40+ Linkedin Money-Making-Influence Resources I Toxic Boss Immunity I Frequency of INFLUENCE: ETHICAL PERSUASION I $20k Brain-Based Sales System | HarvardX Neuroscience Research I Keynote 🎤 I X-Microsoft I Captain ⛵

$20k Monthly Brain Based Sales System Without Chasing the "Yes"

You know the feeling:
😳 Your brain lights up with “What if they think I’m pushy?” the second you open a DM.
😬 You’d rather post and pray the right people find you than risk being ghosted.
😅 You tell yourself that if you were really good, clients would just show up.

You don’t want to fake connection just to pitch.
You want sales that feels human. Real conversations, not pressure tactics.

You’re not bad at sales.
Your brain is just protecting you.

The amygdala flags rejection as danger.
Your prefrontal cortex freezes.
And boom hesitation, overthinking, silence.

That’s where my work comes in.
I teach the Neuroscience of No-Pressure Sales so you can sell with calm confidence instead of fear.

No scripts. No manipulation.
Just science, psychology, and simple tools to retrain your nervous system so selling feels natural again.

When your brain is relaxed, your authenticity returns.
You stop pitching and start connecting.
Outreach stops feeling like an intrusion and starts feeling like service.

This is sales made easy for coaches who hate selling.

✨ Ways to get started with me:

✅ If you're a coach DM me "Butter"
✅ If you're a business owner DM me "Butter"
✅ If you're a sales leader DM me "Butter"
✅ Attend my next workshop for FREE BRAIN BASED SALES SECRETS. https://forms.gle/HvTRDEZEuu7bgQEF8
✅ Subscribe to the Be Like Butter Bugle: Weekly brain hacks for resilience and influence. https://synaptic-solutions.kit.com/newsletter

Personal interests: 
- Captain ⛵️ 
- Recovering Sugar Addict 🍭 
- Trash TV consumer 🗑️

Sales Coach | Toxic Boss Coach | Neuroscience Coach | Executive Coach | Master Behavioral Strategist | Speaker | Advisor | Expert | 7 figures | Virtual Speaking | Sales Performance Brain Hacker | Mindset Coach I Corporate Trainer I Influence I Key Note Speaker

🧠 Shannon Smith, J.D., M.S. 🚀

Leaders don't do things for you. 

They inspire you to grow into someone who can do them 

Your brain's mirror neurons are fascinating...

When we observe great leadership, 
Our neural networks literally reshape themselves 🧠

Here's what happened in my team's brains 
When I shifted from problem-solver to growth catalyst:

1️⃣ Neural Leadership Networks
↳ Prefrontal cortex activation in decision-making up 
↳ Stress response pathways decreased
↳ Reward circuits fired during problem-solving

2️⃣ Learning Circuit Activation
↳ Neuroplasticity peaked during challenges
↳ Dopamine loops strengthened team bonds
↳ Cognitive flexibility increased 

3️⃣ Performance Neuroscience
↳ Cortisol levels dropped 
↳ Oxytocin boosted trust signals
↳ Group synchronization improved

Science shows: When leaders step back,
The team's collective neural networks step up.

Learn how to build a $20k - No Chasing the Yes - Sales System
Apply here --> https://lnkd.in/eZRF_jZe

PS: What neural pathway did your best leader help you strengthen? 🧠

Video credit: Unlnown

-------------------------------------------------

♻️ Share to build stronger leadership brains
➕ Follow 🧠 Shannon for more brain-based growth insights

The hard things you avoid 

Are the exact things that free you

Most people avoid the hard stuff.
Not because they are lazy.
Because their brain is trying to protect them.

The prefrontal cortex wants long term wins
But the amygdala wants immediate comfort
So every hard task feels like a threat
And your brain tells you to delay it
Even when it hurts you later.

Here is how to flip the switch
So your brain stops fighting you
And starts working for you.

1/ Reduce the threat signal
 Big tasks feel dangerous
 So your brain freezes
 Break the task into the smallest next move
 Science: Small steps lower amygdala activity
 And increase dopamine for starting

2/ Front load the friction
 Do the hardest task first
 Before your brain is overloaded
 Science: Your decision making power is highest early
 And cortisol rises as the day goes on

3/ Create a reward loop
 Your brain needs a reason to try
 Pair the hard task with a positive cue
 Tea, music, a small celebration
 Science: Dopamine releases faster
 When a reward is tied to effort, not outcomes

When you train your brain to face hard things
You stop leaking energy
You build momentum
And the tough stuff becomes automatic

P.S. Whats your best procrastination buster? 

Learn how to build a $20k No Chasing the Yes Sales System
Apply here → https://lnkd.in/eZRF_jZe

Video Credit: Unknown

-----------------------------------------------------------------

➕ Follow 🧠 Shannon  to get more brainy tips
♻️ Repost to help more people train their brain to thrive

Your brain won't save you.

Your heart will. 

For two weeks, I volunteered to help rescue animals.
Feeding, cleaning, comforting the scared and the broken.

They had nothing to give back
but showing up still felt right.

Because giving changes you.
It pulls you out of fear and back into purpose.

And right now, the world needs more of that.
 💔 People are hurting.
 💔 Jobs disappearing.
 💔 Markets spiraling.
 💔 Stress levels through the roof.

Everyone’s doing their best just to stay afloat.
But when everything feels unstable,
most people grip tighter.
They try to control.
They chase.
They push harder for the “yes.”

That’s exactly why it stops working.
The brain senses pressure and shuts down trust.
You can’t sell, serve, or lead from scarcity.
You can only do it from calm generosity.

That’s why I’m giving away what I’ve learned.
The exact framework that helped me break free from corporate,
build consistency on my own,
and stop chasing clients who weren’t ready.

It’s called Stop Chasing the Yes.
A workshop to help you
 – Build your own predictable client system
 – Shift from pressure to presence in every conversation
 – Lead with calm confidence instead of fear

If you’ve been giving everything and still feel stuck,
this is your next step.

Because giving works best
when you give to yourself too.

Learn how to build a $20k - No Chasing the Yes - Sales System
Apply here --> https://lnkd.in/eZRF_jZe

P.S. Do you volunteer, if so where?

