In this episode, I tackle one of the most common questions I’m asked: “Do I really need a personal brand?” Many professionals secretly hope the answer is no, but the truth is, if you’re leading a business, driving growth, or representing your organization publicly, the answer is absolutely yes.
I explain who benefits most from building a personal brand and share the three key reasons it’s essential: visibility, connection, and credibility. I also discuss how personal brands have evolved far beyond influencer culture and why every leader must intentionally shape how they show up online. By the end, you’ll understand exactly what makes a personal brand effective and how it can strengthen trust, drive business opportunities, and safeguard your reputation in the age of AI and digital search.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction: Why I started my business and how storytelling changed everything
00:33 The most common question I get: Do I need a personal brand?
01:21 Who needs a personal brand and why leadership visibility matters
02:13 Why personal branding isn’t just for influencers anymore
03:08 The recruiter’s perspective: How social media reveals what your resume can’t
03:56 How people vet you online before connecting and what they’re looking for
04:19 Reason #1: Visibility and why showing up online drives opportunities
04:47 Reason #2: Connection and why people buy from people, not faceless brands
05:30 Real client example: How consistent storytelling attracts inbound leads
06:15 The importance of being relatable and polarizing in a positive way 06:54 Reason #3: Credibility and how earned media and AI search shape perception
07:36 How to shape your narrative and define what you want to be known for
07:56 Where to show up for maximum impact: social media, podcasts, and press
09:39 Final thoughts: How personal branding fuels growth, reputation, and trust
Key Takeaways:
Be deliberate about how you’re perceived online: If you don’t define what you want to be known for, algorithms and others will do it for you. Decide on the specific topics and values that reflect your expertise and consistently create content around them so your narrative stays in your control.
Visibility drives credibility:
People and AI search engines are constantly evaluating digital footprints. When you show up on social media, in articles, or on podcasts, you reinforce expertise and authority in places your audience already trusts.
Connection starts with authenticity: Your personality and perspective are your strongest differentiators. Let people hear your voice and see your values, so they can decide early whether you’re the right fit. This saves time and attracts clients who are genuinely aligned with your brand.
Earned media multiplies trust: Third-party credibility from respected outlets and platforms is powerful. A well-placed article, podcast, or feature signals that others see you as a trusted expert, making it easier for new audiences to believe in your expertise and engage.
Consistent storytelling compounds over time: Each appearance, post, or quote adds another layer to your public identity. The more consistent and visible you are, the more momentum you build in attracting opportunities and establishing long-term influence.
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Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you who want to build a stronger business. On Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
For Spotify, tap here on your mobile phone, follow the podcast, listen to the show, then find the rating icon below the description, and tap to rate with five stars.
Connect with Christie Bilbrey
http://www.stellanovamedia.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiebilbrey
Instagram: https://instagram.com/stellanovamedia
In this episode, I examine Cracker Barrel’s rebrand disaster that dominated social media and the news last week. The company traded its nostalgic, country-store feel and iconic “Old Timer” logo for a modernized version that customers called bland, sterile, and soulless. The backlash was immediate and relentless: negative headlines, viral videos, and $143 million in lost market value. At first, Cracker Barrel dismissed critics as a “vocal minority” and insisted most people loved the changes. But late yesterday, they reversed course, scrapping the new logo and promising to bring back the Old Timer after finally acknowledging their customers’ voices.
I break down how Cracker Barrel mishandled its crisis, why their reversal is only a first step, and what lessons any business can learn about protecting its brand identity, listening early, and turning customer feedback into meaningful action.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and update on why this episode shifted focus
01:10 Cracker Barrel’s rebrand rollout and why customers felt betrayed
02:18 What effective crisis management should look like — listen, admit, connect, act, communicate 03:10 The costly fallout: stock down $143 million and daily negative headlines
03:40 How Cracker Barrel dismissed loyal customers as a “vocal minority”
04:08 Why the Old Timer logo mattered to the brand’s identity and culture
05:22 Lessons from Coca-Cola’s New Coke disaster and recovery
06:15 Takeaway #1: Listen early and acknowledge problems before backlash snowballs 06:45 Takeaway #2: Protect the distinctive qualities that make your brand irreplaceable
07:20 Takeaway #3: Turn feedback into action and communicate changes publicly
07:43 Why having a PR crisis plan in place is essential — insights from Pat Ford (episode 65)
09:07 How our PR firm helps companies build visibility, credibility, and growth strategies
Key Takeaways:
Listen early and admit problems quickly. Waiting to acknowledge a crisis makes the damage worse. Cracker Barrel didn’t publicly recognize customer frustration until millions in value were already lost. Early acknowledgment can stop the hemorrhaging before it escalates.
Protect what makes your brand unique. Cracker Barrel’s country-store aesthetic, rocking chairs, and Old Timer logo weren’t just decorations, they were the emotional anchors of the brand. Diluting what sets you apart erodes loyalty and gives customers less reason to stay.
Turn customer feedback into visible action. Bringing back the Old Timer logo was a good first step, but only because it showed loyal voices had an impact. Publicly turning feedback into change restores credibility and proves customer relationships matter.
Have a crisis plan in place before you need it. Crises unfold in real time under high stress. As Pat Ford emphasized in episode 65, knowing who leads communications, how decisions flow, and what steps to take is the only way to manage effectively in a PR crisis that often feels like the “fog of war.”
