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Founder Brand: Turn Your Story Into Your Competitive Advantage
You're part of an elite group of builders, creators, and innovators who have accomplished something few can claim: you've founded a company. Now the challenge of standing out in the crowd begins—and how you differentiate yourself counts.
Building a brand and growing a business can be expensive and time-consuming. But you have a key advantage and secret strategy, one that will set you apart no matter your industry, product, or company size. You have a story, and it's one of your most valuable assets.
In Founder Brand, marketing expert Dave Gerhardt reveals how to build your brand by positioning yourself as the story, heart, and soul of your business. This is a tactical guidebook that first shows you how to tell your story, then how to put your story to use as a marketing strategy. You'll learn how social media provides a bridge between you and your customers, the platforms that are appropriate for your business, and how to measure results to truly determine value. This book is the ultimate resource for founders, CEOs, and marketing teams trying to find their company's niche, strategize for the future, and create brand awareness that establishes the credibility and trust your products deserve.
Building a brand and growing a business can be expensive and time-consuming. But you have a key advantage and secret strategy, one that will set you apart no matter your industry, product, or company size. You have a story, and it's one of your most valuable assets.
In Founder Brand, marketing expert Dave Gerhardt reveals how to build your brand by positioning yourself as the story, heart, and soul of your business. This is a tactical guidebook that first shows you how to tell your story, then how to put your story to use as a marketing strategy. You'll learn how social media provides a bridge between you and your customers, the platforms that are appropriate for your business, and how to measure results to truly determine value. This book is the ultimate resource for founders, CEOs, and marketing teams trying to find their company's niche, strategize for the future, and create brand awareness that establishes the credibility and trust your products deserve.
169 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 15, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 16, 2022
Excellent. Dave clearly sets out what he wants to tell you, and then does so. I have been following him for years now, and know his views and approach to building a brand. And yet this book gave me so much tactical value. And there's precious little fluff, no page padding to make it longer, a temptation that must surely have been there. It's clear, to-the-point, and actionable. Highly recommended for both founders and marketers.
February 1, 2023
Great reminder that I'm already on the right path, given that I'm already doing almost everything mentioned in this book (and it's working - as advertised). Found some good ideas about starting a conversation about what I sell - without sounding like a salesperson. I loved that the book was short and to the point - it could have been some 20% shorter without losing quality. The last chapter was not very informative but overall, this is a good book for a shy founder to read and see the light.
April 3, 2022
This is a great book for anyone in business who is looking to build a personal brand.
Dave has done it several times. In this book he shares the strategies and tactics he's leveraged to build founder brands that work as the growth engine of a business.
It's an easy and quick read that contains a lot of specific and actionable advice.
Flow: 5/5
Actionability: 5/5
Mindset: 4/5
Some of My Highlights:
"When we feel we have a relationship with someone leading a brand, we are more likely to try their products."
"The old way of building a brand was to wait for the press to notice you or to hire a public relations agency."
"Any brand (and any founder) can reach their dream customer directly online, thanks to social media. In this world, you don't need to wait for the press... You can build your own media outlet."
"Anyone launching a business has a reason for doing it, and there is a story that can be shared."
"...you will need two key things: the first is to focus on a specific niche, and the second is to define your enemy."
"The best way to pick a niche is to work backward. Based on what you can offer today, who is your ideal customer?"
"Marketing is a game of momentum."
"Start with a niche, build an audience in that niche, learn, and then expand."
"A villain allows you to tap into the art of storytelling, gives you a conflict, and allows for conflict resolution."
"Your brand exists to free your customer from their struggle."
"I love the idea of 'working in public' as a brand, sharing what you're doing as you're doing it."
"Once you have their attention, you can tell them everything they need to know about your products and services."
"Note: I also am always tweaking the message here. I am always on the lookout for other copy and bios that I like and can take inspiration from. So always be changing and testing the copy here."
"Edutainment is the holy grail, when you can both educate and entertain."
"Be contrarian. Be different. The feed is noisy. Strong opinions stand out."
"Consistency is key. Daily is when it will really take off."
"Write a book, send a copy to a few. Give shoutouts to followers. Send Starbucks gift cards. Show you care. A budget of $100 a month could go a long way to engage some superfans."
"Personally, I think every founder should be on a constant 'book tour' for their company."
"With any outreach, my goal is to start a conversation. I don't try to stuff a thousand words into an email."
Dave has done it several times. In this book he shares the strategies and tactics he's leveraged to build founder brands that work as the growth engine of a business.
It's an easy and quick read that contains a lot of specific and actionable advice.
Flow: 5/5
Actionability: 5/5
Mindset: 4/5
Some of My Highlights:
"When we feel we have a relationship with someone leading a brand, we are more likely to try their products."
"The old way of building a brand was to wait for the press to notice you or to hire a public relations agency."
