Niall Cleaver

Cupsly

Cupsly was designed as a reminder to slow down to make space for presence in a world that rarely pauses. An object of quiet confidence, crafted for those who lead with intention and dress with care because true connection doesn’t demand attention, it lives in the moments we choose to hold onto.

Founder

Social Library

Are you struggling to grow an engaging community for your business or personal brand.

Stop right there, I think I have you covered ⬇️

This is me (Niall), I'm a 22-year-old who is fascinated by growing communities in the online space. Actual communities that have meaning and purpose. 

The services we provide at Social Library 

➡️ Personal Branding (LinkedIn)

➡️ Guidance & support consulting


Drop me a message to discuss your social media strategy, review how well your current socials/posts are doing, and research how we can build your community and gain you more followers and leads.

or you can email us @

hello@sociallibrary.co.uk

Thistle Scientific Ltd - Where Customer Care Comes Naturally

Distribution Manager

Cleaver Scientific Ltd

Stores and Distribution Team Leader

Documenting the journey of crafting a timeless coffee cup brand | CEO & Founder of Cupsly

Hi, I’m Niall Cleaver, founder of Cupsly, a timeless reusable coffee cup brand launching in 2025.

But my story isn’t about a polished entrepreneur. My journey hasn’t been traditional. I left school without an English qualification, uncertain of what the future held. That failure shaped me, it forced me to think differently, fall into business, and ultimately embrace creativity, resilience, and the belief that change is possible, even when doubted.

Fast forward to today, and I’m the founder of Cupsly. The idea originated from my own frustration in my own life I couldn’t find a reusable coffee cup that matched my style. Everything felt cheap or uninspired, and I hated the idea of carrying something that didn’t reflect me. Cupsly is crafting a reusable coffee cup, elevating it into a symbol of fashion.

EVERY SIP STARTS A STORY

Do you know what I love about working for a family business?

The debates.

I know it sounds weird, but when two generations meet, there are always going to be differences. There's always the little comments like this:

- I think you should do it this way.
- I’m not sure that’s right.
- Are you sure?

But if you take a step back… this is healthy.

It’s what every successful business should be striving for. It’s these differences in opinions that keep it interesting, and it makes your business better.

Great businesses aren’t built by avoiding difficult conversations. They’re built by welcoming them, listening to them, and using them to move forward together.

So I guess I’ve got some more debates with the old man to have.

Growing Thistle Scientific, a UK manufacturer supporting researchers worldwide. Sharing real lessons in business.

There was a time when I’d do anything to avoid the sentence...

“I work for my family business.” But let me explain why this is so wrong.

There are so many of us who are fighting this thought, but we don't have to. It doesn't make you less of a successful person by doing so. Do you know why?

Because you bring your own style
Because you bring a younger perspective
Because you create the change the future needs

Nothing will ever be just handed to you.

If anything, for me, I've felt even more pressure because I want to make sure I take it to the next level. I want to actually earn it.

For ages, I thought success meant carving something out with only my name attached. But the truth is, showing up every day and choosing to improve what’s already there is just as hard, maybe harder.

And it keeps reminding me of something:

You’re not less ambitious because you step into a business.
You’re not less successful because you’re building onto something.

Anyway, just wanted to share what’s been rattling around my head lately.

POV: You decided to take your family business seriously…

Not long ago, I hated the idea of joining the family business.
I thought it meant I couldn’t build something on my own.

But here I am, happier than ever to be part of the mission, working toward what’s next. Building two things wasn’t the plan, but sometimes life guides you somewhere unexpected.

Last week was a big reminder of why this matters…

Two days spent deep in meetings, collaborating, and figuring out the steps to help even more researchers on their journeys.

I’ve got my buzz back. I’m loving it. Loved every minute with the Thistle Scientific team. There’s so much more to come.

P.S. I've never wanted to share this side of my journey, but it's the real side I want to share more of.

If you looked at my LinkedIn, you’d think all I do is build brands.

But behind the scenes, we’re helping cure cancer.

It's incredible to be part of this team, helping to keep the entire world safe. It feels pretty weird to finally open up about this side of my life, but I'm proud of it.

We’re designing and developing products that help researchers cure cancer, create new medicines, and tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges.

