Branded

Welcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding. On today's episode, we're talking about Larry's favorite topic: artificial intelligence. We're looking at the implications of the advancing technology—both positive and negative—and how we can utilize it for our brands while maintaining brand integrity. We discuss how to "AI-proof" your brand and some of the platforms we're currently using to help with content creation, including ChatGPT, Claude, and Opus. Plus, you'll be first to know about Larry's new upcoming podcast! Key takeaways: 1. Understanding AI's Pervasiveness: Larry emphasizes how AI has become pervasive, integrating into different aspects of life and across industries. He highlights the swift advancements in AI technologies and their implications for businesses, urging listeners to consider how AI can transform their specific niches. 2. AI-Proofing Strategies: Larry shares his approach to "AI-proofing" various sectors through tailored talks, aiming to help businesses stay relevant despite AI advancements. This involves developing strategies for integrating AI while retaining the human touch that distinguishes brands. 3. The Importance of Human Elements: We discuss the critical role of emotional intelligence and human connection, which AI cannot mimic. We discuss the importance of maintaining human elements in business operations to differentiate from AI-driven solutions and forge genuine connections with audiences. 4. Ethical Considerations and AI Integration: Through examples like autonomous taxis in Phoenix and personal experiences with integrated home systems, we underline the necessity of ethical considerations and the potential socioeconomic implications of AI. We stress the need for accessibility and responsible AI development. 5. Leveraging AI Tools: We share our experiences with various AI tools that aid content creation, from generating text with ChatGPT and Claude AI to video content with platforms like Opus. We emphasize the importance of using these tools responsibly to avoid inaccuracies and to preserve brand integrity. [embed]https://youtu.be/EbLA07EuXt0?si=dv0n1cB-Xle38zMR[/embed]

Welcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding. We just returned from Speakonomics in Dallas, so today we wanted to focus a little bit on public speaking. There are different ways to be a speaker, and we both see ourselves more as presenters and facilitators than speakers, which we'll explore further. We also discuss forced vulnerability and the disconnect that comes from trying to tie an emotional story to a message that really doesn't align. In an act of true vulnerability, Larry shares his own experience of giving two different presentations just hours after saying his final goodbye to his beloved dog, Buddy. He talks about how his commitment to his brand had to come first in order to follow through on the promise his brand stands for. Of course, this episode is dedicated to Buddy and we hope his tail is wagging as he chases squirrels across the Rainbow Bridge. Key takeaways: 1. Impact of Speaking Engagements on Branding: Larry emphasizes the importance of speaking engagements as a tool for building your brand and enhancing credibility. He discusses how speaking can position you as a thought leader and is sometimes a "necessary evil" for reinforcing a brand's authority. 2. Differences in Public Speaking Styles: Sara shares insights on the differing challenges and opportunities between motivational speaking versus educational speaking. She observes that motivational speaking often involves more difficulty in securing stages compared to educational speaking, where content expertise leads to opportunities. 3. The Value of Storytelling in Speeches: Both hosts discuss how powerful personal stories can positively or negatively impact a speech. They note the importance of ensuring personal stories are relevant and well-integrated into the speech’s main objective to avoid it feeling like "forced vulnerability." 4. Strategic Approach to Speaking: Larry advocates starting your speaking career as a facilitator or educator, which can be more straightforward and less intimidating. He also stresses the importance of being specific about the message and target audience when pitching for speaking slots. 5. Resilience and Commitment to the Brand: Larry shares a personal story about dealing with a profound personal loss on the day of a major speaking engagement. He illustrates his commitment to his professional responsibilities and the integrity of his brand, highlighting how crucial it is to fulfill commitments and maintain professionalism, regardless of personal challenges. [embed]https://youtu.be/TZHQ6iTN0iQ[/embed]

Welcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding. This episode is doubling as a celebration! Drum roll please... Sara's book is finally out! We've talked about publishing books in previous episodes, but now we're focusing on the journey and process behind Open This Book: The Art of Storytelling for Aspiring Thought Leaders. We're covering the imposter syndrome that almost derailed it, what it means to be a thought leader, and her approach to writing without a deadline in mind. Note from Sara: Thank you to everyone who supports our podcast and this book! If you want to order a copy, you'll find it here: https://a.co/d/hZEFey7 Key takeaways: 1. The Value of Personal Stories in Branding: Sara emphasizes the importance of sharing personal stories and experiences as a means to enhance and authenticate one's brand. Her book "Open This Book: The Art of Storytelling for Aspiring Thought Leaders" focuses on storytelling as a powerful tool for thought leaders to connect with their audience. 2. The Process and Challenges of Writing a Book: Both Sara and Larry discuss their individual journeys in writing and publishing their books. Sara shares insights about not rushing the writing process, allowing for inspiration, and the importance of authenticity over adhering strictly to deadlines. This contrasts with Larry’s approach, where he sees value in meeting deadlines to achieve publication goals. 3. Imposter Syndrome and Self-Perception: Sara talks about dealing with imposter syndrome, especially when stepping into roles that they previously viewed as beyond their reach, such as speaking at conferences or publishing a book. Both hosts discuss how their perceptions of being part of an "elite group" changed once they themselves became part of that group. 4. Niche Targeting in Publications and Podcasts: Both the book and the podcast highlight the importance of appealing to specific niches. Sara mentions that her book isn’t for everyone, but for those who are looking to improve their storytelling skills. This is paralleled in their podcasting approach, where they cater to specific listeners interested in personal and professional branding. 5. Role of Books in Credibility and Brand Building: We discuss how authoring a book can significantly boost your credibility and strengthen your brand, regardless of the scale of its deployment (big bookstore presence or self-publishing platforms like Amazon). We highlight that even if the book sells to a small audience, the very act of completing and publishing a book can enhance professional standing and influence. [embed]https://youtu.be/cQT0HcK7wVI?si=XocDznRJ5zT-9aP6[/embed]

Welcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding. On this episode, we're talking about an easy way that you can grow your brand, position yourself as a thought leader, and establish your authority in your niche: ebooks!Publishing an ebook is not hard and we're sharing our methods for creating them. Not only do they help with SEO and credibility, they can be used to grow your email list to turn people into leads.Sara's eBook LibraryKey takeaways:1. Ebooks as Branding Tools: Larry and Sara stress the importance of ebooks in establishing yourself as a thought leader, branding, and potentially laying the groundwork for writing full-fledged books. Ebooks can serve as authoritative pieces that associate your name with a particular subject matter.2. Leveraging Speaking Engagements: Both hosts have experience in integrating ebooks with their speaking engagements. They suggest using ebooks as follow-up material for audiences, providing in-depth knowledge on the topics discussed on stage. QR codes are mentioned as a great tool to distribute these ebooks during presentations.3. Lead Generation: Sara explains that offering free ebooks in exchange for email addresses can be a powerful lead generation tool. This method not only provides value through the ebook but also enables continued marketing through an email series to the recipients, furthering business opportunities.4. Content Creation with AI: Larry mentions his use of AI tools such as ChatGPT to create ebooks quickly. He describes the ease of generating outlines and full chapters, suggesting that AI can streamline writing and reduce the workload substantially, highlighting the efficiency that technology can bring to content creation.5. Personalization and Brand Consistency: Discussing ebook designs and themes, Sara emphasizes tailoring the content to the target audience while maintaining her voice and brand identity. Larry also talks about having consistent branding throughout his AI-proof series, thereby reinforcing brand recognition.Bonus Takeaway: Domain Names for Ebooks: In the wrap-up of the podcast, Sara and Larry discuss purchasing custom domain names for each ebook as a strategy to simplify the sharing process and add credibility. They emphasize the ease and potential low cost of buying domain names aligned with the ebook topics.

Welcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding. We are so excited to have Liz Wilcox with us--the Fresh Princess of Email Marketing and a current contestant on season 46 of CBS's Survivor. We're talking about how her expertise in email marketing allowed her to live on an island for a month to tape the show while still having her business run smoothly and profitably. We're also asking a question that comes up often with reality television stars: how does reality TV impact a personal brand? She shares how she remained authentic throughout the experience, the negativity that has surrounded her on Reddit and Twitter, the current impacts she is seeing on her business and brand as episodes release, and the long-term impact she expects to see. Plus, the Fresh Princess of Email Marketing is giving away the secret to email success: Her Mega Email Swipe File available for download here: https://lizwilcox.ck.page/4072e76815. Key Takeaways: 1. Personal Branding on Reality TV: Liz Wilcox's experience on Survivor showcased the positive effects that reality TV can have on personal branding and business growth, as she gained new subscribers and increased attention for her business, counter to her initial concerns about a negative portrayal impacting her brand. 2. The Power of Authenticity: Liz emphasizes the importance of authenticity in brand identity, exemplifying this principle by staying true to her values and persona, even during her time off for Survivor. This authenticity has played a key role in helping her stay top of mind with her customers. 3. Resilience Against Backlash: Despite facing accusations of being a scammer and public backlash on platforms like Instagram and Reddit, Liz's true community continued to support her robustly, showing the strength of a loyal customer base and the importance of not letting criticism hinder personal and brand growth. 4. Adapting Personal Brands: Both Liz Wilcox and hosts Larry Roberts and Sara Lohse discuss evolving personal brands to cater to different audiences and to reflect growing opportunities, revealing the dynamic nature of brand management. 5. Email Marketing and Strategic Positioning: Liz's expertise in email marketing allowed her to take significant time off to fulfill a childhood dream, all while maintaining a steady income. Her strategic approach to branding, both in her business and on Survivor, is highlighted by her ability to stand out and connect with others through her marketing skills and distinctive personal style. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPMh6K3s9us[/embed] About Liz Wilcox: The Fresh Princess of Email Marketing, Liz Wilcox is an Email Strategist and Keynote Speaker showing small businesses how to build online relationships, package up their “magic” and turn it into emails that people want to read and, most importantly, purchase from. Liz's Website Facebook Group Instagram  

Welcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding. We are excited to have our friend Kristin Chadwick on the show. She is a podcast producer and coach and the host of the Podcast Coaching for Kingdom Entrepreneurs podcast. We cover a lot in this conversation, partly because we get a little off topic. In this episode, we're talking about the art of genuine content creation, from the importance of speaking authentically to the pivotal role of emotion and human connection. Kristen shares her insights on the transformative power of podcasting in personal narratives, Larry shares his challenges of conquering camera shyness through NaPodPoMo, and Sara shares how she helped a client record a natural-sounding podcast trailer.We'll also talk about overcoming the notorious imposter syndrome, an experience we all understand well. Plus, expect personal stories, practical tips on AI tools, and even some book recommendations (including Sara's upcoming book, Open This Book, of course!).So, tune in, get comfortable, and let's explore the influences of podcasting on journalism, the beauty of personal stories in building connections, and how embracing our whole heart in content creation can lead to genuine impact.Key Takeaways:1. Authenticity and Human Connection: The hosts and guest emphasized the importance of bringing authenticity and emotion into podcasting to foster human connections. Kristen Chadwick's experience with her podcast "Holistic Hearts" underlined the impact of integrating personal stories to resonate with audiences and create change.2. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Larry Roberts, Sara Lohse, and Kristin Chadwick shared their personal encounters with imposter syndrome, recommending strategies for overcoming it such as embracing continual growth, with a book recommendation titled "The Middle Finger Project."3. Adapting to Solo Recording Challenges: The episode discussed the various ways podcasters can adapt to the challenges of solo recording, from using teleprompter features to having supportive presences or visualizing the audience during recordings, aiming for a conversational tone.4. The Evolution of News Delivery: The guests and hosts examined the evolving landscape of journalism, where podcasts and personal narratives play an increasing role. Kristen Chadwick speculated on how the authentic approach of podcasting could influence traditional news broadcasting.5. Building Connections Through Shared Stories: Conversations in the episode underscored the universal nature of storytelling in creating strong connections. Everyone has a story worth sharing, and those personal accounts can be powerful, particularly in a branding context where they can empower and inspire listeners.

Welcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding. On today's episode, we are joined by Daniel Den, the co-creator of the X Factor Effect methodology and author of the book "Ideas That Influence." We met Daniel at Podfest earlier this year and he was excited to send us each a mysterious box. When we got opened it, it was a guided experience that almost felt like an escape room with parts of the book prompting you to open secret envelopes and reveal extra goodies. The idea definitely stood out, so we brought him on the show to talk about how he created it and how brands can design experiences that make them stand out even without a large budget. Key takeaways: 1. Affordable Impactful Branding: Daniel Den emphasized the necessity for brands to create impactful and memorable brand activations without overspending. He highlighted the importance of incorporating "sticky" elements that resonate with the audience and can be implemented cost-effectively. 2. Experiential Branding and Engagement: The hosts, along with guest Daniel Den, discussed how experiential elements like user-generated content, interactive events, and personalized promotional boxes can significantly increase audience engagement and create a more vivid brand presence. 3. The Power of the Unboxing Experience: Daniel Den and the hosts touched upon how products and services can be enhanced with an intriguing unboxing experience, which can stimulate the consumer's excitement and encourage them to share their experiences on social media. 4. Front-End Sacrifice for Back-End Profits: Daniel Den outlined a marketing strategy where initial losses from giveaways or discounted offers are accepted to build customer relationships, with the expectation of higher profits from future upselling opportunities in programs such as mentoring or masterminds. 5. The "X Factor Effect":The episode delved into the importance of brands being unique and creating an "x factor" that deeply connects with their audience. The effectiveness of this approach was exemplified by referring to memorable events like Steve Jobs' 2009 iPhone launch. Encouraging engagement, building immersive experiences, and fostering brand connection through clever, cost-effective means were the central themes of this podcast episode. Get your box for just the cost of shipping at www.bigideasbox.com. [embed]https://youtu.be/9Lb0Wp5iljs?si=8tE9Q8zN3cqOYQn0[/embed] About Daniel Den: DANIEL DEN became fascinated with marketing and sales almost two decades ago. Today he is the co-creator of the X Factor Effect methodology where he and his team have helped over 20,000 students and clients grow their businesses. Daniel teaches that “Different is the new Better” and his framework includes nine pillars for differentiating your business so that you can become a market leader or category king. For several years, Daniel traveled the world full time with his wife and four children. They continue to travel often and now live in Florida. Daniel Den is the author of the new book "Ideas That Influence," that was built to help business owners discover their own WILDLY SUCCESSFUL MARKETING IDEAS!

