Personal Branding Mistakes Often Overlooked

Personal Branding Podcast

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18d ago 14:53

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“The next generation is watching—let your brand be the permission they need to rise.” — Bernard Kelvin Clive

So today we are looking at some personal branding mistakes that people often overlook in building their personal brand, particularly through the lens of cultural and religious settings—especially in Africa—and how brands can break through to succeed and impact the lives of those who matter to them most.

The need to build a personal brand—rising above the noise, social limitations, and cultural myths or biases—is critical to standing out. You know, long before now, some religious and cultural systems didn’t give women the opportunity to lead or take the front lines. I mean, to spearhead great initiatives or even engage in challenges like going to war—those were seen as men’s responsibilities.

Over the years, things have evolved, and now women are taking up major roles. However, the belief systems that shaped earlier generations still hold many women back. When they reflect on how society or their ancestors perceived them, they often shrink from who they’re meant to become. Though some women boldly step out and have a voice, fame, and platform, many are still hindered by social norms and expectations.

1. The Self-Belief Gap: Overcoming Cultural Limitations

The first challenge—and mistake—is the struggle with self-confidence and self-worth. Women, especially, need to examine their backgrounds and identify the cultural and religious beliefs that have limited their voices or discouraged self-promotion in business or leadership.

Once this awareness sets in, they can intentionally break out of those limitations. When you realize why you’ve been held back, you can more consciously challenge and change the narrative. So yes, now is the time to step out—as many women are already doing—to voice your opinions, share your message, advocate for others, and drive innovation and change.

This break in stereotypes becomes fuel for future generations. When young girls see women boldly and rightly positioning their brands, not just to be loud but with a clear sense of purpose and understanding, they are inspired to do the same.

This first mistake doesn’t just affect women—some men are also held back, especially in African societies where children are taught not to speak unless spoken to. You don’t ask questions, you don’t question leaders—be it in religion or governance. This stifles creative expression and personal growth.

If you want to build a strong brand, address the mindset and belief systems that limit your voice.

When that self-belief gap is bridged, younger people can step forward—not boastfully, but rightly—and confidently own their space. Personal branding isn’t self-promotion for fame; it’s about putting your best foot forward, adding value to others, and showing up in ways that help and inspire.

2. The Perfect Persona Trap: Don’t Fake Flawlessness

The second mistake I find rising brands making is positioning themselves as flawless—like the ideal, perfect brand. They step out with an “I’ve got it all together” attitude. You see them on TikTok or Facebook presenting a polished image that suggests they’re always on top, never making mistakes. That’s a big mistake.

We don’t build authentic brands that way. When you create a perfect image—flawless, untouchable—you eventually lose credibility. People stop relating to you because they can’t connect with someone who seems unreal.

Every human has flaws, weaknesses, or struggles they deal with behind the scenes. To build a truly authentic brand, let some of those struggles be known. Share the parts of your journey that others can learn from. When people know you’ve been where they are—or are still navigating challenges—they gain courage and connection. They know you’re real. Reveal the real behind the reels.

You don’t have to spill everything. Just enough vulnerability to show that you’re human. Let them see your growth stages. Let them appreciate who you’re becoming. If all they ever see is the celebrity, the milestone, or the filtered success, they may disconnect, thinking, “I can never get there.”

Your audience should know your path. When they see what you’ve overcome—or are overcoming—they find hope that they can rise too.

3. Only Sharing Success: Where’s the Story?

The third mistake personal brands make is constantly sharing their success without giving us a glimpse into the story behind it.

Yes, it’s good to share your wins. But when all we see is the highlight reel—without any behind-the-scenes context—your audience misses the most powerful connection: the journey.

I’m not asking you to share trade secrets. I’m talking about the pain behind the power. The struggles behind the shine. The story behind the status.

That’s where the power of storytelling comes in. Share your story. Your growth. Your process. The highs, the lows, the pivots, and the learning curves.

As an author, when I started writing, I kept things brief and straight to the point. Over time, I realized the power of storytelling—adding context, human emotions, struggles, and triumphs. That shift made my content more relatable and impactful.

Stories sell. Stories connect. Stories heal. People appreciate brands that tell honest, inspiring stories—not just those who talk about their wins. So share compelling narratives that your audience can relate to and draw strength from.

How do you want to be remembered? What’s the story behind your brand? Let it be known.

4. Ignoring In-Person Networking: Get Offline Too

The fourth common mistake is ignoring in-person networking.

We’re doing a lot of great things online—and that’s good—but don’t overlook the power of offline engagement. Whether it’s far or near, real-world connections are powerful.

There’s something about putting a face to a post, a handshake to a brand, or a shared moment at a gathering that builds lasting trust. Virtual is good, but it doesn’t completely replace in-person presence.

So yes, even if you’re introverted, it’s possible. Hang around the right people, go to relevant events, and just show up.

Over the years, offline networking has played a major role in building tribes, brands, and businesses. Whether it’s at conferences, community meetings, weddings, or even funerals—yes, sometimes those are the rare moments where old connections are rekindled—there’s value in being physically present.

Even showing up to support a follower or fan can build a deep bond. Don’t underestimate the power of showing up.

5. Ignoring Data: Don’t Guess, Track

Finally, the fifth mistake: ignoring data.

While building your brand on digital platforms, don’t just throw out content randomly. Be intentional about tracking results. Ask yourself: Is what I’m posting actually working? What do my analytics say? What are people really resonating with?

Your data will guide you. From SEO to social media insights, understanding the numbers helps you make smarter decisions about your brand content and platforms. It tells you what to double down on and what to refine.

Especially when you’re thinking of repositioning or rebranding, data is key. Don’t just follow trends blindly. Know your audience. Listen to what they’re saying and not saying. Know your best-performing platforms and content types.

With the rise of AI, data collection has become easier and more efficient. Use tools to analyze your brand performance, monitor engagement, and understand your audience behavior.

Data helps you grow. Use it.

In Conclusion

So those are five mistakes that rising or personal brands often make. These are areas you need to refine, maximize, and work on consistently to push your brand forward:

Breaking the self-belief barrier.
Avoiding the perfect persona trap.
Telling your real story, not just showing success.
Engaging in real-world networking.
Tracking your brand with the right data.

Keep building. Keep helping people. Stay true to your values.

If you need any of my resources, I have tons of books on branding—available digitally. Just search for Bernard Kelvin Clive anywhere books are sold.

If you’d like to book me for speaking, coaching, or consulting, feel free to email me at [email protected]. I’d be happy to help you grow and refine your brand.

The best is yours.

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76 episodes

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