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Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you who want to build a stronger business.
On Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
For Spotify, tap here on your mobile phone, follow the podcast, listen to the show, then find the rating icon below the description, and tap to rate with five stars.
Connect with Christie Bilbrey
http://www.stellanovamedia.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiebilbrey
Instagram: https://instagram.com/stellanovamedia
Most messaging doesn’t fail because the idea is bad. It fails because it’s unclear.
In this episode, I break down a messaging framework to communicate your message clearly and effectively.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction: Why even experienced professionals struggle with marketing themselves
00:56 The high stakes of messaging—how the right words can win clients, funding, or even save a business
02:22 Why pre-communication strategy is critical: understanding the heart of your message before you share it
03:27 How to test if your message is clear: Why simplicity and avoiding jargon are non-negotiable
05:22 Structure your message into a clear story framework so it resonates and drives action.
06:53 What every message needs: A clear next step that guides your audience to take action
08:04 The 'Grandma Test': How to ensure your message is simple enough for anyone to understand
09:01 How our PR firm can help businesses refine messaging for visibility and growth
Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts & Spotify
Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you who want to build a stronger business. On Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
For Spotify, tap here on your mobile phone, follow the podcast, listen to the show, then find the rating icon below the description, and tap to rate with five stars.
Connect with Christie Bilbrey
http://www.christiebilbrey.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiebilbrey
Instagram: https://instagram.com/christiebilbrey
Grow Your Business as a Podcast Guest: https://bit.ly/pod-guesting
Create Your Buyer Persona: https://bit.ly/3H4Q2Hw
Podcasting isn’t just a content channel—it’s a direct path to authority, high-value networking, and lead generation. But does it make sense for every business? In this episode, I break down who should start a podcast—and who shouldn’t—so you can make an informed decision before investing time and resources.
A well-executed podcast builds trust with a highly engaged audience, attracts qualified leads who are already interested in your perspective, and creates organic opportunities for partnerships and sales conversations. It also increases visibility in search engines, making it easier to get discovered by media, event organizers, and other industry leaders.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to the benefits of podcasting
01:00 Establishing authority and search engine visibility
02:30 Audience engagement and loyalty in podcasting
04:00 The power of authenticity in podcasting
05:30 Podcasting as a lead generation tool
07:00 The networking benefits of having guests
08:30 How podcasting creates media and business opportunities
10:00 Who should consider starting a podcast
11:30 Business types that benefit most from podcasting
13:00 Local vs. national/global podcast strategies
14:30 Strategic considerations before launching a podcast
Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts & Spotify
Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you who want to build a stronger business. On Apple Podcasts,click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
For Spotify, tap here on your mobile phone, follow the podcast, listen to the show, then find the rating icon below the description, and tap to rate with five stars.
Connect with Christie Bilbrey
http://www.christiebilbrey.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiebilbrey
Instagram: https://instagram.com/christiebilbrey
Grow Your Business as a Podcast Guest: https://bit.ly/pod-guesting
Create Your Buyer Persona: https://bit.ly/3H4Q2Hw
In today’s episode, I speak with Patricia Lizarraga, managing partner at Hypatia Capital. She founded the Hypatia Women CEO ETF, the only investment fund dedicated to publicly traded companies led by women. After decades on Wall Street, she’s seen firsthand what separates high-performing leaders from those who struggle to scale. From funding pitfalls to marketing missteps to the power of bold decision-making, we unpack the key strategies that drive business success.
Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Patricia Lizarraga and Hypatia Capital 02:00 Patricia’s path to Wall Street 06:00 Discovering a market gap in 2015 10:00 Her realization that women-led companies outperform 14:30 Challenges and insights of marketing an ETF 19:45 Raising capital and building an advisory board 25:00 Key business trends for 2025 Connect with Patricia Lizarraga
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricializarraga/
patricia.lizarraga@hypatiacapital.com
Connect with Christie Bilbrey
http://www.christiebilbrey.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiebilbrey
Instagram: https://instagram.com/christiebilbrey
Grow Your Business as a Podcast Guest: https://bit.ly/pod-guesting
In today’s episode, I’m diving into the art and science of email marketing with Jaina Mistry, Director of Brand and Content Marketing at Litmus. We unpack how email marketing is evolving to meet changing consumer expectations, discuss the most common mistakes marketers make, and explore creative ways to personalize email campaigns.
You’ll also hear actionable tips on how to be authentic in email marketing in 2025, leverage AI effectively, and use lifecycle marketing and newsletters to build trust, drive engagement, and boost ROI.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to the episode and today’s guest, Jaina Mistry
02:00 Jaina’s career journey: From Buffy fan sites to email marketing leadership
06:30 How early influences shaped Jaina’s approach to creativity and strategy
10:00 What Litmus does and how it helps marketers optimize email campaigns
14:30 The challenges of email rendering across platforms and how Litmus solves them
18:45 Key features of Litmus: personalization tools, testing capabilities, and analytics
20:00 AI in email marketing: How marketers are using it and its current limitations
23:15 Practical ways to use AI for ideation and content creation in email campaigns
26:00 Changing consumer behaviors: Building trust and standing out through email
30:00 Why email marketing is not dead: The long-term impact of consistent email strategies
35:00 Personalization strategies that go beyond first-name greetings to create real connections
38:00 Lifecycle marketing: Using email to guide consumers from awareness to action
42:30 The importance of showing up consistently in inboxes and building brand loyalty
46:00 Why newsletters are a powerful tool for thought leadership and relationship building
48:00 Final advice: Be curious, creative, and focus on connecting with humans
Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts & Spotify
Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you who want to build a stronger business. On Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
For Spotify, tap here on your mobile phone, follow the podcast, listen to the show, then find the rating icon below the description, and tap to rate with five stars.
