Personal Branding - Ditch Networking. Build An Authentic Personal Brand Instead. 2025

Tired of awkward networking events and fake social media personas? Join Chris Do and business coach Matt Essam as they explore how introverts and creatives can build genuine influence online without selling their soul or chasing attention for attention's sake. 🚨 Want more in-depth coaching and live feedback? Join me in Content Lab → https://learn.thefutur.com/contentlab Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-b3c7kxa5vU-bnmaROgvog/join Are you doing great work, but still not getting clients? You’re not alone. In this episode, Chris Do and Matt Essam dive deep into why being talented isn’t enough anymore and what really gets creatives hired in 2025. You’ll discover why some people with less skill get more work, how personal branding builds trust, and the missing link between your portfolio and your visibility. Whether you're a freelance designer, coach, or creative entrepreneur… this episode could change how you show up. 👇 What you’ll learn: • Why talent isn’t the reason you’re being overlooked • The difference between reputation, visibility, and branding • How to become “findable” online—without being fake • Matt’s shift from skeptic to believer • Chris Do’s philosophy on inbound marketing and brand identity ✅ Want help building your personal brand? Learn more with Chris Do: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzKJi2GjpkEFP1vN8lQbKiRVNnC52A2FC Connect with Matt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam? 📩 Got questions? Drop them in the comments! ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 01:10 – Who Is Matt Essam & What's His Story? 12:30 – Chris Do breaks down visibility vs. talent 20:30 – Matt's Take On Social Media Branding (Why It's Bad) 32:00 – Chris Do's Take On Social Media Branding (Why It's Good) 43:30 – Not everyone can pull off a Personal Brand 47:00 – Treat Your Brand Like A Body Of Work 1:00:40 – How to ethically promote yourself 1:13:00 – How To Create Value Based Content & Pay The Bills 1:26:00 – Matt begins to believe... 1:46:00 – Outro 📍 Hashtags #FreelanceTips #CreativeBusiness #ChrisDo #TheFutur #MattEssam #GetClients #PersonalBranding #FreelanceDesigner #VisibilityOverTalent #WhyNoClients 🥇 Futur Pro The professional creative community designed to grow your personal brand, your business, and your network: https://thefutur.com/pro 🎙️ The Futur Podcast: https://thefutur.com/podcast 📍 Recommended books, tools, music, resources, typefaces & more: https://thefutur.com/recommendations 🎵 Music by Epidemic Sound: http://share.epidemicsound.com/thefutur We love getting your letters. Send them here: The Futur c/o Chris Do 556 S. Fair Oaks Ave. #34 Pasadena CA 91105 *By making a purchase through any of our affiliate links, we receive a very small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us on our mission to provide quality education to you. Thank you. -- Host: Chris Do (Bald Asian Guy Talks About Business) Cinematographers/Editors: @RodrigoTasca & @Tascastudios MOCS Media