I don't know why I've never really spoken about this before, but I'm excited to share more about it and how we continue to help fight some of the world's biggest battles in 2026.

People are getting building in public wrong.

I've seen it happen multiple times...

As someone who has shared a lot of my journey on this platform, and heard everyone telling me to share more and more, but I want to touch on something...

Building in public doesn't mean:

Sharing everything.
Doing it to tick a box.
Doing it because of pressure.

Sharing in public is about strategy.

There's so much pressure for everyone to keep posting and creating content that might not necessarily work for them, but because everyone is telling them to continue to do it.

That's what happened to me, and I fell out of love with it. Losing motivation and jsut doing it out of pure discipline, but I want to go back and create the content I used to love creating, the raw, unfiltered side of my life.

SO WE ARE GOING TO DO THAT

Get other people out of your head and do what's right for you.

It took me almost two years to figure this out…

Rushing and moving quickly are not the same thing.

For a long time, I mixed the two. Everyone said, “Move fast,” but no one explained how. It's been one of the biggest lessons I've learned in business.

I presumed this meant:

Don’t think, just act
Make decisions on the spot

Turns out, that’s how you end up rushing.

And I made stupid mistakes while building Cupsly because of it. Rushing design processes and manufacturing just made everything longer.

But now, only a couple of years later, I've finally broken out of this cycle, and honestly, it’s changed everything. The old saying “sleep on it” couldn't be truer once I started doing it.

Looking back, I can see decisions I rushed that I’d absolutely make differently now. But that’s how you learn. Give yourself breathing room. Process all the information before you move. Some decisions you can’t undo.

Business is fast-paced, yes, but...

It’s also a game of patience. The bigger the decision, the more time it deserves.

Think about risk. Think about impact. Think about the possibility.

Everyone loves to talk about career advice... but this has been by far the most impactful for me.

Curiosity doesn’t make you inexperienced.

When I joined Thistle Scientific, my first instinct was to worry about what I didn’t know: the jargon, the lab protocols, the decades of expertise my colleagues bring to the table.

But every time I asked a “basic” question or admitted I didn’t understand something, I noticed something powerful. It started a conversation for change.

Over time, I’ve realised curiosity belongs everywhere, especially in business.

Because the people who ask why are often the ones who move everyone forward.

You don’t need decades of experience to make an impact:

Sometimes asking, “Why do we do it this way?” opens the door to innovation.
Sometimes being the learner means spotting what others take for granted.
Sometimes, trying things differently brings the best results of all.

A reminder I carry with me every day:

Curiosity belongs in every business.

Lara Acosta

Entrepreneur and investor building businesses online | Featured on Forbes, Kajabi + Semrush | Helped 3,000+ people build their personal brand.

Everyone wants to build a personal brand, and I figured out how.

With over 20M+ impressions, 300,000 followers across socials, and multiple 6 figures made, I can show you how you can build one too (without spending years figuring out how)

In 2022: I was unemployed and trying to get into a master's degree - downloaded LinkedIn
In 2023: I became #1 female creator on LinkedIn by building my personal brand and agency
In 2024: I'm building the best education platform to teach people exactly how to do it

Helped, coached and worked with 500+ build contents systems, increase engagement, improve their writing and beyond using proven strategies that worked for me. 

Here's how I can help you:

1. Subscribe to my YouTube (It's free, and better than people's paid courses!)
2. Join 15,100+ amazing people and subscribe to my newsletter. 
3. Join 500+ members inside Literallyacademy.com

And if you're not ready for either! Welcome to my profile anyway, I talk about writing, storytelling,  personal branding and tell a lot of stories.

See you on the feed 💖

Sponsorships + booking : mary@ladigitalmx.com

pov: you become the first millionaire in your family

i never thought I'd get to write this post.

not long ago i was yet another unemployed student. 

struggled with anxiety and depression.
couldn't land an interview at "my dream" company. 

i'd given up on myself, my dreams and future. 

but my dad never did. not once. 

where i saw struggle, he saw opportunity.

see, my dad grew up poor. picking cotton from the fields in mexico. he worked day and night to get out of it. 

just to be able to give me a life worth living. 

and every day i make sure i do. 

because if i can't do it for me, i'm doing it for him. 

can't complain about my plate being full when the goal was to eat. 

grateful to everyone who's given me a platform to grow.
and proud of whoever is on the same journey.

keep going, i believe in you. 

