
ARTICLE 01
What and Why Strategy First Is the Secret to Building a Personal Brand That Stands Out and Delivers Results
Introduction
Many successful business owners face a pivotal moment in their journey: the transition from running a company under a corporate brand to building a personal brand. This change isn’t just about changing the logo on your website or crafting a catchy tagline—it’s about creating a brand that feels personal, authentic, and deeply aligned with who you are and the audience you serve.
Whether you’re a coach, consultant, or creative professional, transitioning into a personal brand allows you to connect with your ideal audience on a human level. People no longer resonate with faceless corporations; they want to work with individuals they trust, admire, and feel connected to.
But how do you ensure your personal brand resonates with the right people and drives measurable results? That’s where Strategy First comes in—a proven process that helps you clarify your message, target your ideal audience, and create a roadmap to position yourself as the go-to expert in your field.
This isn’t just about building a personal brand. It’s about building the right personal brand—the one that reflects your values and solves your audience’s unique challenges.
Why Strategy First?
Strategy First is the secret weapon for business owners transitioning into personal branding. It shifts the focus from “What should I do next?” to “Why am I doing this, and how will it resonate with my ideal audience?”
Without a clear strategy, it’s easy to fall into the trap of tactics-first thinking:
Posting on Instagram without knowing what will engage your audience..
Spending hours creating content that doesn’t translate into leads or sales.
Mimicking competitors instead of creating something uniquely yours.
With Strategy First, you’ll:
Attract Ideal Clients: Whether you’re targeting overworked executives, overwhelmed entrepreneurs, or ambitious creatives, your messaging will directly address their specific needs and aspirations.
Build Long-Term Recognition: A personal brand isn’t built overnight. Strategy First lays the groundwork for sustainable growth, ensuring every action you take supports your long-term goals.
Simplify Your Marketing Efforts: Stop wasting time on “shiny object” tactics. With a clear strategy, you’ll know exactly where to focus your efforts for maximum impact.
Step 1: Define Your Ideal Audience
This is where many personal brands go wrong—they try to appeal to everyone. The result? Generic messaging that fails to connect with anyone.
Example:
Imagine you’re a corporate consultant who helps businesses scale. You might start with:
Broad Audience: “I help businesses improve operations.”
This approach is too vague. It doesn’t speak to anyone in particular. Now, let’s refine it:
Ideal Audience: Startup founders scaling from 1 to 10 employees.
Pain Points: Struggling with inefficient processes, overwhelmed team members, and unclear growth strategies.
Desired Outcome: Streamlined operations that foster sustainable growth and prevent burnout.
Why This Matters:
When you narrow your audience, you can craft messaging that speaks directly to their challenges. For example, instead of saying, “I help businesses succeed,” you might say:
“I help startup founders eliminate operational chaos so they can focus on scaling with confidence.”
This specific messaging resonates with a particular audience, making them feel seen and understood.
Step 2: Develop Your Core Personal Brand Message
Your core message is the promise you make to your audience. It defines how you solve their problems and sets you apart from competitors.
To develop a compelling core message, ask yourself:
What problem am I solving?
What outcome does my audience desire?
What makes me uniquely qualified to deliver this solution?
Example:
For the corporate consultant:
Generic Message: “I help businesses scale.”
Core Message: “I help startup founders create scalable processes that prevent burnout and drive sustainable growth using Asana.”
This core message is clear, specific, and focused on the audience’s pain points and desired outcomes. It communicates not just what you do but why it matters.
Step 3: Content as the Voice of Your Strategy
Content is how you turn your strategy into action. It’s not just about promoting your services—it’s about adding value, building trust, and showcasing your expertise.
Key Content Types for Personal Brands:
Educational Content: Teach your audience something new.
Example: A blog titled “5 Warning Signs Your Startup Is Heading Toward Burnout (And How to Fix Them).”
Storytelling Content: Share your journey or a client success story.
Example: A Facebook post about how you helped a founder reclaim 10 hours a week by implementing a streamlined workflow.
Actionable Content: Provide quick wins or tools your audience can use immediately.
Example: A free guide titled “Your 1-Pager Business Plan”
Why Content Matters:
Content establishes you as a thought leader. When your audience consumes your content, they should walk away with actionable insights, feeling more connected to you and confident in your expertise.
Step 4: Guide the Customer Journey
The journey your audience takes with your brand isn’t linear. It’s a series of stages that build trust and move them closer to working with you.
