How To Destroy A Personal Brand (in 5 Ways) ?

I love watching things burn. Always have.

But I enjoy nothing more than watching my own creations go up in flames.

I can't be sure if it's sabotage, fear, or rebellion, but I just cannot conform. It's the epitome of self-destruction.

And this is how I destroyed my personal brand on LinkedIn.

Estimated read time: 3 mins

How To Build a Personal Brand on LinkedIn

If you're reading this, you've probably been around long enough to know the secrets to LinkedIn growth:

1. Be consistent
2. Have a content plan
3. Build strong relationships
4. Engage with other creators
5. Copy must be clear & concise

I know these 5 commandments to be true. Gospel, even! And if you want to have any kind of success on LinkedIn, you need to abide by these basic rules.

When I first started out, back in March 2023, I went by the book. And it was working.

Don't believe me? Here's the proof:

How To Destroy a Personal Brand on LinkedIn

See that huge dip in June? ??

It was going so well. But I messed up.

Here's the 5 mistakes I made:

(and how you can avoid them)

1. Lack of Consistency

I could blame it on the fact that I have a full-time job. I could blame it on the fact that I have 3 kids. I could blame it on the fact that I have depression. But the only fact that matters is the fact that I wasn't consistent enough.

I got complacent and lazy, and I didn't take it seriously.

HOW TO AVOID THE MISTAKE I MADE:→ Be consistent

2. No Content Plan

As much as I love saving time, I hate structure. I'm a creative, and I work best when inspiration strikes. But it's not the way I work for others. I always follow briefs, trends, and never miss deadlines.

I don't like frameworks, templates, or content plans.

HOW TO AVOID THE MISTAKE I MADE:→ Have a content plan

3. Neglected Relationships

I'm the kind of man who thinks I can do everything by myself. Call it stubborn. Call it na?ve. Call it what you want. But I don't need help, and I don't need you or anyone else telling me how to do things – or so I thought.

I tried to do it alone and keep it all to myself.

HOW TO AVOID THE MISTAKE I MADE:→ Build strong relationships

4. Didn't Engage Enough

Engagement pods are a plague on LinkedIn. DO NOT BE TEMPTED! But community, followers, and following others are not only acceptable, they're crucial if you want to build your network, trust, and reputation.

I only really "liked" posts by people who had "liked" mine.*

*dangerously close to the definition of "Engagement Pod"

HOW TO AVOID THE MISTAKE I MADE:→ Engage with other creators

5. Tried To Be An Artist

Like I said earlier, I'm a creative. I think of writing the same way an artist thinks of painting. I wanted my words to move people, to tell stories, and show off my skills. And that's exactly what they did. Many appreciated it but not as many as it could have been.

I was too clever with my words.

HOW TO AVOID THE MISTAKE I MADE:→ Copy must be clear & concise

How To Rebuild a Personal Brand on LinkedIn

Let's try again.

But this time, I'll follow the rules (in my own way):

1. Be more consistent
2. Have a rough content plan
3. Build strong personal relationships
4. Engage only with creators that deserve it
5. Copy must be clear & concise – sometimes

Wish me luck!

If you'd like to know more about:

• Personal Branding
• Personnel Branding
• Startup Branding

(or my copy & ghostwriting services)

DM me, 'NOOB'.

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