Most people think personal branding is about getting followers, likes, and viral videos — but that's not the real game.

In this solo episode, Brandon Birkmeyer breaks down why most people approach personal branding completely backward, and what to do instead if you want to build a reputation that gets you noticed, respected, and paid.

It's not about attention — it's about perception. It's not about reach — it's about reputation. And it's not about fame — it's about trust at scale.

You'll learn the three layers of brand power — Visibility, Credibility, and Influence — and how to move from being seen to being chosen.

💡 In This Episode

✅ The #1 mistake most people make in personal branding ✅ Why chasing attention won't build your career or business ✅ What credibility signals actually look like (and how to create them) ✅ The 3-part framework: Visibility → Credibility → Influence ✅ How to collaborate with credible people to build brand associations ✅ Why credibility makes you memorable and influence makes you profitable ✅ A simple 3-step playbook to start playing the real game today

🧠 Key Takeaways

• Visibility gets you seen. You can't build trust if people don't know you exist.

• Credibility gets you believed. Proof, not popularity, builds trust.

• Influence gets you paid. Once people believe in you, opportunities chase you.

Your content isn't just marketing — it's a trust-building system. Every post, appearance, and collaboration should send one clear message: 👉 "This is a person worth knowing."

🔗 Episode Resources

📘 Learn more at: brandsonbrands.com 🎥 Watch on YouTube: @brandsonbrands 💬 Follow Brandon on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brandonbirkmeyer

Why do some brands become unforgettable while others disappear? Today, we break down the science behind brand association—the single most overlooked driver of brand choice, preference, and loyalty.

Our guest is Ulli Applebaum. Ulli is an award-winning brand strategist and author of The Science of Brand Associations: Win Minds, Win Markets. Ulli explains how the brain stores brand memories, why associations predict sales, and how companies and personal brands can create stronger influence in any category.

If you want to build a brand that instantly comes to mind—and comes with positive meaning—this episode is the blueprint.

Find the book on Amazon at: https://amzn.to/4or3zOO

Learn more about Ulli: https://first-the-trousers.com/

• 01:25 – Meet Uli Applebaum & his new book, The Science of Brand Associations

• 03:05 – What a "brand association network" actually is (in brain science terms)

• 05:15 – Why marketers ignore brand associations—and why it's a massive mistake

• 09:32 – Functional vs. meaningful associations (Geico, McDonald's, Rolex, Nutella)

• 14:28 – The five types of brand meaning: cultural, social, emotional, symbolic, functional

• 25:03 – How to start building stronger brand associations for yourself or your company

• 30:40 – The biggest mistake brands make with visual identity and brand assets

• 40:21 – Practical steps: consistency, emotional resonance, storytelling, and relevance

This is the Brands On Brands Podcast with Brandon Birkmeyer

www.brandsonbrands.com

Don't forget to get your own personal branding scorecard at:

https://www.brandsonbrands.com/scorecard

CONNECT WITH ME

Connect with me on social media:

https://www.brandsonbrands.com/mylinks

READ MY BOOK - FRONT & CENTER LEADERSHIP

I launched a new book and author website. Check it out here.

https://www.brandonbirkmeyer.com/fcl

CHECK OUT MY COURSES

Get tactical trainings and access to one-on-one coaching!

https://www.brandsonbrands.com/courses

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER

Get the latest news and trends on all things personal branding and the creator economy.

https://www.brandsonbrands.com/newsletter

Mastering Social Skills: 9 Essential Micro Behaviors for Building Trust and Connection.

This episode debunks common misconceptions about social skills, emphasizing that true social skill lies in how people experience you.

Learn nine practical social skills that can transform others' perceptions regardless of personality type or professional role. By practicing these behaviors daily, individuals can build a reputation as confident, trustworthy, and thoughtful leaders.

