Episode 36: How to Get Started Building Your Personal Brand – Finding Your Foundation I Personal Branding Portland Oregon

In this episode, Kimberly Gayle introduces the D.I.S.COVERY Framework, a powerful approach to building your personal brand from the ground up. Perfect for women entrepreneurs who want to boldly step into the spotlight but aren’t sure where to start, this episode provides the essential foundation work needed before creating content or seeking visibility.

Key Takeaways

STEP 1: DESTINATION – Chart Where You’re Headed

• Clarify your professional goals, desired impact, and what you want to be known for
• Identify who you’re uniquely positioned to serve (often previous versions of yourself)
• Use your destination as your North Star for all branding decisions
• Without a clear destination, branding efforts feel scattered and ineffective

STEP 2: IDENTITY – Uncover Your Authentic Core

• Your brand identity is the essence of who you are—your values, strengths, and unique perspective
• Focus on your authentic self rather than jumping straight to logos and visual elements
• Understand what makes you distinctly you and what will resonate with your ideal clients
• Your core identity is discovered, not created

STEP 3: STORY – Craft Your Compelling Narrative

• Connect your destination to your core identity through strategic storytelling
• Include your catalyst moment, transformation, methodology, and proven impact
• Answer “Why you? Why this? Why now?” to establish credibility and connection
• Remember: your story is not just what you say, but how you live and show up consistently

D.I.S.COVERY Framework Exercise

DESTINATION Questions:

1. What is your ultimate goal or destination? What outcome are you working toward in your business?
2. What is fueling this adventure? What drives you to do this work even when it’s challenging?
3. What specific expertise or transformation do you want to be known for?
4. Who do I have to become in order to be known for that expertise/transformation?
5. What do I have do and learn in order to become known for that expertise/transformation?
6. Who are you specifically meant to help? Describe your ideal client in detail. How are they a previous version of yourself?
7. What specific challenges did you face that your ideal clients are currently experiencing?
8. What thoughts and feelings do you want your ideal clients to have about you in order to achieve your goals?

IDENTITY Questions:

9. What is your why? What deeper purpose drives your work?
10. What values, topics, or movements do you want to be associated with that will resonate with your ideal audience?
11. What do you absolutely NOT want to be associated with?
12. What are your top 3-5 strengths that set you apart in your industry and directly benefit those you serve?
13. What problem did you solve for yourself that you now help others solve?

STORY Questions:

14. What was your catalyst for change? Describe the moment or period that led you to this work.
15. What is your core truth about what you offer? What do you know with absolute certainty about the transformation you provide?
16. What proof do you have that your approach works? Think about your own results and client successes.
17. What specific topics should you consistently talk about to establish and continually reinforce yourself as an expert in your desired area that will also deeply resonate with your ideal clients?
18. How can you frame your own journey in a way that allows your ideal clients to see themselves in your story?
19. What parts of your transformation story will create the strongest connection with those you’re meant to serve?
20. How do you reinforce your transformation and the one you guide others through with what you do, your actions, not just what you say?