Exit IQ

At this point, we've all heard the phrase "You are your brand." As great as that sounds, what does it actually mean? And better yet, how can YOU become your brand? When you're the founder of a company, the stakes are even higher. Your personal brand doesn't just reflect on you - it also has a significant impact on your company's image. There are companies right here in Utah that thrive because the founder has a strong personal brand. Ryan Smith at Qualtrics, Vanessa Quigley at Chatbooks, and Davis Smith at Cotopaxi are great examples of how a personal brand and a business brand can successfully overlap. This really is a true testament to the power of an authentic personal brand. As consumers, we connect much more easily when there are authentic, intriguing, and relatable stories to attach to. We also all know there are companies that struggle or fail because of the actions of a single individual's personal brand. I mean, who is also intrigued by Twitter and Elon Musk? ????♀? That said, think about this question. How is your personal brand affecting your success? That can mean as a founder, as an employee, or even in your personal life. -- Getting Cory Tanner, the President and Founder of Exit IQ, in front of my camera was such a pleasure. Cory's personal brand exudes authenticity, dedication, and innovation. By creating a personal brand that embodies both his professional expertise and personal values, Cory has not only elevated his own standing in the industry but also the reputation of Exit IQ. What stood out to me most about meeting Cory is his humility and dedication. Hearing him speak on stage during the 40 Under 40 event cemented my initial first impression of him. Cory is passionate and confident about what he's doing at Exit IQ, and it shows in the success of his company. But his passion and dedication are not apparent only in his career. Cory took his time on stage to talk about his wife and his home. It was clear in his emotions that his true dedication lies there. I know he wasn't speaking with the intention of building his personal brand, but the words he said and the manner he said them absolutely contributed to building his personal brand. He's authentic, relatable, and admirable. While I'm not in need of planning an exit strategy any time soon, Cory's name and Exit IQ will be the first to pop into my head any time I hear someone talk about an exit strategy. An authentic personal brand like Cory's doesn't just help you stand out. It becomes part of your success story, infusing credibility and trust into your professional journey while creating a lasting, positive impact in the minds of your audience. #personalbranding #lifestyleheadshots #slcphotographer #headshots #founder ??

In the contemporary landscape, the unprecedented access to information, facilitated by social media, has paradoxically become a significant obstacle to entrepreneurial success. This phenomenon, which I term "educational paralysis," is a stark reflection of our times. Entrepreneurs are inundated with an overwhelming array of content—blogs, podcasts, webinars, and social media posts—that promises to reveal the secrets to building a successful company. Yet, instead of fostering innovation, this deluge often leads to analysis paralysis, stifling true entrepreneurial progress. The issue at hand is not the availability of information, but the lack of discernment in its consumption. Founders, particularly those in the nascent stages of their ventures, fall into the trap of perpetual learning at the expense of action. They consume content voraciously, seeking the perfect strategy or the foolproof plan, yet never reaching the point of execution. This over-education breeds hesitation and fear of failure, as they become acutely aware of every potential pitfall highlighted by the so-called experts. In this environment, the key to building a successful company lies in breaking free from the shackles of educational paralysis. Entrepreneurs must adopt a contrarian approach, prioritizing action over endless preparation. The real world, not the virtual one, is where companies are built and scaled. It is in the crucible of experience that true knowledge is forged. Aspiring founders should selectively curate their information diet, focusing on actionable insights rather than abstract theories. More importantly, they must embrace the inherent uncertainty of entrepreneurship. Success is not achieved by knowing everything but by having the courage to act despite knowing little. In the words of Peter Thiel, "Brilliant thinking is rare, but courage is in even shorter supply than genius."

Let’s give a huge shoutout to these amazing individuals who make our community stronger! Hilary Schultz: Supporting biotech entrepreneurs through the nonprofit, Nucleate Kinga Vajda: Providing support, education, and innovation to business leaders through Execute Your Intentions Nicole M. Conger: Dedicated attorney who fights for her clients' labor and employment rights Cory Tanner: through Exit IQ, Cory helps businesses create an exit strategy #ClientAppreciation #Community #Dedication #Inspiration #Gratitude