Brian is the Director of Content Strategy and Assessment at the University of Rochester, where he helps universities, coaches, consultants, and marketing professionals who struggle with unclear content strategies and stagnant audience growth to leverage data-driven content marketing, personal branding, and innovative AI tools so they can build authority, attract more clients, and unlock new professional opportunities.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
→ How to pivot from a behind-the-scenes role to becoming a highly sought-after personal brand using content marketing and public speaking
→ Practical ways to leverage AI—including custom GPTs—for personal branding, content creation, and productivity
→ Actionable networking and thought leadership strategies to expand your influence, land more clients, and create lasting professional relationships
📝 Get your next 30 days of content at: https://Zenpost.com
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CONNECT WITH BRIAN
🌐 Website: https://brianwpiper.com
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianwpiper/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/
👤 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brian.piper1
🐦 X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/brianwpiper
📹 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@brianwpiper
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CONNECT WITH DAVE
🌐 Website: DavePolykoff.com
📹 YouTube: youtube.com/@DavePolykoff
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dave-polykoff/
📸 Instagram: instagram.com/davepolykoff
🎵 TikTok: tiktok.com/@davepolykoff
👤 Facebook: facebook.com/davidpolykoff
🐦 X/Twitter: x.com/DavePoly
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00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Brian Piper’s Brand Journey
01:30 From Web Developer to Content Marketing Strategist
04:06 Why Storytelling Beats “Salesy” Tactics for Coaches & Consultants
07:24 Doubling Organic Traffic: SEO and Analytics Wins
09:13 Transitioning from Team Player to Thought Leader & Public Speaker
12:26 Co-Authoring with Joe Pulizzi: How a Single Book Changed Everything
15:57 Building a Personal Brand from a Company Background
16:33 The Power of Newsletters & Starting a Niche Podcast
18:45 Defining Goals & Staying Focused as a Solopreneur or Coach
23:22 How Brian Creates Books Using Research, Networking, & Interviews
27:17 Leveraging Guest Podcasting to Refine & Promote Your Brand
29:03 ROI: Public Speaking, Workshops, Newsletters, and Social Content
33:22 AI for Personal Branding: Personas, Productivity, & Content Strategy
37:48 Why Brian Doesn’t Use AI to Write—But Harnesses Its Strategic Power
40:19 The #1 Secret for Coaches & Consultants: Network with Value
41:33 Final Thoughts + Connect with Brian