------------------------------------------------------------------------

➕ Follow Shannon for more neuroscience tools for calm influence
♻️ Repost to help others give without burning out

Most people’s LinkedIn strategy: grind harder and hope

Mine: close clients while living life on my own schedule

I’ve wandered through the Greek islands
- Boat rides to hidden beaches
- Mornings working with seaside views
- A weekend in Skopelos without realizing it was a movie set

I spent a month in Athens
- Day trips to Agistri, turquoise blue waters
- Afternoons coaching clients

Why am I sharing this?
 Because your brain says “that’s not for me”
 Because it tells you to stick with the familiar
 (It’s called comfort bias and it keeps you stuck)

But here’s what no one will tell you:
If you want it, this life is closer than you think

Here’s how your brain makes it happen:

1️⃣ The Belief Reset
 ↳ Your brain avoids what feels out of reach
 ↳ Turn “impossible” into doable with simple shifts
 ↳ Stack wins until change feels normal

2️⃣ The LinkedIn Advantage
 ↳ Know what your ideal client looks for before they decide
 ↳ Post and message in ways that feel safe and personal
 ↳ Use a system that works even while you’re away

3️⃣ The Lifestyle Flywheel
 ↳ Every yes starts before the offer is made
 ↳ Match your approach to their decision process
 ↳ That’s how I work from coastlines and mountain trails

The point?

It’s not about more work
It’s about the right work for the brain

I am offering a once in a lifetime DONE FOR YOU SYSTEM
For One Month, I will revamp your LI system
- ICP Subtext Discovery 
- LI Optimization
- DM Framework that gets sales calls
- 1 month of content that gets inbound leads
- Engagement that builds your reach

I will only take ONE client. 
If you want me to build your system,
the way I went from 3k to 50k followers, then DM me
"DFY Butter" and we'll chat.

P.S. Where would you take your laptop first?
P.P.S. Pic from Poseidon's Temple (10/10)
-----------------------------------------------------------

♻️ Share if your goal is freedom without the hustle
➕ Follow 🧠 Shannon for more brain-based sales strategies

One more trip around the sun.

It's been a doozy.

Every birthday, I pause and reflect on my last year.
This year was the year that stretched me in every direction.

I lost my favorite person (my Belley Bean)
That loss began an 8 month walkabout across the globe.

I found my spiritual side.
I found strength I didn't know I had.

I escaped 3 typhoons
I sailed the Mediterranean
I ate the most amazing food 
I chopped a bajillion bananas
I swam in the Blue Cave in Croatia
I cared for 140 elephants and 700 dogs
I got bit and headbutted by deer in Nara
I moved what felt like a million watermelons
I spoiled myself at a Japanese Onsen regularly
I calmly navigated a stalker sitch right up to my airplane 
I lost a toenail trying an advanced yoga post in Cabo San Lucas

I missed my family.
I missed my friends.

I grew.
I grew so much.
I think I grew more this year than any year before.

I admired the precision of Japanese trains.
I learned Thai people do not use chopsticks.
I went from a 3k to 50k community in 8 months.
I was stunned by the beauty of the Greek islands.
I made new friends in the most unexpected places.
I built a predictable, brain-based revenue machine.
I helped countless clients do the same for their businesses.

This year was not easy.
It was not predictable.
But it was deeply transformative.

Here is to another year of becoming.
Here is to letting go, leaning in, and staying open.

And if you are reading this…
Thank you for being part of my journey.

P.S. Today, I am Seattle celebrating!
Wanna celebrate with me?

I am offering a once in a lifetime DONE FOR YOU SYSTEM
For One Month, I will revamp your LI system
- ICP Subtext Discovery 
- LI Optimization
- DM Framework that gets sales calls
- 1 month of content that gets inbound leads
- Engagement that builds your reach

I will only take ONE client. 
If you want me to build your system,
the way I went from 3k to 50k followers, then DM me
"DFY Butter" and we'll chat.

-----------------------------------------------------------

♻️ Share if your goal is freedom without the hustle
➕ Follow 🧠 Shannon for more brain-based sales strategies

You have more answers than you think. 

You just don't know it...yet.

Most people say they want to think outside the box.
But few ever leave it.

Because the box feels safe.
It’s made of habits, rules, and comfort.
It’s your brain’s way of protecting you from uncertainty.

But that same safety is what keeps you small.
Every great idea, every business, every leap
starts the moment you question the walls around you.

When you think differently, new neural pathways fire.
Your prefrontal cortex lights up.
Dopamine releases as you connect unfamiliar dots.
That’s not chaos. That’s creativity.

Thinking outside the box trains your brain to
🧠 see possibilities instead of patterns,
🧠 stay adaptable when the world shifts,
🧠 and turn fear into curiosity instead of paralysis.

Inside the box, life feels predictable.
Outside, it feels alive.

If you want freedom, income, and purpose,
you can’t just color outside the lines.
You have to stop believing they’re even there.

That’s the work we do inside my workshop
Because the world doesn’t reward safety.
It rewards those who think beyond it.

🧠 Learn how to build a $20k - No Chasing the Yes - Sales System
Apply here --> https://lnkd.in/eZRF_jZe

Usually, the answer is already within you 
(channeling Yoda today).

P.S. When was the last time you already knew the answer...you just had to remember you did?

Video credit: Unlnown

---------------------------------------------------------

➕ Follow Shannon for more neuroscience tools for clarity and creativity
♻️ Repost to help more people break out of their mental box

Persuasion isn't manipulation

Persuasion is making the prospect feel safe.

The top 8 secrets to ethically persuade 👇

Most people think persuasion means convincing or winning.
But real persuasion begins in calm awareness.
Your nervous system leads the conversation 
Long before your words do.
When your energy is steady, others feel safe to open.

Here's the 8 secret ways to ethically persuade

1️⃣ Regulate before you relate
 Take one slow breath before you speak.
 This quiets the body and steadies your focus.
 Your calm signals safety and builds connection.

2️⃣ Lead with curiosity
 Ask questions that invite reflection.
 “What feels most challenging right now?”
 Curiosity keeps the brain open and the energy light.

3️⃣ Validate before you redirect
 When people hesitate, meet them with empathy.
 “I understand why you’d feel that way.”
 Validation relaxes tension and rebuilds trust.