Connect with Christie Bilbrey
http://www.christiebilbrey.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiebilbrey
Instagram: https://instagram.com/christiebilbrey
Grow Your Business as a Podcast Guest: https://bit.ly/pod-guesting
Create Your Buyer Persona: https://bit.ly/3H4Q2Hw
Connect with Jaina Mistry
State of Email Trends Report by Litmus: https://www.litmus.com/resources/state-of-email-trends
State of Lifecycle Marketing Report by Litmus: https://www.litmus.com/resources/state-of-email-lifecycle-marketing
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jainamistry
How to grow your brand and business on LinkedIn without posting.
Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction: Why LinkedIn is critical for brand growth in B2B 01:15 The power of LinkedIn Sales Navigator: How it helps you find and connect with the right decision-makers 03:09 Filtering for precision: Using specific search criteria to locate ideal prospects for your business 04:30 Crafting connection requests: Keep them personal, concise, and genuine for better acceptance rates 05:39 Engaging through comments: How thoughtful commenting on posts builds credibility and interest organically 07:06 Bonus tip: Leveraging DMs to create authentic, mutually beneficial conversations with your connections 08:29 Closing thoughts: The importance of adding value to every interaction and an invitation to connect or collaborate Connect with Christie Bilbrey http://www.christiebilbrey.com hello@christiebilbrey.com LinkedIn: / christiebilbrey Instagram: / christiebilbrey Grow Your Business as a Podcast Guest: https://bit.ly/pod-guesting Create Your Buyer Persona: https://bit.ly/3H4Q2Hw
In today’s episode, I share tactics for CEOs and founders to leverage LinkedIn as a personal and professional brand-building powerhouse. It’s no longer enough for executives to simply represent their company on LinkedIn—they must actively cultivate a personal brand, communicate thought leadership, and inspire a community around their vision.
Whether it’s tackling pain points, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, or showcasing their unique perspective, I break down specific approaches that make LinkedIn a vital platform for senior leaders in B2B to enhance visibility, credibility, and engagement with multiple stakeholders.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to the episode
01:04 - Why CEOs and founders need to develop personal brands and become thought leaders on LinkedIn to humanize their companies, shape industry narratives, and build legacy
02:04 - Qualities of effective leadership content on LinkedIn: boldness, vulnerability, inspiration, and storytelling
02:58 - Content ideas that stand out, including sharing opinions on industry news, behind-the-scenes insights, and meaningful stories that highlight product and service launches
04:01 - Discussing industry-relevant topics and sharing individual client stories to create relatable, granular content that connects with a broader audience
06:03 - Importance of creating content that appeals to multiple stakeholders, from press and partnerships to potential speaking engagements and media opportunities
07:06 - The visibility advantage: LinkedIn content as a driver for SEO and making executives more approachable to audiences
07:29 - Announcing a new LinkedIn content service designed specifically for CEOs and founders to create engaging and varied content with minimal time commitment
Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts & Spotify
Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you who want to build a stronger business. On Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
For Spotify, tap here on your mobile phone, follow the podcast, listen to the show, then find the rating icon below the description, and tap to rate with five stars.
Connect with Christie Bilbrey
http://www.christiebilbrey.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiebilbrey
Instagram: https://instagram.com/christiebilbrey
Grow Your Business as a Podcast Guest: https://bit.ly/pod-guesting
Create Your Buyer Persona: https://bit.ly/3H4Q2Hw
In today’s episode, I share simple strategies to build brand stories that go to work for your business — with clarity, simplicity, and by attaching a specific goal for each story you share, so that it is memorable and resonates with your target audience while driving business growth.
I also cover some great places and ways to share your brand stories to maximize their value.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to the episode
00:55 – Overview of brand story strategy
02:09 – Start with the end in mind: set clear goals aligned with business strategy
03:15 – Know your audience: how to identify pain points and desired outcomes
04:48 – Build realistic next steps for clients in your story strategy
07:11 – The power of universal emotions in making brand stories relatable
08:23 – Craft simple stories for audience engagement and word-of-mouth potential
10:09 – Where to share brand stories
12:19 – The impact of podcast guesting as an accessible thought leadership tool
13:53 – Storytelling for team culture: embed values in company messaging
14:26 – Keynote speeches and crafting high-level stories to inspire audiences
Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts & Spotify
Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you who want to build a stronger business. On Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
For Spotify, tap here on your mobile phone, follow the podcast, listen to the show, then find the rating icon below the description, and tap to rate with five stars.
