Join us on The Backbone, a personal branding podcast, as we sit down with Mel Barfield, co-founder of a freelancing community and seasoned copywriter. Discover the unglamorous truth behind freelancing and the immense work needed to set up passive incomes. Mel shares her journey into copywriting, transitioning from various jobs to becoming a passionate freelancer. She also discusses the importance of personal branding, building a supportive freelance community, and the realistic challenges and opportunities freelancing offers. Ideal for founders and entrepreneurs eager to build their personal brands.

In this episode, we dive into the inspiring story of Shaun Campbell, founder of 'Did Somebody Say Retro?' Discover how Shaun grew from refurbishing Gameboys to building a vibrant online community of over 300,000 followers

Very occasionally someone will pop into my inbox with a story that blows my mind.

About a year ago to the day, Amy Bird did just that and I just knew we had to get her story out there.

I'm dead excited to share this week's episode of The Backbone with Amy.

This one is a story of resilience; of dealing with difficult situations and finding a way to make a positive out of them.

If you want to grow your personal brand but you work in an 'unglamorous' industry or a heavily male-dominated field, this is definitely worth a listen because Amy has gone against the grain and ABSOLUTELY THRIVED.

When you think of iconic personal brands, Nosferatu may not immediately spring to mind—but he should. Nearly a century after his debut, this shadowy figure remains a touchstone in pop culture, influencing everything from gothic aesthetics to meme culture. So how did the world's creepiest count manage to craft a brand that transcends time? Let’s break it down, vertebrae by vertebrae.

oin us in this episode as we chat with Rob Venice, the founder of Motive. Discover how Rob uses storytelling and creative design to transform office spaces into brand expressions. From his unique journey through ayahuasca spirituality to his distinct design philosophy, Rob shares his innovative approach and the psychological nuances that make his work stand out. If you're a founder or entrepreneur aiming to build an authentic personal brand, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration to get those creative juices flowing...

Whether you’re a brand, a business, or an individual, engagement remains the heartbeat of your social presence. Let’s explore why the algorithm favours engagement, why it’s vital for building your personal brand, and why authenticity is your secret weapon.

One of the easiest ways to get noticed on social media without shouting is to comment on other people’s posts. Not the shallow, “great post!” stuff – I’m talking about the kind of comment that makes people stop and think, the kind that puts you in front of the people you want to be in front of.

In today’s digital age, the question is not whether to use social media for your business—it’s how to use it effectively. As a personal brand agency, we’ve seen firsthand how a well-crafted social media presence can be a game changer for founders and entrepreneurs. It’s not just about being “on” social media, it’s about being present, authentic, and consistent in a way that aligns with your business values and goals.

Personal brand isn’t some glitzy title or a glossy social media feed. It’s you, stripped down, right to the bones. It’s everything you stand for, whether you’re shouting it from the rooftops or just living it. Forget the buzzwords and marketing fluff—your personal brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room. So, let’s get real about what personal branding actually means.

Personal branding is less about "crafting a narrative" and more about tearing down the story you think you’re supposed to tell. So here’s the raw truth on how to build a personal brand that sticks—no fluff, no frills, just you.

At Vertebrae Social, we’ve spent a lot of time thinking about what makes a good social media manager. It's more than just a job title — it’s a craft, a balancing act between art and science, insight and instinct. So, let’s dive in and explore the quietly complex, often misunderstood world of the social media manager.