This week's episode is a solo Q&A and i’m answering the questions you’ve been sending me about building a personal brand, making money online, getting clients, creating content consistently, and getting out of your own way.
We get into why self-sabotage is usually a safety thing (and the book i think everyone should read if they keep doing it), the systems i use to get content made, and why i think your personal brand needs to come before your 9-5 if you’re serious about building something for yourself.
I also get into the stuff people usually overcomplicate: how to get your first freelance client before you technically feel “qualified,” why writer’s block is really just perfectionism, how to go to conferences without paying thousands of dollars, and why sometimes the fastest way to stop feeling cringe online is literally just… block the people making you feel cringe lol.
Basically, if you’ve been waiting until you feel more ready, more confident, more legitimate, or less embarrassed before you start building your personal brand… this episode is for you.
➡️ have a question you want me to answer in the next Q&A? drop it in the comments (i'll read them and pull questions from there 👀)
📘 Career Cheat Codes - IT’S OUT!!!
My new book Career Cheat Codes is now available to order. It’s a practical guide to building career leverage, growing your visibility, and turning your expertise into real opportunities.
Order yours → penguinrandomhouse.com/books/807588/career-cheat-codes-by-courtney-johnson/
01:22 My work setup now that I’m a mom
03:33 Why you keep self-sabotaging + the book I recommend
06:06 The systems I use to create content consistently
08:55 How to build a personal brand while working a 9-5
10:25 The underrated advice I’d give anyone trying to grow online
12:04 Block the people making you feel cringe
12:35 How to get your first freelance client before you feel ready
14:26 How to go to major conferences for free
19:02 My take on Shelby Sapp + high-ticket sales
23:52 Does personal branding work for product-based businesses?
Stay connected with me
📧 Contact: courtney@smoothmedia.co
👍 Instagram: @builtinpublicpod
👍 Instagram: @courtlynnjohnson
💼 LinkedIn: Courtney Johnson
🎶 TikTok: @courtney..johnson