Connect with Christie Bilbrey
http://www.christiebilbrey.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiebilbrey
Instagram: https://instagram.com/christiebilbrey
Grow Your Business as a Podcast Guest: https://bit.ly/pod-guesting
Create Your Buyer Persona: https://bit.ly/3H4Q2Hw
To grow the business, career, and life you really want, you need to strengthen your resilience and rewire negative thought patterns. In today's episode, I’m joined by Jacque McCormack, a performance and ICF-certified executive coach and consultant with more than 15 years of experience.
Since the way we respond to situations not only impacts us but our teams, families, and those around us, we first discuss how to better understand our mental patterns. Then she shares how to quickly develop strategies for managing stress and anxiety effectively to make better decisions to improve our future.
Jacque introduces the "Wyldfig" five-step model for resilience, providing listeners with actionable techniques to regulate emotions, develop personal growth, and achieve lasting stability in their professional and personal lives.
Timestamps:
00:28 - Episode Introduction about Personal Resilience and Leadership Development
01:35 - Jacque's Background and Focus on Resilience in Leadership
04:10 - Patterns of Fragility Among Business Leaders: How Stress Affects Leadership
07:00 - The Brain as a Prediction Machine: Overcoming Mental Patterns
09:21 - The Foundation of Resilience: Introducing the Five-Step Model
13:07 - First Step: Pause—Developing Mindfulness Techniques
18:29 - Second Step: Catch—Identifying Negative Thought Patterns
20:55 - Third Step: Shift—Using Empathy to Reframe Negative Thinking
25:09 - Fourth Step: Feel—Understanding Emotional Triggers
27:28 - Fifth Step: Act—Taking Measurable Steps Toward Growth
31:00 - Debunking the Left-Brain/Right-Brain Myth: Balancing Logic and Creativity
34:08 - Consistency Over Perfection: The Power of Small, Repeatable Actions
Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts & Spotify
Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you who want to build a stronger business. On Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
For Spotify, tap here on your mobile phone, follow the podcast, listen to the show, then find the rating icon below the description, and tap to rate with five stars.
Connect with Jacque McCormack
https://hudsongroupconsulting.com/
Connect with Christie Bilbrey
http://www.christiebilbrey.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiebilbrey
Instagram: https://instagram.com/christiebilbrey
Grow Your Business as a Podcast Guest: https://bit.ly/pod-guesting
Create Your Buyer Persona: https://bit.ly/3H4Q2Hw
Today’s episode is a masterclass of the essential rules of effective storytelling for brands. Taking a strategic approach and incorporating what master storytellers have done for centuries, I share how to make your personal brand stories memorable with your audience. I provide a step-by-step breakdown of how to craft compelling stories that resonate with audiences, the power of conflict, clarity, and resolution in creating a memorable narrative.
You’ll be able to immediately implement this approach to your brand’s stories to increase engagement and improve the results of your calls to action.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
00:28 - Overview of storytelling essentials
00:55 - Importance of storytelling for personal branding, business growth, and being memorable
02:16 - The Three-Act Play format: Breaking down the classic storytelling structure
04:08 - Introduction to my six-step story structure for effective storytelling
05:14 - Setting the scene: How to paint a picture that captures attention
08:07 - Using conflict to create connection and build brand relatability
12:52 - Demonstrating transformation: Showing evolution in your brand narrative
14:21 - Crafting a resolution and the power of a clear call to action
15:04 - Ensuring the call to action aligns with the audience’s emotional journey and brand objectives
Key Takeaways for Business Leaders:
Incorporate Conflict Early for Engagement: To captivate an audience, introduce conflict early in your storytelling. Business leaders should frame challenges or disruptions that align with their brand values, ensuring the narrative is both engaging and authentic.
Use Visual Details to Set the Scene: When telling your brand story, be precise and vivid with details. This technique not only helps your audience visualize the scenario but also makes your narrative more memorable, engaging both their conscious and subconscious minds.
Show Vulnerability to Build Trust: Sharing personal struggles and pivotal moments humanizes you as a leader. CEOs can leverage this vulnerability to foster deeper connections with their audience, making their brand not only memorable but also more trustworthy.
Conclude with a Clear Call to Action: Every brand story should end with a purposeful and actionable outcome. Ensure that the resolution motivates your audience to take a specific, aligned action, driving both their engagement and your business objectives forward.
Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts & Spotify
Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you who want to build a stronger business. On Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
For Spotify, tap here on your mobile phone, follow the podcast, listen to the show, then find the rating icon below the description, and tap to rate with five stars.
How to reach Christie Bilbrey
http://www.christiebilbrey.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiebilbreyInstagram: https://instagram.com/christiebilbrey
Grow Your Business as a Podcast Guest: https://bit.ly/pod-guesting
Create Your Buyer Persona: https://bit.ly/3H4Q2Hw
In today’s episode, we dive into a topic that you must have if you want to step out of your comfort zone and grow your personal brand or career - strategies and mindsets you can cling to when emotions try to overwhelm you and derail your efforts and goals.
Whether you want to build your platform, create more videos and speak publicly, make a significant career pivot, or overcome leadership challenges, you need to learn how to set aside fear and other emotions that can hold you back, and clearly identify and take the right steps forward at the right time.
To discuss this critical topic, I am joined by Beth Forester, CEO of Animoto, an online video editing company. She shares her journey from running a successful photography business in West Virginia for 20 years to becoming the CEO of a tech company in New York City.
