About

Dillon Kivo is the founder of PersonalBranding.com, the best-selling author of “The Authority Playbook,” and the former Founder & Editor-In-Chief of Kivo Daily Magazine.

AUTHORITY = Consistency + Social Proof + Skill + Knowledge + Experience

Your online reputation is your personal brand. What people find when they Google you is their first impression of who you are. Social media makes it easy for anyone to form opinions about you, whether accurate or not.

Authority is the antidote to this. When you establish yourself as an authority in your field, you control the narrative. People are more likely to trust and respect someone who is seen as an expert. Building authority helps you shape public perception, counteracting misinformation and ensuring that your reputation aligns with your true character and abilities.

That’s why AUTHORITY is everything. It can be the foundation of a successful business and a fulfilling career.

For years, I've helped individuals and brands build and leverage their authority to grow their brand. As a former editor-in-chief of a leading digital publication, I’ve seen firsthand the power of storytelling and content creation in shaping perceptions and driving engagement.

My Take On Authority

There is no greater force for success in the world. It separates the experts from the novices and the influencers from the followers. With it, you exude a strong presence among your peers, a more prominent position in your industry, and the ability to live an impactful life.

- Dillon Kivo

Being so passionate about this subject, I decided to compile my insights and experiences into a book. What began as an initiative to share my knowledge with others ended up being a best-selling resource for those who have the same vision as I once did.

My book, The Authority Playbook, delves deep into the science and art of authority building. It’s not just about self-promotion; it's about establishing yourself as a trusted advisor, a thought leader, and an industry standard-bearer.

I believe that everyone has the potential to become an authority in their own right. It's about identifying your unique strengths, developing a compelling narrative, and consistently delivering value to your audience.

Getting here wasn’t easy. It required countless hours of hard work, sacrifice, and a clear vision of where I wanted to go. Despite the challenges, I persisted. I kept pushing forward, fueled by a determination to succeed.

Let me take you back to where it all began.

In 2016, I was flat broke, working the lunch rush at a McDonald’s in California. After my shift, I’d hustle on my side business until 2 a.m. This struggle had been going on for over two years.

I was persistent in getting my name out there. I threw everything I had into building my brand: websites, Facebook ads, Instagram influencers, networking events, courses, podcasts—you name it.

The advice was clear: This is how you build a successful business. But time and again, the results were anything but.

My company was a ghost town, and I was drowning in doubt. It was a brutal reality check.

Until something wild happened…

I packed my bags for Nashville and landed a job with a $310 million empire.

It was a long shot, but my past in service had somehow landed me a spot as a PR assistant.

Hidden behind closed doors, this company was a machine. I was obsessed with understanding its secret sauce. Paul, the CEO, was a legend, transforming from a struggling LA kid to a millionaire. I saw in him a potential mentor and guide for my own journey, so I took matters into my own hands.

I took a massive gamble, and I begged for a chance to join his inner circle. It was a shot in the dark, but my relentless work ethic paid off.

He opened his world to me, revealing the power of free publicity, media connections, and building a strong personal brand.

From that point on, everything changed.

My journey has taught me the importance of perseverance and dedication, two values I hold very dear.

Learn, do the work, and get out there. The only one capable of stopping you is yourself.

Thankfully, that wasn't the case for me!

So go ahead, build your authority. You never know who is seeking the expertise, knowledge, or advice that can only come from you.

Cheers,

Dillon