(Previously Released Episode) On this episode of Branded, Larry and Sara are joined by Joe Saul-Sehy to talk about how he built one of the biggest podcasts in the industry, and also dive into the role he played in Sara's own story. At Podcast Movement 2021 in Nashville, Sara stalked the host of Stacking Benjamins and accidentally got herself booked on the show to tell the story of the time she got a tattoo of a penis while in Ireland. Joe tells his side of that interaction and how he created The Girl With the Penis Tattoo. With his mullet strategy, Joe talks about how to grow a small podcast into a huge success and make a show that leads with entertainment. He shares his tactics for crafting impactful interviews, the importance of creating interesting and entertaining content, and the value of investing in the necessary skill sets to generate engaging conversations. Key Takeaways: 1. Crafting Compelling Content: Joe emphasized creating interesting and entertaining content. Regardless of the type of product or message, we are all in the entertainment business first and foremost. Joe shared a hilarious story about a tattoo gone wrong, which served as an example of the kind of content we aim to create to entertain our listeners. 2. Building a Successful Show: Joe acknowledged the presence of another more professional and research-focused host on the show, showcasing the importance of finding a balance. He revealed that Branded underwent some changes to make it more accessible and entertaining, akin to "The Tonight Show." While these changes initially led to some setbacks, the show eventually improved and even received awards from reputable publications like Kiplinger. 3. Interview Techniques: Joe offered valuable insights into the art of interviewing. He drew inspiration from legendary interviewers like Larry King, Barbara Walters, Howard Stern, and Mark Marron. Joe stressed the significance of being genuinely curious and asking meaningful questions that delve into the heart of the guest's book or topic. Crafting interviews that are engaging, informative, and leave the audience wanting more is no easy feat. 4. Investing in Skill Sets: The importance of investing in individual skill sets cannot be overstated. Joe shared how he personally invested in learning comedy and public speaking to enhance his hosting abilities. Drawing from his experience as a professional PR person for American Express, he highlighted the value of specific skill sets in generating meaningful conversations on the show. 5. Overcoming Challenges: Joe shared his frustration with success stories that lack practical advice on how to achieve it. He emphasized the importance of actively reducing friction in communication, listening to criticism, and finding truth in the message even amidst snark or negativity. Joe encouraged fellow podcasters to become students of what causes friction in their content and improve upon it. 6. The Serious-Fun Mix: Joe drew a captivating analogy, likening a good podcast to a mullet - serious content in the front and fun or entertaining elements in the back. Striking a balance between educational and enjoyable content is key to keeping our listeners engaged and coming back for more. Check out the before and after pictures of the famous tattoo on Sara's website! [embed]https://youtu.be/tl1fcZqLh-M?si=7jiMJUvOwNH30x8c[/embed] About Joe Saul-Sehy Joe is the creator and co-host of the Stacking Benjamins and Stacking Deeds podcasts and the creator of a network of five podcasts (plus a monthly contributor to another!). Current board member at large of The Plutus Foundation. Former board president of Partnership For The Pathway. Joe is a former financial advisor (16 years) and represented American Express and Ameriprise in the media. He was the “Money Man” at Detroit television WXYZ-TV, appearing twice weekly. He’s appeared in Bride, Best Life, and Child magazines, the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Sun-Times, Detroit News and Baltimore Sun newspapers. He’s also appeared online in more than 200 different places, including CNBC.com and WSJ.com.

Welcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding. Networking is something we know we need to do, but how can we do it well? In this episode, we're sharing a few tips for networking in social and professional settings so you can grow your brand. We talk about our own experiences networking (both positive and negative) and the more memorable mistakes we've made over the years. Take some of these ideas and level up your networking for your next event. Key takeaways: 1. Networking Requires a Giving Attitude: The episode stresses the importance of going into networking events with a giving attitude. Rather than focusing solely on what one can gain, the emphasis is on contributing, building relationships, and offering value to others. 2. Follow-Up Promptly: It is essential to follow up with new connections within 48 hours of the initial meeting. This prompt follow-up helps ensure that people remember you and can lead to further conversations and opportunities. 3. Side Hustles Are Important: The discussion highlights the significance of having a side hustle. It serves as a fallback position in the event of a job loss, and it also helps maintain an active professional presence if one's main job status changes. 4. Authenticity Matters in Personal Branding: The episode emphasizes the importance of being authentic when building a personal brand. It discusses how being true to oneself, even in choices of attire and demeanor, is vital for establishing an identity and remaining true to one's values. 5. Physical Appearance Should Not Determine Networking: The hosts share experiences about how making assumptions based on outward appearances can lead to missed opportunities. They stress the importance of looking beyond appearances and focusing on the value individuals can bring in a networking context. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4UCIcVXFWA[/embed]

Welcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding. On today's episode, we're talking about one of our favorite ways to become a thought leader and grow your brand: guesting on podcasts. We're sharing some of our tips and tricks for being a great podcast guest that gets you invited back, including: Do your research on the show and audience before you pitch and make sure you're pitching the value you'd bring to the show rather than just pitching yourself. Be prepared from a technical standpoint. Invest in a microphone, have a quiet recording space, and take the necessary steps to make your side of the interview look and sound professional. Seriously, buy a microphone. Rode Podmic. Samson Q2U. Audiotechnica 2100x. All low-cost options that will help you sound great. (More at https://favoritedaughtermedia.com/freebies/recommended-products/) [embed]https://youtu.be/fbnarY83_-o[/embed]

Welcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding. We're going back to the basics in this episode and taking the first steps to establishing a personal brand. In this episode, we'll walk you through a simple yet impactful exercise that can help you uncover key aspects of your brand. Grab a notebook for this episode so you can write down your answers, and listen to Sara and Larry share their answers to these five questions and how those answers have shaped Favorite Daughter Media and Red Hat Media. Key takeaways: 1. Aligning Personal Branding with Values: Both Larry and Sara emphasized the significance of incorporating personal values into our professional brand image. We encourage listeners to ask themselves important questions regarding their conduct with clients, in business, and their overall professional behavior to unearth core brand values. 2. Perception and Presentation Consistency: We discussed the importance of how others perceive your brand and the consistency of this perception with how you present yourself. Choosing three words to describe oneself and seeking feedback from others can be instrumental in understanding and maintaining this consistency. 3. Challenges in the Advertising Industry: We candidly shared our experiences of presenting ideas to clients and sometimes having to compromise on their favorite concepts or work on campaigns that do not align perfectly with out standards or beliefs. This included a specific account involving gender-inclusive advertising for a STEM playground. 4. The Impact of Brand Experience: Sara shared her vision of her brand experience being like a casual yet productive coffee with friends. We discussed the importance of brand perception and considered external perspectives, such as customer or coworker feedback, to gain valuable insight into our brand's impact on others. 5. Legacy and Positive Impact: Sara and Larry wrapped up the episode by reflecting on the legacy they wish to leave behind. Sara hopes to leave the world better than she found it, advocating for kindness and positivity, while Larry desires to leave a specific mark at his funeral. [embed]https://youtu.be/rHMJhbQ_58Y[/embed]

Welcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding. We just got back from presenting at a two-day public speaking workshop, so what better topic to focus on than that--public speaking? Public speaking is a great way to establish yourself as a thought leader and build a brand in your industry, but it can be difficult and intimidating to get started. We're sharing our very different perspectives on getting on stage, ways to find or create speaking opportunities, and a few best practices we've learned from experience. Key takeaways: 1. Establishing yourself as a thought leader in the industry requires public speaking opportunities, as it allows for engagement with a captive audience and facilitates brand establishment. 2. Creating your own speaking events, such as webinars, is a powerful method to gain experience and recognition. 3. Networking and building relationships within one's industry can lead to speaking opportunities and invitations, providing a way to showcase expertise. 4. Tailoring presentations to cater to the specific needs and interests of different industries is crucial to engage the audience and achieve the desired outcomes. 5. Providing value and preparing thoroughly for speaking engagements are essential, including understanding the subject matter, having a speaker one sheet, a landing page, and a clear call to action for the audience after the talk. [embed]https://youtu.be/3eoHMAIJ_04[/embed]

Welcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding. Before we get into today's topic, we have a special announcement: Branded is now officially an LLC! Check out our new website at www.workwithbranded.com to see all the great branding and podcasting services we have to offer. Now, on today's episode, we're revisiting the topic of publishing and how impactful writing a book can be on your brand. As two people who have both taken the publishing journey, albeit in very different ways, we're sharing the tools that helped us (and how much they cost!), the ah-ha! moments, and our advice and insights that we've learned through the process. Key takeaways: 1. AI-Assisted Writing: Both Larry Roberts and Sara Lohse highlighted how they've utilized AI tools—Larry with Chat GPT and Sara with Chapterly—to assist in the process of writing their books. We talked about balancing the use of AI to generate content while ensuring they inject our personal insights and stories into their work. 2. Self-Publishing Insights: The episode dove deep into the world of self-publishing, underscoring the importance of not overpaying for services, being selective about professional help, and using the right tools to minimize costs. We mentioned platforms like IngramSpark which allows authors to publish for free. 3. Physical Distribution Strategies: Sara shared her strategy for getting her book into stores through consignment programs and was successful in placing her book at Barnes & Noble. Larry shared his own experience of leveraging personal connections to get his book into a public library, highlighting the effectiveness of reaching out and the different distribution avenues available. 4. Emotional Journey and Practical Advice: We talk about our personal experiences of writing and publishing, touching on the emotional aspects such as hesitation about book signing events and the significance of overcoming self-doubt. We also provided practical advice on book publishing and marketing, including tips on self-publishing and sharing their expenses related to the book-writing process. [embed]https://youtu.be/pyrSfSG3JWw?si=4aKtnLz3oxQrabsV[/embed]

Welcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding. We've touched on this topic before, but today we're diving all the way in on business cards. After Podfest left us with dozens of business cards, we couldn't ignore the mistakes we saw a lot of people making, so we're talking about what makes a good business card, tips for designing impactful cards, and a few common mistakes you should avoid. What makes your business card stand out so that people remember you and reach out? Key takeaways: 1. The Vital Role of Business Cards: Business cards remain an essential tool for making personal connections and leaving a lasting impression. Despite the rise of digital alternatives, traditional paper business cards are preferred by some, like Larry, for their tactile personal touch. 2. Design and Information Hierarchy: Effective design and strategic information placement are crucial for creating memorable business cards. This includes the consideration of QR codes, horizontal vs. vertical orientations, and the inclusion of essential contact information like name, email, website, and logo. 3. Safety and Control Over Contact Information: It's essential to manage who has access to your personal contact information for safety reasons. Using services like Google Voice to separate business calls or having different business cards for different purposes can help maintain control and privacy. 4. Follow-Up and Networking Strategy: The effectiveness of business cards heavily relies on follow-up. Building and nurturing relationships from the contacts made through business cards is pivotal for long-term networking success and business growth. 5. Creative and Branded Design Choices: The episode encourages listeners to consider unique business card features that stand out, like metal cards or cards with a note section, to be more memorable. However, the legibility of information and the card's functional purpose should not be compromised for creative design. [embed]https://youtu.be/mzykN8vnAp8?si=asf0NpRkDk0QDcSx[/embed]

Welcome to "Branded," your comprehensive guide to creative branding. We're your hosts, Larry Roberts and Sara Lohse, and together we're going to help you build a brand that sticks!Branded is your go-to source for all things related to personal branding, thought leadership, and content creation. We're here to provide practical strategies and insights to help you enhance your brand, extend your reach, and generate engaged leads.Sara spent her career in the marketing world, helping countless companies tell their stories, and Larry experienced firsthand how a powerful brand can transform your business. Branded isn't just a podcast—it's your roadmap to building your personal brand. We'll explore all aspects of personal branding, from creating a cohesive brand identity and developing a unique value proposition to mastering social media strategies and understanding SEO.We’ll also talk about what it means to be a thought leader and how you can use content creation to get your message into the world, with a focus on the importance of authenticity, consistency, and storytelling in creating a brand that resonates with your target audience.We’ll feature interviews with top industry leaders, influencers, and experts who’ll share their journeys, experiences, and secrets to standing out in a crowded marketplace. These inspiring conversations offer valuable lessons and insights that can help you navigate your own creative branding journey.We understand that building a brand isn't a one-size-fits-all process. That's why we approach each episode with a fresh perspective, exploring different strategies and tactics to help you find the approach that works best for you, your goals, and your story.Plus, we'll be answering your questions in the episodes so we can provide personalized advice for your branding challenges in real-time.Whether you're an entrepreneur, a professional looking to elevate your career, or simply someone who wants to increase your online presence, "Branded" is the podcast for you.Join us each week as we help you craft a creative brand that's not just recognizable but unforgettable. So, subscribe to Branded on your favorite platform and find us online at listentobranded.com.  

Welcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding. We just got back from the Podfest Multimedia Expo's 10th anniversary event and there is so much to talk about. We gave y'all a sneak peek into what our booth was going to be in an earlier episode, and now we're able to share how successful it was and what we saw from some of the other expo hall exhibitors. The most important element that led to our success was the interactivity of our booth, and we're talking about how that worked and what mistakes we saw others make by not taking the time to craft an engaging experience. After gathering dozens of business cards, we also share our opinions on the cards we were given and the mistakes that detracted from the impact those cards could have. Podfest was SUPER and we're looking forward to another year of building brands that stick. Go check out our new social profiles on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok (@stickwithbranded) and give us a follow. Key Takeaways: 1. The significance of having an interactive and memorable booth. Creating an engaging booth and offering interactive experiences can lead to increased brand recognition and user-generated content, such as photos posted on social media with our logo. 2. The importance of branding consistency and taking the brand seriously. The Podfest conference made us take our brand seriously and enhance our online presence, demonstrating the importance of professional branding for any business. 3. Attention to detail, including properly designed business cards. We highlighted the challenges and common mistakes made with business cards, emphasizing the importance of legible text, correct contact information, and professional design. [embed]https://youtu.be/tG1Stb0mQtg?si=OoM6dxry4Hii6rsC[/embed]

Welcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding. On this episode, we're answering a single question: is it worth it? As business owners, we spend a lot of money on tools, subscriptions, and services we think will be a game changer for our businesses, but often they fall flat and we're stuck with the bill. Now, we're looking at a few of the things we've recently paid for and giving you our honest opinion on whether or not they were worth it. We're talking about tech purchases like the Tourbox, iPad, and Kindle Scribe, office buys like business cards, and the always annoying auto-renew subscriptions. Hopefully this episode is worth the listen and maybe it will save your brand a few bucks. Key takeaways: Navigating Subscriptions and Renewals: Larry recounted his surprising experience of being unexpectedly billed for a forgotten Trello subscription, shedding light on the potential financial impact of overlooked renewals. Sara also shared her hacks for managing and canceling subscriptions, emphasizing the importance of staying mindful of these recurring expenses. The Value of Business Cards: We discuss our distinct approaches to business cards, debating the costs, features, and impact of their designs in networking efforts. From QR codes for easy digital connection to incorporating writable surfaces for better recall, they offered intriguing insights into the functionality and impression of business cards Weighing the Investment in Technology: Sara shares her initial hesitation about investing in an iPad, highlighting the convenience and functionality it ultimately brought to her work. Larry also touched upon the benefits of the TourBox, a product that significantly improved his editing process, providing a case for the worth of certain technological investments. [embed]https://youtu.be/HbLgg9D8ntI[/embed]

Welcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding. We are only two days away from Podfest and have been planning non-stop for the event for weeks. This year, Branded will have a booth in the expo hall for the first time and we're so excited to turn our space into an experience. As we get ready, we're sharing insights from our past expo hall experiences, the plan for this event, and some crucial tips we've learned to help make the sponsorship effective and profitable. Larry shares his sub-par booth set ups from the pre-Branded days and we reflect on the success of the Friendship Bracelet Booth from the Spark conference. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-time exhibitor, this episode is packed with tips to take your conference game to the next level. From planning and logistics to capturing and converting leads, we've got you covered. If you're planning to attend Podfest 2024 this week, stop by our booth, say hi, and enter our giveaway! Key Takeaways: 1. Booth Planning and Setup: When preparing for a conference booth, it's essential to carefully plan and set up the space within the given confines. This involves considering the layout, ensuring everything fits, bringing necessary items such as power strips, and ensuring adequate outlets for various equipment. 2. Engaging Experiences: Creating engaging experiences at the booth is essential for attracting and retaining visitors. We discussed how a unique and engaging booth experience, such as a friendship bracelet-making station and photo booth, can lead to more interaction, longer conversations, and building relationships with the audience. 3. Brand Representation: The importance of representing the brand well at a conference was emphasized. Making sure the booth and activities align with the brand's mission and values were highlighted to ensure a meaningful connection with the audience. 4. Lead Generation and Follow-Up: It's critical to plan a lead generation system ahead of time and ensure efficient follow-up after the event. Techniques like using photo booth apps to gather email addresses and sending information to the attendees' email addresses post-event were discussed. 5. Attention to Detail: The episode emphasized the significance of addressing small details, such as planning ahead for collateral, shipping timelines, and the need to make the booth's overall aesthetic, including the branding and taglines, consistent and appealing. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=po38QDxwepI[/embed]

Welcome back to another episode of Branded, your comprehensive guide to creative branding. In this episode, Larry and Sara are talking about publishing a book as a tool for building your brand. Both of us are writing books (Larry's is now available!), and our reasons, approaches, and goals are incredibly different. Larry launched his new book launch in record time using AI to expedite the writing process, while Sara has been working on her draft for nearly a year. Despite the different approaches, we both agree that publishing is a tremendous way to grow your brand and establish yourself as a thought leader. This episode is the beginning of what will be several conversations about what goes into the writing and publishing processes, but we're setting the stage by talking about our motivations and goals for our own projects. Get Larry's book, Under the Red Hat, here: https://a.co/d/6FWKB7F Key takeaways: 1. Writing a book is an impactful way to build and elevate your personal or professional brand. Both hosts, Larry and Sara, leverage their books to enhance their brand's presence. 2. Writing a book can be approached in various ways. Larry used AI technology to expedite the writing process, while Sara took a more deliberate and creative approach. They highlight the importance of choosing a method that feels genuine to the writer. 3. The hosts stress the significance of setting personal and achievable goals when writing a book. Sara shares her experience of not setting a deadline initially, which allowed her to focus on the quality of the content rather than meeting a predetermined timeline. 4. It's essential to start the writing process, regardless of the method or timeframe chosen. Both hosts emphasize the importance of beginning the writing journey, whether it's writing when inspired, using existing content, or setting specific writing goals. 5. Embracing diverse perspectives and approaches to writing is crucial. Larry and Sara's contrasting styles and backgrounds offer listeners a robust and multifaceted understanding of the book-writing process. They encourage professionals to recognize and adapt to different approaches that may not align with their own, promoting continuous learning and growth. [embed]https://youtu.be/ySxIpcDb8GE?si=Op0Oii7q-yl9MEfJ[/embed]