00:00 Introduction to Real Social Skills

00:58 The Say Hello First Skill

01:48 The Ask and Listen Skill

02:20 The Follow-Up Skill

03:01 The Remember Names and Details Skill

03:45 The Public Support Skill

04:21 The Visibility Without Vanity Skill

04:59 The Teach What You Know Skill

05:25 The Positive Gossip Skill

05:55 The Composed Presence Skill

06:23 Quick Recap and Final Thoughts

This is the Brands On Brands Podcast with Brandon Birkmeyer

Don't forget to get your own personal branding scorecard at:

https://www.brandsonbrands.com/scorecard

CONNECT WITH ME

Connect with me on social media:

https://www.brandsonbrands.com/mylinks

READ MY BOOK - FRONT & CENTER LEADERSHIP

I launched a new book and author website. Check it out here.

https://www.brandonbirkmeyer.com/fcl

CHECK OUT MY COURSES

Get tactical trainings and access to one-on-one coaching!

https://www.brandsonbrands.com/courses

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER

Get the latest news and trends on all things personal branding and the creator economy.

https://www.brandsonbrands.com/newsletter

In this episode, Brandon Birkmeyer interviews Kat Norton, popularly known as Miss Excel on TikTok and Instagram, where she has garnered over a million followers by teaching Microsoft Excel in a fun and engaging manner. Kat shares her inspirational journey from a 9-to-5 consulting job to becoming a successful entrepreneur, complete with viral content, a popular Excel course, and multiple coaching and training programs. She discusses the importance of authenticity, leveraging creativity, and overcoming personal barriers to build a profitable creator business. Kat also reveals her process for creating content, scaling her business, and maintaining work-life balance through self-care and meditation. Tune in to learn how to combine passion, creativity, and knowledge into a flourishing online business.

Connect with Kat on her website at miss-excel.com or on TikTok & Instagram: @miss.excel.

00:00 Introduction to Kat Norton and Miss Excel 02:00 The Journey to TikTok Fame 03:25 Authenticity and Content Creation 06:42 Combining Passions: Excel and Dancing 13:12 From Corporate Job to Content Creator 16:47 Going Viral and Building a Following 27:37 Course Creation Process: From Idea to Launch 31:15 Tools and Platforms for Course Creation 38:52 Personal Growth and Handling Overwhelm 40:41 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 44:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This is the Brands On Brands Podcast with Brandon Birkmeyer

www.brandsonbrands.com

Don't forget to get your own personal branding scorecard at:

https://www.brandsonbrands.com/scorecard

CONNECT WITH ME

Connect with me on social media:

https://www.brandsonbrands.com/mylinks

READ MY BOOK - FRONT & CENTER LEADERSHIP

I launched a new book and author website. Check it out here.

https://www.brandonbirkmeyer.com/fcl

CHECK OUT MY COURSES

Get tactical trainings and access to one-on-one coaching!

https://www.brandsonbrands.com/courses

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER

Get the latest news and trends on all things personal branding and the creator economy.

https://www.brandsonbrands.com/newsletter

Rebranding isn't something that happens once. It's something that keeps happening as you evolve. Every time you discover something new about who you are and how you help people, your brand deserves to evolve with you.

In this episode, Brandon breaks down what it really means to rebrand yourself and why it's a natural part of personal and professional growth. You'll learn how to speak your truth, refine your message, and stay aligned with your authentic self as you evolve.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why rebranding is an ongoing process, not a one-time event

• The 3 essential steps to successfully rebranding yourself

• How to find your authentic voice by showing up and speaking your truth

• Why clarity comes from action — not from waiting until you have it all figured out

If you've been feeling the need for a change or wondering how to show up as the next version of yourself, this episode is for you.

This is the Brands On Brands Podcast with Brandon Birkmeyer

Don't forget to get your own personal branding scorecard at:

https://www.brandsonbrands.com/scorecard

CONNECT WITH ME

Connect with me on social media:

https://www.brandsonbrands.com/mylinks

READ MY BOOK - FRONT & CENTER LEADERSHIP

I launched a new book and author website. Check it out here.

https://www.brandonbirkmeyer.com/fcl

CHECK OUT MY COURSES

Get tactical trainings and access to one-on-one coaching!

https://www.brandsonbrands.com/courses

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER

Get the latest news and trends on all things personal branding and the creator economy.

https://www.brandsonbrands.com/newsletter

Make money with brand licensing with expert Stu Seltzer. In this episode, Stu Seltzer, author of 'Brand Licensing for Dummies,' discusses the fundamentals of brand licensing and its importance.

