This month, The Rally Museum in Soho was abuzz for a special edition of Bevel, Books & Bourbon, marking the first event of 2024. The evening was graced by none other than Ryan Serhant, the powerhouse behind SERHANT., a real estate brokerage that defies traditional boundaries, a best-selling author, and a familiar face from Bravo’s hit shows "Million Dollar Listing New York" and "Sell It Like Serhant."

The focus of the night was on Ryan's third book, "Brand It Like Serhant: Stand Out From the Crowd, Build Your Following, and Earn More Money," a guide that promises to revolutionize the way we think about branding in the digital era. Attendees had the exclusive opportunity to get their copies signed by Ryan (for those who hadn’t already pre-ordered!).

Ryan shared invaluable insights into the art of personal and professional branding, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and differentiation. He advocated for treating TikTok as a diary for your brand, while Instagram should serve as your portfolio, highlighting the strategic use of social media in building a brand. Ryan’s formula for success is straightforward yet profound: core identity shapes perception, which in turn forms reputation and ultimately defines your BRAND.

One of the key takeaways from the evening was the concept of finding your "and" - that unique element that sets you apart from the crowd. Ryan underscored the danger of trying to be everything to everyone, a pitfall that dilutes brand identity, sharing his personal strategy of specializing in luxury real estate and media to carve out a niche for himself.

Looking ahead, Ryan predicted that live content (across platforms like TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram) is poised to be the next frontier following the short-form content wave, urging brands and individuals alike to embrace this trend.

The evening wasn’t just about branding wisdom; it was a celebration of community, complete with bourbon cocktails and light bites, fostering connections among executives, founders, media professionals, marketers, and investors. It was a night of learning, networking, and inspiration, setting a high bar for the rest of Bevel’s 2024 Books & Bourbon events.

For those who missed out, the key message is clear: in a world where digital noise is louder than ever, standing out requires authenticity, a clear identity, and a willingness to share your unique story. Ryan Serhant’s insights are not just principles for branding success but a call to action for anyone looking to make a mark in today’s digital landscape.