EP.329 Caroline Biesalski with guest M Curtis McCoy - What Your Personal Brand Will Look Like in 2025

 How M. Curtis McCoy Built a Personal Brand that Inspires Authors, Entrepreneurs, and Leaders

Welcome to the latest episode of the Inspired Choice Today Podcast! I'm Caroline Biesalski, and today, we have a special guest, M. Curtis McCoy, a personal branding expert who helps authors, entrepreneurs, and leaders expand their reach through expert interviews on Amazon Fire TV and News Wire Magazine. Curtis's journey from business owner to personal branding guru is inspiring and practical, offering valuable insights for anyone looking to build their brand. In this blog post, we’ll summarize the key lessons from our conversation and highlight how Curtis built his brand and the strategies he shares with others.

The Importance of Personal Branding

When M. Curtis McCoy started building businesses, from a cosmetic medical laser clinic to a telecommunications company, he quickly realized the importance of personal branding. While he successfully grew these businesses, he found himself starting from scratch each time he transitioned to a new industry. He said, “Nobody knew me, so I had to start over from the ground up.”

This realization led Curtis to focus on his personal brand, following the example of other entrepreneurs like Richard Branson. By building a recognizable name, Curtis was able to make his future ventures more successful from the start. Today, he helps others do the same through platforms like News Wire and Amazon Fire TV.

How M. Curtis McCoy Helps Build Brands

Curtis shared how he acquired News Wire in 2018 and added News Wire Magazine in 2020, focusing on helping authors, entrepreneurs, and motivational speakers expand their reach. His approach to personal branding includes both earned media and paid media strategies:

  1. Earned Media: This involves hosting events, participating in fundraisers, or providing consistent value to your audience. Curtis advises anyone starting out to focus on earned media, whether through blogging, social media, or offering free tips relevant to their industry.

  2. Paid Media: Once an individual or business has succeeded, Curtis’s team helps them get featured in high-profile publications, interviews on Amazon Fire TV, or even on a 96-foot billboard in Times Square.

Key Strategies for Building a Personal Brand

During our conversation, Curtis shared some key strategies for those just starting out:

  1. Consistency is Key: Whether posting a daily blog or creating short videos, it's crucial to show up regularly. Curtis emphasized that people trust brands that consistently provide value.

  2. Start Simple: You don't need a professional studio or expensive equipment. Curtis started with a basic setup, filming videos on an old phone and using a fake microphone from a thrift store. What matters is the message you share and the value you provide.

  3. Leverage Social Media: Curtis highlighted the importance of using platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn to reach your audience. He mentioned how one of his acquaintances, YouTuber Roger Wakefield, built a million-dollar side hustle simply by sharing daily tips related to his trade as a plumber.

Common Mistakes in Personal Branding

When asked about common mistakes in personal branding, Curtis had a straightforward answer: not putting in the work. Many people get discouraged when they don’t see immediate results, but Curtis stressed that persistence and consistency are key. He also mentioned that being too shy to put yourself out there can be a significant hurdle that needs to be overcome to build trust with your audience.

How Expert Interviews Help Personal Brands

Curtis’s expert interviews on platforms like Amazon Fire TV and News Wire Magazine have been key in helping individuals expand their reach. These platforms allow entrepreneurs, authors, and leaders to share their stories with a larger audience, which enhances their credibility and helps build trust. Curtis noted that while not everyone qualifies for these opportunities, those with a genuine passion for helping others and solving problems in their industries are great candidates.

Goal-Setting and Personal Branding

Curtis is a big believer in setting goals and sticking to a schedule. Despite his hectic schedule—often juggling six podcast interviews a day—he always makes time for the things that matter. His advice? Wake up 45 minutes earlier each day and use that time to write a blog post, record a solo podcast episode, or engage with your audience on social media.

As for his goals, Curtis is expanding his team and looking for new talent, including a copywriter for News Wire Magazine. If you want to work with M. Curtis McCoy, now is a great time to reach out!

Final Words of Advice from M. Curtis McCoy

In closing, Curtis emphasized overcoming fear and self-doubt when building a personal brand. “People connect with people they can see and trust,” he said. His advice? Just start. Whether blogging, creating videos, or engaging on social media, the most important thing is to put yourself out there consistently.

Curtis offers the wisdom of those still feeling unsure: teach what you want to learn. You reinforce your knowledge and build your reputation as an expert by teaching others.

Thank you for joining us on this Inspired Choice Today Podcast episode! Be sure to contact M. Curtis McCoy if you want to expand your personal brand through expert interviews, media features, or great advice. Remember, consistency and perseverance are the keys to success.




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