Find the book on Amazon at: https://amzn.to/438V6qL

As a seasoned NYU professor and the founder of Seltzer Licensing Group, Stu explains how licensing can expand brand value and boost revenue. He shares insights into licensing deals, key considerations, and the potential for small to large companies to benefit from brand partnerships.

Stu highlights the psychological appeal of branded products and the rising trend of experiential and digital product licensing. He also provides guidance on building a sustainable competitive advantage through strategic brand associations.

Connect with Stu on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuseltzer

00:00 Introduction to Stu Seltzer and Brand Licensing

01:24 Understanding Brand Licensing

06:06 Trademark Licensing Explained

07:59 Licensing Strategies and Examples

11:15 Financial Aspects of Licensing Deals

15:29 The Role of Licensing Agencies

18:34 Psychology Behind Brand Loyalty

20:44 Is Your Brand Ready for Licensing?

26:07 Tips for Enhancing Your Product with Licensing

34:28 The Power of Brand Associations

36:05 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

This is the Brands On Brands Podcast with Brandon Birkmeyer

www.brandsonbrands.com

Don't forget to get your own personal branding scorecard at:

https://www.brandsonbrands.com/scorecard

CONNECT WITH ME

Connect with me on social media:

https://www.brandsonbrands.com/mylinks

READ MY BOOK - FRONT & CENTER LEADERSHIP

I launched a new book and author website. Check it out here.

https://www.brandonbirkmeyer.com/fcl

CHECK OUT MY COURSES

Get tactical trainings and access to one-on-one coaching!

https://www.brandsonbrands.com/courses

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER

Get the latest news and trends on all things personal branding and the creator economy.

https://www.brandsonbrands.com/newsletter

Seven Creative Ways to Grow Your Personal Brand. In this episode, we dive into seven effective strategies to refresh and expand your personal brand. From repurposing existing content and turning podcasts into blog posts to creating thematic content sequences and partnering with other creators, we share practical ideas to enhance your online presence.

We also explore the benefits of paid promotions, syndicating content across multiple platforms, generating unique social media clips, and experimenting with shorter, more engaging content formats.

Get the full list of 100 personal branding activities: www.brandsonbrands.com/refresh

00:00 Introduction: Embracing Content Creation

02:11 Repurposing Content: Breathing New Life into Old Posts

03:56 Transforming Podcasts into Blogs

05:20 Creating Engaging Email Sequences

07:28 Collaborating with Other Creators

08:48 Investing in Paid Promotions

10:30 Syndicating Your Articles

11:43 Leveraging Short-Form Video Content

14:05 Conclusion: Diversifying Your Content Strategy

This is the Brands On Brands Podcast with Brandon Birkmeyer

Don't forget to get your own personal branding scorecard at:

https://www.brandsonbrands.com/scorecard

CONNECT WITH ME

Connect with me on social media:

https://www.brandsonbrands.com/mylinks

READ MY BOOK - FRONT & CENTER LEADERSHIP

I launched a new book and author website. Check it out here.

https://www.brandonbirkmeyer.com/fcl

CHECK OUT MY COURSES

Get tactical trainings and access to one-on-one coaching!

https://www.brandsonbrands.com/courses

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER

Get the latest news and trends on all things personal branding and the creator economy.

https://www.brandsonbrands.com/newsletter

Reclaim Your Workday: A Conversation with Marcey Rader on Healthy Productivity & Habits.

In this episode, we welcome Marcey Rader, productivity consultant, keynote speaker, and author of 'Reclaim Your Workday,' to discuss strategies for enhancing productivity and managing work-life balance.

Find the book at: www.ReclaimYourWorkday.com

Marcey emphasizes the importance of turning off unnecessary notifications, setting clear boundaries, and prioritizing meaningful tasks over sheer volume of work. She also explores the concept of 'healthy productivity,' which includes taking breaks, stepping away from the screen, and maintaining personal well-being alongside professional demands.

