You Are The Brand

When Lauren Davis isn’t organizing live release shows at her record store in Rockford, IL she’s obsessed with empowering her clients through social media to help them boost sales, increase exposure, and impact their communities.   Lauren is an all-around marketing pro but for this episode I've asked her to share her best practices with my favorite social media network, Instagram.   Lauren recently ran my Instagram account at a speaking engagement and I was absolutely blown away by how much a difference it made. Here are a few concepts we cover in this interview: The biggest mistake that most people make with their new Instagram account The #1 practice in using Instagram intentionally to grow your brand footprint The top strategy Lauren recommends to get your first couple hundred followers FAST? How does Instagram algorithm works, and what the science is behind it. Follow Lauren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ldaviscreative/   Lauren's website: https://laurendaviscreative.com/ FREE GIFT: Marketing Mastery Insider #1 As a thank you for tuning into the show, I’m offering you a free copy of the first issue of my paid newsletter Marketing Mastery Insider (retail $97 a month). To get your free copy: mikekim.com/list EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. Here’s an article he wrote about the benefits of podcasting: A Few More Podcasting Benefits Check it out and then schedule a FREE strategy call with him at the bottom of that page.

  Many people want to “reinvent” themselves career-wise but they’re just not sure where to start. One of the keys to reinventing yourself successfully is already in your hands: social media. If you use any kind of social media right now, you’re already engaged in what I call “personal branding”. In this episode, I share two strategies to use social media intentionally to take control of the conversation people are having about you. The first pathway: Start with your favorite social media app, the one you use most. Document your day - don’t worry about “creating” Write something on your post that adds value by giving context to your post You’ll also learn a key strategy you can leverage for Facebook or LinkedIn to shape your personal brand if you’re looking to start a side-hustle or launch a new business. A few notable quotes from this episode: If you're wondering, “Is this off-brand?” it probably is. When it comes to personal branding, you are what you share. If you’d like to connect elsewhere online, the easiest place to reach me is via Instagram: instagram.com/mikekimtv Drop me a DM because I read and respond to every single one! Instagram is a convenient place to connect since you’re probably listening to the show off your phone anyway. FREE GIFT: Marketing Mastery Insider #1 As a thank you for tuning into the show, I’m offering you a free copy of the first issue of my paid newsletter Marketing Mastery Insider (retail $97 a month). To get your free copy: mikekim.com/list EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. Here’s an article he wrote about the benefits of podcasting: A Few More Podcasting Benefits Check it out and then schedule a FREE strategy call with him at the bottom of that page.

After being unemployed for 6 months, Wes Gay quickly scaled his marketing consulting practice to six figures in the first year, and today he’s here to share what he did, why it worked, and how you can leverage it in your own work. Wes believes something deep in his bones: clarity always wins. Whether it’s in marketing, sales, leadership, or personal relationships, being clear is the best way to connect, grow, and move forward. He’s helped dozens of companies, ranging from startups to billion dollar brands, discover a new level of clarity through the StoryBrand framework. He lives with his wife, two young boys, and their overprotective dog in the suburbs of Atlanta, GA. When he’s not hanging with his family or helping businesses increase revenue, he’s probably looking for a good espresso and donut. Get Wes' terrific guide, Slogans That Sell, at wesgay.com Some questions I asked Wes: How did you get started? What’s the first thing people need to do in order to generate more free leads? Where can we find those people we want as clients? What’s something we do once we determine our ideal client? How do we engage without being sleazy or salesy? Facebook ads are great because they’re passive, enabling prospects to engage with our content without taking our time. But what makes your approach better? What’s one thing our audience can do immediately after listening to this podcast? If you'd like to connect elsewhere online, the easiest place to reach me is via Instagram: instagram.com/mikekimtv Drop me a DM because I read and respond to every single one! Instagram is a convenient place to connect since you're probably listening to the show off your phone anyway. :-) FREE GIFT: Marketing Mastery Insider #1 As a thank you for tuning into the show, I'm offering you a free copy of the first issue of my paid newsletter Marketing Mastery Insider (retail $97 a month). To get your free copy: mikekim.com/list EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. Here's an article he wrote about the benefits of podcasting: A Few More Podcasting Benefits Check it out and then schedule a FREE strategy call with him at the bottom of that page.  

