On brand.
For the lone wolves, free thinkers, and unique creators, here are a few thoughts and ideas to help big dreamers like you go bigger.
I Love My Pet Brand Even When It Pees on My Carpet
Don’t trash talk my favorite brand. Because I love it. Yes, I know there are other brands out there that sell products that function just as well—if not better—but I don’t care. It's my brand. I know I’m irrational. I realize I pay more than the going rate. But I still love my brand—even when it makes a mess.
Thank a Friend Today for Not Lying to You
My friend’s unmanipulated truth inspired me, put me into action, and — ultimately — deepened my relationship with him. His honesty was a gift. I think about the people in my life that have made an indelible impact on me, and those are the people who live and act honestly. The ones who told me what I needed to hear. The ones who exposed my blind spots. The ones who gave it to me straight.
What my crappy portfolio taught me about branding.
As a budding copywriter from Florida's west coast, I managed to connect with a bunch of New York City Creative Directors at big-time agencies for a handful of meetings. I couldn't contain my excitement. I couldn't believe my good fortune. My dream job at a big NYC agency was just a conversation away. All I needed was one foot in the door, and one CD to see the delicious brilliance of my work. Just one.
How to Borrow an Audience to Build Awareness
One of the best ways to build your brand is to find great partnerships and "borrow" their audience—even if there is some crossover in your offering. My collaborators often trust me to engage their audience with valuable content. And I am able to spread the word about what I do to new prospects.
Don't Just Aim for the Target Audience. Aim for the Bullseye.
One part of developing a powerful brand story is to focus your energy and focus your storytelling on one person. Literally, one person. Your bullseye target. Real or imagined, if you can conjure up that one person in your mind, you can empathize and relate to them in ways that you can't with a group of people.
Are you a blur?
Most people do their work, cash their check, and repeat every week without the intention of creating personal brand value. Here's my latest post on what can happen when you don't invest time and energy in building your personal brand.
Personal branding is really about personal growth.
What is personal branding anyway? Maybe this article will make you think of it differently.
Peddling paradise with Raquel Marra.
It’s rare that advertising and Yoga intersect. To celebrate, I’d like to introduce my friend and Yogi badass, Raquel Marra. She’s hosting a magical sea-side Yoga retreat in Colombia next month and asked for my opinion on her flyer. Check out what I had to say.