"Any brand (and any founder) can reach their dream customer directly online, thanks to social media. In this world, you don't need to wait for the press... You can build your own media outlet."
"Anyone launching a business has a reason for doing it, and there is a story that can be shared."
"...you will need two key things: the first is to focus on a specific niche, and the second is to define your enemy."
"The best way to pick a niche is to work backward. Based on what you can offer today, who is your ideal customer?"
"Marketing is a game of momentum."
"Start with a niche, build an audience in that niche, learn, and then expand."
"A villain allows you to tap into the art of storytelling, gives you a conflict, and allows for conflict resolution."
"Your brand exists to free your customer from their struggle."
"I love the idea of 'working in public' as a brand, sharing what you're doing as you're doing it."
"Once you have their attention, you can tell them everything they need to know about your products and services."
"Note: I also am always tweaking the message here. I am always on the lookout for other copy and bios that I like and can take inspiration from. So always be changing and testing the copy here."
"Edutainment is the holy grail, when you can both educate and entertain."
"Be contrarian. Be different. The feed is noisy. Strong opinions stand out."
"Consistency is key. Daily is when it will really take off."
"Write a book, send a copy to a few. Give shoutouts to followers. Send Starbucks gift cards. Show you care. A budget of $100 a month could go a long way to engage some superfans."
"Personally, I think every founder should be on a constant 'book tour' for their company."
"With any outreach, my goal is to start a conversation. I don't try to stuff a thousand words into an email."
June 1, 2022
This was exactly was I needed to fill the gap
I've been a startup founder that have never liked the idea of posting on social. I thought it was a waste of time and effort: An enslaving work that wouldn't work unless I was all in, and would jeopardize my startup's success (as every second matters).
Fast forward 7 years and 5 failed companies, I've admitted defeat. Yes garyvee, you were right, attention is today's biggest currency. And social is the way today for you to drive sakes, get customers and build relationships.
Failing to be in social is a founder's biggest demise. Why? Because, " A startup's biggest enemy isn't competition, but obscurity" - Alexis Ohanian
No one knows who you are and why and what you do. The only way for people to find it out AND care is to put yourself out there.
While that sounds good on paper, I also had my doubts about the type of content to create and how would I get started. Even though I started doing some sporadic content, I felt that I was out of place.
This book helped me fill that gap. It gave me the questions that I felt I was missing to create the unique and different content that I needed to do.
I haven't started applying it yet, but will do so as I finish writing this review.
Any startup founder should definitely look into it. Even if you're in tech and want to cross the unicorn status.
I've been a startup founder that have never liked the idea of posting on social. I thought it was a waste of time and effort: An enslaving work that wouldn't work unless I was all in, and would jeopardize my startup's success (as every second matters).
Fast forward 7 years and 5 failed companies, I've admitted defeat. Yes garyvee, you were right, attention is today's biggest currency. And social is the way today for you to drive sakes, get customers and build relationships.
Failing to be in social is a founder's biggest demise. Why? Because, " A startup's biggest enemy isn't competition, but obscurity" - Alexis Ohanian
No one knows who you are and why and what you do. The only way for people to find it out AND care is to put yourself out there.
While that sounds good on paper, I also had my doubts about the type of content to create and how would I get started. Even though I started doing some sporadic content, I felt that I was out of place.
This book helped me fill that gap. It gave me the questions that I felt I was missing to create the unique and different content that I needed to do.
I haven't started applying it yet, but will do so as I finish writing this review.
Any startup founder should definitely look into it. Even if you're in tech and want to cross the unicorn status.
July 28, 2022
Founder Brand is written specifically for founders. Marketing managers, brand managers or even social media interns will be benefitted. But it's meant for founders who are looking to build a business around their brand, not the other way around.
The book has a bunch of precise examples from businesses Dave has been in touch with. And he uses them to explain the Whys.
Dave explains everything from the type of content and the steps for a founder to take to establish themselves in the industry.
The main point is that the founders should be present on LinkedIn and Twitter, taking care of their content. Podcasting is another medium he suggested.
You can't just hire an intern to do your social media or build your podcast. This actually needs to be you if you want to reap the rewards from it.
Recommended? Yes.
The book has a bunch of precise examples from businesses Dave has been in touch with. And he uses them to explain the Whys.
Dave explains everything from the type of content and the steps for a founder to take to establish themselves in the industry.
The main point is that the founders should be present on LinkedIn and Twitter, taking care of their content. Podcasting is another medium he suggested.
You can't just hire an intern to do your social media or build your podcast. This actually needs to be you if you want to reap the rewards from it.
Recommended? Yes.
March 28, 2022
A well laid out guide to practically everything you need to know to start a brand around yourself. Everything from choosing a mentor, editing podcast episodes, and real life social media examples of various kinds of promotion.
