Today, I want us to reflect on three critical things I believe micro, small, and medium business owners, startups, and growing brands must intentionally embrace if they truly want to multiply impact, productivity, and profit. Not just grow gradually, but position themselves to scale strategically in a fast-changing era.

Let me begin with a simple story from my own work.

Recently, I’ve been developing several digital products. Over time, I’ve built systems and templates that make my workflow smoother. Because I’ve repeated similar processes again and again, I already know what goes in, wh...

When Your Greatest Strength Becomes Your Blind Spot

Today, I want to introduce a concept I call The Rhino’s Horn Effect, drawn from my book Gifted but Gated. It’s a powerful idea—simple on the surface, but deeply confronting once you begin to reflect on it.

At its core, the Rhino’s Horn Effect explains how something that once helped you survive, fight, win, and rise can, at another stage of your journey, quietly become a barrier, a blockade, or even a hindrance—if it is not properly managed.

Think about it this wa...

New year, new you, a cliché?

Every new year comes with expectations. We want more clarity, more growth, more profit, more impact. We want our brands to do better, our businesses to make sense, and our lives to count for something meaningful. But before we rush into plans and projections, I believe it is important to pause and think properly about how we are entering the year.

Let me share a short experience.

One New Year morning, very early, my neighbour turned on his sound system. The music was loud. Not moderate. Loud. I...

“If the character is wrong, changing the font size won’t fix it” — Herman Zapf

Today, we are looking at ‘CHARACTER.

The character of great brands. This is something most people overlook in marketing or business strategies. But character is the hidden force behind every brand that lasts.

When I began writing children’s books, I noticed something immediately. Children don’t just like stories. They fall in love with the characters. A book could have the most exciting story, but if the characters are flat, it won’t connect. The moment a character comes...

The Silent Brand Series

Today, when you turn everywhere, people are screaming, shouting, yelling, and selling. If you are not careful, you will feel that you are missing out as an entrepreneur.

You see, noise is often mistaken for progress. Everyone is talking, posting, shouting, and promoting, hoping to be seen, heard, and hired. Well, not all visibility translates into value. Some of the most successful professionals and brands today are not the loudest in the room; they are the most strategically silent.

Recently, I had a conversation with a colleague in the...

How Quiet Brands Dominate in a Noisy World

“Being a silent brand doesn’t mean rejecting marketing, technology, or AI—it’s about seeing opportunity where others aren’t looking, in the quiet corners and overlooked communities untouched by the noise.” — Bernard Kelvin Clive

Today, I’m continuing the series I began some time ago about the concept of the “silent brand,” a theme I explore in my book The UnGoogleable Brands. I want to introduce what I call the Silent Brands Manifesto. If you resonate with these ideas, you might just be part of a new movement in br...

During one of my trips, I walked into a mall and noticed a beautifully arranged automobile showroom. Shiny Range Rovers were lined up, polished, and inviting. Out of curiosity, I thought, “Surely, they’ll let me test-drive one.”

As I got closer, I realized something interesting: next to the cars was a neatly arranged table with small pastries and chocolates. At first, it didn’t make sense. What do pastries have to do with luxury cars? But curiosity got the better of my kids and me, so we went over for a closer look.

The salesper...

Not long ago, I was on a long drive. My phone battery was running dangerously low, and I had forgotten my car charger. The previous night, I hadn’t charged the phone fully either, so I was running out of power fast. Along the way, I spotted a shop that looked promising, a bright, well-arranged phone accessories store. From outside, you could see neat displays of chargers, cables, headphones, and other gadgets. I pulled over, walked in, and asked for a charger.

The shopkeeper confidently presented a range of options. He assured me that all were “good qual...

Today, I would like us to discuss brand legacy, but not in an abstract sense. I’m talking about how a personal brand can live long after your career peaks. And who better to illustrate this than Celine Dion?

You know her, 27 albums, over 250 million records sold, one of the highest-paid performers in history, and a voice that hits notes most people can only dream of. If you love music, you know the energy, the passion, the way she commands a stage. But here’s the thing: for the past four or five years, Celine has been most...

Why Drafting, Prototyping, and Preparation Matter in Your Work

Where are your sketches? Great things don’t come cheap!

Today, I’d like to take you back to a few personal stories that have shaped my perspective on the world of creativity, business, and execution. These stories carry a simple but powerful lesson: before you put out the product or service you’ve been dreaming of, you must go through a process of concept prototyping and preparation.

This goes beyond art. It’s about building anything worth building: a business, a book, a brand, o...

If Giants Advertise, Why Aren’t You?

