Welcome to an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at a recent episode of the “All Things Book Marketing” podcast, where host Marissa Eigenbrood, President of Smith Publicity, sat down with Owen Sammarone, the innovative founder of Unleash the Knowledge. Owen’s agency specializes in personal branding and ghostwriting, helping founders, executives, and authors increase their influence on LinkedIn.

Introducing Owen Sammarone: “LinkedIn Growth Guy”

Owen, a long-standing friend of Smith Publicity, shared his journey from a non-reader to a voracious consumer of books. With a background in basketball under Coach Dan Hurley, Owen was inspired to explore habits and success through the written word, eventually turning his insights into a thriving LinkedIn-focused business. His company helps leaders transform their ideas into compelling content without the burden of countless online hours.

Building a Brand with Books and Beyond

Books are often the foundation of thought leadership, Owen notes, serving as tangible products in a brand’s ecosystem. However, the content must be shared across various platforms to maximize impact. Owen shared his early experiences promoting books and building a community that values growth and learning. Through storytelling and engagement, Owen leveraged his knowledge to create meaningful connections with audiences on LinkedIn.

Navigating the Nuances of LinkedIn Engagement

A key to success on LinkedIn is avoiding the common pitfall of “pitch slapping,” where new connections are immediately followed by sales pitches. Owen emphasizes the importance of authentic engagement, suggesting strategies that prioritize relationship-building over aggressive sales tactics. By personalizing interactions and offering genuine value through content, professionals can foster long-term connections.

The Intersection of AI and Human Connection When Creating Content

As AI becomes more prevalent, Owen advocates for maintaining a human touch in content creation. While AI can assist in generating ideas and drafting content, the personal nuances of communication are crucial. Owen highlights the potential of AI in enhancing marketing strategies but cautions against losing sight of authentic human interaction.

Looking Ahead: The Future of LinkedIn and Personal Branding

As we approach 2026, Owen encourages professionals to leverage digital tools while maintaining core human values. The ability to form genuine connections remains paramount, even as technology evolves. For leaders and innovators, the challenge lies in integrating these advancements without sacrificing the personal elements of their brand.

Connecting with Owen and Unleash the Knowledge

To learn more about Owen’s strategies and insights, visit unleash the knowledge.com or connect with him on LinkedIn and Instagram. Owen continues to share valuable content, including personalized messages, to support professionals in their branding journeys.

Whether you’re an author, thought leader, or executive, the lessons from Owen Sammarone’s journey offer a roadmap to navigating LinkedIn effectively while staying true to the human-centric principles that drive genuine engagement and meaningful growth. Join the conversation and harness the power of personal branding to shape your professional legacy.

 

Owen Sammarone is the founder and CEO of Unleash The Knowledge, a personal-branding and thought-leadership agency that helps B2B founders, consultants, and executives turn their LinkedIn presence into a powerful, consistent driver of authority and

He’s become known in the industry as a go-to “LinkedIn Growth Guy,” offering insights on how to turn content into consistent inbound demand, build authority, and scale influence — whether you’re an author, consultant, or executive looking to expand your impact

 

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