What’s the difference between “just posting on social media” and building a personal brand that creates trust, clients, and opportunities?
In this episode of the Sam Portland Podcast, I’m joined by branding expert Alex Preece. We break down why personal branding is really about reputation and trust — and how coaches can move beyond the “assembly line” and stand out.
From LinkedIn strategy to email lists, from mindset to monetisation, this conversation is packed with real stories (including Adidas, Usain Bolt, and Kevin Hart!) and practical steps coaches can start using today.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Why we skip intros and get straight to value
01:30 – What personal branding really is (reputation, not ego)
03:30 – Trust, proof, and why stories sell better than CVs
06:30 – Breaking away from the “assembly line” of coaches
09:30 – The three pillars of content: teach, tell, show
12:30 – Borrowed vs owned media (and why email lists matter)
15:50 – My own social media hack horror story
20:00 – The perfect week framework for self-employed coaches
27:00 – Branding is about what people say when you leave the room
37:00 – Overcoming fear of being judged as a “self-promoter”
46:00 – Alex’s wildest corporate branding story (Kevin Hart + Usain Bolt)
50:00 – Where to find Alex Preece
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