Why personal branding is overtaking big marketing budgets in the AI era

A man filming a video of himself

Big brands spend millions on marketing, yet their influence is fading.

With the evolution of AI and the aftermath of covid, audiences are craving connection, paving the way for individuals with strong personal brands to thrive. Why? Because people don’t trust corporations. They trust people.

To close more deals, or attract better opportunities, building trust has become more important than ever.

Consumers are tired of generic messaging. They want to do business with real, relatable leaders. That’s why people like Alex Hormozi are thriving in the entrepreneurial space (nose strip and gym singlet in tow), they hold more weight than most companies. Their personal brands create trust, which creates demand.

If you’re hiding behind a business name, you’re making it harder than it needs to be. To close more deals and attract better opportunities, you need to be willing to be a little more vulnerable and show the human/s behind the logo.

Trust, authority, and influence in the age of AI

AI can automate just about anything but it can’t replace human connection.

Now more than ever, people crave authenticity. A strong personal brand builds trust faster than any corporate campaign ever could. When people know you, they don’t just buy your services, they buy into your story, your values, and your expertise.

It’s no longer about who has the fanciest looking website or the biggest team. It’s about who can show up, speak authentically, and deliver results. As a leader, it is becoming critical to carve out time to produce quality content. The more touchpoints, across different platforms, the better.

Monetising your brand

A personal brand isn’t only about being “insta-famous” though. You must create clear steps for the consumer to build scalable revenue streams.

The key? Stop trading time for money and leverage your expertise in ways that allow you to serve more people without working more. Even better build a recurring revenue stream, like a subscription or membership. Become the Netflix of your industry.

Here are a few areas to consider:

  • Coaching and consulting – High-ticket services for those who need direct access to your expertise. They pay a great deal for your skills to get to where they want to be faster.
  • Courses and digital products – This is where I love to play; build it once, make it evergreen, ensure it delivers great results and you could easily add an extra $10k-$30k a month to your business.
  • Speaking and media – Get paid for your insights and expand your reach.

You don’t need millions of followers. You just need clarity, consistency, and a reason for people to trust you.

Your next three steps

I wouldn’t be a good coach if I didn’t leave you with clear next steps. If you want to start working on your personal brand then start here:

  1. Clarify your niche and message – If you can’t explain what you do and who you help in one sentence, neither can your audience.
  2. Show up and share your story – People connect with you, not just your services. What makes you individual is your why, why do you do what you do? What’s the impact or legacy you want to leave behind in the world?
  3. Create an offer that converts – Attention is meaningless without an offer. The faster, simpler, easier you can make it for your audience the better. Quality trumps quantity every single time, so dont think volume, think results.