The key to being known

Building a personal brand takes time, but if you want to cut through the noise and get recognised quicker, there’s a powerful approach: simplify and focus. It’s not about rushing the process, but about making intentional decisions that make you stand out and memorable.

This week, I saw Bimma Williams getting recognition for his work with The Collab Lab, and it got me thinking. Just like how designer Jack Butcher reduced his process to a single style for clarity, Bimma focused on one niche - sneaker collaborations - and became synonymous with that space.

Simplify and be known for something specific

Jack Butcher’s strategy of focusing on a single style wasn’t just to simplify his creative process - it made him instantly recognisable. Bimma Williams took a similar path by narrowing his focus to sneaker collabs, and in doing so, he became known as the voice of brand collaborations.

Their approach? Make it easy for people to know what you’re about.

Bimma Williams: The voice of brand collabs

Bimma, formerly of Nike and adidas, now runs The Collab Lab, a series that has positioned him as the go-to expert on brand collaborations, especially in sneakers. His laser focus, paired with a distinct visual style and a consistent format, makes his brand easily recognisable. His journey shows that getting known isn't about doing everything - it's about doing one thing really well.

Here’s how Bimma nailed it:

1. Focused on a niche: Bimma sticks to sneaker collabs - nothing else.

2. Consistent visual Identity: His style is instantly recognisable.

3. Set Content Format: His audience knows exactly what to expect.

By staying focused and consistent, Bimma cut through the noise and became known for something specific.

Apply this to your personal brand

Here’s how you can apply these lessons to your own brand and get recognised:

1. Narrow Your Focus: Don’t try to be everything to everyone. Choose one or two key topics or areas of expertise and stick to them.

   Action Step: Write down three things you’re known for. Pick one and focus on it for the next 30 days, ensuring all your content reinforces this focus.

2. Repeat a Format: Establish a content format that’s easy for you to produce and for your audience to recognise. Familiarity leads to trust.

   Action Step: Create a repeatable content series this week, like a weekly Q&A, video or post. Commit to delivering it consistently for at least a month.

3. Create a Consistent Visual Identity: Develop a recognisable look - whether it's your colours, fonts, your personal style or even how you structure your posts.

   Action Step: Choose a visual style (colours, fonts, style or images) that represents your brand, and use it consistently across all platforms for the next 30 days.

The key to being known

To be known for something, you need to make it easy for people to recognise you. This isn’t about cutting corners - it’s about focusing on what matters, simplifying your message and being consistennt.

When you do that, not only does your audience understand you better, but it also helps podcast hosts, journalists, event organisers and others know exactly where to place you. This creates more opportunities because they know exactly what you bring to the table.

Well, that's all for this issue. I hope you enjoyed it.

See you next Thursday.

Keep building,

A

PS: When you’re ready, here’s how I can help you take your personal brand to the next level:

• 1:1 Consulting Calls: Personalised sessions tailored to your unique needs

• Personal Brand Launchpad: Ready to step out of your comfort zone and build a strong personal brand? Learn how to confidently share your voice and make an impact. Fill out this quick questionnaire, and I’ll be in touch to help you get started on your journey.