by
Yes, It’s Possible to Build a Business around Your Expertise, Ideas, Message, and Personality. But First You Need to Realize ― YOU ARE THE BRAND. It’s no secret that more people than ever before are building thriving businesses around their personal brands. But why do some create six- or even seven-figure businesses while so many others strive to make a consistent income? Much of the personal brand space plays out in two ways. The first group of people sells a false version of themselves, thinking that image or perception alone will get them the results they seek. These folks don’t realize that attention isn’t owed, it’s earned. The flip side of presenting a false version of yourself is oversharing in the name of authenticity. They talk nonstop about their issues, sometimes revealing way more than what is even comfortable to read about. It’s as if these people are trying to sell their struggles, and it doesn’t work in the long run. Like a car wreck, these folks garner attention, but it’s short-lived. Here’s a simple question that can serve as a litmus test for you: “Can I build a campfire around what I’m sharing?” Is there warmth? Are you building something that is attractive and inviting to others? Can you build a community around it? Are you someone whom others want to invite onto their stages, in front of their employees, or into their lives? In You Are the Brand, Mike Kim shares his proven 8-step blueprint that has helped build the brands for some of today’s most influential thought leaders ― as well as his own personal brand. In this practical and inspiring book, you will learn: How to identify and showcase your unique expertise How to gain clarity on your message, market, and business model Why the most effective marketing strategy is to simply tell the truth How-To-Preneur vs. Ideapreneur ― Which one are you? The three kinds of personal stories that ensure you stand out in your market The simple “9-Box Grid” that shows you how to price your products and services How to cultivate “rocket ship relationships” that skyrocket your revenue, and influence Review “A needed challenge to higher integrity and authenticity in a world of image and social media followers.” - Pat Flynn, SmartPassiveIncome.com “Your new business and marketing bible.” - Dana Malstaff, Boss Mom “Walks you through the process of creating a compelling personal brand to build your business around.” - Michael Hyatt, New York Times bestselling author “Proof that it is possible to reinvent yourself and build a career that showcases your unique expertise, passion, and experience.” - Dorie Clark, Faculty, Duke University Fuqua School of Business “Challenges our assumptions about what a personal brand is, how this weird world of marketing really works, and why the best strategy for success is telling the truth. Bravo.” - Jeff Goins, bestselling author “Mike Kim does more in You Are the Brand than help us brand ourselves; he helps us figure out how we can be useful in the world. And being useful leads to a sense of purpose and meaning.” - Donald Miller, CEO, StoryBrand About the Author Mike Kim believes marketing isn’t about closing a sale, it’s about opening a relationship. This refreshing approach has made him a sought-after speaker, online educator, copywriter, and consultant to some of today’s top thought leaders and personal brands. He has also been a published contributor for leading business platforms including Entrepreneur.com, Inc.com, and the Huffington Post. Nowadays you’ll find him speaking at conferences, looking for the next great place to scuba dive, and occasionally sipping a glass of single malt―all while coaching, serving clients, and recording his top-ranked (and rated) podcast, the Brand You Podcast.
