In today’s rapidly changing automotive industry, having a personal brand is no longer just a luxury…it’s a necessity. The good news is that your personal brand isn’t just about positioning yourself as an industry leader…it can also become a lucrative asset.
Here are 10 ways you can monetize your personal brand
1. Attract More Customers to Your Dealership
This is the most direct and obvious way to monetize your brand. By building a strong online presence, you become a magnet for potential buyers. People buy from people they trust, and if your audience feels like they know you through your posts, videos, and content, they’ll naturally choose your store when they’re ready to buy. It’s not just about selling cars… it’s about becoming the trusted authority in your local market.
2. Affiliate Deals
Ever seen those discount codes floating around social media? That could be you. As your social media presence grows, you can collaborate with companies to promote their products to your audience using affiliate codes. For example, you might work with an auto detailing brand, offering your followers a discount like CarGuy20 for 20% off. Every sale through your code also earns you a percentage. It’s a win-win: your audience saves, the company gains customers, and you make passive income….(aka-Mailbox Money)
3. Amazon Affiliate Program
This is one of the easiest ways to start earning. Amazon allows anyone to sign up for their affiliate program and create special links to products. When someone buys through your link, you get a small commission (4%). Imagine linking tools, books, or automotive gear you love and recommend. Over time, as your audience grows, those small commissions can add up.
4. Launch a Newsletter
Building an email list is like owning your own digital real estate. A newsletter allows you to engage directly with your audience, deliver value, and monetize through ad placements and sponsorships. For example, you could include a sponsored banner or even promote your own services (Like I’m doing in this newsletter) As your subscriber base grows, so does your earning potential.
5. Market Research Consulting
Once you’ve established yourself as an expert in your field, you’ll find that companies value your insights. Market research firms often seek out people with niche industry knowledge to provide input on trends, products, or services. I’m on the list for several of these firms, and they pay up to $500 per hour for my time.
6. Offer Consulting Services
Your experience in the car business is a goldmine of knowledge. Once you’ve positioned yourself as an authority, you can offer consulting services to other dealerships,SaaS companies, sales teams, or industry professionals. Whether it’s strategy, sales training, or marketing advice, your expertise is valuable.
7. Speaking Engagements
Have a unique perspective or an inspiring story? Industry events, conferences, and even corporate gatherings are always looking for speakers. As your personal brand grows, so will your demand as a speaker. Fees can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands per appearance, depending on your profile.
8. Sell Your Own Products or Courses
Why not create something of your own? You could develop an online course, an eBook, or even branded merchandise. For example, you might create a course on “Mastering Wholesale Automotive Sales” or “How to Build a Thriving Dealership Team.” Selling a digital product allows you to package your expertise into a scalable revenue stream. (Ever seen my B4 hats or courses)
9. Collaborations and Brand Partnerships
Once your brand gains traction, companies may approach you for collaborations. This could involve co-branded content, guest appearances, or product reviews. These partnerships can pay handsomely, especially if you have a niche audience that aligns with their target market.
10. Increase Your Value to Employers or Partners
Here’s the ultimate payoff…a strong personal brand makes you more valuable. Employers, investors, and potential business partners will see you as an asset…not just for your skills but for your ability to influence and connect with others. With a thriving personal brand, you’re not just an employee or a partner…you’re a brand in yourself. That kind of leverage makes you resilient, recession-proof, and almost impossible to replace. (Everything I’m involved in now is directly correlated to my brand)
This edition of Manorisms is proudly sponsored by
Auto Auction Review
The Bottom Line
Your personal brand is more than just a logo or a tagline… it’s a tool for freedom, resilience, and opportunity. By consistently creating content, engaging with your audience, and adding value to your industry, you’re building something that will pay dividends for the rest of your life.
Whether you’re just starting out or already have a strong presence, these 10 strategies can help you begin to turn your personal brand into a powerful revenue-generating machine.
If you’re not already investing in yourself, the time is now.
The opportunities are endless…you just have to start.
That’s all for now
See You Next Tuesday ;-)
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About Bob Manor
Bob Manor is the founder of South Ontario Auto Remarketing, Can-Am Dealer Services, and is Co-Founder of Auto Auction Review. Bob is also the creator of the Freedom Formula. With over 30 years of experience in the car dealership world, Bob specializes in wholesale, dealer services, and personal branding. His mission is to help dealership professionals take control of their careers, build resilient personal brands, and achieve lasting freedom in business and life.
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