Today, we are looking at marketing and the need for advertisement amidst all the digital stuff, social media, the bars, and all of that. I was having a conversation with a colleague and this subject or marketing and ads came up, so I decided to share some insights to help all of us.

Is there a need. Do I need to place ads as a small business owner or whatever business I’m running? Is it necessary? Can’t I use any other smart means and forget about paid a...

Birthing Creativity Unusual Ways.

“Kids don’t wait for permission to be creative—they just get bored enough to try something new.” — Bernard Kelvin Clive.

Today, I’d like to discuss something I call “From Bored to Boardroom.”

Don’t we all get bored at times?

Well, it’s about how creativity is born—often not in the moments of pressure or hype, but in the quiet, sometimes repetitive spaces of life. The playgrounds. The routines. The places we often overlook.

Let me begin with a simple story, something I’ve been observing wi...

Ways to Preserve Your Brand for the Next Generation

“Documentation is the oxygen your business needs to breathe beyond your lifetime.” — Bernard Kelvin Clive

We often speak of legacy like it’s a retirement plan—something to think about in our twilight years, after the work is done. But legacy isn’t built at the end; it’s shaped in every intentional decision we make along the way. In my journey as a writer, brand coach, and father, I’ve learned this truth repeatedly: what we fail to prepare for today can’t be preserved tomorrow. Whether...

In An Evolving, Tech-Driven World

“Stay curious. What worked five years ago may no longer work today—keep refreshing your skills.” — Bernard Kelvin Clive.

We are in a world where things keep shifting—fast. Every day, something changes. A new technology. A new app. A new tool. AI technologies are everywhere. Businesses that existed five years ago have either changed completely or disappeared. New industries are emerging by the minute.

So, the question is: how do you stay relevant?

How do you keep your brand, your product, and your service from becoming o...

“You don’t grow by showing up everywhere—you grow by going deep somewhere.” — Bernard Kelvin Clive

There’s an undeniable attraction to mastery. The world is drawn to excellence—whether it’s in art, music, business, or branding. People are drawn to the finished product, the seamless delivery, and the effortless appearance of work well done. But what’s often unseen, overlooked, and unappreciated is the silent discipline, years of failure and learning, and the persistence behind every moment of brilliance. This is what I call Mastering Your Art.

As an author of over 70 published books—an...

Welcome to another episode of Your Personal Branding Podcast. Bernard Kelvin Clive here. Today, I have a special guest with me — Loren Nelson. Loren, welcome to the show!

Loren:
Thank you so much for having me. I really appreciate it.

BKC:
Let’s dive right in. We often talk about personal branding, digital marketing, and all things in between. From your perspective, what is personal branding really all about?

Loren:
For me, personal branding is tied to self-worth. It’s about knowing who you are — being self-aware enough to show up in th...

Building a Brand with Honesty, Heart, and Hard Work

“Passion alone is not enough. Your brand must meet a need, solve a problem, or serve someone.”

— Bernard Kelvin Clive

Let me tell you something many won’t admit: the brand you’re trying to build won’t come fully formed on day one. It won’t shine like those global names you’re admiring on Instagram. It won’t command five-figure deals or fill conference halls the moment you hit “post.”

The process often starts with uncertainty, a quiet idea, or a frustrated question...

Gifted but Gated: Doing the Work That Matters

“Don’t just package yourself to look good; position yourself to do good.”— Bernard Kelvin Clive

We’re continuing our series on Gifted but Gated—a deep dive into doing the work that truly matters and building a personal brand that cuts across borders, breaks barriers, and outlives businesses. Today, I want us to explore something personal, something practical.

Discovering the Gift

Years ago, while studying at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, I pursued a program at the College of Art, Rural A...

Career Levers – Gifted but Gated

To we will explore how to break through a career ceiling using your personal brand. Many people find themselves feeling stuck in certain careers or fields.

Previously, we discussed the factors that can cause individuals to stagnate or face limitations in their professional growth.

Today, we focus on how building a strong personal brand can help you overcome these challenges and break through career ceilings, regardless of your field. Developing your brand involves several key actions: enhancing your professional presence, positioning yourself for discovery and recognition, and ultimately, ac...

“The next generation is watching—let your brand be the permission they need to rise.” — Bernard Kelvin Clive

So today we are looking at some personal branding mistakes that people often overlook in building their personal brand, particularly through the lens of cultural and religious settings—especially in Africa—and how brands can break through to succeed and impact the lives of those who matter to them most.