We explore how Beth leveraged personal and professional experiences to make bold moves, the frameworks she used to guide her decision-making, and the mindsets that enabled her to pivot during times of uncertainty. She offers insights on business growth, navigating corporate leadership, and the importance of choosing courage over comfort.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction and Beth Forester’s background: From entrepreneur to CEO
00:55 - Beth’s belief in the power of video storytelling
01:54 - Early entrepreneurial ventures: Selling items from yard sales
03:01 - Creating and managing a parking lot business at age 16
06:58 - Turning a photography hobby into a business
08:02 - The importance of goal-setting in business growth
12:13 - Challenges of running a creative business and maintaining profitability
15:36 - Beth’s advice on managing fear and navigating financial uncertainty
17:33 - Using frameworks to make logical decisions and minimize emotional reactions
20:55 - Beth’s decision to close her photography business and join Animoto
22:45 - Beth’s difficult decision to move from West Virginia to New York City
24:49 - Overcoming fear and taking a career leap, despite making less money initially
30:17 - Transitioning to CEO and the importance of setting clear goals and expectations
36:38 - The emotional challenges of becoming CEO and feeling isolated
38:10 - Animoto’s focus on solving problems in video creation
Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts & Spotify
Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you who want to build a stronger business. On Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
For Spotify, tap here on your mobile phone, follow the podcast, listen to the show, then find the rating icon below the description, and tap to rate with five stars.
How to reach Beth Forester
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethforester
How to reach Christie Bilbrey
https://www.christiebilbrey.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiebilbreyInstagram: https://instagram.com/christiebilbrey
Grow Your Business as a Podcast Guest: https://bit.ly/pod-guesting
Create Your Buyer Persona: https://bit.ly/3H4Q2Hw
Today’s episode is the first of three solo episodes centered around brand storytelling. This episode explores how rethinking your brand story can propel your business forward. Find out how to humanize your brand through storytelling, creating an emotional connection with your audience, and why it’s crucial to go beyond just competence and pricing when presenting yourself to prospects.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction: Why Brand Storytelling Matters for Growth
00:26 The Importance of Story in Building Client Loyalty
01:42 The Risk of Being Viewed as a Commodity
03:46 Identifying What Makes You Unique: Personal Stories and Experiences
05:08 The Difference Between a Story and a Resume
06:04 Using Universal Emotions to Relate to Your Audience
08:42 The Role of Vulnerability in Building Trust
10:19 Differentiating Your Brand in a Saturated Market
11:35 How to Craft Brand Stories that Inspire Action
Key Takeaways for Business Leaders:
Personal Stories Build Loyalty: Business leaders should focus on sharing personal stories that highlight their unique approach and values. This moves your brand from being seen as a commodity to one that clients feel emotionally connected to, fostering long-term loyalty.
Embrace Vulnerability for Trust: Trust is the foundation of strong business relationships. Sharing the challenges you’ve faced and how you overcame them will make your brand more relatable and human, which helps establish trust with both clients and collaborators.
Universal Emotions Create Connection: Whether your target audience includes CEOs or consumers, using universal emotions in your storytelling, such as fear, isolation, or triumph, allows you to connect with people from diverse backgrounds on a deeper level, making your brand memorable.
Inspire Action Through Strategic Storytelling: Effective brand stories aren’t just about sharing accomplishments. They should be aligned with your audience's desires or fears and motivate them to take the next step, whether that’s becoming a client or engaging with your brand in a new way.
Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts & Spotify
Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you who want to build a stronger business.
On Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
For Spotify, tap here on your mobile phone, follow the podcast, listen to the show, then find the rating icon below the description, and tap to rate with five stars.
How to reach Christie Bilbrey
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiebilbrey/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/christiebilbrey
Grow Your Business as a Podcast Guest: https://bit.ly/pod-guesting
Create Your Buyer Persona: https://bit.ly/3H4Q2Hw
In today’s episode, my guest is Vanessa Morcom, founder of Morcom Media, a performance PR agency for thought leaders. We explore how businesses can stand out in the media by personalizing their brand, the importance of defining a strong brand before pursuing media opportunities, and how to differentiate your brand in a crowded marketplace.
Vanessa shares actionable advice on identifying your brand archetype, creating media-ready assets, and building helpful pitches for journalists. She also offers insights on maximizing media coverage through repurposing content and leveraging your PR wins across multiple platforms.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to the episode and Vanessa Morcom’s background
01:15 – Vanessa shares her unexpected entry into PR through an event for Paris Hilton
05:00 – The importance of building a personal brand before pursuing media opportunities
07:55 – Why brand differentiation is critical in today’s saturated media landscape
09:00 – Steps to define your brand strategy with archetypes
12:15 – How brand archetypes create an emotional connection with your audience
17:00 – Case study: Positioning a luxury lingerie brand using the "sage" and "lover" archetypes
20:45 – Essential components of a media-ready press kit for both B2B and B2C companies
28:00 – Building helpful pitches for journalists with customized pitches
32:45 – Maximizing your media coverage by repurposing it across various channels
40:13 – Vanessa’s final thoughts on the importance of self-awareness and authenticity in media
Key Takeaways:
Brand Differentiation is Essential – Before approaching the media, it’s critical to establish a clear and authentic brand identity. Your messaging needs to stand out in a crowded marketplace, and aligning your brand with an archetype can create deeper connections with your target audience.
