"The biggest challenge is often overcoming the fear of putting oneself out there and making it visible"
John White is the Founder and CEO of Social Marketing Solutions (SMS), a leading firm specializing in personal branding and PR for entrepreneurs and CEOs.
With an MBA in Marketing from Regis University, John possesses a deep understanding of the intricacies of branding and the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing.
Prior to establishing SMS, John was a prominent columnist for Inc. Magazine and HuffPost, where his insightful articles drew millions of views and positioned him as a thought leader in the field. His journey, transitioning from a corporate job to entrepreneurship, has served as an inspiring narrative for his wide readership and also fuels his passion for helping others carve out their personal brand narratives.
John’s expertise, combined with his ability to strategically place and promote content on prominent platforms, has allowed him to enhance his clients’ online presence, open up new opportunities, and help them create a significant impact in their respective industries.
Away from his professional engagements, John resides in Fort Collins, CO, where he enjoys spending quality time with his wife and their two daughters. His journey is a testament to embracing change and turning challenges into opportunities, and he continues to inspire those aspiring to make their mark in the entrepreneurial landscape.
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Table of Contents
Can you tell us a bit about your early journey as an entrepreneur? How did you transition from a corporate job to entrepreneurship?
John White: My transition into entrepreneurship was unexpected, to say the least. After losing my corporate job, I was initially filled with a sense of fear and uncertainty. Like most people, I had always considered the corporate path as the safe and stable route. So when that security was taken away from me, it felt like I had hit rock bottom.
But as I reflected on my situation, I realized that I had a unique opportunity in front of me. During my MBA program, I had been developing a business idea. But, between the comfort of a regular paycheck and the inherent risk of entrepreneurship, I had been hesitant to take the leap.
With my sudden job loss, the decision was made for me. I knew that this was my chance to bring my business idea to life, so I decided to take the risk and venture into entrepreneurship. Looking back, getting fired was a blessing in disguise. It was the push I needed to step out of my comfort zone and pursue my entrepreneurial dreams.
Today, I often reflect on that period and realize that if I hadn’t been fired, I’m not sure I would have had the courage to leave my cushy salary in the corporate world and take the risk of entrepreneurship. It was a pivotal moment that not only shaped my career path but also my approach to overcoming challenges and embracing opportunities.
That’s an inspiring leap. As an expert in PR and personal branding, how have you seen your own personal brand evolve over the years?
John White: Nine years ago, you could have Googled me and not found any information about me or my career anywhere on the internet.
Now, you’ll find a wealth of great content out there that’s been written about me, featuring me as a guest expert, or content I’ve authored myself on major publications like Inc. Magazine and The HuffPost. It’s been an incredible journey.
Absolutely, your growth is truly remarkable. Could you share some insights on how you help your clients build their brands in the same way you’ve built yours?
John White: My approach involves creating valuable content that showcases my clients’ expertise and thought leadership.
By strategically placing this content on prominent platforms, we create a strong digital footprint that enhances their online presence, boosts credibility, and opens up new opportunities for them.
Can you provide an example of a successful personal branding strategy you’ve implemented for a client?
John White: Without going into specifics, one of our clients in the tech space was virtually unknown within his industry.
We worked with him to create a series of thought leadership articles and secured placements in major tech publications. This increased his visibility exponentially and led to keynote speaking invitations and lucrative business deals.
It’s evident that personal branding can be a game-changer for businesses. In your experience, what’s the biggest challenge entrepreneurs and CEOs face when it comes to building their personal brand?
John White: The biggest challenge is often overcoming the fear of putting oneself out there. It can be daunting to share personal stories and professional insights in such a public way.
However, I often remind my clients that people connect with authenticity and vulnerability. It’s about showing up as your true self and letting your expertise shine.
That’s an incredibly important point. Lastly, for those entrepreneurs and CEOs who want to start building their personal brand but don’t know where to begin, what advice would you give?
John White: I would say, start with self-reflection. Identify what your unique strengths are and what you’re passionate about. Then, think about how your expertise can bring value to others.
From there, it’s about consistently creating and sharing content around your areas of expertise. And remember, building a personal brand doesn’t happen overnight, it’s a long-term investment in yourself and your career.
Moving forward, in today’s digital age, what role do social media platforms play in shaping a personal brand?
John White: Social media is an incredibly powerful tool for personal branding. Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram offer the opportunity to share your message directly with your audience.
It’s not just about selling products or services, but also about sharing insights, starting conversations, and building relationships. It’s a platform to showcase your expertise and personality in a way that resonates with your audience.
Definitely, social media has revolutionized how we build and perceive personal brands. Speaking of change, how has the process of building a personal brand evolved over the years?
John White: The process of building a personal brand has become much more democratized and accessible. With the rise of social media and digital platforms, anyone with an internet connection has the opportunity to build a personal brand.
However, this also means there’s a lot more noise to cut through. The emphasis now is on providing real value, engaging authentically with your audience, and standing out with a unique voice and perspective.
Jerome Knyszewski, VIP Contributor to ValiantCEO and the host of this interview would like to thank John White for taking the time to do this interview and share his knowledge and experience with our readers.
If you would like to get in touch with John White or his company, you can do it through his – Linkedin Page
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