4️⃣ Keep autonomy intact
 People need to feel in control of their choices.
 Invite, don’t push.
 “Would you like to explore this together?”

5️⃣ Reframe with clarity
 Fear narrows focus, clarity opens it again.
 Ask, “What might shift if this were already solved?”
 It helps people see beyond the problem.

6️⃣ Align around shared intention
 Focus on what matters to both of you.
 “We both want this to create real results.”
 Shared purpose turns pressure into partnership.

7️⃣ Match energy before guiding change
 People follow what feels familiar.
 First, attune to their tone and pace.
 Then gently guide the conversation toward calm and clarity.

8️⃣ End with clarity, not pressure
 Unfinished conversations keep the mind spinning.
 Summarize, confirm, and close the loop.
 “Are you ready to get started?"

Ethical persuasion is calm, curious, and choice-based.
🧠 Regulate first. 
🧠 Match energy. 
🧠 Keep autonomy strong.

That’s how influence becomes trust.

P.S. Have you ever felt pressured to buy?

Starting up my workshops again!
Learn how to build a $20k - No Chasing the Yes - Sales System
Apply here --> https://lnkd.in/eZRF_jZe

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

➕ Follow Shannon for more brain-based sales tools
 ♻️ Repost to help more people influence with integrity

The number 1 reason you’re invisible on Linkedin...

You aren't breaking through the RAS filter

Your prospect never sees most of what you say.
Their brain deletes it before it gets inside.

The Reticular Activating System filters everything.
It looks for relevance, novelty, safety, and clarity.
If your message feels routine, it gets ignored.
If it feels vivid and personal, it gets through.
Here are ten ways to pass the filter fast.

1/ Pattern breaks win
Don’t start predictable
Do open with novelty
Science: RAS flags newness first

2/ Short lines keep attention
 Don’t write long blocks
 Do use simple spacing
 Science: Low load keeps thinking open

3/ Make it about them
Don’t lead with yourself
Do mirror their world
Science: RAS checks for self relevance

4/ Signal credibility fast
Don’t over explain
Do give one strong proof
Science: Fast heuristics shape trust

5/ Use micro commitments
Don’t push for yes
Do ask tiny questions
Science: Micro wins open dopamine

6/ Use visual outcomes
Don’t stay vague
Do paint clear images
Science: RAS tags vivid scenes

7/ Match their energy
Don’t push your pace
Do mirror tone
Science: Mirror neurons sync fast

8/ Validate their words
Don’t jump to fixes
Do echo their phrasing
Science: Neural validation needs match

9/ Create safety, not pressure
Don’t force urgency
Do slow the tempo
Science: Threat shuts attention down

10/ Give one next step
Don’t dump info
Do guide clearly
Science: Sequence reduces neural noise

When you speak to the brain instead of the ego
You stop sounding like everyone else
You bypass resistance
You increase trust
And your message finally lands

P.S. Which one has worked for you??

Learn how to build a $20k No Chasing the Yes Sales System
Apply here → https://lnkd.in/eZRF_jZe
Dec 15 - 11am - 2pm PST

----------------------------------------------------------------
➕ Follow 🧠 Shannon  to get more brainy tips
♻️ Repost to help more people train their brain to thrive

Persuasion isn’t pressure.

Persuasion is helping someone feel safe.

Here are 8 ethical persuasion swaps that actually work 👇

Most people try to persuade with logic or force.
But the brain listens to safety signals first.
When you protect autonomy and reduce threat,
People open up, not shut down.

Here are the 8 upgrades:

1️⃣ Regulate before you relate
❌ Don’t say: 
“Let me just explain why this makes sense.”

✅ Say this:
“Before we dive in, take a breath. I want this to feel clear.”

🔬Science:
 A calm nervous system sends safety cues.
 Their mirror neurons match your steadiness, lowering resistance.

2️⃣ Lead with curiosity
❌ Don’t say:
 “Here’s what you need to do.”

✅ Say this:
 “What feels hardest about this right now?”

🔬 Science:
 Curiosity keeps the amygdala quiet.
 Questions activate the prefrontal cortex, the part that evaluates options calmly.

3️⃣ Validate before redirecting
❌ Don’t say:
 “I understand, but…”

✅ Say this:
 “It makes sense you’d feel that way.”

🔬 Science:
 Validation reduces cortisol.
 It signals “You’re safe to express hesitations,” which reopens trust pathways.

4️⃣ Protect autonomy
❌ Don’t say:
 “You should really move forward.”

✅ Say this:
 “Want to explore this together?”

🔬 Science:
Autonomy is a core human need.
When someone feels in control, dopamine rises and decision-making improves.

5️⃣ Reframe with clarity
❌ Don’t say:
 “You’re overthinking this.”

✅ Say this:
 “What might shift if this were already solved?”

🔬 Science:
Reframing widens cognitive perspective.
It moves the brain out of threat mode and into problem-solving mode.

6️⃣ Align intentions
❌ Don’t say:
 “I just want you to see my point.”

✅ Say this:
 “We both want a solution that actually works for you.”

🔬 Science:
Shared goals increase oxytocin.
Oxytocin boosts collaboration and reduces defensiveness.

7️⃣ Match energy before guiding
❌ Don’t say:
 “Relax, it’s not a big deal.”

✅ Say this:
 “I hear how this feels for you. Let’s slow it down together.”

🔬Science:
Attunement regulates the nervous system.
The brain trusts what feels familiar before it trusts new direction.

8️⃣ Close with clarity, not pressure
❌ Don’t say:
 “So… are you ready or not?”

✅ Say this:
 “Here’s what the next step looks like. Does this feel right to you?”

🔬 Science:
Clear choices reduce cognitive load.
When the brain knows the path, uncertainty drops—and commitment rises.

Ethical persuasion is simple:
 🧠 Lower threat
 🧠 Raise clarity
 🧠 Protect autonomy

That’s how influence becomes trust.

P.S. Ever notice how pressure makes you want to run?

My workshops are open again.
Learn how to build a $20k No Chasing the Yes Sales System
Apply here → https://lnkd.in/eZRF_jZe

----------------------------------------------------------------

➕ Follow 🧠 Shannon for more brain-based sales tools
♻️ Repost to help more people influence with integrity

Your biggest risk is the rep who says they're "fine."

