Building a Personal Brand from the Ground Up

This week, we’re joined by Nicola McKenzie, Founder of Dunham McCarthy a group of companies that offer legal, mortgage, and protection advice. Nicola takes us on a journey from when she first started her business as a twenty-something to now, a successful and thriving businesswoman. We explore her passion for media and content creation, employee development, and why money is no longer the driving force behind her success and career development.  It is clear that Sam and Nicola share a lot of common values. This conversation demonstrates how success is a product of hard work, failure and allowing yourself to be in a place of vulnerability. An extremely impactful episode which we know people will enjoy.In this episode we cover some of the fundamental aspects of building a business and effective marketing, including:-       Taking the leap of starting a business-       How your values and goals change as your business grows-       The importance of developing a personal brand as a professional-       Overcoming fear of failure in order to succeed-       Different approaches you can take to marketing – outsourced and organic-       Marketing tips to maximize your chances of being seen and being heard-       Nicola shares her new software which will help revolutionise will writing This episode is full of valuable insight for any professionals trying to build a successful brand image and grow a business, from those starting their careers and making strong first impressions, all the way up to company owners taking their businesses to the next level. We hope you enjoy the episode!00:00:00 | Intro00:01:58 | What do you do?00:03:05 | The benefit of a team with diverse skillsets00:04:02 | STEP qualified00:04:44 | Before self-employment00:08:31 | What was the catalyst that made you go self-employed?00:10:11 | Unhealthy relationships00:13:44 | Different types of goals when running a business00:17:41 | How Nicola shifted her purpose00:23:33 | The realities of running a business00:29:22 | The exciting bits of running a business00:34:57 | How to be a successful mortgage adviser00:41:20 | Marketing & Social Media00:42:46 | How to get started on social media00:48:42 | Personal & Business Growth01:04:14 | OutroFinancial Planner Life is sponsored by Redmill AdvanceWhether you're starting out, already qualified, or building a training academy, Redmill Advance delivers expert-led learning, exam support and CPD from Level 4 to Chartered.✅ Trusted by top UK firms👉 www.redmilladvance.com/fplBe sure to follow Financial Planner Life on YouTube for extra content about  career development within Financial Planning. Reach out to [email protected] in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or podcast production. Want to appear on the Financial Planner Life podcast? Drop Sam a message.