The need to build a personal brand—rising above the noise, social limitations, and cultural myths or biases—is critical to standing out. You know, long before now, some religi...

“A business without customers is just a hobby with expenses.” – Bernard Kelvin Clive

Today, we continue our series on customer care, customer experience, and handling negative feedback. This is especially vital for small business owners and brands who want to build and sustain a cordial relationship with clients. Businesses thrive on clients—without them, there is no business. That’s why every single customer should be treated like gold.

There are many instances where businesses fall short, and these shortcomings must be addressed. In the previous article, I shared some personal experiences with vendors and clients, a...

In this article, we’re looking at trends and traditions—the dangers of following trends blindly and the risks of sticking to traditions when the signs are clear for a transition.

In it right?

In a small business management group, we discussed the content we share for an organization whose portal we manage. One of the interns suggested that we should run the captions in a particular way because they had seen several similar organizations using the same pattern. I paused for a moment and then told them that just because others are following a part...

Entertainers Seek Likes. Entrepreneurs Seek Leads.

Have you ever posted something online and received thousands of likes but saw no real business growth?

In today’s digital world, it’s easy to get caught up in the numbers—likes, views, and shares. However, if you’re serious about building a brand or growing a business, you must focus on the right metrics.

The Fundamental Difference

Entertainers crave likes. Entrepreneurs crave leads.

Entertainers go after likes. Entrepreneurs go after leads.

This distinction is so critical for one’s success in...

The ten times ten strategy: creating a silent brand army

“True influence starts small; ten committed individuals can quietly create a movement that echoes across industries.” — Bernard Kelvin Clive

Today, I continue with the emergence of silent brands. Businesses and brands doing remarkably well but unseen in the digital sphere, devoid of clear signs or online presence.

We will use a strategy similar to how several multilevel marketing (MLM) functions.

Using the (MLM), approach in recruiting and building a team, their conventional wisdom such as “bring x number of people, and they wil...

“Attention is one of the most prized assets in this age” – Bernard Kelvin Clive.

In this digital age, attention is indeed one of the most valuable assets. The ability to capture and hold attention determines the success of brands, businesses, and individuals. To illustrate its true worth, let’s examine the Super Bowl halftime show, a prime example of how strategic attention management translates into massive impact and value.

Did you know that a 30-second Super Bowl ad costs approximately $8 million? According to a report by Forbes, when you factor in production costs, talent fees, and mark...

The Power of Ungooglable Brands: The Silent Influencers Who Shape Industries

Understanding Ungooglable Brands

This week we continue our series on the ‘Rise of the Silent Brands.

This is the thing; not all the powerful brands are visible. Some of the most influential individuals and businesses operate quietly, pulling the strings behind the scenes while remaining virtually unknown. I call them “ungooglable brands.” They don’t flood search engines, nor do they chase online fame, yet they hold the real power—making decisions that shape industries, politics, and businesses without the public even realizing...

Today, I’m continuing the discussion on the rise of silent brands, but this time, we’re focusing on personal brands. The rise of silent personal brands is incredibly important, especially in an aging system like ours.

The Silent Brand in Action

Sometime back, I was with my business consultant, John Armah, who specializes in helping MSMEs and businesses grow. During our discussion, a colleague of ours came up in conversation. Then, someone said, “It’s been a while since we saw his posts on social media. Where has this guy been?” The interesting thing is that th...

Can brands be silent? Some think they must be loud and everywhere to make an impact. Today, let’s explore “The Rise of the Silent Brands” — brands that are quiet yet impactful and profitable.

A few months ago, I traveled to Kumasi, Ghana, for a project. While settling in, I needed to get some water. When I asked for popular water brands at a small neighborhood shop, they handed me an unfamiliar brand. Initially, I was hesitant and decided to look elsewhere. I visited a larger store in the municipal market, but the same unfamiliar brand was all they...

Today, we are looking at the idea that two can play the game—a story about partnership and how it can enhance your brand and business as you move forward.

Guess what, this blog was named among the top 100 Branding Blogs by Feedspot

Let me share this story with you. A couple of weeks ago, as a dad, I was observing my kids play. Young kids play a lot, and most time, I’m there watching them. Sometimes they play on their own, picking up toys or creating their games. But on this particular occasion, I no...

Capable vs. Competent: Understanding the Difference

What does it mean to be capable yet not competent? At what point can someone declare themselves competent, and how do we distinguish between capability and competence in both personal and professional spheres? Let’s break this down.

Capability: The Starting Point

Capability refers to your ability to perform a task or take action, even if it’s not at an expert level. It’s a foundation—a skillset or willingness to do something, even if the result isn’t perfect.

