I was driving my daughter to swim practice this morning. She didn't want to go and wasn't feeling very motivated. We're having a bit of that holiday vacation hangover. And I totally get it. I was barely motivated to drive her to practice, and I'm not the one swimming for 90 minutes today! But even with low motivation, we're still in this car driving to practice. Why? Because it was already decided. We set goals and now we're just executing against them, even when we're not feeling like it. For your personal brand and business, where are you driving? What are your goals this year? Knowing the answer could mean the difference between success and mediocrity. Have you heard the story about the bricklayer... Once, a traveler came across three bricklayers working on a construction site. Curious, he asked the first bricklayer, “What are you doing?” The man responded curtly, “I’m laying bricks.” The traveler then asked the second bricklayer the same question. This man replied, “I’m building a wall.” Finally, the traveler approached the third bricklayer, who was working with a sense of purpose and pride. When asked what he was doing, the man paused, looked up, and said, “I’m building a cathedral.” The third bricklayer’s vision was clear; he wasn’t just performing a task, he was contributing to something greater. His clarity and purpose allowed him to approach his work with intention and enthusiasm, unlike the others who lacked the big-picture perspective. As a coach, consultant, or creator, you probably already know that building your personal brand is one of the most powerful ways to establish authority, grow your audience, and create a thriving business. But here’s the hard truth: the biggest obstacle holding most people back isn’t a lack of talent, resources, or opportunities. It’s a lack of clarity. Without a clear vision for where you’re headed, it’s easy to get stuck in the weeds of day-to-day tasks. You post content sporadically, chase every opportunity that comes your way, and spend more time reacting than proactively steering your brand in the direction you want it to go. And here’s the thing: without intentionality, your personal brand risks becoming diluted, making it harder for your audience to see your true value. This is where goal setting becomes your secret weapon. Why Goal Setting Matters for Your Personal BrandGoals give your personal brand structure and direction. They’re the roadmap that ensures you’re working toward a bigger vision instead of spinning your wheels. When you take the time to set specific, measurable, and time-bound goals, you:
The Biggest Problem Holding Personal Brands BackIf lack of clarity is the root problem, then inconsistency is the symptom. Without clear goals, it’s hard to show up consistently—whether that’s on social media, in networking opportunities, or in delivering high-quality services. Inconsistency can confuse your audience, erode trust, and stall your growth. But when you set intentional goals, you’re no longer operating on autopilot. You’re showing up with purpose. For example, instead of saying, “I’ll post on LinkedIn when I have time,” a clear goal might be: “I’ll post three times a week on LinkedIn with a focus on educating my audience about [specific topic].” See the difference? One is vague; the other is actionable. And actionable goals lead to consistent action—the key to building a memorable, impactful personal brand. 🚀Get Ready to Set Goals That Transform Your BrandIf you’re ready to start 2025 with a clear vision and actionable goals, I’ve got something special for you. On January 8th at 12 noon Eastern, I’m hosting a free personal brand training designed to help you:
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your personal brand to the next level, this training will give you the tools and strategies you need to succeed. Don’t Let 2025 Pass You ByThe best time to set goals for your personal brand was yesterday. The second best time is now. Don’t let another year go by without a clear plan to grow your brand and business. Join me on January 8th and take the first step toward building a personal brand that’s not just successful, but truly impactful. Sign up for the free training here and let’s make 2025 your best year yet! 📅 When: January 8th at 12 noon (eastern) The next step in your personal brand journey starts here. Will you take it? Talk soon, Brandon |
Brandon is a former Coca-Cola and Apple advertising executive with over 20 years of experience in marketing at Madison Avenue advertising agencies advising top FORTUNE 100 companies on brand strategy. He is now a sought-after consultant, coach, and speaker on the topics of leadership and personal branding. Brandon hosts a top ranking podcast called Brands On Brands and is the author of the bestselling book, Front & Center Leadership, How Leaders Use Personal Branding to Stand Out and How You Can Too.
Hey, what’s up? Brandon here! 📅Today I want to explore an intriguing question: What makes a brand memorable in seconds? In the fast-paced world we live in, capturing attention quickly is crucial. Let’s dive into how you can achieve that efficiently. The Importance of Clarity Before diving deep, if you haven't had the chance yet, check out my book "Front and Center Leadership." It's all about how leaders can use personal branding to stand out. Visit brandsonbrands.com/books for more info. Get...
This issue is presented by: The Bestselling Personal Branding Book ... Front & Center Leadership by Brandon Birkmeyer I was speaking to a group of talented learning and development professionals yesterday and one of the topics that resonated was this idea of a "crisis of confidence". I am so excited to share this with you, that it's the first thing I started writing about when I got home that night for you today! We've all had the moment where we've avoided posting online and putting...
This issue is presented by: The Bestselling Personal Branding Book ... Front & Center Leadership by Brandon Birkmeyer So I just finished recording a one-hour personal brand training for the Society of Human Resource Management in Atlanta, but wanted to take a moment to post this article and share some fun thoughts on why personal branding is so important for career professionals. I also shared a podcast this week titled, "Is Your Personal Brand Helping or Hurting Your Career." Check it out!...