Your rep's "fine," is eerily similar to your spouse's "fine."

TL:DR It's definitely not "fine."

You don't lose a quarter in one moment.
You lose it in tiny blind spots.

A rep who says they're fine.
A pipeline that looks clean.
A deal that feels safe until it slips.

Then your forecast cracks.
Your VP starts asking questions.
And you wonder what you missed.

What every manager thinks but never says out loud:

You're managing stories, not data.
Your team tells you what feels safe to say.
Not what protects your number.

Sales Sage shows you the parts they leave out.
A simple 10 minute pulse surfaces early risk.

😶‍🌫️ Stress signals. 
😶‍🌫️ Confidence drops.
😶‍🌫️ Hidden struggles that turn into missed targets...
If you catch them too late.

We give you visibility your dashboards say they give you
But can't

The minority report for sales teams. 
14-day free beta: https://salessage.co for early adopters

Are you looking for a digital marketing expert who can help you achieve your business goals? Look no further. As a skilled marketer with expertise in social media, Facebook and Google Ads, and video editing, I have a proven track record of delivering results for my clients.

With my social media campaigns, I have increased engagement, followers, and website traffic for numerous clients. My Facebook and Google Ads campaigns have also generated impressive results.

Additionally, my video editing skills have enabled me to create engaging and effective content that resonates with audiences and drives conversions. 

Now, let's talk about how I can help you achieve your digital marketing goals. Whether you're looking to increase brand awareness, drive conversions, or improve your overall digital presence, I am here to help. Let's connect and discuss how we can work together to take your brand to the next level.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to grow your business. Contact me today to schedule a consultation and let's get started.

Sheza Yazdani

The Focus Solutions

As Founder & CEO of The Focus Solutions, 

I help coaches, consultants, and business owners build profitable LinkedIn brands through strategic LinkedIn management, personal branding, and content that converts. 

My approach blends data-driven frameworks with tailored LinkedIn Growth strategies to increase visibility, establish authority, and attract high-ticket clients.

Core Services:
•	LinkedIn Profile Optimization – Transforming profiles into lead-generating assets.
•	Personal Branding Strategy – Positioning clients as trusted industry authorities.
•	Content Strategy & Ghostwriting – High-impact, scroll-stopping content.
•	Lead Generation Campaigns – Proven methods to drive inbound high-ticket leads.
•	Digital Marketing & Brand Consulting – Scalable growth systems.

Key Achievements:
•	Increased client LinkedIn engagement by 5x in 90 days.
•	Designed LinkedIn Growth strategies that improved visibility & search rankings.
•	Launched lead-gen campaigns for Personal Branding delivering a consistent pipeline of high-value inquiries.

Founder & CEO | LinkedIn Growth Strategist & Personal Branding Expert The Focus Solutions 

•	Designed and executed ROI dedicated social media marketing campaigns aligned with business objectives.

•	Specialized in lead generation, audience growth, and brand visibility.

•	Consistently boosted client engagement, Brand awareness, and conversions through data-backed campaigns.

Social Media Marketing Specialist

Jasmine Events

•	Managed paid and organic strategies, expanding reach to 8M+ followers across major platforms.

•	Did Omni channel Marketing, published 35+ weekly posts across multiple channels, increasing brand visibility.

•	Delivered 5K new leads by targeting content to different sales funnel stages.

•	Ran Instagram influencer campaigns with 22% ROI per $1 spent.

Digital Marketing Manager

World Wear

•	Developed and implemented marketing plans that increased brand awareness, traffic, and sales.

•	Tracked and analyzed marketing campaign performance using Google Analytics, LinkedIn Analytics, Meta Business Suite, SEMrush, and other data-driven marketing tools to optimize ROI and engagement.

•	Communicated brand vision to stakeholders, driving consistent market growth.

Marketing Manager

Focus Enterprises LTD

•	Expanded social following from 500 to 30K+ across major platforms.

•	Created a Facebook customer inquiry hub with 1-day response times.

•	Monitored engagement metrics and optimized SEO-friendly content for greater reach.

Assistant Media Planner

Allied Schools

Class Teacher

Habib Metropolitan Bank (Subsidiary of AG Zurich)

Marketing Intern

Helping CEOs and Founders Grow and Monetize Their Personal Brands on LinkedIn | $100K+ Results from intentional LinkedIn Growth Strategies | Personal Branding Strategist | CEO Focus Solutions

If you are here, it means LinkedIn isn’t working for you.

You’re posting, engaging, maybe even trying different hacks but nothing sticks. 

No new leads. 
No relevant engagement. 
No clients.

Maybe you’re a:
•	Business owner who wants to be seen as an industry thought leader.
•	SaaS founder looking for more qualified buyers.
•	Coach craving consistent sign-ups for your program.
•	LinkedIn ghostwriter who can’t seem to crack content that converts.

And it’s exhausting, isn’t it? 

You watch others grow, wondering why your profile isn’t pulling in the opportunities you deserve. 

You’ve tried the tips you’ve watched the gurus yet the needle hasn’t moved.

Here’s the truth:

Your audience is scrolling past you not because you’re not good enough, but because your positioning, messaging, and content aren’t working together to grab the right attention.

What you really want is simple:
•	A profile that commands authority from the first glance.
•	Content that actually speaks to your ideal client.
•	A strategy that generates warm, ready-to-buy leads on autopilot.
•	A personal brand that makes 6 figures a month feel like the baseline, not the dream.

That’s where I come in.

12 months ago, I was exactly where you are overwhelmed, second-guessing, and unsure what actually works on LinkedIn. 

Fast forward to today: I have scaled my following past 10K+, built my own business from scratch, and helped 30+ clients grow, monetize, and dominate LinkedIn.

Here’s how I’ll get you there:
•	Profile audit & revamp that makes people stop scrolling.
•	Laser-focused content strategy built around your audience’s pain points.
•	Outbound & inbound lead frameworks that convert without sounding salesy.
•	Engagement systems that win attention every single time.

The results?
•	Client accounts grown from 0 → 10K followers in <6 months.
•	1M+ organic impressions generated for client brands.
•	Consistent 4+ inbound leads per month without paid ads.

