A question as scary as the photo my husband took of me on stage 😅

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Hey, Reader,

Last week, I spoke at Kickstart Ohio, where I had the chance to talk about building your brand and business on LinkedIn with a room full of entrepreneurs and founders.

It was also the first event my husband came to, which meant I got maybe one flattering photo (and a boatload of terrifying ones 😅), which I talked a little about last week on LinkedIn.

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Someone commented that my expression showed passion...and honestly, I appreciated her choice of words. Because when I start talking about LinkedIn, I can’t help it...I am passionate about the platform. I've seen all the good it can do.

And since that event, I’ve had a few follow-up conversations with people who were in the room.

The recurring theme of conversation?

Because sometimes, the way we intend to show up isn’t how others actually see us.

It reminded me of something I learned early on from a creator, Jay Clouse, that your personal brand is built when perception matches intention.

When I started my business in early 2023, I was focused on SEO...writing website copy and blogs to help businesses rank higher on Google. Naturally, I talked a lot about SEO on LinkedIn.

At one point, I ran a poll asking my audience what they associated me with most. And the majority said SEO.

That small exercise reassured me I was showing up the way I wanted to, but it also taught me something else...

If I hadn’t asked, I wouldn’t have known.

And yes, asking that question can feel uncomfortable.

Putting yourself out there to say,

“Hey friends, when you hear my name, what comes to mind?” takes courage.

Because you don’t control the answer.

But what’s worse than hearing unexpected feedback?

Spending hours creating content… only to realize it’s not landing with the people you want to reach.

When perception and intention don’t align, your brand starts to lose clarity.

So here’s a little gut check exercise for you this week 👇

Start small.

Consider asking 3–5 people...

It could be a client, a peer, or someone who has reached out to tell you that they love what you do.

Then take inventory.

Feeling braver?

Try it as a LinkedIn poll as a post or send a quick note to your newsletter audience.

Jay Clouse did this recently with his newsletter, keeping it simple...

And it reminded me of the power of closing the gap between how we want to be seen and how others actually perceive us.

This kind of feedback helps you understand whether your content is effectively shaping the perception you intended.

Because if you’re a consultant, coach, or founder, your brand isn’t just built on what you say...

Your brand is built on what people remember.

So if you haven’t done a perception check lately… maybe this is your week.

Ask. Listen. Reflect.

And if the gap between what you want to be known for and what others see is wide...that’s your cue that it’s time to refine your content.

P.S. If you try this exercise, hit reply and tell me one word someone used to describe you. I’d love to hear it and get to know you more.

SPONSORED

Founder Spotlight

If you’ve ever had the chance to meet Brian Ahearn, you know his approach to influence is grounded in something deeper than strategy, it’s purpose.

Brian has spent years helping leaders and organizations understand the psychology of ethical influence. But his newest book, Influenced from Above: Where Faith and Influence Meet, takes that message to an even higher level.

It’s a powerful reminder that true influence doesn’t just change minds, it changes hearts. Through a heartfelt story of one man’s calling to serve beyond his career, Brian blends his deep understanding of human behavior with timeless Biblical truths.

This is more than a business book. It’s an inspiring parable for leaders, entrepreneurs, and believers who want to lead with humility, serve with faith, and create impact that lasts far beyond the work itself.

As someone who’s had the privilege of knowing Brian, I can tell you...he doesn’t just teach influence; he lives it.

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Last Week I Hit a LinkedIn Milestone!

Thanks to everyone who has helped me truly experience 6-7🤪

(If you’re a parent or around kids these days…you know!)

I've officially crossed over to 7,000+ followers, and it doesn’t go unnoticed to me just how far I’ve come in almost 3 years of becoming more active on the platform.

But the follower count, I have to say, has been the least of the rewards on LinkedIn…

It’s been about the actual conversations, coffee chats (virtual & in-person), and meeting some really…really good people. Live YOU! And I mean that.

Knowing that I get to help founders and organizations on LinkedIn create awareness of what they do and who they help continues to be a joy every day.

It’s not saying I never have hard days or uncertain ones, questioning this solopreneur path…because I do.

But I’m still getting out of bed and energized to get on my laptop to check in with my clients, my peers, and read up on the latest and greatest from some LinkedIn rockstars…

And THAT feels like a pretty good sign to me.

So thank you!

You’re likely the reason this is possible with your support:)

Remember…99% of us don’t feel like experts.

But you have experiences and valuable insights to share.

Never forget that.

What are you curious about these days? Hit reply and ask:)

I answer every single email.

And no, it's not my virtual assistant...it's me:)

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P.S. Tired of wondering why LinkedIn isn’t bringing in clients? With my LinkedIn Transformation Package, you’ll receive a done-for-you system including an optimized profile page, strategic content plan, with one-on-one engagement coaching to help you finally start seeing results.

Tony took advantage of this offer, and look what he had to say about it...

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Talk soon,

Find me on LinkedIn, YouTube, or book a 1-on-1 clarity call​

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Columbus, OH