The Ego Trap - Why Most Personal Brands Fail (And What to Do Instead)

Everyone wants to be followed, admired, and considered an “influencer.”

In today's world, building a personal brand has become the new American (or Indian) dream. Everyone wants to be followed, admired, and considered an “influencer.” But let me say this upfront - building a personal brand for ego or validation is a trap. A deep, sticky trap.

I say this not just as an observer, but as someone who’s been through it. I’ve made the mistakes I’m about to tell you about. I’ve learned, sometimes the hard way, that true personal branding isn’t about fame - it’s about connection.

Let’s unpack this together.

The Fame Illusion: When Personal Branding Becomes an Ego Game

Scroll through Instagram or YouTube and you’ll see the same story play out: a creator gets viral, builds a massive following, starts flaunting their lifestyle, and suddenly, they’re seen as “successful.”

But is that really success?

Many people unconsciously chase this kind of recognition. The desire to be admired, followed, and envied stems from something deeper—a childhood need for validation. Maybe it’s from not being seen or heard growing up. Maybe it’s an inferiority complex trying to heal itself through likes and views.

This isn’t psychology jargon. It’s real. I’ve seen countless creators go down this path. And while it might work temporarily, it’s unsustainable.

Because here’s the truth:

If your personal brand is built to feed your ego, the moment you make a mistake, people will tear it down.

The Public Fall: Why Ego-Driven Brands Don’t Last

We’ve all seen celebrities crash and burn in the public eye. One controversial statement, one exposed behavior, and suddenly the same people who were clapping yesterday are throwing stones today.

Take the recent Ranveer Allahabadia (BeerBiceps) controversy. He said something cringy on a talent show, and the internet exploded. People weren’t just disagreeing—they were ready to cancel him.

Why such intensity?

Because when someone becomes too polished, too successful, and too distant, people start resenting them. Not because they’re bad people, but because the audience can no longer relate.

When a personal brand is built around superiority, status, or a curated “perfect life,” people watch from a distance. They follow, but they don’t care. And when things go wrong, no one stands by them.

Contrast that with a creator or entrepreneur who is vulnerable, real, and authentic. Someone who shares their struggles, doubts, and learning curves.

When they slip up, people say: “They’re human. It happens.”
Because they’ve built trust over time—not just admiration.

You Don’t Need Millions. You Need a Few Thousand Who Truly Know You.

Here’s the mindset shift I want you to have:

Don’t aim to be famous. Aim to be trusted.

You don’t need a million followers who barely know you. You need a few thousand who feel like they know you personally. Who trust your word. Who open your emails. Who message you saying, “Hey, your post really helped me.”

That’s the foundation of a sustainable personal brand. That’s what real influence looks like.

If you're reading this newsletter, I already feel like you're part of that tribe. And I want to teach you how to build that kind of brand—one that lasts and leads.

The Bollywood Lesson: Why Stories That Start from Nothing Win Hearts

Ever noticed how the biggest hit movies aren’t about people who were born into privilege?

They’re about people who came from nothing.
Who fought their way up.
Who faced failures, doubts, rejection and still made it through.

That’s why actors like Rajinikanth and movies based on rags-to-riches stories resonate deeply. People relate to the struggle. They see themselves in the character.

When you build your personal brand, think the same way. Show people where you started. Talk about your failures. Share your internal battles.

Let them see your scars, not just your medals.

Nobody cares about your Ferrari. But everyone’s interested in the mindset that got you through a tough week.
People don’t connect with perfection—they connect with progress.

Here’s What to Share Instead

Instead of showing off the luxury vacation or the fancy gadget, talk about:

• The fear you had before your first webinar.

• The month where you made zero sales and what you learned.

• The imposter syndrome that hits you even after years of success.

• The time you said something wrong publicly and had to fix it with humility.

When you share your challenges, you’re not “lowering your value.” You’re raising your relatability. And that’s the currency of trust.

Personal Branding Isn’t Just Posting on Social Media

Let’s get real for a moment.

There’s a popular belief that building a personal brand is just about:

• Posting daily on Instagram

• Sending newsletters

• Making YouTube videos

While all of that helps, it’s just the tactics.

True personal branding is strategic and psychological.
It’s about how people feel when they see your name.
It’s about how deeply they connect with your values, your story, and your voice.

That’s what I want to teach you.

Introducing: The Mass Trust Internship Program

Over the years, I’ve built a strong personal brand—not through viral hacks or trend-chasing, but by staying authentic, vulnerable, and intentional.

I’ve made mistakes, taken detours, and learned the hard way what works and what doesn’t.

Now, I’m putting all of that into a structured format inside my upcoming Mass Trust Internship Program.

The Launch Webinar is on April 12th, and if this message resonates with you, I strongly recommend you attend.

I’ll walk you through:

• The psychology behind powerful personal brands

• How to build deep audience connection (not just reach)

• What content to share and what to avoid

• The balance between professionalism and vulnerability

• And most importantly, how to stay grounded while building influence

This isn’t about overnight growth. It’s about building something that lasts for decades.

Final Thoughts: Build for the Long Game

If your personal brand is just about attention, it will eventually fade.

But if it’s about adding value, connecting with real people, and serving authentically, it will only grow stronger with time.

Don’t build your brand to impress. Build it to impact.

Don’t aim for fame. Aim for trust.

And don’t do it for yourself. Do it for the people you’re here to help.

I look forward to seeing you inside the Mass Trust Internship.