There are three main ways to position your brand:

1. The Explorer – distills other people’s ideas.

2. The Experimenter – shares the results of their own actions.

3. The Expert – leads their field.

These follow a natural evolution.

1. The Explorer

The mistake early writers make is pretending to be an expert before they have proof.

As an Explorer, you borrow authority ('authority by association'). You say: “I’m learning this skill, here’s what I’ve found.”

Benefits:

• You learn faster.

• You get noticed sooner.

• You improve your writing.

Your value proposition is information compression: taking what’s complex and making it simple.

You can draw from two sources:

• Timely: new books, courses, podcasts, interviews, industry news.

• Timeless: classic books, history, old but profound stories.

Exploring is harder to monetize, but it earns attention. Think of it as a 3–6 month sprint to build momentum before moving into experimentation.

2. The Experimenter

Experimenters are in the arena, sharing real-time results.

This is building in public. It works because it’s action-based storytelling—unique, useful, and authentic.

The key: solve your own problems in public. Each win builds credibility and momentum. At first it feels slow, but like a snowball, it compounds.

Many people hide, waiting to create content after they succeed. But that’s backwards.

Action is the proof.

3. The Expert

Experts share wisdom—knowledge earned through experience.

Benefits: lead flow, premium pricing, and recognition.

The trap? Many claim expertise without proof. That’s why you should start with “How I” instead of “How To.” As your results grow, you can shift into teaching and leading.

If you already have niche expertise, own it:

• Share your results.

• Challenge what’s wrong in your industry.

• Lead with bold predictions and new ideas.

When people look for the best, they’ll think of you.

Example: Ask yourself:

• Do you lack proof but have strong curiosity? → Be an Explorer.

• Are you doing something interesting but still earning your stripes? → Be an Experimenter.

• Are you already skilled and proven? → Be an Expert.

Each path works. The key is honesty about where you are today—and consistency in showing up.

"You can’t compete with the writer having fun. - Kieran Drew