Be Media-Ready with the Right Assets – Success in media requires preparation. Invest in high-quality visuals, strong website copy, and a comprehensive press kit that includes key messaging, talking points, and consistent branding. This allows your brand to maximize media opportunities when they arise.
Write Successful Pitches for Journalists – Tailored, specific pitches are key to capturing a journalist’s attention. Instead of mass emails, focus on quality over quantity by researching the journalist’s beat and offering relevant stories that align with their past work and interests.
Maximize Media Opportunities – Media coverage should be leveraged across multiple channels. Repurpose content for social media, newsletters, and future media pitches to extend its impact. Strategic follow-ups with other publications can also keep your story in the news cycle.
Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts & Spotify
“I love Christie and The Business That Story Built podcast!” Does that sound like you? Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you who want to build a stronger business.
On Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
For Spotify, tap here on your mobile phone, follow the podcast, listen to the show, then find the rating icon below the description, and tap to rate with five stars.
How to reach Vanessa Morcom
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessamorcom
https://www.instagram.com/vanessamorcom
How to reach Christie Bilbrey
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiebilbrey/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/christiebilbrey
Grow Your Business as a Podcast Guest: https://bit.ly/pod-guesting
In today’s episode, my guest is Ashley Mason, the founder of Dash of Social, a content marketing agency. We explore how social media can transform your brand, where business leaders should begin with personal branding, the role of humanized content, what no longer works, and areas to pay attention.
Ashley shares actionable advice on content pillars, avoiding social media burnout, and which platforms can help business leaders in B2B establish thought leadership and increase brand visibility.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to the episode and Ashley Mason’s background
02:33 - Ashley’s journey into content marketing and social media
04:12 - Where business leaders should begin with personal branding: Focus on content pillars and goals
05:45 - How to pick the right social platforms based on audience demographics
06:31 - Tips for maintaining consistency on social media to avoid burnout
08:09 - Importance of mixing personal and professional content to build trust
10:21 - Avoiding burnout: Batch content creation and focus on inspired content
12:50 - Quick tips for upleveling your LinkedIn presence
14:14 - Optimizing LinkedIn profiles: Headline, bio, and career history
17:14 - Metrics that matter: Why likes are a vanity metric
19:12 - The importance of “lurkers” and long-term social media impact
20:45 - Avoiding outdated strategies: Creative ways to keep engagement high on LinkedIn
22:11 - Hashtags on LinkedIn and other platforms: Do they still matter
24:45 - B2B on TikTok: How to make it work for business leaders
28:23 - Building a content bank for TikTok and creating searchable content
29:52 - Twitter (X) for personal branding: Industry-specific use cases
Key Takeaways:
Start with Clear Content Pillars: Before diving into social media, identify your content pillars—what you want to be known for. This helps focus your strategy and ensures your message aligns with your goals and target audience.
Consistency Over Frequency: Posting consistently, even just once a week, is more effective than trying to flood your audience with content. The goal is to establish a rhythm that your followers can depend on, which keeps you top of mind without burning out.
Humanize Your Brand: Personal content that shows the human side of your leadership is key to building trust. Sharing achievements, challenges, and personal insights makes your audience relate to you and, in turn, more likely to engage with your brand.
Metrics Beyond Likes: Focus on metrics that show deeper engagement, like comments, shares, and direct website traffic. These are more meaningful indicators of whether your content is resonating with your audience than likes alone.
Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts & Spotify
“I love Christie and The Business That Story Built podcast!” Does that sound like you? Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you who want to build a stronger business. On Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
For Spotify, tap here on your mobile phone, follow the podcast, listen to the show, then find the rating icon below the description, and tap to rate with five stars.
How to reach Ashley Mason
www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyjeanmason
www.instagram.com/dashofsocial
How to reach Christie Bilbrey
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiebilbrey/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/christiebilbrey
Grow Your Business as a Podcast Guest: https://bit.ly/pod-guesting
In today’s episode, I share the top benefits of building a personal brand — why it’s worth the time and effort. I discuss examples you’ll recognize of brands that each evoke a unique emotional response to help you determine what you want your personal brand to communicate. I also explain the "invisible gap"—what happens when your online presence doesn’t match the expectations set by your reputation—and why this could be costing you valuable opportunities.
You’ll find out how to strategically craft a brand that resonates with your audience, attracts premium clients, and opens up new opportunities.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction: Is building a personal brand worth it?
00:37 - Defining a brand: Insights from Alex Hormozi's presentation on brand outcomes
02:56 - The benefits of a strong personal brand: Premium pricing, opportunities, and more
05:04 - Why a strong personal brand speeds up sales and builds loyalty
07:30 - Understanding the "invisible gap" and its impact on missed opportunities
09:53 - The importance of consistent online presence and brand representation
Key Takeaways:
Charge Premium Prices: A strong personal brand allows you to command higher prices for your services, as clients associate you with a desirable outcome.
Increased Opportunities: When your brand is well-defined, opportunities will seek you out, reducing the need for constant outreach and positioning you as a go-to expert in your field.