Repost ♻️ to inspire all other entrepreneurs who are doing it for their parents ❤️

PS: Do we look similar???

I just made my most important Gen-Z hire of my career. 

Without even looking at a CV or an interview.

This hire had something special:

A track record proven by her reputation on LinkedIn. 

I hired her over 100s of other applicants.
Because her LinkedIn proved she could do the job. 

Gen-Z isn’t interested in writing the best CVs.
Gen-Z are building their personal brands instead.

And now many don't need a resume to get a job. 

In days Laiba Javed has:

1. Created systems for the entire business
2. Coordinated with every agency and client I work with.
3. Puts off every fire I start and turns it into gold.

The businesses are on track to hit my 2026 goals.

To be honest, I didn’t have to ask Laiba to prove her “experience” 

She did that a few months ago.
Noticed I needed a right hand woman.

She observed, she studied and came with action.

I hate ideas, I hate "suggestions," and she knew that.

So she let her work speak for itself.
And her reputation to close the deal. 

Anyone can learn anything; that's easy.
But having curiosity and bias for action can't be taught. 

Hiring managers...

Your best hire won't be the person with the shiniest resume.
It'll be the person who's willing to learn.

Give people a chance ❤️

PS: Laiba has been on my watch list for a looong time, so it's MY honour to have her be part of this journey.

Big confession: I'm a big fan of "small accounts".

So today, I'm celebrating my favorite LinkedIn accounts. 

Not the "biggest" ones. Not the most "viral".
But the ones who I think deserve it the most. 

Because community is the backbone of this platform. 

Connecting with people.
Commenting and networking.
Collaborating and supporting.

This is the LinkedIn that built this brand.

Took me 1000s of hours, and now I get to giveback.

So in honour of seeing those following my steps.

And spending hours doing the same....

Here are 10 entrepreneurs in my watchlist. 

Ali Amiri, MD = health advice that can change your life 
Aditi Pilania = mum and on a career growth journey
George Draco = how professionals can use AI today
Mischa Collins = fastest growing personal brand
Guy Massey = proof that any topic works, if you work!
Alan Greenin = making mortaging simple for everyone
Jess Coffman = one of the smartest marketers I've seen
Sophia Spadão = how to build an agency in your 20s
Joseph Tannous = how to get featured in PR and grow
Hayden Swerling = the best HR account right now

I need to keep doing these! So the goal is to do it more.

Look, I know LinkedIn may feel hard.
I know it seems cringe to post sometimes.

Sometimes you may feel like no one is watching.
But we are, I am. 

Keep going, your work will be noticed.

You're only one post away from changing your life.

As always my kings and queens. I'm rooting for you. 

P.S. Who are the creators that deserve more recognition? I'll be following ALL of them. 

Happy Sunday!

pov: you’re building a business in london 

(surrounded by 8-figure founders because of LinkedIn) 

building a personal brand changed my life, forever.

sure it built my business… 
but it gave me what I needed the most.

high-value friends who won’t let me quit.

timo & chris are 2 of them. 

they gave me a chance when 99% wouldn’t
they clapped so loud i never noticed who didn’t 

they’ve given me their platforms to shine and grow.

all because i didn't let my fear stop me. 
and when it did, my friends stopped it for me.

specially, Timothy. 

and today is my time to celebrate him, loudly.
but you're coming with me.

join me at his book launch january 10th.
i'll be speaking on stage alongside:

Daniel Priestley, Chris Donnelly, Simon Squibb!

we'll be sharing every single lesson on business and marketing we've learnt along the way.

free to attend, 5 hours straight, $10,000 worth in prizes!

this is your time to finally launch your business, get investment or even, build a brand. 

link is here for anyone who wants to sign up:

https://lnkd.in/e_zeuYeV

PS: I'll be giving away thousands in surprises too. 

PPS: tag that 1 person that claps loudly for you! they deserve it! 

repost ♻️ to win a copy of his book (it changed my life)

My 4-step writing framework is unbeatable.