Your move:
A) Keep guessing, posting randomly, and hoping for a break.
B) Hand it over to someone who’s done it repeatedly and get a LinkedIn presence that drives leads while you sleep.

If it’s B, 

DM me “I’m ready” or book a call through my Featured Section. 

Let’s turn your LinkedIn into your most profitable business asset.
 
Talk soon

Most founders want content that converts. 

But they skip this one non-negotiable question.

And wonder why it’s not working.

Let’s fix that.

If your content isn’t converting, it’s not because:

✘ You’re not posting enough
✘ You don’t have the right hook
✘ You haven’t gone viral

It’s because your messaging isn’t bridging the belief gap.

Here’s the question every post should answer:
“What does my ideal client need to believe before they’ll buy?”

That belief is different for every niche:

→ Sales founder: 
“They need to believe that outbound isn’t the only path to revenue.”

→ Wellness coach:
 “They need to believe it’s possible to heal without hustle.”

→ Real estate expert: 
“They need to believe authority = faster closings, not more cold calls.”

You’re not just selling your offer.

You’re selling a shift in belief.

If your audience isn’t buying, it’s not their fault.

It’s your job to move them from skeptical to sold with strategic content that earns trust.

Quick Exercise:
Write down the top 3 objections your ideal client has.
Now flip each one into a belief your content needs to build.

That’s your content strategy starting point.

Partnering with CEOs Founders and Coaches to Build Industry Thought Leaders through Strategic Narrative Positioning and Content Architecture | CEO at Focus Solutions

LinkedIn SEO and Google both crawl:

Alt text

Caption text (hashtags + keywords in natural sentences)

Engagement signals (clicks, saves, dwell time)

So, you want human-readable hashtags that echo search-intent phrases — not the vanity ones (#growth #mindset).

🚀 2. Optimized hashtag cluster

This mix balances high-traffic hashtags (for visibility) with niche, rankable ones (for authority).

Primary (core identity):

#Ghostwriter

#PersonalBranding

#ContentStrategist

Niche authority boosters:

#LinkedInContent

#MessagingStrategy

#ThoughtLeadership

#FounderMarketing

#ContentThatConverts

#BrandVoice

#AudiencePsychology

Search-optimized long-tail (Google & ChatGPT discoverable):

#B2BPersonalBranding

#FounderGhostwriter

#LinkedInGhostwriter

#ContentForFounders

#BeliefGapMarketing

Use 5–9 total per post — too many can dilute authority. Rotate combinations to train the algorithm that you own these topics.

🪄 3. Keyword integration tip

In your post text (especially the fir

Most CEOs think personal branding requires volume.

This newsletter digs into a problem most founders never say out loud which is:

The more the world pushes you to “show up,” the less space you have to think.

It connects Josef Pieper’s old warning about the loss of silence to today’s reality, where CEOs are expected to post daily, be vulnerable on cue, narrate every move, and keep up with a content machine that drains more than it delivers.

Instead of telling leaders to do more, it argues for the opposite:

A brand built from clarity, not performance.

View newsletter: The Positioning Playbook

In 1985, philosopher Josef Pieper wrote Leisure: The Basis of Culture, where he warned of a world where work becomes so consuming, it eats the very si

Open article: The founder’s paradox: Everyone sees your business, but no one sees you. by Sheza Yazdani • 3 min read

The founder’s paradox: Everyone sees your business, but no one sees you.

I built a 13K+ audience, closed 10+ high-ticket clients without ads, and built a system that runs without me.

All through strategy, consistency, and a crystal clear personal brand.

But I didn’t start here.

When I first began, I made every mistake:

→ Posted too much value, got zero leads
→ Sounded like everyone else in my niche
→ Thought “consistency” = growth (it doesn’t)
→ Took on misaligned clients because my positioning was off

That’s when I sat down, studied what actually works, and built a system that now runs quietly in the background, generating trust, leads, and revenue.

And now?

I’m putting the entire system in your hands.

My Personal Branding Playbook is LIVE.

Inside, I break down:

✅ The strategy behind content that converts
✅ How to go from “just posting” to pulling in leads
✅ The funnel framework I use to build trust at scale
✅ Exactly how I built my authority without burning out

This isn’t another “post more” guide.

It’s the blueprint I use with CEOs, founders, and experts who want visibility that actually sells.

Comment “BRAND” to get the link + launch-only bonuses.

I’m dropping insights I’ve never shared publicly, this is your edge in 2025.

Let’s make your name the one that gets remembered.

Follow me Sheza Yazdani and repost it to help others win

A LinkedIn post by a personal branding strategist announcing the launch of their “Personal Branding Playbook.” The post begins by sharing results—building a 13K+ audience and closing 10+ high-ticket clients without ads—then contrasts it with early struggles like posting too much value and poor positioning. It transitions to offering a system that generates trust and leads automatically, introducing the Playbook as a detailed guide on strategy, content that converts, and building authority without burnout. The post ends with a call to action inviting readers to comment “BRAND” to get the link and bonuses

Everyone keeps saying “just be clear.”

But clarity is not the reason people remember you.

Clarity is why they understand you.

What makes them remember you is coherence.

A pattern. A worldview. A presence they can feel.

If your content is clear but still invisible, it’s probably not a messaging problem.

It’s a depth problem.

Here’s what to build instead (and why your brain is wired to forget the rest):👇

If your content is clear but still forgettable, this is for you. There’s a moment where every founder realizes that people understand what they do… an

Open article: Clarity is a trap. Here’s what to build instead. by Sheza Yazdani • 2 min read

Clarity is a trap. Here’s what to build instead.

“Visibility doesn’t just attract attention. It earns recognition.”

And today, I’m honored to share something special:

I have been featured in Titanium Magazine’s Top 50 Global Inspirational Women to Look Out for in 2026. 

From building a business while raising three kids.

To help over 80+ CEOs, founders, and experts build personal brands that create demand before the first call.

To lead Focus Solutions as CEO.

This recognition isn’t just about me.

It’s about what happens when women own their story and show up every single day even with all the odds stacked against them.

