Megan MacNeill and I recently connected on LinkedIN, and after getting to know her a bit I just had to have her on the podcast.

Megan is a personal branding expert, and host of the podcast Personal Branding Exposed.

What led you to focus on personal branding?

I was recently in a group discussion with Brant Menswar, author of the new book Black Sheep. He mentioned the top two values people have are Connection and Authenticity. How do you see someone’s brand at helping them in business when you consider the ideas of connection and authenticity?

In a recent episode I interviewed Marietta Gentles Crawford - the two of you share a common passion for LinkedIn. What is it about LinkedIn that you find supports your personal branding mission so well?

OK - I’m a bourbon and craft beer guy. Also appreciate good wine. So i really enjoyed your interview with Kris Levy! You are a self-professed Gin-snob. What do these associations with alcohol do for our personal brands?

Speaking of your interview with Kris, what prompted the start of the podcast? I must say I find it very informative and entertaining!

Your content calendars - they are some of the most interesting I’ve seen. How do you recommend people use something like holidays or “Men Make Dinner Day” when it comes to building your personal brand?

How do you normally work with people as a personal branding expert?

Where can people learn more and connect with you?

Sweat the Details

Have you ever heard the quote "Don't sweat the small stuff, and it's all small stuff"? It's the title of a book by Richard Carlson. And while in my life I don't let the little things get to me, when it comes to personal branding, I believe it's important to sweat the details. It's the details that make you unique and it's the details which connect with your ideal clients.

This episode features personal brand photographer Aaron Hunt discussing LinkedIn with LinkedIn expert, Personal brand strategist, and all around wonderful person Marietta Gentles Crawford.

What is it about LinkedIn that Marietta loves so much?

How has LinkedIn helped you build her brand and business?

About LinkedIn invitations. Who should I be connecting with and how should I got about it?

What do I do after I connect with someone?

There's a lot of ways to automate connections, much like hacking Facebook groups. What are your thoughts on trying to find easy ways to connect with more people?

Marietta's initial impression of LinkedIn stories

Is it likely LinkedIn boost exposure for them sort of like Instagram does with each new feature they release?

Connect with Marietta:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariettagentlescrawford/

Website: maribrandsforyou.com

26 benefits of personal branding photos for your business

It’s not very often I get someone challenging me regarding the importance of personal branding. The fact of the matter is, you have a personal brand whether you do anything to intentionally manage it or not. But when it comes to professional branding photos, I often get questions on what the benefits of having custom, professional personal branding photos for your business would actually be.

I decided to make a list, and easily detailed 26 ways that having personal branding photos can help your business.

Increase your confidence

Control Your Image and Reputation

Set yourself apart.

Adds Authenticity

First impressions count

Increase your following on social media

Compete on quality, not price

Tell Your Story

Create a connection with your clients

Presents a professional business image

Save time and money

Level up your brand

Brand Recognition

Inspire others

Great-looking photography will give your personal brand another layer of trust and appeal.

The psychology of color

Show your personality.

Show your process

Create a consistent brand images across social media platforms

Grow your business

Build Buzz Around Your Achievements

Create More Professional Security

Grow your professional network

Helps you sell without selling

The right photographer becomes a trusted member of your team to capture your story

Stay top of Mind

Learn more about how you could work with me at www.thepersonalbrandphotog.com

Your personal brand goes with you wherever you go. So when that time comes that you feel you must leave your job, fight the urge to have a Johnny Paycheck or Office Space moment, and resign with class and respect. In this episode, I’m going to draw on my 25 years of leadership to give you my perspective on how to resign gracefully and maybe even build your brand as you leave your job.

Thankful we have the freedom of choice.

How to decide it’s time to leave your job

Joy vs. obligation

Excitement vs. dread

FOMO

Content sprints

Just nice days

Fitness

Fulfillment

Financial situation

Informing your team

In person

Virtual

Informing leadership

Professional letter

Dress respectfully

Have things cleaned out ahead of time!

Next steps for me:

2021 - first year of Freedom

More focus on this podcast

More exploration of my creative pursuits

More flexibility to serve my photography clients

Will be trying to document the year one journey as well - mostly on Youtube I think.

Episode 49 features stylist and copywriting expert Tamara Glick.

Tamara and Aaron were introduced by Andy Storch, and Tamara was also an amazing speaker at Aaron's Brand Hero Summit. This episode we focus on the importance of style in your personal brand - both written and worn.

Let’s start with why - why is style important?

So for those of us who feel uncomfortable dressing “nice” or “differently”, what’s your beginning advice?

How about the idea that dressing well costs too much money?

How does your written style align with your personal style in your wardrobe?

What parts of someone’s business do you help them with their copywriting style?

Maybe some people listening are thinking “sounds interesting, but probably not for me.” What kind of people do you typically work with?

You can learn more from Tamara and follow her here:

Freebie: 15 Video Call Spoilers

website: tamaraglick.com

Instagram: @tamaraglick

LinkedIn: Tamara Glick

Aaron talks to Andy Storch about his new book: Own Your Career, Own Your Life

It's already the #1 new release in the career space!

Andy was the host and co-organizer of the Talent Development Summit in January 2020. He hosts two Podcasts: The talent development hot seat and "the Andy Storch show", recently renamed to the Own Your Career, Own Your Life Podcast.

And is also the host the Talent Development Think Community.

But this episode we focus on the book:

What's it about

Who's it for

Why did Andy feel like it needed to be written now?

What's a piece of advice from the book Andy wishes he had been told that would have saved him a lot of pain in his career?

Honorée Corder says a book as a business card. What has Andy already seen change for him?

How hard was it really to get the book published?

Was it worth it?

What will you do differently for your next book?

Where can people get the book?

Amazon, Own Your Career, Own your Life.com

Andy's free report: http://ownyourcareerownyourlife.com/mistakes/

Where can people find you?

Instagram: @andy_storch

LinkedIn

In this episode, I discuss my Brand Hero Subscription Package for branding photos.

What I've come to realize is that a lot of people would love to have professional branding photos and a consistent stream of on-brand content for their business. BUT, they think they can't afford it.

The Brand Hero Subscription package was created out of a need for one of my clients, and it has become the most popular way for people to work with me.

This episode is an overview.