Change your words. Change your world.

The Business of You: How to Build a Personal Brand That Drives Influence and Opportunity

In today’s world, people don’t just buy products or services—they buy into people. Whether you’re a CEO, a rising executive, or an expert building your business, your personal brand is shaping opportunities long before you step into the room.

But here’s the challenge: Many ambitious professionals believe they need to be everywhere, post constantly, or craft a “perfect” online persona. That’s exhausting. And worse, it often leads to a brand that feels inauthentic or inconsistent.

The truth? Building a personal brand isn’t about vanity metrics or visibility for visibility’s sake. It’s about influence. When done right, your brand should create opportunities, strengthen credibility, and position you as a trusted authority—without feeling like another full-time job.

The Four Pillars of a Powerful Personal Brand

A strong personal brand is built on four key pillars:

1

Visibility

If people don’t know you exist, they can’t do business with you. But visibility isn’t just about showing up—it’s about showing up in the right places. Strategic visibility ensures the right people see and engage with your expertise.

2

Credibility

Your audience needs to believe in you before they buy from you, work with you, or follow your lead. Credibility isn’t built overnight; it’s earned through consistency, results, and the right messaging.

3

Authenticity

You don’t need to be someone else to build influence. In fact, the more you lean into what makes you different—your perspective, experience, and way of communicating—the more magnetic your brand becomes.

4

Availability

Influence without access leads nowhere. The most impactful personal brands don’t just attract attention; they create pathways for people to connect, work together, and take action.

Why Your Words Matter More Than Ever

At the core of every great personal brand is language. The way you talk about yourself, your expertise, and the problems you solve shapes how others see you. It’s not just about what you say—it’s about saying the right words at the right time.

This is where Exactly What to Say comes in. The right words open doors, shift perspectives, and turn conversations into opportunities. Whether you’re leading a team, pitching an idea, or positioning yourself for a promotion, the words you choose define the impact you create.

Your Next Steps

Your personal brand isn’t a logo, a LinkedIn bio, or a handful of social media posts. It’s the story people tell about you when you’re not in the room. The good news? You control that story.

When you build The Business of You with intention, your personal brand stops being an obligation and becomes your greatest asset.

claire

Claire Dowdall

Claire Dowdall is the Director of Brand for Exactly What to Say, shaping the strategy that supports its growing community of Certified Guides. With a background in branding, marketing, and community building, she focuses on creating clarity, consistency, and connection across the brand. Passionate about the power of language and influence, she works to ensure Exactly What to Say continues to grow as a trusted resource for leaders and experts worldwide.

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