Lessons Learned from Mike King

Linked In,

I want to share an exciting story with you today, about the transformative power of building a strong personal brand and how it can propel you toward success in your personal and professional life. Creating personal brands offer you a unique path to creating consistency, discipline, and purpose – the foundations of success.

This story is about a friend of mine, Michael King – y’all might know him as @ipullrank or as Mic King the rapper from Philly who blinded folded himself, and spit wild freestyles all around the globe.

To be very clear – I didn’t interview Mike about this – it's just my opinion as a marketer, entrepreneur, and brander, watching someone I have known for almost 20 years create a hell of a career and personal brand that he promptly reminded me of in a recent post.

In a world brimming with endless opportunities, Mike had a burning desire to make a difference and leave his mark on the world in a way that was unique to his vertical. He understood that in the interconnected age we live in building a compelling personal brand would be his catalyst to change the game for his future.

With a vision to build himself into the greatest SEO of our generation (and probably much, much more), a load of determination, discipline, and undoubtedly a mind overflowing with ideas, Mike embarked on an entrepreneurial journey. The key was he started with becoming a great speaker – he built the Mike King brand - that was his catapult to creating his agency IPULLRANK. Along the way, I believe he discovered a few invaluable lessons that I want to share with you today.

Lesson 1: Define Your Authentic Self

Uncovering your authentic self is the first step in building a strong personal brand. Dig deep into your passions, values, and unique strengths. Embrace what makes you truly special and let it shine through in everything you do. Remember, your brand should be an extension of your true self, and authenticity is the secret ingredient that attracts genuine connections.

Lesson 2: Craft Your Narrative

You know who you are! Stop wasting time - craft your narrative. Tell your story in a way that captivates and inspires others. Share your journey, your successes, your failures, and the lessons you've learned along the way. Be transparent and vulnerable. In our vulnerability, we connect most deeply with others.

Lesson 3: Consistency is Key

Building a strong personal brand requires consistency. Be consistent in your messaging, your visual identity, and your interactions with others. Show up regularly and add value to your community. Engage with your audience, respond to comments, and build meaningful relationships. Consistency builds trust, and trust is the foundation of a strong personal brand.

Lesson 4: Be a Thought Leader

Establish yourself as a thought leader in your niche. Yes – niche. While I may not list it in these top 5 lessons learned, it is vital. You can’t be everything to everyone. Share your expertise, insights, and opinions through unfiltered content. Write articles, create videos, and engage in meaningful conversations. Position yourself as someone others can rely on for valuable information and guidance. Remember, leadership is not just a title; it's about inspiring others to reach their full potential.

Lesson 5: Embrace Collaboration

No personal brand is built in isolation. Seek out collaborations and partnerships with like-minded individuals and complementary brands. By joining forces, you can amplify your reach and tap into new opportunities. Collaboration is a powerful tool that can take your brand to new heights.

As our story draws to a close, let me assure you that building a strong personal brand is not an overnight journey. It requires dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to continuous growth. But as Mike knew, the rewards were well worth the effort.

So, my LinkedIn friends, I encourage you to embark on your branding journey. Unleash your true self, craft your narrative, be consistent, become a thought leader, and embrace collaboration. Together, we can build remarkable personal brands that leave a lasting impact on the world.

Wishing you all a transformative and inspiring journey ahead!

If you don’t know where to start – just slide on into my DM’s – I would love to talk with you.

Stay Authentic,

Ben Taylor - The Brand Builder