(If you're stuck at low likes and impressions, read this)

Everyone is talking about the algorithm changing.
But small creators are going viral using this hack.

I called it the SLAY Framework:

1. The first 3 lines of your post should be a story.
2. Then on line 4 lead with a lesson for your audience.
3. Add to the post using actionable advice (listicles).
4. Finish with a question that puts the ball in their court.

Storytelling is the ultimate weapon for LinkedIn growth.

Because in a platform oversaturated with information...
Don't focus on facts, focus on emotions.

They'll remember you forever. 
.
Bonus: Think about the lesson 1st, and the story 2nd.

Your main goal is to educate using stories as the vehicle.

♻️ Repost this to make storytelling easy for everyone.

PS: I've seen the SLAY framework used 2x today on viral posts with 1k+ likes! My job here is done 🤝

You don't need algorithm hacks to grow on LinkedIn.

I spent the last 90 days testing every growth hack I could find. Here's what actually works:

(Based on analyzing content in different niches)

1. Hyper-specific content (3x a week)

• Solve one exact problem per post
• Use industry language your clients use
• Speak directly to one person

Adam Robinson has mastered this for B2B. 
Nausheen I. Chen is killing it for B2C. 

Address their problems directly. 

i.e "Stop losing credibility with your body language."

2. Proof-First Content

80% tactical step-by-step frameworks and screenshots.
20% stories on how you're doing it (use stories)

The 80% builds trust, the 20% engages them more. 

Educate and storytell. Always both. 

3. LinkedIn Video (let me explain...)

Video reach might be down right now.
But it's the fastest way to prove authority. 

LinkedIn video is ok.
Linkedin Lives? They're a goldmine.

We had a LinkedIn live with 200 people.
Made $10,000 from it. 

People buy from people they trust. Video accelerates this! 

I'd limit these to 2 a month, though, no pressure. 

I left a checklist for you in the image below for you to script your first Linkedin video too btw.

This is the no-bs blueprint for entrepreneurs. 

It's not about more volume, it's about more insights.

Dominating LinkedIn isn't just about virality right now.
It's about building a brand that earns trust.

Keep your focus on your 1 thing. 

The rest will follow.

I've just recorded a private video on how to dominate "storytelling" on LinkedIn like an expert. 

If you want it ♻️ repost this post and I'll send it to you (20 people max). 

PS: Which step do you struggle with the most? 

--
PS: Got a surprise for you today, get 50% off my programmes until the end of November here: https://lnkd.in/e4RKsGx9

I got rejected from (nearly) every single job I applied to.

5yrs of Industry experience. 2 degrees. But 0 offers.

The consistent rejections made me feel unemployable.

So, I started writing on LinkedIn daily.

If you're not seeing any luck either:

Swap writing Resumes for writing posts on Linkedin
Quit waiting for opportunities and build your own.
Build an undeniable network that lifts you up.

1 month of writing on Linkedin → 10x more visibility.

Lesson? Become unemployable to others.

Build your own job instead. 

PS: I'm running a GIVEAWAY to celebrate nearly hitting 50k on YouTube! I'm giving away over $1,000 worth in prizes to the next 100 people who subscribe https://lnkd.in/eyMb42iX

To enter:

1. Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
2. Screenshot that you have and comment the photo

Winners will be announced on the 17th of November!

I built my first business to 6-figures after class. 

The reason? I didn't wait until "I felt ready" and you shouldn't either, because you already are. 

You don't need a logo, your first customers won't care.
You don't need a website, your ideal client wants proof.

You don't even need a shiny degree, you just need skill.

We're taught to wait until everything is perfect.
But perfect never comes, procrastination does, though. 

If you want to launch your new business.
Or promote a new offer you've been perfecting. 

Do this instead: 

1. List the 5 key problems you are solving for someone. 
2. Ask ChatGPT to expand on why this needs solving.
3. Create content on LinkedIn using the pain + solution
4. Use social proof wherever you can (can borrow it too)
5. Post case studies of people who you've helped
6. If you haven't yet, write about how this helped you
7. Take 10 people on this offer for free to get real results
8. Create content around these repeating steps 1-5

One fool-proof way to get clients (free or paid):

1. Search for people who look like you can help on Linky.
2. Send them a loom or gamma doc with your system
3. Tell them step-by-step how you can help immediatley 

Do this 20x a week, I guarantee you'll land a client.