The Marketing Hourglass for Personal Brands:
Know: How do new clients discover you? (e.g., Facebook posts, SEO, podcasts).
Like: How do you build an emotional connection? (e.g., authentic storytelling).
Trust: What proves your credibility? (e.g., case studies, testimonials).
Try: What low-risk offers encourage engagement? (e.g., free webinars).
Buy: How do you onboard clients effectively?
Repeat: How do you retain clients for the long term?
Refer: How do you encourage clients to share your services with others?
Example:
For the consultant:
In the Trust phase, share a detailed case study showing how you helped a startup streamline its operations and grow revenue by 300%.
In the Try phase, offer a free resource like “The Burnout Recovery Toolkit for Founders.”
Each stage is designed to deepen the relationship and move your audience closer to becoming loyal clients.
Step 5: Prioritize Strategic Tactics
Tactics without strategy lead to burnout. With Strategy First, you can focus on the most impactful actions for your brand.
High-Impact Tactics for Personal Brands:
Thought Leadership: Create posts that share insights, ask engaging questions, and showcase your expertise.
Speaking Engagements: Position yourself as an authority by presenting at industry events or hosting webinars.
Email Campaigns: Build a list of engaged followers and nurture them with exclusive tips and insights.
Example:
Instead of posting randomly on Instagram, plan a series of posts around a theme like “Scaling Without Burnout.” Each post addresses a specific pain point and links back to a blog or free guide.

Why Strategy First Sets You Up for Success
Building a personal brand isn’t just about visibility—it’s about creating an authentic, client-focused platform that drives measurable results. With Strategy First, you’ll gain the clarity, tools, and confidence to transition from business owner to thought leader.
Meet Marjorie Torre, a seasoned fCMO and Funnel Strategist for Personal Brands. With years of experience guiding over 100 professionals through the intricate process of building impactful personal brands, Marjorie specializes in helping you attract your ideal clients, differentiate yourself in a crowded market, and drive meaningful growth.
Ready to elevate your business and establish a personal brand that stands out and connects deeply with your audience?
[ TALK STRATEGY WITH MARJORIE ]
Frequently Asked Questions About Strategy First
1. What is Strategy First and how does it work?
Strategy First is a step-by-step process designed to help business owners transition into personal brands by focusing on clarity, alignment, and intentionality. It helps you define your ideal audience, craft a compelling message, and create a cohesive roadmap for all your marketing efforts. Instead of relying on guesswork, you’ll have a strategy tailored to your goals and audience.
Curious about how Strategy First can work for your business?
[ TALK STRATEGY WITH MARJORIE ]
2. How is Strategy First different from hiring a typical marketing consultant?
Unlike traditional marketing consultants who focus primarily on tactics (e.g., running ads, creating content, etc.), Strategy First focuses on the foundation of your personal brand. This includes defining your audience, refining your message, and ensuring every marketing action aligns with your long-term goals. It’s a high-level approach that prioritizes strategy over scattershot tactics.
3. How long does the Strategy First process take?
Typically, the process takes 4–6 weeks. During this time, Marjorie works closely with you to create a personalized strategy that includes ideal client profiles, a core message, content recommendations, and a marketing roadmap. By the end, you’ll have a clear plan to implement immediately or with Marjorie’s continued support.
4. Can I implement the Strategy First plan on my own?
Absolutely! The Strategy First process is designed to provide you with a comprehensive roadmap that you or your team can implement. However, if you prefer ongoing guidance or full implementation support, Marjorie offers tailored services to meet your needs.
Want to explore support options after Strategy First?
[ TALK STRATEGY WITH MARJORIE ]
5. Who is Strategy First best suited for?
Strategy First is perfect for business owners and professionals transitioning into personal brands, including:
Coaches or consultants looking to stand out in their industries.
Entrepreneurs who want to build a personal brand to attract ideal clients.
Professionals leaving corporate roles to establish themselves as thought leaders.
If you’re ready to build a personal brand that’s clear, authentic, and impactful, Marjorie can guide you every step of the way.
[ TALK STRATEGY WITH MARJORIE ]
6. Why is strategy so important for a personal brand?
Without a strategy, building a personal brand often feels overwhelming and disjointed. Strategy ensures every action you take aligns with your goals and resonates with your audience. It’s the difference between spinning your wheels and building a brand that delivers measurable results.