In today’s competitive landscape, standing out and advancing in your career takes more than just a polished resume and an active LinkedIn profile. The modern professional’s journey is about carving a unique identity, a personal brand that opens doors to new opportunities and career growth.

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At Criya, we interact with many such forward-thinking professionals who recognize the importance of their personal branding. In this article, we delve into the story of Ibrahim Bashir who not only stands as a successful product manager, but as the perfect example on how to strategically cultivate a personal brand.

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Our focus isn't solely on Ibrahim's impressive career milestones. We are more interested in the behind-the-scenes of how he has crafted a personal brand to be dynamic and influential. His journey is a masterclass for ambitious professionals especially in tech, looking to make their mark.

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Background

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Before diving into the details of how Ibrahim has masterfully built his brand, let's take a moment to understand his professional journey. With a solid foundation in computer science, Ibrahim brings over two decades of rich experience in the tech industry to the table. His career, post - 2018, saw a significant transition to the world of product management, leading to his current role as a product VP at Amplitude.

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However, Ibrahim's contributions extend far beyond his career. He is passionately involved in nurturing the next generation of tech talent. As a mentor with First Track, he offers guidance and support to new entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the complex waters of the tech industry. Additionally, his role as a featured expert on Criya allows him to share his wealth of knowledge and insights, further cementing his status as a thought leader in the field.

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This blend of hands-on industry experience and active mentorship forms the backbone of Ibrahim's personal brand.

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Now let’s explore and examine the ways in which Ibrahim built his brand. 

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Personal Website

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Whether you are a student, starting out your career, or at the top of your field, having a website that represents your brand is a must. Having a personal website allows new people to discover and learn about you, it acts as an aggregator of your personal and career identity, and is a launchpad for the products and services you may want to offer. 

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Ibrahim’s website is a great example of how a website can help you grow your brand. On his site, Ibrahim offers two primary types of products. The first includes digital goods like guides, which are primarily designed for product managers. The second type of offering is group sessions, which focus on teaching the essentials B2B SAAS business.

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What's unique about Ibrahim’s approach is that he doesn't charge for these products. This opens the doors for a wider audience to engage with his content. This strategy not only helps in building a larger following but also significantly enhances his brand credibility. By offering free access to his expertise, Ibrahim positions himself not just as an expert, but as a generous contributor to the community.

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“As someone who has been sharing knowledge online for over a decade around the craft of product development, Criya has been a breath of fresh air as a platform - it's a tool that allows me to automate and streamline so many different aspects of my audience building and activation that it has quickly became an essential part of my personal product stack"- Ibrahim Bashir

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Substack

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A key facet of Ibrahim's brand-building strategy is his dedicated effort on his Substack blog, “Run the Business.” Here, he regularly shares his insights on a spectrum of topics, ranging from innovation and technology to product management, public speaking, and entrepreneurship. This consistent content creation not only positions Ibrahim as a thought leader for these topics but also plays a crucial role in expanding his audience and influence.

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By sharing his expertise on Substack, Ibrahim connects with a broader community of professionals and enthusiasts who are like minded. Each offers a window into his professional philosophy, attracting readers who resonate with his ideas. This platform allows him to engage directly with his audience, fostering a sense of community around the subjects he's passionate about.

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Till date Ibrahim has posted over a hundred articles. 

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Social Media Content 

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Besides writing content on Substack, Ibrahim is also very active on social media. With a combined following of 11,000 on LinkedIn and Twitter, he has built a significant online presence.

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On both platforms, Ibrahim adheres to a straightforward yet effective strategy. He primarily focuses on content that caters to his niche (product management)  ensuring that his posts are relevant and valuable to his audience. This consistent approach helps in maintaining a steady engagement with his followers. 

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What sets Ibrahim apart is his ability to create content that truly resonates with his audience. Many people struggle with this aspect, often posting content that fails to engage or inspire their followers. Ibrahim, however, has a knack for understanding what his audience seeks. Whether it's sharing insights about the latest trends in product management, offering practical advice, or sparking discussions on industry challenges, his content is always tailored to meet the interests and needs of his followers.

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This targeted approach is key to his success on social media. By consistently delivering high-quality, niche-specific content, Ibrahim has been able to build his social media following.

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Speaking Events & Podcast Appearances 

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Over recent years, Ibrahim has become a familiar face at various speaking events and a sought-after guest on numerous podcasts. These platforms have been instrumental in broadening the reach of his personal brand. Each appearance allows him to engage with new audiences, expand his professional network, and pave the way for even more significant speaking opportunities.

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However, securing invitations to these events is a milestone that comes with the development of a well-established personal brand. The strategies we discussed earlier — like maintaining an insightful Substack blog, having a website, and creating social media content serve as foundational steps in this journey. They not only showcase Ibrahim's expertise but also establish his reputation as an authority in the field, making him an attractive candidate for speaking opportunities.

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Conclusion 

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To conclude Ibrahim Bashir's story is a clear example of how powerful personal branding can be in advancing a career. His journey shows us that it's not just about what you do in your job, but also how you share your knowledge and engage with your community.

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Through his consistent blogging, active social media presence, informative website, and participation in speaking events and podcasts, Ibrahim has skillfully showcased his expertise and passion for product management.

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His approach shows us that personal branding is about consistent effort and genuine engagement in your field. 

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For anyone looking to stand out and build their brand consider Criya as the perfect basket of your solutions. With Criya’s all in one platform you can easily build your website, offer various products and services, publish articles, and host your portfolio. 

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To learn more about Criya visit our website- Criya.co 

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