In today’s world, where everyone seems to be trying to “make it,” personal branding is a must. As Ryan Alford and Jay Schon discuss on Right About Now, building an authentic brand that people trust takes time, patience, and strategy. But the rewards are worth it: an engaged audience that truly knows who you are and wants to be a part of what you do.

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Why Personal Branding is Essential
Jay starts with a hard truth: “Every person needs some form of an asset.” Whether it’s a blog, newsletter, or podcast, you need a platform where your audience can get to know you. It’s about consistency, familiarity, and offering real value. Jay and Ryan both share how much they wished they had started sooner in building their tribes. Why? Because it takes time for people to really connect with your message and understand who you are.

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Tried and True: Email Marketing Still Works 📧
Despite the “death of email” rumors, Jay reminds us that email marketing is a workhorse in the digital world. “Direct marketing still works,” Jay says, noting how it consistently delivers results. One of his best moves was investing in subjectline.com—a tool that has analyzed millions of email subject lines, proving that a solid subject line can be a game-changer for engagement.

Jay’s Pro Tips for Emails

• Use Emojis & Numbers: These catch people’s attention. A simple calendar or checkmark emoji in your subject line can increase open rates by over 20%!
• Be Human: Starting a subject line with “And” or “But” can make your emails stand out, making them feel more conversational—just like real-life chats. AI won’t typically suggest these, so it’s a clever way to infuse some humanity into your messaging.

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AI: Friend or Foe?
AI’s impact on marketing is undeniable, but Jay sounds a cautionary note: over-reliance on AI can backfire. While it’s great for data, the content it creates often feels robotic, missing the human touch that readers crave. AI may recommend generic phrases or formats, but as Jay says, “We gravitate towards humans.”

So, what’s the takeaway? Use AI as a tool, but don’t let it replace your voice.