Over the past 3 years, I’ve:

→ Built systems that convert content into high-value clients
→ Helped 50+ experts turn dead profiles into trusted personal brands
→ Challenged the noise of vanity metrics by building brands that actually drive business ROI

Being recognized alongside change makers like Dianah kamande, Heba Othman, Sally Hammoud, and Dr. Pavani Kadiyala reminds me:

There is power in being intentional.

There is power in building a legacy that leads.

And I’ll keep showing up for the voices that haven’t been heard yet and the leaders ready to rise with clarity and credibility.

P.S. A Special thanks to the The Prodigy and Love Charmaine Uychoco for the recognition.
#TheProdigyOfficial #TitaniumMagazine #Top50 #Trailblazers #WomenOfPurpose #Thailand2026

Professional portrait of a woman smiling confidently, dressed in business attire, standing against a clean background. This image accompanies an announcement celebrating her recognition as one of Titanium Magazine’s Top 50 Global Inspirational Women to Look Out for in 2026.”
(If the image is different, just tell me and I’ll tailor it.)

✅ HIGH-PERFORMANCE HASHTAGS (Authority-based + Discovery + Niche)
I’ve kept them balanced so LinkedIn won’t suppress the post (max 8–12 recommended).
Hashtags:
#WomenInLeadership
#InspirationalWomen
#Top50Women2026
#TitaniumMagazine
#PersonalBrandingExpert
#FounderStory
#WomenWhoLead
#CEOLife
#BrandStrategy
#WomenInBusiness
#LeadershipJourney
#TheProdigyOfficial
Want me to rewrite the post for maximum reach, authority, and depth — or give you an optimised hook + format based on LinkedIn’s 2025 algorithm?

Thank you New In Asia, for the feature!

I wrote this for founders doing meaningful work but still fighting for attention.

When I started Focus Solutions, I wasn’t sure what would resonate.

I just knew one thing:

Founders deserve messaging that does justice to the value they deliver.

Because it’s frustrating to do exceptional work and still be overlooked.

It’s exhausting to show up with heart and still feel like you’re shouting into the void.

The truth I’ve learned?

Content isn’t about more posts, better visuals, or perfect hacks.

It’s about earning the belief that leads to action. You can read the complete feature here:

To read the complete feature see the link in the comments ⬇️

If people need to pull up your profile to describe what you do, your brand isn’t sticky.

Your positioning should live in their mind, not your headline.

And yet, I see profiles every week with lines like:

“Transformational coach for high performers.”

What does that even mean?

Here’s the test:

Can your dream client explain your value in 3 seconds without looking you up?

If not, your positioning won’t get you clients. Or referrals.

Sticky positioning does 3 things:

It’s emotionally precise (“burned-out founder” > “ambitious professional”)

It’s visually concrete (“build a business that doesn’t burn you out”)

It’s memorable (triggers a mental shortcut like “She’s the one who helps…”)

I help clients craft lines that stick.

So they become the first name their clients think of when a problem hits.

📌 If your positioning isn’t working while you sleep, it’s not working at all.

DM me “STICKY” and let’s fix your positioning today.

Carousel showing a breakdown of what makes brand positioning sticky with short statements highlighting emotional precision visual clarity and memorability. The graphics emphasize how clear positioning helps clients remember you instantly and how vague headlines weaken credibility. The final slide invites readers to refine their positioning so it works even when they are offline.

Everyone’s bragging about their new AI tools. But let’s be honest.

AI didn’t make you sound smarter.

It just exposed that you never had a voice to begin with.

Here’s what I’ve seen after working with 50+ founders and CEOs on their LinkedIn strategy:

AI can write.

But it can’t position.

It can’t pull from your lived experience, your client results, your real tone of voice.

That’s why some posts get 100 likes and zero leads.

Because they’re structured well but say nothing new.

The truth?

→ The most powerful content doesn’t come from a tool.

It comes from knowing what only you can say.

Here’s how I help clients stand out in an AI-cluttered feed:

✅ We don’t start with “write this post.”

We start with: What are you the go-to for?

What stories earned you trust offline?

What proof do your clients rave about?

Then (and only then) do we let AI assist.

As a second brain.

Because content that converts isn't generated.

It’s distilled from your authority.

And if you can’t hear yourself in your own post.

Neither can your next client.

Want to use AI without sounding like ChatGPT?

DM me “VOICE” and I’ll help you build a brand that sounds like you, on your best day.

Bold minimalist text reads: ‘Everyone’s bragging about their new AI tools. But let’s be honest… AI didn’t make you sound smarter. It just exposed that you never had a voice to begin with.’ The visual introduces a thought-leadership post about authentic personal branding in the age of AI. The content argues that AI can write—but it can’t position, interpret lived experience, or build authority. It explains why posts that sound polished often fail to convert, and how founders and CEOs can use AI as a second brain instead of a replacement. The image aligns with topics like voice, positioning, and authority on LinkedIn.”

SEO / Hashtags (add to caption or comments for discoverability):
#PersonalBranding #LinkedInStrategy #AIContent #AuthenticVoice #ThoughtLeadership #ChatGPT #AIWriting #ContentMarketing #FounderBrand #AuthorityBuilding #AIAssist #HumanVsAI #BrandVoice #MarketingStrategy #ContentThatConverts #AIAgency #Positioning #Copywriting #LinkedInGrowth #VoiceOverVolume #ContentStrate

People do not buy talent

They buy certainty that you are right for them

Trust is built through proof not promises

Random testimonials are noise without a system

Real authority comes from repeated visible patterns

Your brand is trusted when your results feel predictable

Read the full article to build your Proof Ecosystem and turn trust into demand

When people don’t buy from you, it’s rarely because you’re not good. It’s because they’re not sure if you’re good for them. That’s the difference betw

Open article: What if people trusted you without needing to be convinced? by Sheza Yazdani • 4 min read

What if people trusted you without needing to be convinced?

The biggest myth in personal branding?

That confidence equals self-promotion.

I have spent the last 12 months helping 50+ CEOs, founders, and coaches who hated the idea of “selling themselves.”
 
Yet, they built authority without a single humble-brag.

They didn’t want to sound salesy.

They didn’t want to boast.

They didn’t want to look desperate.

But here’s what we did instead:

- We positioned them clearly.
- We showcased what made them different, not just better.
- We told real stories of transformation.
- We gave their brilliance the visibility it deserves.

