Are you stuck in the “good enough” mindset? It’s time to wake up—your brand isn’t just “good enough,” it’s costing you clients!

For Gen X course creators/coaches, building a brand that stands out is key to long-term success. So, how do you go from “good enough” to “can’t be ignored”? Let’s get into it.
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Your personal brand is what people think of when they hear your name. It’s how they decide whether or not to work with you.

In a crowded market, a strong brand is your ticket to standing out. It’s what makes you credible, trustworthy, and the expert people turn to.

There was a time long ago when I thought as long as I produce a great product or service, it was enough to be compensated well. But what if no one knows you are there.

Even worse, what if they see you but you look like everyone else! Undistinguishable . . .

Standing out in the crowd doesn’t mean that you have to make a spectacle of yourself. But it does mean it’s necessary to DO SOMETHING NOTICEABLE.

The first thing you need to do is figure out what makes you special. Your unique value proposition (UVP) is the Secret Sauce that separates you from everyone else in your field. What is it that you bring to the table?

Ask Yourself:

- What are your top strengths?
- How do your experiences make your coaching or course creation different?
- What problems do you solve better than anyone else?

You may have heard this before and it sounds cliché. But if you haven’t taken the time to do it, enough said.

When you know your UVP, mix it into everything you do. Your Secret Sauce is what will help people remember you and know why they should choose you.

Pro Tip - It is more than okay if you’re not everyone’s cup of tea. In fact that’s what you’re going for, attract your ideal clients and repel everyone else.

People remember stories, not statistics. Your brand story (so let me tell you a bit about how I got so saucy) is what will make people connect with you on a deeper level.

It’s your chance to show who you really are and why you’re passionate: about your work, your play, your family.

Design Your Saucy Story:

Disclaimer:  Saucy doesn’t necessarily mean provocative – But what makes you interesting.

- Origin: What’s your background? What led you to coaching/course creation? What challenges have you faced?
- Mission: Why do you do what you do? What’s your purpose?
- Vision: Where are you headed? What kind of impact do you want to make?

A compelling story will not only attract clients but also build a loyal following. Once the right people get a taste of that sauce, they’ll be back for more.

Pro Tip - Telling your story doesn’t mean a constant monologue about yourself.

Weave your story into your content when relevant. Because no one really cares about your story until they know you care about theirs.

In today’s digital world, your online presence is your storefront. Let people know what you stand for, what you value. Adventure, Creativity, Compassion – Put that sauce on everything from your website to your social media profiles, everything should be on-brand and showcase your unique value.

Make an Impact:

- Professional Website or Landing Page: It should be user-friendly, clear, and aligned with your brand. Highlight your unique value on your “About” page and showcase testimonials.
- Social Media Profiles: Keep them consistent with your brand. Use the same visuals, language, and tone across all platforms.
- Content Creation: Regularly share valuable content that aligns with your brand and showcases your expertise.

That is to say – If you’re a business coach, and you happen to be an avid golfer and you value Adventure, and you’ve golfed the best courses in the world, inject that energy into as much of your content as you can. You’ll attract clients that resonate with you on another level, not just business.

Let’s be real—being the best-kept secret in your niche isn’t going to pay the bills. If you want to be seen as a thought leader, you need to actively showcase your expertise. But how do you do that without coming off as just another talking head?

Prove You’re the Expert

It’s not enough to just say you’re an expert—you have to show it. That means getting out there and sharing your knowledge with the world.

Gone are the days of sharing fluff and offering the good stuff behind a pay wall. Your audience needs to see you in action. Make sure your free stuff is better than everyone else’s paid stuff. There is an art to this, less is more. People are already suffering from information overload. Just give them the perfect dopamine hit.

Here’s How:

- Speaking Engagements: Look for opportunities to speak at webinars, podcasts, or industry events. This not only establishes you as an authority but also expands your reach.
- Guest Blogging: Write for reputable blogs or publications in your field. This boosts your credibility and helps you tap into new audiences.
- Write a Book or eBook: If you’ve got deep knowledge on a particular topic, why not publish it? Books are powerful tools for establishing authority and credibility.

By consistently putting yourself out there, you not only prove your expertise but also build a reputation that makes clients seek you out.

Your personal brand isn’t just about how you look or what you say—it’s about how you connect with your audience. If you’re just broadcasting your message without engaging, you’re missing the point.

Engage to Build Loyalty

People work with those they like and trust. So, if you want to build a loyal following, you need to engage with your audience on a personal level. Find out what they need, want, their likes and dislikes.

Bombarded with more content and ads than we can consume, people have really developed a sensitive B.S. detector. So if you really want followers, clients that stick with you through thick and thin, be authentic with your communication.

Here’s How:

- Be Real: Share your wins, but also be open about the challenges you face. Showing the human side of your brand allow people to resonate with you as an imperfect person.
- Provide Value: Don’t just talk—listen. Answer questions, offer advice, and share content that genuinely helps your audience. This positions you as someone who cares about their success, not just your own.
- Create a Community: Foster a sense of community where people can share experiences, support each other, and grow together.

By focusing on building real connections, you’ll create a loyal audience that’s not just interested in what you have to say but is also eager to work with you.

Building a strong personal brand isn’t just a one-time effort—it’s an ongoing process that requires commitment and consistency.

For us Gen Xers, it’s an investment that will pay off big time as we prepare to enter the next stage of life. You’re not just building an online presence; you’re building a legacy.

Don’t let the perceived enormity of building a brand that is MORE THAN ENOUGH intimidate you. Even if you power through and get a working model together in a weekend, it’s just the beginning.

How do you eat an elephant? – One bite at a time.

By Discovering Your Secret Sauce, Sharing Your Story (“how I got so saucy”), Sauce Up Your Online Presence, Showing Off What You Know and Starting to Connect you’ll not only stand out—you’ll become the go-to expert in your niche.

If you’re ready to stop blending in and start standing out, it’s time to take action. Download our Personal Branding Implementation Guide, packed with resources to help you build, refine, and promote your brand effectively. Let’s make your brand unforgettable!