How to scale your personal brand through thought leadership

By Christina Garnett

In this guide, we’ll walk through the key steps to craft your personal brand using self-discovery, market alignment, and actionable strategies. Make a copy of this Google Doc so you’re able to fill it out yourself.

Need more help? Read our full article on building a personal brand through thought leadership.

Part 1: Self-Discovery

1. Reflect on your past

What were you picked on for in school?
(Sometimes, the things others noticed in us as children make us unique and special as adults.)

Example: Were you too curious? Too loud? Too shy? Too creative?

2. Identify your weaknesses

What are your biggest weaknesses?
(Acknowledging your weaknesses can help you turn them into strengths or identify areas for growth.)

Example: Are you disorganized? Impatient? Overly analytical?

3. Celebrate your differences

What makes you different?
(Your uniqueness is your superpower. Embrace it.)

Example: Do you have an unusual background, a unique talent, or a quirky perspective?

Part 2: Understand your market fit

1. Identify market needs

Where is there a hole in the market?
(Think about your industry or field. What is missing? What needs are unmet?)

Example: Is there a lack of authentic voices? Are people looking for a new approach to an old problem?

2. Fill the gap

How will you fill that hole?
(Consider your skills, experiences, and passions. How can you solve the problem or meet the need you identified?)

Example: Do you bring a fresh perspective, a new skill set, or a bold idea?

3. Own your uniqueness

Why are you the perfect person to fill that hole?
(Reflect on your strengths, experiences, and unique qualities that align with the need you want to address.)

Example: Do you have a unique combination of skills? A deep passion for the topic? Personal experience that drives your perspective?

Part 3: Build your personal brand

1. Define your purpose

What do you want to be known for?

What do you want people to think of when they see you?

2. Write your personal brand statement

Using your answers above, craft a personal brand statement that encapsulates who you are, what you do, and why you’re unique.

For example: "I am Alex Smith, a graphic designer who creates visually stunning and emotionally resonant branding for small businesses. I stand out because I blend creativity with data-driven strategy. I am the perfect person to help small businesses build unforgettable brands in today’s crowded marketplace."

Fill in the blanks:

"I am [your name], a [your role/expertise] who [what you do or solve]. I stand out because [what makes you unique or your "why"]. I am the perfect person to [how you fill the market hole]."

3. Plant thought leadership seeds

Now that you know what you want to be known for and have broken down what makes you different and how you can position yourself, it’s time to plant seeds consistently.

What mediums will you use to share your thought process? Video? Podcasts? Writing?

What channels will you distribute your content? Newsletter? Social Media?

How often will you post? (Start slow and ramp up. It’s better to be consistent.)

Part 4: Take action

1. Define next steps

Based on your personal brand statement, write down three actionable steps to amplify your brand.

Example:

  1. Build a portfolio showcasing my unique skills.
  2. Update my LinkedIn profile to reflect my personal brand statement.
  3. Reach out to three potential collaborators or mentors in my industry.

2. Stay accountable

Who can you share your personal brand with to get feedback and support?

When will you revisit and refine your brand? Set a date:

Part 5: Grow into your future self

This section is for those who are aspiring to grow into a specific type of person. Visualize the future version of yourself and start walking in those shoes today.

1. Envision your future self

What kind of person do you want to become?
(Think about your ideal future self's characteristics, habits, and traits.)

Example: Do you want to be a confident leader? A compassionate innovator? A bold creative?

2. Act as if

How would this person work?
(Consider their daily routines, work habits, and priorities.)

Example: Do they start their day with planning? Are they focused and deliberate? Do they collaborate effectively?

How would they present themselves?
(Think about their communication style, appearance, and overall demeanor.)

Example: Are they polished and professional? Warm and approachable? Dynamic and inspiring?

3. Build habits

What habits can you build today to start becoming this person?
(Focus on small, actionable steps you can take now.)

Example:

  1. Practice public speaking to improve confidence.
  2. Set a consistent morning routine.
  3. Learn a skill relevant to your future role.

4. Measure progress

How will you measure your progress toward becoming this person?
(Set milestones and reflect on your growth regularly.)

Example: By June, I will have applied to speak at 3 conferences.