Communicating Intent
Be transparent about what you want and why. Letting your intent be known creates advocates out of the people around you.
What Communicating Intent Is
The Manifesto accepts that building a personal brand involves some self-interest, and argues for balance between selfish intent and selfless giving. Being up front about what you are building salvages relationships and lays the frame for stronger ones.
It goes further and asks for a public proclamation of vision. MCG's own was made in its first month: 500 consultants by 2035 and the global Number 1 personal branding firm. A long-term vision, shared, invites people to follow and hold you to it.
Letting your intent be known to your public circle creates advocates out of your community.
Personal Branding: A Manifesto on Fame and Influence, Second Edition, 6.6
How to Communicate It
- State Your Purpose PlainlyTell new contacts why you are talking to them, including when you are looking for referral partners.
- Share the Why and the HowPublicize parts of your plan. It shows organization and casts a vision.
- Make a Public ProclamationName the long-term goal, and bring it up as it fits: an interview, an occasional post.
Where It Comes From
- Source
- Personal Branding: A Manifesto on Fame and Influence, Second Edition (Mashman Publishing, 2025)
- Chapter
- 6. Marketing
- Subchapter
- 6.6 Communicating Intent, page 240
- Pillar It Serves
- Marketability
The Full Method Is in the Book
This page is a summary. The subchapter itself goes further, with the reasoning, the stories behind it, and the exercise that closes it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it selfish to build a personal brand?
The Manifesto's view is that some self-interest is natural and the answer is balance. Being transparent about it is what keeps relationships healthy.
Should I share my goals publicly?
Yes, as it fits. A public vision gives people something to follow and support, and holds you accountable.
Related
Business Owners and Founders
Your company has a brand. So do you, and the two should grow together. A founder's personal brand opens doors the company cannot open alone.
The 4 Pillar Questions
Four questions MCG asks every client before any strategy, in this order, because each answer depends on the one before it.
Networking and Introductions
Introversion has no place in building a personal brand. Networking is gathering information, finding connection, and laying the foundation for a relationship.
Establishing Personal Brand Habits
Every commitment you add to a personal brand asks you to show up and deliver. Habits keep momentum; motivation does not.
Your name is already being interpreted. The question is who are they, and what are they thinking?
Engagements are accepted by application and seats are limited each quarter. Tell us who you are, what you are building, and the position you intend to hold.