Ryan Foland ⛵️🏝️😎

To build resilience and adaptability in my career, I focus on networking to build trust. I believe people do business with those they know, like, and trust. Trust isn’t downloadable or instant—it requires genuine connections. I’ve learned to "ditch the act" and share my journey, including both ups and downs. This authenticity allows others to see the real me, fostering deeper connections. I start by sharing experiences, lessons, and insights on social media and in conversations. I engage consistently and follow through on commitments. Over time, this has helped me build a network of trusted relationships that support me through career challenges and opportunities.

Social media is ever-changing, and so must your strategy. Platforms want you to spend money to boost reach, but you can stay ahead by using new features they promote. Keep up with the latest trends and tools to keep your content fresh and engaging. Experimenting with new formats not only helps you stay relevant but also increases your chances of being promoted by the algorithm. Continuously adapt your strategy to the evolving landscape. This keeps your content engaging, attracts new followers, and ensures your message reaches a broader audience. Plus, learning new things keeps the process of creating social media content fun. If you do the same thing for too long, it will get boring. I want to enjoy the process of creating content.

Consistency is key in building a brand. In 2014, I attended a Tony Robbins event where he challenged me to find something small that I could do every day. Looking at my notes, I say that I had drawn stick figures. So right then, I decided to draw and post stick figures daily on social media. This simple, consistent action became a huge part of my brand. Find one simple thing you can do every day and stick with it. It doesn’t matter what it is; what matters is consistency. Over time, this builds a habit and a recognizable body of work. Stay committed, and you'll see significant growth and engagement with your audience. Posting regularly not only keeps you top-of-mind but also demonstrates your dedication and reliability to your followers.

Helping people discover their personal brand starts with understanding they already have one. You control what you share and how you present yourself online. Social media is a great way to build authentic relationships and earn customers by letting them get to know you. First, define who you are and what you want to be known for. This self-awareness is crucial for setting clear goals. I have frameworks that I have developed to understand your passions and motivations, and how to communicate them as part of your core messaging. When you figure yourself out, you can be more you! Authenticity builds trust and loyalty. Share your true self—passions, values, and experiences—to connect deeply with your audience.

Personal branding is all about showcasing your true self. In my book "Ditch the Act," I emphasize the importance of being genuine and vulnerable, sharing not just your successes but also your failures and challenges. This approach helps people relate to you and see the real person behind the brand. My strategy involves crafting a narrative that highlights your journey, expertise, and vision, making it easier for people to connect with and trust you. Building a brand is not about creating a perfect image; it's about creating a real one. Authenticity and relatability often outweigh perfection.

Creating content is a powerful way to establish and expand your personal brand. When I started, I realized that it wasn’t just about creating content for the sake of it. I needed to produce content that was informative and reflective of my personality and expertise. I suggest creating content that you enjoy. That way creating content won’t be a drag to create. If you like to write, then write. Maybe start a podcast. If you like making videos, then make videos. If you like drawing, draw stick figures. Consistency and authenticity are key. Providing valuable insights while staying true to who you are builds credibility and positions you as a go-to resource. Your content is your digital handshake—make it count.