Behold two of the most sleep-stealing, life-sucking, worry-causing words I tell myself: “By now.” Fight as I may, they always seem to find a way to seep into my thoughts. Maybe you’ve said a few of these to yourself: By now…I should be out of debt. By now…I should have lost 20 lbs. By now…I should be finished with school. By now…I should have kicked that habit. By now…I should be married. By now…I should have a bigger house. By now…I should be famous. By now…I should know what I want to do with my life. In this episode, you'll learn practical steps on how to deal with "by now" syndrome, as well as the concept of "death by a thousand cuts". You'll also learn how to position yourself for greater opportunities. If you'd like to connect elsewhere online, the easiest place to reach me is via Instagram: instagram.com/mikekimtv Drop me a DM because I read and respond to every single one! Instagram is a convenient place to connect since you're probably listening to the show off your phone anyway. :-) FREE GIFT: Marketing Mastery Insider #1 As a thank you for tuning into the show, I'm offering you a free copy of the first issue of my paid newsletter Marketing Mastery Insider (retail $97 a month). To get your free copy: mikekim.com/list EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. Here's an article he wrote about the benefits of podcasting: A Few More Podcasting Benefits Check it out and then schedule a FREE strategy call with him at the bottom of that page.  

Every few episodes we'll be doing a listener Q&A episode, and this is the first one! Most of these questions have come in via my Instagram channel at instagram.com/mikekimtv. If you have a question, hit me up there and we may end up using your question on a future episode! Joining me as co-host on this episode is my friend, former assistant, and travel expert Chelsea Brinkley. Check out Chelsea on Instagram at instagram.com/travelbrinkley! Here are the questions that were sent in: 1. The big problem I’m trying to solve in my life, at the moment, is deciphering the next season in my life. I’m 36, and have been an educator for 13 years. I’m finding myself bored and unfulfilled. I’m seeking a new direction, but having a hard time finding which way to turn. To me, creating something from nothing, and having someone else find enough value in it to purchase it, is an indescribable feeling. I have an Amazon FBA business that I started just last year. It’s been an awesome ride, but I can’t seem to shake past the fear of going all in. I question whether I can still serve others and serve God in an e-commerce business. - Ryan 2. Hi Mike, I’m founder and director of an outreach to prostituted women. What pisses me off? Patriarchy, injustice and the multitude of ways women are hurt by it. It breaks my heart that women and children, usually the innocent ones, suffer so unfairly because of it.   But what problem am I trying to solve? Trafficking, maybe? Injustice? I don’t know. The truth is I am tired of fighting, tired of trying to change the impossible. And as I step back on sabbatical, I’m realizing, how tired I am of “the hustle.” Tired of trying to prove that this is a worthwhile fight. Tired of trying to prove that we’re a worthy investment.   I once told a friend, “I just have to accept that not everyone is going to care about this as much as I do.” And now I wonder if I still care. How much more energy or desire or creativity do I have in me to keep pursuing this dream?   