Shortened Sales Cycle: With a recognizable brand, potential clients already trust and understand the value you offer, which speeds up the sales process and increases conversion rates.
Avoid The Invisible Gap: You risk losing potential business you didn’t realize was considering working with you. If you don’t have enough credibility and presence online that reflects your brand's values, expertise, and messaging, it can turn away prospects who considered working with you but perceive a disconnect between who you claim to be and what they see when they search for you online.
Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts & Spotify
“I love Christie and The Business That Story Built podcast!” Does that sound like you? Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you who want to build a stronger business. On Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
For Spotify, tap here on your mobile phone, follow the podcast, listen to the show, then find the rating icon below the description, and tap to rate with five stars.
Ways to Reach Christie Bilbrey
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiebilbrey/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/christiebilbrey
Free guide: Grow Your Business as a Podcast Guest: https://bit.ly/pod-guesting
To create an authentic personal brand and communicate it powerfully, we need to become more self aware. I invited Jeremie Kubicek onto the show to give us tools to do this. He is the founder of GiANT, a best-selling author, speaker, creator of the 5 Voices assessment, and several other leadership and communication books and tools.
Jeremie shares insights and tools to help us notice, understand, and adapt our default behaviors and triggers so that we can lead ourselves better, why building an authentic personal brand matters, and how to shift the way we view and communicate with others based on how they see the world.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction by Christie Bilbrey
00:02:15 - Jeremie's early business ventures
00:03:23 - Lessons learned from private equity and company roll-ups
00:04:10 - The importance of treating people as assets, not liabilities
00:05:13 - Authentic brand building and the creation of meaningful content
00:06:03 - Explanation of the high support and high challenge leadership model
00:08:00 - Visual tools for self-awareness and behavior change
00:09:02 - Introduction to the 5 Voices model
00:12:00 - The significance of understanding personality types in leadership
00:14:10 - Jeremie's approach to public speaking and tailoring messages to different audiences
00:21:14 - The concept of self-awareness and leading oneself effectively
00:24:02 - Practical tools for improving personal and professional relationships
00:25:17 - The importance of authenticity in building a personal brand
00:28:13 - Overcoming the comparison trap and finding your unique vision
00:30:22 - Final thoughts on personal growth and leadership from Jeremie
00:32:00 - Jeremie's metaphor of being a good fountain and its application in leadership
Key Takeaways:
Authenticity in Branding: Building a personal brand requires authenticity. It's crucial to know your unique abilities, stay true to yourself, and avoid the pitfalls of comparison and imitation. Authentic leaders attract genuine followers and create lasting impact.
Treat People as Assets: Effective leadership hinges on recognizing the potential in people and treating them as valuable assets rather than liabilities. This mindset shift can significantly impact company culture and performance.
High Support and High Challenge: The best leaders provide a balance of high support and high challenge, akin to a Sherpa guiding climbers. This approach helps individuals achieve their highest potential while feeling supported.
Understanding Personality Types: Utilizing tools like the Five Voices model can enhance communication and teamwork by recognizing and addressing different personality types. This leads to better alignment and more effective leadership.
Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts & Spotify
“I love Christie and The Business That Story Built podcast!” Does that sound like you? Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you who want to build a stronger business. On Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
For Spotify, tap here on your mobile phone, follow the podcast, listen to the show, then find the rating icon below the description, and tap to rate with five stars.
Links and ways to reach Jeremie Kubicek and Christie Bilbrey
Jeremie Kubicekjeremiekubicek.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremiekubicek/
Christie Bilbrey
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiebilbrey/Instagram: https://instagram.com/christiebilbrey
Free guide: Create Your Buyer Persona
In today’s episode, we dive into personal branding for introverts with Alejandro Sanoja, a top branding expert and the founder of personal branding agency, Latinpresarios.
We discuss why introverts can and should pursue growing a personal brand based on his own experience, the most common challenges introverts experience with building personal brands and how to overcome them, as well as strategies, frameworks, and a secret weapon everyone can use to build a compelling personal brand that enhances professional presence and attracts business opportunities.
Alejandro also provides personal brand statement examples to help you create your own: https://latinpresarios.com/personal-branding-statement-examples/
Timestamps
00:00 - 01:26: Introduction by Christie Bilbrey
01:27 - 05:08: Alejandro shares his background and journey
05:09 - 06:18: Leveraging personal branding as an introvert
06:18 - 07:10: Benefits of creating long-lasting content
07:10 - 08:37: Importance of online presence in personal branding
08:37 - 10:12: Common challenges in developing a personal brand
10:12 - 11:34: Overcoming imposter syndrome and understanding content competition
11:34 - 13:09: Setting realistic expectations for content creation
13:09 - 14:33: Importance of templates and professional help
14:33 - 16:17: Strategic content creation for bottom-of-the-funnel keywords
16:17 - 18:03: Tactical SEO strategies and competition analysis
18:03 - 19:28: Writing about prices and competition to build trust
19:28 - 21:00: Effective use of pricing information in content
21:00 - 22:33: Managing burnout and balancing energy in networking
22:33 - 23:57: Tips for avoiding burnout and maintaining consistency
23:57 - 25:25: Building personal brand stories and statements
25:25 - 27:02: Structuring personal stories for maximum impact
27:02 - 30:00: Examples of personal branding stories and their elements
30:00 - 33:05: Testing and refining personal stories for engagement
33:05 - 36:38: Importance of a well-crafted personal brand statement
36:38 - 38:12: Crafting and practicing personal brand statements
38:12 - 41:11: Recording and analyzing presentations for improvement
41:11 - 43:00: Using social media profiles effectively
43:00 - 45:19: Final thoughts and additional resources for personal branding
Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts & Spotify
“I love Christie and The Business That Story Built podcast!” Does that sound like you? Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you who want to build a stronger business. On Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
For Spotify, tap here on your mobile phone, follow the podcast, listen to the show, then find the rating icon below the description, and tap to rate with five stars.
