Can I be a brand? I’m sure it has crossed your mind at least a couple of times in the last year, specially witnessing so many people turning themselves into true web superstars in their niches.
The answer is simple: Hell Yes
But before the photography, the name, the design and all the cool stuff that goes on the front-end, there has to be a solid foundation. As Seth Godin calls it in his last book, you need to become a Linchpin. I wanted to say that because the 7 people I’m showcasing in this post are the real deal, they are not just a cool image.
The outside perception meets the inside reality. I like setting expectations straight, you do not become a brand by looking good online. The web is an amplifier, be careful with what comes up to the surface.
That said, let’s take a look at these people that have turned their names into kick-ass brands. I wanted to show people that have leveraged the social web to build trust around them, at the same time, I didn’t want to go with the obvious (before you go screaming that I didn’t mention Gary Vaynerchuk…).
Do you need to promote your own content? If you are NOT Guy Kawasaki, Chris Brogan or Gary Vaynerchuck, the answer will be yes.
We talk a lot about the importance of having an online branding either for your business or personal, but I have a better question for you: What’s behind it?
We have already seen plenty of success stories from both brands and small businesses leveraging the power of social media. We have also seen the development of leaders becoming celebrities in their fields through both 
Did you ever join a social network and never went back? Did you know there is probably outdated information about you or your business floating out there on the web?
SocialMouths