Because leadership today is not just about doing great work.

It’s about making your work undeniably visible without feeling fake.

You don’t need to say “I’m the best.”

You say:
“I help founders scale through storytelling that converts.”
“I guide teams by building cultures that retain talent.”
“I specialize in sales that feel like trust, not pressure.”

That’s not salesy. That’s specific.

And specificity builds trust faster than buzzwords ever could.

LinkedIn’s 2025 algorithm now favors expert led content posts where the voice of experience beats the voice of noise.

That means authority wins over virality.

So no, personal branding isn’t bragging.

It’s making it easy for the right people to say:

“You’re exactly who I’ve been looking for.”

If you want to promote your value without feeling like a walking pitch deck,
comment AUTHENTIC. I’ll share the exact positioning framework we use to make experts magnetic (without selling out).

“A confident professional standing in front of a blurred audience, symbolizing authentic visibility and leadership. Represents the idea of building authority through clarity, credibility, and connection — not self-promotion.”

(Tip: if you use a carousel, the first image alt text should include “personal branding strategy” and “LinkedIn thought leadership” — that improves accessibility and SEO indexing.)

🧠 SEO-Optimized Keywords (for AI & Google relevance)

Add these subtly in your caption or comments to help both Google and AI models associate your post with high-value concepts:

personal branding strategy

LinkedIn authority building

authentic visibility

expert positioning framework

storytelling for leaders

thought leadership on LinkedIn

self-promotion vs authority

🏷️ Hashtags for LinkedIn (balanced for reach + niche authority)

Mix broad + specific + branded tags. Keep it to 5–7 total (LinkedIn’s sweet spot).

Recommended:
#PersonalBranding
#LinkedInStrategy
#ThoughtLeaders

Most personal brands are stuck in what I call the “Timeless Bubble.”

They craft an evergreen pitch.

One message.

One line.

One promise.

But the market doesn’t live in a bubble.

Your buyer’s context changes weekly.

→ The startup founder in June? Wants visibility before their Series A.
→ The same founder in September? Needs to hire. Their content should attract talent.
→ In Q1? They want deal flow. Your message better reflect that shift.

If your positioning doesn’t evolve with your audience’s environment, it becomes noise.

So instead of trying to be “the only,”

Be “the only one who gets it right now.”

That’s what I help my clients do.

→ We map your ICP’s decision cycles
→ Identify seasonal urgency (fundraising, hiring, launching, market fear)
→ And position your voice as the most relevant solution for the moment they’re in

That’s what creates magnetic pull.

Not just clarity.
Not just consistency.
But timing.

Most ghostwriters write posts

I build positioning calendars.

So every single post does two things:

✅ Matches your offer to their mental state
✅ Reflects what your audience is silently Googling at 11 PM

If you feel your message is “clear” but still not converting…

You don’t have a clarity problem.

You have a context problem.

And context is where positioning really lives.

P.S. Want to see how I time my clients’ content to their buyers’ decisions? DM me “CONTEXT”, I’ll send you a sample positioning calendar breakdown.

“Text-based graphic explaining why content without context fails. Highlights how founders’ priorities shift across the year, why positioning must evolve with buyer environments, and how mapping decision cycles creates more relevant, higher-converting content.”

Hashtags:
#Positioning #MarketingStrategy #PersonalBranding #ContextualMarketing #LinkedInStrategy #ICP #BrandPositioning #ContentStrategy #Ghostwriting #B2BMarketing

Big audiences don’t build category leaders. Clear language does.

Most experts compete by saying: “I’m the best at what I do.”

Category designers flip the script.

They say: “I’m the only one who sees it this way.”

That’s the difference between being a “leadership coach” vs. being the creator of “anti-burnout leadership.”

One competes. The other commands.

Want to design your own category?

Here’s how:

1. Find your enemy.

What’s the outdated belief your market still clings to? Name it.

(Ex: “More visibility = more leads” is a belief I challenge.)

2. Reframe the game.

What do your best clients need to believe before they buy from you?

(Ex: “LinkedIn isn’t content. It’s a dealflow engine.”)

3. Name your lens.

Give your POV a name. Make it yours. That’s your intellectual property moat.

(Ex: My Brand DNA Method, because most content misses the source code.)

You don’t need more reach. You need language people repeat.

Comment “CATEGORY” below and I’ll send you my Category Clarity Template.

Minimalist text graphic on category design and clear positioning over generic expertise.
Highlights how naming your enemy belief and unique lens creates authority.

After auditing 100+ brands this year, one pattern stands out.

The smartest brands aren’t just differentiating.

→ They’re de-positioning. 

(Not just standing out. But making the old category feel obsolete.)

Think about it:

Slack didn’t win by saying, “We’re a better email.”

They won by making email look like a slow, outdated way to collaborate.

They didn’t just differentiate.

They de-positioned email as the wrong tool for modern teams.

That’s how they reframed the entire communication category, and that’s the real power of de-positioning.

In personal branding, it’s the same game.

You don’t need to shout louder.

You need to shift the frame of comparison.

Here’s how I help founders and CEOs do it:

✅ We don’t just position your offer.

We de-position what your audience used to settle for.

→ Generic consultants.
→ Influencer-style ghostwriters.
→ Brands built on tips, not systems.

Suddenly, you’re not just “different.”

You’re necessary.

And your competitors?

They start to feel like last year’s model.

That’s when your brand becomes a category of one.

Are you differentiating or de-positioning?

Most executives get this wrong.

Drop “DIFFERENT” in the comments if you want to see what your current brand is really doing.

A bold LinkedIn carousel or text post showing the concept of de-positioning in branding — explaining how modern executives and founders can make old categories obsolete instead of just differentiating. Mentions examples like Slack vs email, and includes a three-step framework for de-positioning: identifying outdated beliefs, exposing frustrations, and reframing the category with a new promise. Written by a personal branding strategist helping CEOs and founders build category-of-one brands in 2025.


