I began my profession in modeling, which, as anybody within the trade is aware of, is mainly a crash course in branding. You be taught in a short time learn how to current your self on-line, particularly on platforms like Instagram. From there, I moved into gross sales and the world of B2B. I figured, if I might thrive in gross sales, I might do absolutely anything.
After which, one thing occurred. At my final company job, they requested me to start out posting on LinkedIn as a “thought chief.” I had solely ever used the platform to search for jobs. I had no concept learn how to present up on LinkedIn, a lot much less learn how to construct a private model on it.
That’s once I turned to AI. Collectively, we created a seven-page model technique doc — like a advertising plan, however for me. I had no concept how a lot it might change every part.
Why Gen Z Ought to Be Constructing Private Manufacturers
Lots of people underestimate simply how digitally fluent Gen Z is. We’ve been branding ourselves — consciously or not — since we have been 13 on Instagram. However, LinkedIn all the time felt slightly off-limits. Too company. Too buttoned-up.
That modified once I began spending actual time on the platform — not simply scrolling, however really creating. I discovered different Gen Z creators who have been killing it — talking at conferences, working remotely, operating their very own companies. I began learning them such as you’d examine a profitable entrepreneur: how they wrote, how they informed tales, what they posted.
Finally, I noticed the chance to carve out my very own area, particularly as a Gen Z lady speaking about AI. That combo was not frequent. So I assumed, “That is my shot.”
ChatGPT was beginning to decide up steam. I requested the chatbot to assist me construct a private model technique, identical to an organization would. The preliminary immediate: “Are you able to assist place me as a LinkedIn thought chief? I need to be seen as an knowledgeable in AI, private branding, and Gen Z profession content material.”
With rounds of iteration, that plan remodeled my profession. At this time, I’ve a presence that reaches over 140 million folks on the platform. I’ve partnered with LinkedIn, been featured in Fortune and CNBC, and run workshops for ladies across the nation — all due to my private model.
So, how precisely do I exploit AI to construct my model? Beneath, I’ll share the framework I adopted.
Tips on how to Construct Your Private Model and The place AI Can Assist (Step-by-Step)
1. Make clear your core values and message.
Everybody says, “Choose one area of interest.” I disagree. I believe you need to have three key stuff you speak about. For me, that’s AI, private branding, and Gen Z.
I used ChatGPT to discover tone and values. I’d even ask issues like, “What does my writing sound like?” or “Are you able to rewrite this within the tone of Virginia Woolf if she went to Harvard?” It was enjoyable and clarifying.
Once you’re getting began, I like to recommend compiling this info right into a doc with model pointers. You may have AI aid you create this type information. Once you’re caught, you may simply scan your Google Doc and get again on observe.
2. Construct a visible id.
I hopped into Canva and handled myself like a model. I created a LinkedIn banner that clearly said my area of interest: Gen Z lady in enterprise.
It’s wild to me how many individuals go away that banner area clean — it’s such priceless actual property. I made positive to incorporate my e mail, so folks knew learn how to attain me.
I like to recommend working with AI to seek out points of coloration psychology and fonts that assist your model. I went with the blue, which is related to trustworthiness. I like to recommend chatting with AI concerning the model values you’ve outlined. You may then ask ChatGPT to suggest a number of banner components that double down in your messaging.
3. Create constant, considerate content material.
At that time, I went again to ChatGPT and mentioned, “Are you able to give me 20 publish concepts based mostly on these pillars?” I then used these subjects as a jumping-off level for my posts.
I pull from present occasions — what’s occurring in AI or Gen Z tradition — and tie it to my model. That makes my content material really feel well timed and thought-leader-y. Keep in mind: You’re not simply creating evergreen posts to fill area. You’re talking to a second.
4. Set a posting cadence (even when it’s unfastened).
I‘m not tremendous inflexible with scheduling — I publish once I’m impressed. However, some folks desire extra construction. Each approaches can work, however I‘ve discovered that consistency issues greater than frequency. You should definitely publish a number of instances per week while you’re beginning out, even for those who’re not scheduling particular days.
Take into consideration your tech stack, too. Are you going to make use of scheduling instruments? Automations? I like to recommend working with AI to brainstorm your content material and craft your posts. You may then use a scheduling software, like Hootsuite, to verify posts go stay.
5. Observe what works.
Creator Match, based by creator AJ Eckstein, has an superior Chrome extension that I exploit to trace publish analytics. I’ve the choice to judge my efficiency and observe different creators in my area of interest. It’s like doing aggressive analysis, however for private manufacturers. If you wish to develop, that you must perceive what’s working throughout the platform.
Creator Match may give me an summary of my profile, together with how incessantly I’ve posted and the way usually sure phrases seem in my posts. I can then check out how folks work together with what I create. That features monitoring engagement throughout publish sorts.
I even have the choice to look by key phrase, so I can higher perceive what subjects get probably the most traction from my following.
6. Interact together with your neighborhood.
Feedback are gold, so I strive to answer everybody. These are the folks constructing your model with you. I’ve had a few of my greatest alternatives come by way of remark sections, not DMs or emails. I can then perceive what’s top-of-mind for my viewers, permitting me to provide you with extra concepts for posts that resonate.
I’m in a position to construct my community, make the folks partaking with my posts really feel seen, and determine scorching subjects that maintain the content material engine operating. It’s win-win-win!
And sure, I’ve even used ChatGPT to answer hate feedback. I’ll say, “Are you able to assist me reply in a sleek but agency tone?” It’s an ideal software for crafting the proper message, particularly when feelings are operating excessive.
Why You Ought to Consider Your Model as an MVP
Lots of people wait till their model is “excellent” earlier than they publish. However, I handled my private model like an MVP (minimal viable product). I simply bought it on the market. I iterated alongside the best way. I modified my banner, my headline, my content material type — all in actual time.
An important instance of that is my LinkedIn headline.
At first, it was imprecise: “Serving to creatives and businesses…” However, I wanted to get extra particular. After taking a course from Justin Welsh (sure, I really purchased a course), I refined it.
I landed on a model that spoke on to the folks I wished to succeed in — ladies excited about AI and profession empowerment — with the phrase “I assist ladies leverage AI to construct highly effective private manufacturers.”
That small shift helped my viewers discover me.
The Scale Solely Occurred Due to AI
After simply 4 months of posting on LinkedIn, I bought invited to their headquarters. They informed me, “You’re a pioneer in AI due to your content material.” That blew my thoughts.
By then, I had already hit over 3 million impressions. Quick ahead to right now: I’ve reached over 140 million impressions. The size I’ve skilled previously few months — the attain, the content material, the affect — would not have occurred with out the assistance of AI.
Earlier than, each new concept or venture got here with friction. I’d hit a hurdle and both get caught or want to attend till I had extra time or assist. However as soon as I began utilizing AI often, these hurdles began to dissolve. I might workshop concepts immediately. I might brainstorm quicker, make clear a narrative arc, or get to a tough first draft in minutes — even once I solely had a number of hours after work.
I now get round 10 DMs a day from ladies saying, “You made me much less scared to strive AI,” or “Your content material helped me take a leap I’ve been laying aside.”
And sure, I left my company job as a result of my private model now helps me.
The rationale I maintain exhibiting up is easy: I need to encourage extra ladies — particularly founders — to share their tales. I need LinkedIn to really feel much less male-dominated and extra like an area the place ladies can present up boldly, confidently, and strategically.
AI helped me get my voice again after being laid off twice earlier than I used to be 25. It gave me autonomy over my profession once more. Now, I need to assist different ladies use it to do the identical.
That’s my story. And, we’re simply getting began.
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