You didn't say what you would be doing as a freelancer. If it's something like CTO-in-a-box, the easiest path to success is a network of people who already want

You didn't say what you would be doing as a freelancer. If it's something like CTO-in-a-box, the easiest path to success is a network of people who already want to employ you before you leave. In this case "personal branding" is just a good reputation with people you already know. For example, being good friends with a few VCs may be all you need to have a very successful consulting career.