I burned two years building a company brand and should've built my own instead.
Spent the first two years (or very close to it) of my last company obsessing over the company brand, logo, voice, website (it was really nice) and content. Everything had to feel polished and legit. Thought that's what you were supposed to do.
Meanwhile, a guy in a similar space was just posting from his personal account. Rough videos and honest takes. No production value whatsoever, and his face became the brand. People bought from him because they bought into him.
Fast forward eighteen months and he's got a waitlist. I had a nice-looking Instagram page with three comments per post and a logo I paid too much for, and, frankly, spent too much time on it.
Looking back I think I hid behind the company brand because putting myself out there felt uncomfortable, I honestly hate being in front of the camera. The company felt safe and professional. But safe doesn't build trust, and professional doesn't make people care.
I just wanted to write this to let people know that a personal brand is worth your time. Now I do have one, and if I built it years ago, I think I'd be miles ahead!
I'm curious to hear from someone who is in the same boat or looking into building a brand!