Topics to avoid and the cringe line

Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of Build a Better Agency! In this episode, host Drew McLellan welcomes Greg Star, founder of Driven Branding and former CEO of Carvertize, to explore how agency leaders can leverage LinkedIn to build stronger, more authentic personal brands. If you've ever wondered why your company's LinkedIn page isn't gaining traction or how you can make your own profile stand out in a sea of sameness, this conversation is packed with fresh perspectives and actionable strategies.

Drew McLellan and Greg Star dig deep into the "why" behind personal branding, revealing why executives and business owners should take the reins of their LinkedIn presence—rather than delegating to teams or relying on generic company posts. From sharing compelling origin stories to posting weekly updates and engaging thoughtfully with comments, Greg Star outlines what kind of content builds trust, authenticity, and ultimately, business opportunities. They discuss how true engagement emerges when you blend professional expertise with genuine connection—without veering into "cringe" territory or oversharing.

You'll also get an inside look at Greg Star's journey from manually creating buzz for his own business on LinkedIn to developing AI-powered tools that help introverted or time-strapped leaders tell their stories effectively. Hear practical tips for building consistency, making each post matter, and handling the inevitable engagement that follows. Plus, find out why starting now—no matter how long you've waited—is the key to momentum.

This episode is a must-listen for agency owners, executives, and anyone ready to move beyond passive lurking and intentional yet inauthentic posting. By the end, you'll be inspired to up your LinkedIn game, share your unique "why," and embrace consistency as the secret weapon to becoming a more visible and trusted leader in today's crowded agency landscape.

A big thank you to our podcast's presenting sponsor, White Label IQ. They're an amazing resource for agencies who want to outsource their design, dev, or PPC work at wholesale prices. Check out their special offer (10 free hours!) for podcast listeners here.

What You Will Learn in This Episode:

• • Leveraging LinkedIn for authentic personal branding
  • Why agency owners' voices outperform company pages on LinkedIn
  • The power of consistency over perfection in building reputation
  • Balancing professional storytelling with vulnerability (without getting "cringe")
  • Using origin stories and the "why" to foster connections
  • How AI tools can assist—without replacing—the human touch
  • Simple engagement tactics to grow trust and visibility