For example, imagine you’re at home w...

Building Capacity for the Race Ahead

I believe this will be helpful not just for the coming year but also for the days and years ahead, particularly as we focus on setting and achieving goals, meeting resolutions, and hitting targets. In times like these, it’s important to reflect on how we can strategize effectively for the future.

I want to discuss what I call the “relay focus” in a race. This analogy can help guide us as we prepare for the new year and work toward our goals. Whether you’re planning to lose wei...

Hey, guess what this podcast was listed among the top 100 branding blogs by Feedspot. Thanks to all of you for your support.

The theme here is reflections—an especially relevant concept during times like these, as the year winds down and a new one approaches. This is a good moment to reflect on what we accomplished over the past year, what we couldn’t achieve, and what we hope to work toward in the coming years. Reflection is vital—a deep introspection that allows us to examine ourselves internally, evaluate what we’ve done, and identify what we can l...

“Masters today, were Starters Yesterday, so begin now.”― Bernard Kelvin Clive

Today, I want to share some thoughts on public speaking, drawing from my latest book co-authored with my friend, Samuel Agyeman-Prempeh, on the fundamentals of public speaking.

In the book, we discuss the basics for anyone—entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, or professionals—looking to venture into public speaking or presentations, whether for business or sales. These foundational tips will help you kickstart your speaking career. We also share our personal experiences, including the challenges we’ve faced and how we’ve overcome them throughout our 15-year journey in the...

The Impact of Parenting, Modelling, and Mentoring on Kids

Bernard Kelvin Clive here. Today I want to share with you how pairings, careers, or passions influence us in diverse ways in terms of who we become, and even the career paths and decisions that impact our lives in the later years.

Story 1: Kobby Blay and His Son

I visited my friend Kobby Blay, who is a practicing nurse and also passionate about digital media and photography. He had a professional camera, and anytime I visited him, I noticed he would take some shots...

A little Story of Patience and Brand Recognition in this episode

The power of a well-developed brand can’t be overstated. Over time, focusing on a specific niche and consistently delivering value establishes you as a trusted expert. So let me share a story that exemplifies this principle. This happened just today

Years ago, as a young speaker, I aspired to invite a renowned speaker to an event. The challenge? His high-profile status made him expensive, especially for an unknown organizer like myself. Plus so many gatekeepers that prevented me from getting access to him. Ul...

Today we’re diving headfirst into the power of exceptional customer experience.  I will share with you why prioritizing your clients, especially in the realm of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), is the secret weapon you’ve been overlooking.

“Often times consumers, clients, and customers are not just buying a product or service, they are buying an experience, a feeling, a perception, a person(YOU)” – Bernard Kelvin Clive

Let’s face it, customer service in some parts of the world can be, well, let’s just say lacking. And for many SMEs, the focus often lands on simply...

Encounter with a Vulcanizer: Branding Lessons for MSMEs

Every business has its ups and downs, but learning how to maximize each moment can help the business thrive and grow. You see, the ability to adapt and embrace new technologies is not just an advantage—it’s essential for survival and growth.

This realization came to me vividly during a seemingly mundane visit to a local vulcanizer because of a car tire issue. The vulcanizer, an expert in his field, impressed me with his knowledge and skill.

I had learned that he has been doin...

“Where you plant your feet determines your feats.” — Bernard Kelvin Clive

Let me share this with you. 

One morning, while I was cleaning my car, I noticed something interesting. I had worked hard to make the car’s body look shiny and clean, even though there was a lot of dust around because of the Harmattan season. But when I stepped back to look at my work, I saw that the tires were still dirty. This made the whole car not look as nice as I thought.

This situation reminded me of a lesson fr...

How to Grow Your Personal Brand in 2024

It’s to take your brand to the next level.

Whether you’re a new brand or an established one, you need to achieve at least one of these milestones/goals in the upcoming year to remain relevant and competitive.

1. Raise the bar on yourself

It is all about having a growth mindset to place a demand on yourself to go higher and do better. Let me draw your attention to this simple observation: I know several brands in my circle that offer the same...

How can you enhance your content creation and branding with these five productivity tools?

Enhancing Productivity in Content Creation and Branding

In today’s podcast, I discuss five productivity tools that can significantly enhance content creation and branding. So, I’ll share some insights from that episode, focusing on the importance of finding the right tools to boost productivity and maintain your unique voice while creating content and building your personal brand.

1 The Power of Audio-to-Text Tools

The first tool I discussed was Swellai.com, a powerful tool for recording and tran...