I especially like how well explained and laid out everything is. As well as how easy it is to return to specific points when I want to re-read something. My only 'gripe' would be that this book seems to be made for men and the examples given aren't incredibly diverse.
A useful book I'd recommend to anyone looking to promote themselves, their business, or start any kind of social media venture.
I especially like how well explained and laid out everything is. As well as how easy it is to return to specific points when I want to re-read something. My only 'gripe' would be that this book seems to be made for men and the examples given aren't incredibly diverse.
A useful book I'd recommend to anyone looking to promote themselves, their business, or start any kind of social media venture.
November 19, 2022
Not the absolutely most interesting topic but Dave is to the point and tells you:
Why people want to hear from, and know about, the founder not the business.
That founders should take this fact seriously.
How to take it seriously:
- Find your voice, talk on events and podcasts
- Find you niche, and be active on social media on it (linkedin and/or twitter: preferably where your customers are)
- That having a podcast is a great way to meet interesting people and build a following
- Use your personal following to see what marketing works best and test out ideas by just asking questions to all of them
Why people want to hear from, and know about, the founder not the business.
That founders should take this fact seriously.
How to take it seriously:
- Find your voice, talk on events and podcasts
- Find you niche, and be active on social media on it (linkedin and/or twitter: preferably where your customers are)
- That having a podcast is a great way to meet interesting people and build a following
- Use your personal following to see what marketing works best and test out ideas by just asking questions to all of them
December 7, 2022
Informative and Super Clear
Dave is crystal clear and practical with his writing and recommendations. His pen is honed from experience, and succinct.
For each step - it’s - here is why you should do this, here is the technique, the software or the app, the expected results, an example, etc.
I found his practical approach powerful, using exact names and references. I set up my founder’s twitter and podcast using transistor FM while reading this book!
Dave is crystal clear and practical with his writing and recommendations. His pen is honed from experience, and succinct.
For each step - it’s - here is why you should do this, here is the technique, the software or the app, the expected results, an example, etc.
I found his practical approach powerful, using exact names and references. I set up my founder’s twitter and podcast using transistor FM while reading this book!
February 19, 2022
Couldn't Put It Down
I read this book in a few hours. Highlighted so much, and plan to start implementing these practical tips immediately for our company and founder.
It isn't rocket science. Marketing generally isn't. But sometimes you need reinsurement that your gut feeling is correct.
Thanks Dave. I'll be sure to let you know how it goes.
I read this book in a few hours. Highlighted so much, and plan to start implementing these practical tips immediately for our company and founder.
It isn't rocket science. Marketing generally isn't. But sometimes you need reinsurement that your gut feeling is correct.
Thanks Dave. I'll be sure to let you know how it goes.
July 14, 2022
When looking through social media, it’s apparent that there’s a business ecosystem. This book articulates very well the machine behind all the posts on LinkedIn, revealing that so many people are building their brand. This book is also very inspiring, as Dave is encouraging and telling you how to build a brand on social media.
February 25, 2022
read it in one read, applicable knowledge. not many new insights if you already follow gary v
Would recommend for anyone that is starting out. Great actionable steps to take on twitter, podcasts and LinkedIn. Become a media company
Would recommend for anyone that is starting out. Great actionable steps to take on twitter, podcasts and LinkedIn. Become a media company
April 5, 2022
Honestly a cool book, all in Dave's already known style if you follow him. I found it a little bit repetitive at times hence the 4* but content wise is 5* with clear action plans. I love the gunuine tone and attitude that Dave brings throughout the book!
February 21, 2022
I learned to change my Twitter and LinkedIn BIOs, Howe o email executive level individuals, and know how to pitch better! This book was smooth, an easy and digestible read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2022
Finished in one sitting. Appreciated the mix of high level strategy and immediate tactics. Took away plenty of ideas
April 6, 2022
Fantastic book with actionable steps to take to further your business by having you, the founder, build a community and engage with them. Highly recommend.
June 21, 2022
Buenos tips
Buen libro con algunas recomendaciones prácticas acerca de la
generación de contenido que necesitas, faltó profundidad en las estrategias de adquisición de seguidores.
Buen libro con algunas recomendaciones prácticas acerca de la
generación de contenido que necesitas, faltó profundidad en las estrategias de adquisición de seguidores.
January 22, 2023
Livre très concret et inspirant de marketing de contenu, d'influence, de marque et de positionnement. Vraiment très inspirant.
January 27, 2023
Current
Good take on current use of social media for founders. I follow Dave on LinkedIn so have seen most of the advice already. But this is a good framework 🙌
Good take on current use of social media for founders. I follow Dave on LinkedIn so have seen most of the advice already. But this is a good framework 🙌
May 6, 2023
Practical. To the point. Actionable. Useful.
March 4, 2024
Great book if you find yourself in a business with a Founder or charismatic executive.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews