Chris Suchanek, CEO of Firm Media and Forbes™ Agency Council Member, has 25+ years of marketing experience and has launched brands like Omniblend™. He also co-founded Project Boon and manages CASKS Restaurant Group in Los Angeles.
A hard truth hit me in the face a few years ago: I had built a multimillion-dollar business on a shaky foundation. The management style revolved around people-pleasing, lacking strong executive leadership, and my top producers were toxic to the company culture. The wake-up call was overdue. When it came, I realized I had been wasting precious time and energy on practices that yielded little return.
The turning point wasn’t just about acknowledging these flaws but about choosing to act decisively. I knew that letting go of certain team members would also mean losing elements of the company’s brand identity. Some of these individuals had become synonymous with my business in the industry because of the investments I had made in elevating their profiles. Still, I decided it was time to prioritize the long-term health of the business and my vision for the future.
It became clear that I needed to act swiftly and establish myself as the recognizable leader of my company and industry. This wasn’t just about saving the business; it was about building something sustainable and authentic. I committed to building a personal brand and, in doing so, not only turned my situation around but also created opportunities I never imagined.
Today, I’m an international author, consultant, and speaker with a thriving personal brand that complements my businesses. It’s been a transformative journey, and I want to share the four steps that helped me achieve this success.
You have an opportunity to transform your business and yourself starting now.
Why personal branding is the opportunity of a lifetime
If you’re not focusing on building your personal brand, you’re missing out on one of the biggest opportunities of your career. People trust people, not faceless companies. Think about brands like Tesla or Apple. Their CEOs, Elon Musk and the late Steve Jobs, have or had followings that eclipse their companies.
Why? Because people connect with people.
I spent years pouring energy into only my companies when I should have been pouring energy into both my companies and my personal brand. That’s my biggest regret. Once I shifted my focus to building my personal brand, everything changed. Opportunities, credibility, and, eventually, revenue started flowing.
Your personal brand can lay the foundation for your professional success, and here’s how you can start building it.
The four pillars of building a personal brand
1. Brand system: Create your identity
Your personal brand already exists; it’s what people say about you when you’re not in the room. The question is, are you shaping it intentionally?
Start with clarity. Define your vision, mission, and values. These should be the compass for everything you do. What do you want to be known for? How do you want to impact others? Once you’re clear on these elements, you can begin crafting a narrative that aligns with your goals.
Remember, your brand isn’t just about professional success. It’s about who you are at your core.
2. Content categories: Define your message
What will your personal brand stand for? Choose three main content categories that align with your mission. These categories will guide your messaging and help you stay consistent across platforms.
For me, the pillars of my content are:
Marketing: Sharing insights from my experience leading an innovative specialty medical marketing agency.
Personal growth: Discussing lessons learned from my background in psychology, overcoming personal challenges, and finding clarity.
Giving back: Highlighting the importance of philanthropy and community impact.
These categories help me connect with my audience while staying authentic to my values. Choose topics you’re passionate about that resonate with your audience.
3. Build a core team: Scale your brand
You don’t just need a personal brand. You need a personal media company.
To scale your influence, you’ll need a team of skilled professionals who can help amplify your message. These include content creators, video editors, marketers, and strategists who are experts in their fields.
This team will help you craft high-quality content, optimize your platforms, and expand your reach. Think of them as your secret weapons, people who can multiply your visibility and help you dominate your niche.
4. Audience growth: Systematize your efforts
Growing an audience isn’t about luck; it’s about systems. Start by mastering one platform. Whether it’s LinkedIn, Instagram, or YouTube, focus on dominating one space before expanding to others.
Once you’ve built a strong following on one platform, use that momentum to grow on others. Repurpose content, cross-promote, and stay consistent.
Remember, it’s not about being everywhere. It’s about being impactful somewhere.
The results speak for themselves
The process of building a personal brand has transformed my career and my businesses. It has given me the opportunity to reach new audiences, build trust, and establish myself as an industry authority.
But the benefits go beyond professional success. My personal brand has allowed me to connect with others on a deeper level, share my story, and inspire others to take bold steps in their own journeys.
Final thought: Start now
If there’s one thing I regret, it’s not starting sooner. Building a personal brand takes time, effort, and courage, but the rewards are worth it.
Take the time to invest in yourself. Create your identity, define your message, build your team, and then build your system. By doing this, you’ll not only scale your business but also create a lasting legacy that reflects who you truly are.
You have the power to take control of your narrative. Start building your personal brand today and watch how it transforms your life and career.
Read more from Christopher A. Suchánek
Christopher A. Suchánek, Entrepreneur & Chief Executive Officer
Chris Suchanek, CEO and co-founder of Firm Media, has over 25 years of marketing expertise, launching brands like Omniblend™ and MediLearn360™. He began in the entertainment industry with brands like Warner Bros. and MTV, contributing to a Grammy Award with Brainstorm Artists International. A Forbes™ author and Agency Council Member, Chris is an expert speaker on medical branding. He also co-founded Project Boon, a nonprofit addressing food insecurity, and manages CASKS Restaurant Group in Los Angeles. His leadership focuses on strategic vision and mentorship.
