In a recent episode of The Content Era podcast, Tom Noske shared his journey and invaluable insights into building a powerful personal brand, effective story brand positioning, and social media marketing. With over 372,000 Instagram followers, Tom’s story is a testament to the power of passion, persistence, and adaptability.
In this blog post, you will learn how to apply Tom’s experiences and strategies to your own journey, helping you build a personal brand that resonates with your audience, adapts to the evolving social media landscape, and ultimately drives your success.
Leveraging Your Current Skills to Build a Personal Brand
“The only real thing I was ever any good at, or at least the only thing I ever received compliments for was my creative work as a kid.”
Have you ever felt that your talents are undervalued or misunderstood? Tom Noske’s journey began with a similar feeling. Despite societal skepticism towards a career in the arts, Tom followed his passion for photography. He initially worked as a personal trainer but realized his true calling lay in his creative passions. This led him to purchase a camera and dive into photography, marking the start of his content creation journey.
It's important that your brand reflects what you genuinely enjoy. Your hobbies, passions, and interests can be the foundation of your personal brand. If you find joy in what you do, it will resonate with your audience and lay the groundwork for your brand’s authenticity.
The Content Era Podcast w/ Tom Noske
Step by step guide on how to Build your iconic personal brand
By the end of this guide, you'll have a crystal-clear brand message and a plan to share it, helping you stand out and thrive in the world of social media.
How You Can Build a Personal Brand by Telling Your Story
Showing up online with full authenticity is not easy. In reality, it is difficult and even impossible for some people. However, if you want to build your personal brand, it is crucial to show up as yourself so that your audience can connect with you.
Tom Noske started his Instagram account as a burner account to share his work without the scrutiny of his peers. This allowed him to develop a following, but when he finally decided to show up in front of the camera, his audience didn’t have a personal connection with him.
When you create content, always be yourself. Personal branding is about more than just sharing successes; it’s about being transparent and relatable. Tom emphasizes, “It’s impossible to look at someone who only shares their successes and trust them because life is not actually like that.”
To build a powerful personal brand, you need to share your journey authentically. Your story, including your struggles and triumphs, is what makes you relatable. Remember, authenticity builds trust and engagement with your audience.
OVERCOMING THE CHALLENGES OF THE SOCIAL MEDIA LANDSCAPE
Constant changes in social media can be overwhelming, often leaving you feeling frustrated and unsure of how to proceed. If you’re feeling this way, you’re not alone.
Tom’s experience highlights the importance of adaptability in this fast-paced environment. He witnessed significant shifts in platforms like Instagram, from chronological feeds to algorithm-based ones, and the transition from photo-centric content to video and reels. Tom recalls, “Literally overnight Instagram was like -algorithm-. And then all of these creators just… overnight they were getting five likes on their posts and these accounts completely died.”
When faced with these changes, it’s easy to feel disheartened and question the effectiveness of your efforts. However, it’s crucial to embrace these shifts and remain adaptable. Tom’s journey shows that staying informed about new trends and being willing to pivot your approach is essential. By adapting your strategy, you can maintain your relevance and continue to engage your audience effectively in the ever-changing landscape of social media.
How to Monetize Your Online Presence: Audience vs. Business
Turning an engaged audience into a viable business can be a significant challenge. If you’re struggling with this, you’re not alone. Many creators find it difficult to make the leap from having followers to generating revenue. Tom Noske makes a critical distinction between building an audience and building a business. His initial attempts at monetization, like his Photoshop course, were underwhelming. However, he persevered, learning valuable lessons along the way. His success came from creating digital products that resonated with his audience. As Tom states, “There’s a difference between building an audience and building a business. And if you’re building an audience, you’re not building a business.”
It’s easy to assume that a large following will automatically lead to financial success, but that’s not always the case. Understanding your audience’s needs and creating products that provide real value are crucial steps. Tom’s journey shows that building a business requires strategic planning and a deep understanding of your market. By focusing on what your audience truly wants and needs, you can create offerings that they are willing to pay for. Remember, having an audience is just the beginning; turning that audience into a sustainable business takes thoughtful execution and persistent effort.
What is Your Why? Get Clear on Your Long-term Vision
Having a clear purpose driving your efforts is crucial for long-term success on social media. Do you know what motivates you at your core? Tom attributes much of his success to having a strong “why” or North Star. This guiding principle helps anchor his decisions and actions, ensuring they align with his long-term goals. Tom reflects,
“You need to have a really strong why. It’s like a compass. It’s the thing you’re constantly anchoring to.”
Defining your “why” will guide your actions and keep you motivated through challenges. Your “why” should be the driving force behind your personal brand and long-term vision. By understanding what truly motivates you, you can navigate obstacles more effectively and stay committed to your path.
Applying These Lessons to Build a Powerful Personal Brand on Instagram
Building a personal brand on Instagram requires actionable steps and a strategic approach. Are you ready to take practical steps to enhance your personal brand? Tom Noske offers several practical tips:
- Leverage Existing Activities: Identify parts of your daily routine that can be turned into content. This minimizes additional workload and maximizes the use of your time.
- Hire Help if Possible: If financially viable, consider hiring professionals to handle aspects of content creation, such as filming, editing, and distribution. This allows you to focus on your core activities.
- Consistency and Clear Goals: Establish a consistent content schedule and set clear, achievable goals. Consistency builds trust and engagement with your audience.
Tom Noske’s journey offers valuable lessons in personal branding, storytelling, and adaptability. His experiences remind us that success in the digital age requires more than just talent; it demands persistence, strategic thinking, and a clear vision. By applying these insights, you can build a powerful personal brand that resonates with your audience and achieves your long-term goals.
For more in-depth insights, listen to the full episode of The Content Era Podcast and start applying these lessons to your own journey today.
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