I’ve begun to write a book about our experiences over the last 20 yrs. And again I’m running into the same problem, the hustle to get published, find an agent, sell copies…. How do I return to my first love and escape all the seemingly necessary hype? - name withheld    3. I am currently beginning my career in Washington D.C. in a think tank. The position did not exist before for me, so while I am grateful to be able to define the scope of my own role in the organization, I am terrified of disappointing the people who made an investment in hiring me. Do you have any thoughts on how I can move forward in order to relieve that anxiety? Perhaps like you, I did grow up with an Asian tiger mom. The pressure she put on me when I was younger evolved into pressure I put on myself, where everything I do could be better and must be better. - Scott   4. Just listened to episode 1. Just what I needed. Thank you. What pisses me off is that often times the measure of how successful you are is in terms of how expensive and how much  stuff you have and how big your house is. Oh course money and earning a living is important but experiencing life to its fullest is truly important to me. So many people I know are "maybe someday" people. Others are "could of, would of, should of" people. We don't know when we'll leave this earth, living the life, experiencing the life without regrets is what I strive for. Big problem to solve... building the work from anywhere biz that will fit the travel lifestyle that my husband and I want to achieve. Have already started and recently made some very good shifts and am gaining clarity to grow biz. It's a process for sure, a journey. - Gayle   5. It took me over 30 years to finally find what brought me meaning in my life and I really loved episode #1 because it really does begin with the relationship you have with yourself, the way you view yourself, and the beliefs you have with yourself. But the problem I think is that no one feels safe anymore to be themselves. We’re exposed to about 10,000 advertisements telling us what to do, we have our culture (Asians for sure) where we often have a path set out for is to follow by our parents, and now we have social media where people spend so much time comparing themselves to others. I’m guilty giving in to all of these and its all this noise that exists that made me never feel safe to just be myself so that I can start really listening and hearing about what mattered to me the most. It’s whats helped me figured out my process that helps people feel safe and tune into their passions and talents as well. Thanks again for sharing! - Eugene   6. I’m working on a membership site but getting overwhelmed with how much content I need and trying to figure out how to target a very tough demographic (pro athletes). I want these guys to be able to handle their own stuff so they can still make it work after their career is over. Too many guys go broke cause they can’t do anything but their sport. I have a background in law and finance. And I was a sports agent. My plan was to have other experts like Attorney’s, investors, venture capitalists, accountants etc to show them how they can maximize their money now and after they are done playing. It’s so much more than just their branding on social. Does that make sense? Wanna make sure I don’t sound crazy lol — BJ   7. I don’t ever use Instagram, but because you mentioned on your latest post/podcast that this would be the best way to reach you, I decided to send you a DM. Your 150th episode was my first episode that I caught on your show. It’s interesting how our paths cross as you end one and begin your next journey. I have come across your name via my conversations with Jeff Brown and Cliff Ravenscraft. We don’t know each other personally nor have our paths crossed (yet). But, I want to take my morning out and let you know that if you needed to reach out to me re your “time off”, please feel free to do so at anytime. I have been through similar challenging episodes in my life and sometimes I just wished I knew someone who could relate to my/our story. - Vinod   8. Mike, I listened to your last podcast and was moved. I knew you were hurting but didn't know why and didn't ask out of decency for privacy. My prayers and brotherhood are with you and when you I ready I fully support your dating and search for love. Lemme know your type bro! God Bless! - Alduan  

