That transparency helped build trust, attract the right people, and open doors I didn't even know existed.
If I had known that then, I would have more strategically shared my journey, not just the company's success. Executive branding is not about self-promotion; it's about credibility, relationships, and a vision people want to be part of.
Build a Strong Online Presence
One thing I wish I had known about executive branding earlier in my career is the importance of building and maintaining a strong online presence. In today's digital age, a strong online presence can greatly benefit an executive's personal brand and career success. Prior to learning about executive branding, I was not fully aware of the impact that social media and other online platforms could have on my professional image. I wish I had known to actively curate my social media accounts and ensure they aligned with my personal brand and values. By neglecting to cultivate an online presence, I missed out on valuable opportunities for networking, showcasing my expertise, and connecting with potential employers or clients.