Ways to reach Alejandro Sanoja and Christie Bilbrey
Alejandro Sanoja
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alejandrosanoja/
Personal brand statement examples: https://latinpresarios.com/personal-branding-statement-examples/
Christie Bilbrey
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiebilbrey/Instagram: https://instagram.com/christiebilbrey
Free guide: Create Your Buyer Persona
In today’s episode, I share five exercises to help you get to the heart of your personal brand quickly.
These exercises will help you keep your brand clear, impactful for your audience, and make it easy for them to share with others.
Timestamps
00:00 - 00:27: Introduction to the episode and my background
00:28 - 01:20: The importance of a polished and authentic personal brand
01:21 - 02:10: Exercise 1: Identify your top skills, character traits, professional superpower, and what you want to be known for
02:11 - 02:49: Exercise 2: Gather feedback from others
02:50 - 03:40: Exercise 3: Define your target audience with specific criteria
03:41 - 04:36: Exercise 4: Clarify the main struggle you solve and testing your message
04:37 - 05:15: Exercise 5: Craft your unique value proposition with a fill-in-the-blank formula
Key Takeaways
1. Identify Core Strengths: Reflect on your top skills, character traits, and professional superpower to build a strong, accurate, and results-oriented brand identity. Answering these questions and building into your brand will significantly enhance your brand's impact.
2. Seek External Feedback: This external perspective can reveal blind spots and provide valuable insights that help define your personal brand.
3. Understand Your Audience: Define your target audience with as much specificity as possible. Knowing their industry, job titles, struggles, and goals enables you to tailor your brand and content to meet their needs effectively.
4. Clarify Your Value Proposition: Your value proposition should be clear, concise, and easily understood by people outside your profession. This clarity ensures that your audience can quickly grasp the benefits you offer, are more likely to engage with your brand, and share it with others.
Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts & Spotify
“I love Christie and The Business That Story Built podcast!” Does that sound like you? Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you who want to build a stronger business. On Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
For Spotify, tap here on your mobile phone, follow the podcast, listen to the show, then find the rating icon below the description, and tap to rate with five stars.
Ways to reach Christie Bilbrey
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiebilbrey/Instagram: https://instagram.com/christiebilbrey
Free guide: Create Your Buyer Persona
Learn four types of professionals who need to build a personal brand and find out the real power of a personal brand with eight characteristics that will strengthen your brand.
To learn more about working with Christie Bilbrey, go to www.christiebilbrey.com.
Today, we kick off our new series on personal branding, designed to help you uncover and communicate what makes you unique in a way that elevates your brand, distinguishes you from every competitor, and draws more of the right prospects and audiences to you.
In today’s episode, we delve into the importance of building a personal brand, identifying who should focus on it, and the eight essential characteristics to include.
You’ll leave with a greater understanding of what’s possible with a personal brand and clarity on practical tips to enhance yours today.
Timestamps
[00:00] Intro
[02:22] Who should focus on building a personal brand
[08:21] Expertise: Highlighting your skills and knowledge
[09:43] Experience: Sharing your journey through stories
[12:49] Stories and lessons learned
[14:11] Personality: Authenticity in personal branding
[15:52] Values: Identifying your core values
[17:34] Purpose: Defining your business goals
[17:52] Reputation: Managing how others perceive you
[20:38] Successes and unique perspectives
Key Takeaways
1. Highlight Expertise: Share the types of clients and topics or types of work that resonate the most with you and that have yielded the most success. The passion you exude will naturally inspire and draw your audience to you.
2. Be Authentic: Authenticity is crucial in personal branding. Don’t show up differently than you are. Present yourself genuinely to avoid burnout and build trust with your audience.
3. Manage Your Reputation: Consistently pour goodwill and credibility into your brand. This helps build a strong reputation that can withstand negative feedback or publicity and demonstrates to your audience that you care, are reliable, and an expert at what you do.
4. Share Your Experience Through Stories: Use storytelling to make your experience relatable and engaging. Sharing specific anecdotes takes your audience behind the scenes into what your work really involves and helps them connect more deeply with you on a personal level.
Tune in next time as we discuss five exercises to help you develop a personal brand that gets noticed.
Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts & Spotify
“I love Christie and The Business That Story Built podcast!” Does that sound like you? Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you who want to build a stronger business. On Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
For Spotify, tap here on your mobile phone, follow the podcast, listen to the show, then find the rating icon below the description, and tap to rate with five stars.
Ways to reach Christie Bilbrey
Christie Bilbrey’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiebilbrey/
Free guide: Create Your Buyer Persona