Personality tests are powerful tools for personal growth.  Some people think personality tests "box them in" but personally, I feel they open up our understanding of ourselves. If you can think of tests like the Briggs Myers, DISC, or Enneagram as a more concrete way to observe yourself, then you're well on your way to growth. Recommended (free) Enneagram test: exploreyourtype.com Recommended Ennegram results: enneagraminstitute.com All of these are tools to empower your capacity for self-observation. Here are three ways I use these tests for growth: Learn how you rest Learn how you relate Learn how you work Knowing these three things allows you to make better decisions in life.  If you'd like to connect elsewhere online, the easiest place to reach me is via Instagram: instagram.com/mikekimtv Drop me a DM because I read and respond to every single one! Instagram is a convenient place to connect since you're probably listening to the show off your phone anyway. :-) FREE GIFT: Marketing Mastery Insider #1 As a thank you for tuning into the show, I'm offering you a free copy of the first issue of my paid newsletter Marketing Mastery Insider (retail $97 a month). To get your free copy: mikekim.com/list EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. Here's an article he wrote about the benefits of podcasting: A Few More Podcasting Benefits Check it out and then schedule a FREE strategy call with him at the bottom of that page.  

Decisions, decisions, decisions! Have you ever had to make a decision and kept delaying it? There's actually a 5-step psychological process behind why you get excited to make a change in your life -- and then fail to follow through: Satisfaction Dissatisfaction Emotional Brink Moment of Insight The Opening That's what we're going to talk about on this episode. Once we understand how we make decisions, then we can make better ones and break the cycle. In this episode I share: The root meaning of the word "decide" Why, when helping others, you must only do everything you SHOULD, and not everything you CAN The power behind the phrase, "There must be more to my life than ____..." If you'd like to connect elsewhere online, the easiest place to reach me is via Instagram: instagram.com/mikekimtv Drop me a DM because I read and respond to every single one! Instagram is a convenient place to connect since you're probably listening to the show off your phone anyway. :-) FREE GIFT: Marketing Mastery Insider #1 As a thank you for tuning into the show, I'm offering you a free copy of the first issue of my paid newsletter Marketing Mastery Insider (retail $97 a month). To get your free copy: mikekim.com/list EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. Here's an article he wrote about the benefits of podcasting: A Few More Podcasting Benefits Check it out and then schedule a FREE strategy call with him at the bottom of that page.  

What makes you leave a box in search of a new nirvana? That's what we're going to talk about on this episode. As we kick off the first few episodes, we're going to look at the most important relationship you have: the relationship you have with yourself. Ultimately you're the only person that can take responsibility for your own life, but if you've ever asked, "What am I going to do with my life?" you are not alone! Life is not linear. Unfortunately, most of us are underprepared for that simple fact because most of our developmental years are straightforward... But real life is anything but straightforward. In this episode I share: 3 bizarre (but effective!) questions to help you find your life purpose What pisses me off about corporate America and formalized education Why seeing people who live like zombies and spend their days at jobs they don't enjoy breaks my heart The "only" two career paths I was allowed to consider when growing up (typical Asian kid) Why real life is all about "off-roading" rather than highway driving A deeper look at what the word "fulfillment" really means If you'd like to connect elsewhere online, the easiest place to reach me is via Instagram: instagram.com/mikekimtv Drop me a DM because I read and respond to every single one! Instagram is a convenient place to connect since you're probably listening to the show off your phone anyway. :-) FREE GIFT: Marketing Mastery Insider #1 As a thank you for tuning into the show, I'm offering you a free copy of the first issue of my paid newsletter Marketing Mastery Insider (retail $97 a month). To get your free copy: mikekim.com/list EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. Here's an article he wrote about the benefits of podcasting: A Few More Podcasting Benefits Check it out and then schedule a FREE strategy call with him at the bottom of that page.

In this episode of the Brand You Podcast, I share 5 things I've learned from doing 150 episodes of this show in hopes that these insights will inspire you to keep taking action to build your personal brand business. You'll discover: Why doing this podcast has been one of the most rewarding things I've ever done in my career Why it's never too early to share your stage How I created my 7P framework while doing this show The personal reason why I took such a long time off from the podcast The year-by-year things I did since 2013 to grow my personal brand business   Connect with Me on Instagram Instagram has quickly become my favorite social network, and because so few people use it to contact me, it's the easiest way to get in touch. If you'd like to connect on Instagram, connect with me at @mikekimtv. I read and respond to every DM. It's been a pleasure to be on this journey with you! Sincerely, Mike Kim

You work hard every day to craft your ideas, frameworks, and strategies. But what can you do to legally protect them? Today I interview Steve Sponseller, a patent attorney based in Spokane, Washington about best-practices when it comes to protecting our intellectual property. In this episode you will learn: The difference between copyrights, trademarks, patents, and trade secrets What legally constitutes a trademark, and when you should file for one Who really "owns" the creation when a contractor (like a designer or copywriter) creates intellectual property for a client When to use U.S. based contractors vs. when it's ok to use contractors who are overseas and so much more While this topic isn't the "sexiest" topic out there, it's extremely important. Several years ago I witness Michael Hyatt go through a trademark tiff with the National Speakers Association which I blogged about here. Thankfully things worked out for both groups, but it was a looming reminder that IP conflicts can come unexpectedly, and that we should all be prepared for them. Grab Your Copy of Steve Sponseller's Intellectual Property Checklist Intellectual property is not optional. Every business, from solo entrepreneurs to large corporations, has valuable intellectual property that must be protected. Grab Steve's free checklist here: Get the IP Checklist here