Hashtags (High-Intent, Mixed Density)
#DePositioning #BrandStrategy #PersonalBranding #CategoryDesign #MarketingStrategy #Positioning #BrandDifferentiation #LinkedInStrategy #BrandBuilding #BusinessStrategy #FounderBrand #GoToMarket #StrategicMarketing #BrandNarrative #B2BMarketing #Storytelling #MarketingTrends2025 #LinkedInContent #ThoughtLeadership #GrowthStrategy #AIandBranding #ChatGPTMarketing #DigitalPositioning #ContentStrategy


You’re being ignored because you’re not showing up like an expert.
(and it’s wasting your time)

Here’s why it matters.

- You’ve hit the top.
- You’ve got the title.
- You’ve made the money.
- But on LinkedIn? Crickets

Why?

Because 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘵

Experts are defined by the unique value they bring. 

Not by titles, not by accolades, but by the 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 you can offer that no one else can.

It’s a familiar trap:
→ Post your success story
→ Talk about how you “made it”
→ Hope people see your expertise

𝘕𝘰𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘴.

Success is a given.

Expertise? 

That’s earned by teaching what others can’t.

Try this:

Stop showcasing what you’ve done
Start showcasing what you’ve learned.Real expertise comes from:
→ The tough lessons,
→ The decisions that didn’t work,
→ The unique insights you’ve gained that no one else has.

I did this for a client last month. 

A CEO with a massive following. 

But on LinkedIn? 

He wasn’t seen as an authority.We changed the game:

→ Focused on depth, not breadth.
→ Shared lessons from real failures
→ Highlighted decisions, not just outcomes

Now he’s seen as a thought leader, not just another CEO with a successful business.

The key:
→ Focus on what only YOU can teach
→ Share the hard truths
→ Go deeper, not wider.

Want to stop blending in and start being the expert you were meant to be? Let’s talk

A minimalist text graphic emphasizing that success and job titles do not equal expertise on LinkedIn. Highlights the shift from showcasing achievements to sharing real lessons failures and unique insights to build true authority and thought leadership.

Seth Godin never says “I’m a marketer.”

But everyone sees him as one anyway.

Why?

Because he didn’t build his positioning through a title.

He built it through decades of behaviour that made the label obvious.

You recognise him as a marketer because:

• He wrote 20+ books about how people make decisions
• He publishes daily essays that dissect attention, trust, and change
• He founded altMBA, a school built around teaching people how to create value
• He popularised concepts like “tribes,” “shipping,” and “permission marketing”
• He shows up with the same worldview every single day, consistently, relentlessly

That’s how positioning works.

Not by declaring an identity…

 …but by repeating a perspective so consistently that people start naming it for you.

This is brand psychology 101:

We assign roles based on patterns, not titles.

It’s how the brain reduces complexity: we create shortcuts.

And that’s exactly what most founders get wrong on LinkedIn.

They put “Coach” or “Strategist” in their headline and expect people to believe it.

But people don’t believe titles.

They believe behaviours.

They believe:
• Your worldview (what you stand by)
• Your transformations (who you’ve helped)
• Your lived experiences (what shaped your perspective)

These repeated patterns form your “mental shortcut”... your real positioning.

If you want people to see you as the go‑to expert in your niche, don’t announce who you are.

Show them, consistently, until the title becomes inevitable.

👇 Save this as your positioning starter pack.

Minimalist quote graphic featuring the line “When your brand earns trust, awards follow” over a clean neutral background, paired with a short branding lesson inspired by Seth Godin about how positioning is built through consistent behavior, worldview, and proof over time rather than titles or self-declared labels.

This year proved one thing:


Your name is leverage.

And most people still treat it like an afterthought.

Build your brand now.

Wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving with love and happiness 💗

My content didn’t start working when I had more time. 

It started working when my third kid was born.

Pressure forces clarity. 
Clarity builds authority. 
Authority drives inbound.

For context my LinkedIn profile tells you I have worked with 50+ CEOs. And helped clients attract leads without chasing them.

But here’s what it doesn’t tell you:

→ I posted for 6 months with zero inbound leads
→ I posted daily for 1 year until I saw one viral post
→ I wasted hours writing “smart” posts no one read
→ My first few clients found me through referrals, not content
→ I had no niche, no clear message, and no offer that converted
→ I almost gave up because I thought I was too late to stand out

I made every mistake in the book:

– I copied what top creators were doing instead of finding my voice
– I confused reach with relevance, and burned out chasing likes
– I built a content system before I had a positioning strategy

Here’s what changed everything:

✅ I stopped writing for the feed and started designing perception.
– Content is not just content; it’s your pitch, your proof, your positioning
– The best content doesn’t just go viral, it gets forwarded to decision-makers

✅ I stopped talking to everyone and started writing for one person.
– One ICP per post
– One problem per message
– One goal: build trust before the DM

✅ I stopped chasing clarity. I engineered it.
– I defined my POV
– Created boundaries for what I do (and don’t do)
– Built systems to scale without sounding like everyone else

None of this happened overnight.

I just kept showing up.

Even when the algorithm was working against me.

Even when I wasn’t sure if anyone was watching.

Even when the leads didn’t come.

If you’re creating and it feels like no one cares.

Keep going.

You don’t need to be perfect.

You only need to be real and consistent enough for the right people to find you.

Join my newsletter https://lnkd.in/dxGpK6AZ and follow me for more posts on personal branding Sheza Yazdani

“Screenshot-style text post about the founder of a personal branding agency sharing the real path behind growing her business: posting for months with no leads, early mistakes in content, lack of niche, and the eventual shift toward positioning, perception design, ICP focus, and message clarity. Encourages creators to stay consistent and authentic so the right clients can find them.”

HASHTAGS (High-signal, low-noise):
#PersonalBranding #LinkedInGrowth #BrandStrategy #ContentMarketing #MarketingAgency #FounderStory #AudienceBuilding #ChatGPT #GoogleSEO #ContentStrategy

taplio

The Battle

🧠 Shannon Smith, J.D., M.S. 🚀

Sheza Yazdani

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score🧠 Shannon Smith, J.D., M.S. 🚀's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreSheza Yazdani's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

taplio

The Battle

🧠 Shannon Smith, J.D., M.S. 🚀

Sheza Yazdani

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}🧠 Shannon Smith, J.D., M.S. 🚀's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreSheza Yazdani's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

Performance Score🧠 Shannon Smith, J.D., M.S. 🚀's LinkedIn Performance