Learn more about Marcey at: www.marceyrader.com

00:00 Introduction to Marcey Rader and Healthy Productivity

00:23 Understanding Productivity: Efficiency vs. Effectiveness

01:33 Reclaim Your Workday: Key Concepts and Strategies

03:32 Challenges in Implementing Productivity Strategies

07:14 Remote Work and Productivity

17:24 Healthy Productivity: Practical Tips and Insights

21:40 Marcey Rader's Journey and Expertise

30:30 Final Thoughts and Parting Advice

This is the Brands On Brands Podcast with Brandon Birkmeyer

www.brandsonbrands.com

Don't forget to get your own personal branding scorecard at:

https://www.brandsonbrands.com/scorecard

CONNECT WITH ME

Connect with me on social media:

https://www.brandsonbrands.com/mylinks

READ MY BOOK - FRONT & CENTER LEADERSHIP

I launched a new book and author website. Check it out here.

https://www.brandonbirkmeyer.com/fcl

CHECK OUT MY COURSES

Get tactical trainings and access to one-on-one coaching!

https://www.brandsonbrands.com/courses

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER

Get the latest news and trends on all things personal branding and the creator economy.

https://www.brandsonbrands.com/newsletter

5 Essential Steps to Building Your Personal Brand in 2025. In this episode of Brands On Brands, personal branding coach Brandon Birkmeyer shares five practical steps anyone can take in 2025 to start building their personal brand.

With a keen focus on manageable and effective strategies, he emphasizes the importance of expressing yourself through LinkedIn articles, attending industry conferences, joining professional associations, continuously learning new skills via platforms like Udemy, and seeking out mentors and coaches.

Get the full list of 100 personal branding activities: www.brandsonbrands.com/refresh

00:00 Introduction to Building Your Personal Brand

01:49 Express Yourself Through Writing

03:21 Networking at Industry Conferences

04:21 Joining Professional Associations

05:23 Continuous Learning and Upskilling

07:01 Finding Mentors and Coaches

08:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This is the Brands On Brands Podcast with Brandon Birkmeyer

Don't forget to get your own personal branding scorecard at:

https://www.brandsonbrands.com/scorecard

CONNECT WITH ME

Connect with me on social media:

https://www.brandsonbrands.com/mylinks

READ MY BOOK - FRONT & CENTER LEADERSHIP

I launched a new book and author website. Check it out here.

https://www.brandonbirkmeyer.com/fcl

CHECK OUT MY COURSES

Get tactical trainings and access to one-on-one coaching!

https://www.brandsonbrands.com/courses

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER

Get the latest news and trends on all things personal branding and the creator economy.

https://www.brandsonbrands.com/newsletter

In this episode, we speak with Larry Long Jr., CEO of LLJ Enterprises, international keynote speaker, author of 'Jolt,' and LinkedIn influencer. We discuss the intricacies of personal branding on LinkedIn, methods to stay motivated in speaking and business, and the impact of high energy on success.

Larry shares his journey, highlights the importance of intentionality, and offers actionable tips for aspiring speakers and business professionals. The conversation delves into Larry's personal experiences, his strategies for building a robust LinkedIn presence, and the pivotal moments that shaped his career.

Learn more about Larry at: https://larrylongjr.com

00:00 Introduction to Larry Long Jr.

02:15 Larry's Personal Branding Journey

04:33 The Importance of Energy

09:09 Building Relationships on LinkedIn

23:14 Setting Intentions and Taking Action

24:25 The Role of Hard Work and Luck

26:58 Balancing Paid and Free Speaking Engagements

29:05 Understanding Your Value as a Speaker

35:46 Writing and Publishing a Book

43:09 Personal Goals and Future Plans

47:13 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

This is the Brands On Brands Podcast with Brandon Birkmeyer

Don't forget to get your own personal branding scorecard at:

https://www.brandsonbrands.com/scorecard

CONNECT WITH ME

Connect with me on social media:

https://www.brandsonbrands.com/mylinks

READ MY BOOK - FRONT & CENTER LEADERSHIP

I launched a new book and author website. Check it out here.

https://www.brandonbirkmeyer.com/fcl

CHECK OUT MY COURSES

Get tactical trainings and access to one-on-one coaching!

https://www.brandsonbrands.com/courses

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER

Get the latest news and trends on all things personal branding and the creator economy.

https://www.brandsonbrands.com/newsletter