Bonus tip: Implement your offer for them for free, so they can see the value of your work instantly. 

Trust me, after 4 weeks coaching next to 8-figure agency owners, this STILL works. 

This is what I did too, and would do again. 

No website, no crazy credentials, not even a logo.

Literally just a calendly link, a canva pitch and content that made people reach out.

Closed clients with the loom approach.

This isn't about virality, it's about making money. 
Your ideal client might not like the post and make it viral.

But they'll 100% reach out if you follow this strategy. 

I'll be expanding on some of the points in the comments.
Which step do you get stuck on the most? I'll help! 

Repost ♻️ so everyone wins in 2026!

How to build a personal brand in 90 seconds.

(The ultimate LinkedIn Content Crash Course)

Step 1: Skill and value
Step 2: Content themes + consistency
Step 3: Hooks and how to write them
Step 4: Leveraged Networking to grow

These are the main 4 key elements of a winning brand.

Watch the video and get the full tutorial!

PS: My Black Friday deal is ON! Get 50% off my programmes and mentorship. 
Here we go: https://lnkd.in/e4RKsGx9


(Please repost this for your network ♻️ Thank you)

I've coached over 3,000+ entrepreneurs and creators.

Today, I want to review your posts for free.

But there are thousands of you here ( and only 1 me) 

So - I’ve got a special gift for you today: 

I built a GPT that behaves like me. 

It grades your posts on 3 specific checkpoints.

1. Clarity
2. Proof
3. Capture

And tells you what to fix in 60 seconds.

If you're ready to get brutally roasted.
And get the feedback on your hooks and content...

I built an FREE AI tool that does this for you. 
I call it the AI Post Analyzer.

(Deleting in 42hrs)

PS: The algorithm rewards what readers finish.

Write for readers first. Optimize for views after.

Profile optimization is overrated. Honestly. 

Focus on your content first. Comment 50x a day instead..

This is something you'll hear me say a lot. 

Because most people waste endless hours here.
Optimizing everything but have no traffic.

But....

If your content is getting traction.
You're commenting and networking daily.

But you're not seeing an increase in conversions.

Then your profile might be the problem. 

Most people will see your post.
They'll go to your profile looking for proof.
And if they're convinced, they'll book a call with you. 

So your next task after nailing content?

Optimizing your profile.

1. Your profile photo = shows warmth 
2. Your banner = shows instant proof 
3. Your featured section = tells them where to go

I made you a guide so you can implement it today.

Follow it step by step and position yourself as an expert.

PS: What colour did we like more black or white?

Repost ♻️ if you want more breakdowns like this

PS: Got a surprise for you today, get 50% off my programmes until the end of November here: https://lnkd.in/e4RKsGx9

The Ultimate LinkedIn Profile Optimization Guide (1)

This simple LinkedIn funnel made us hit $200k+ 

(In under 2 weeks, without doing outbound).

So let me walk you through exactly what I did for my content strategy.

Watch the 12-minute video for the entire breakdown.

I covered:

1. How do I don't burn my audience while launching offers
2. How to drive traffic to an offer and how to convert it 
3. The secret Linkedin weapon no one is using right now

Now, I rushed to post this because it's black friday.
One of the biggest sales months for businesses.

If you have an offer, and want to monetise it...
This is your perfect chance to launch it. 

This is literally all it takes.

Content to grow, emails to launch and webinars to convert. 

My black friday offer? 50% off everything. 

Get all of my courses in 1 for 50% off today. 

(offer expires in a few days...) 

Grab it here: https://lnkd.in/e4RKsGx9

PS: Is this useful? Should I make more videos like this?

taplio

The Battle

Niall Cleaver

Lara Acosta

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance ScoreNiall Cleaver's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreLara Acosta's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

taplio

The Battle

Niall Cleaver

Lara Acosta

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Niall Cleaver's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreLara Acosta's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

Performance ScoreNiall Cleaver's LinkedIn Performance