Why Personal Branding Matters for Accountants and Entrepreneurs

The Power of Personal Branding - "A personal brand opens the doors you didn't even knock on. It goes ahead of you, it generates referrals, opportunities, invitations. It's the currency for influence, isn't it? And that's what accelerates your program." - Rob Brown We have a truly special guest. Rob Brown is a global authority in the accounting industry and someone whose journey is as inspiring as it is unconventional. Rob went from being a high school math teacher in Yorkshire, England, to becoming a bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and the host of the Accounting Influence podcast. He’s made a name for himself by helping highly skilled professionals master the power of personal branding and visibility in their careers. We discuss the importance of building your reputation. Why being technically skilled isn’t enough if you want to stand out, and how intentional networking and authenticity can transform your professional journey. Rob shares his own story, shaped by his working-class background, what drove him to strike out on his own, and how he discovered the knack for bringing out brilliance in others who may not see it in themselves. You’ll hear us discuss the hesitations so many of us have around self-promotion, what holds back entrepreneurs and accountants alike, and why making yourself visible in a crowded marketplace doesn’t have to mean being cringey or salesy. Rob offers practical insights you can act on. Whether you’re starting out solo or looking to scale your business and make a bigger impact. So if you’re ready for an honest, inspiring conversation full of British wit, actionable ideas, and a fresh look at what it takes to build your brand from the inside out, you won’t want to miss this episode. Empowering Moments 00:00 "Mastering Visibility and Branding" 05:31 From Teaching to Business Success 09:57 Embracing Entrepreneurial Uncertainty 12:41 Choosing Teaching in Northern England 16:13 Education System Fails Entrepreneurs 17:11 Education Lacks Practical Life Skills 21:27 "Teachers' Impact and Humility" 25:44 People Over Companies: Trust Matters 26:59 "Crafting Your Personal Brand" 30:10 Now's the Best Time 34:09 Accountants' Challenge: Balancing Promises 39:09 Find Your Unique Strengths 42:43 Network Building Through Online Outreach 46:34 Define Your Desired Legacy 47:56 Crafting Personal Brand Strategy 52:18 Crafting Thought Leadership Content 54:31 Legacy Focused on Family Happiness This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started. Top 3 Takeaways for Entrepreneurs & Professionals:Your Authentic Brand Starts With You: Before building a public persona, define what you truly want people to say about you. Your reputation is shaped by intentional branding, not by accident.Network Intentionally, Not Accidentally: Building relationships isn’t just about showing up; it’s about asking better questions, having meaningful conversations, and nurturing trust that leads to real opportunities.Showcase, Don’t Shy Away: If you’re great at what you do, it’s not bragging—it’s “ethical bragging.” Don’t be afraid to shine a light on your strengths and success stories;...