On this episode of Branded, we are joining by content creation royalty, the one and only Philip Taylor. Also known as PT, he is a Certified Public Accountant turned content creator and the man behind the annual FinCon Expo (a Branded favorite). With the start of a new year comes another year of paying our taxes, so PT is joining to share his tips and insights for entrepreneurs and content creators during tax season. We're covering the basics, like the importance of separating personal and business finances, and more complex concepts, like the practical steps of establishing a business, including obtaining a tax ID, LLC, and separate bank accounts and credit cards. Plus, we talk about the intricacies of tax filing for LLCs, the importance of maximizing deductions to improve cash flow, and much more. Listen in to what is basically a tax prep consultation with a CPA who knows what it's like to be a full-time creator. Key takeaways: 1. Setting Up a Business: The importance of setting up a separate business bank account and obtaining a business credit card. This allows for better organization of business expenses and easy tracking. 2. Tax Deductions for Entrepreneurs: Maximizing deductions, such as accelerating expenses, home office deduction, vehicle use for business, retirement accounts for business owners, and charitable contributions, to improve cash flow. It's important to consult a CPA for limitations on deductions. 3. Balancing Tax Savings and Financial Decisions: It's crucial not to let tax savings drive unnecessary purchases for the business. Keeping tax strategies simple and basic can help avoid financial and legal issues. 4. Financial Planning for Business Owners: Setting up a savings account and stashing aside 10-15% of earnings for taxes, especially for entrepreneurs who are self-employed. Planning ahead for tax obligations is essential for financial stability. 5. Opportunities for Content Creators: The conversation introduces the opportunities available to content creators and entrepreneurs, such as the FinCon conference for financial creators and the takeover of Travelcon by the FinCon team in May 2024. These events serve as valuable resources for those in the industry. [embed]https://youtu.be/Sh-4iCB4IpU?si=738sS0G2nVPTdiv5[/embed] About Philip Taylor Philip Taylor, aka PT, is a Certified Public Accountant turned content creator and tradeshow entrepreneur. He founded the event for finance creators, FinCon. He's been featured in FOX Business, Mens Health, and Forbes. Most recently, PT has developed a bookkeeping and tax practice for full-time creators. FinCon Expo  

Welcome back to Branded and welcome to 2024! For our first episode of the new year, Sara and Larry are sharing the New Year's Resolutions they've set for themselves and how these goals will impact their brands. We're going public with our goals to hold ourselves accountable, sharing our plans to post more content, be more organized, and diversify the type of content we create. On top of that, we're talking about the importance of using tools effectively to achieve our resolutions. From leveraging social media algorithms to streamlining business operations, we discuss the role of tools in supporting our goals. We also highlight the significance of having a clear "why" behind each resolution to drive consistent progress through the year.   And we want to hear from you! What are your New Year's resolutions for 2024? Whether they're related to your brand, business, personal growth, or otherwise, we'd love to know what goals you're aiming to achieve this year. Share your resolutions with us on social media or in the comments section on our YouTube channel.   Key takeaways:   In this episode, we discuss the significance of setting resolutions and goals for the new year. We share our personal experiences and the challenges we face when setting resolutions for the upcoming year. We talk about the importance of being more organized, increasing content output, finishing personal projects, and utilizing tools effectively. Consistency and authenticity in content creation are emphasized throughout the episode. We stress the importance of documenting our processes and experiences to build an authentic personal brand. Leveraging tools and resources effectively is a key theme in this discussion. We highlight the need to utilize tools and resources effectively, especially in content creation and organization, to maximize our impact and productivity. We also discuss aligning our resolutions with our overall brand growth and personal development. We clarify that resolutions are more about behavior change, repeating actions consistently to achieve ongoing improvement, rather than hitting a goal once. Lastly, we encourage our listeners to engage with us and share their own New Year's resolutions, fostering a sense of community and interaction. We emphasize the value of connecting with our listeners through social media and the podcast platform. [embed]https://youtu.be/F1lOaJf4zGM?si=Agim_aEanhjQaDzi[/embed]

On this very merry episode of Branded, Larry and Sara are talking about holiday branding practices. There is a common theme of giving things away or offering deep discounts during Black Friday or Christmas, but we want to be careful about positioning our brands in a way that devalues what we offer. Sara shares her strategies for holiday messaging, like fun holiday graphics or themed lead generation campaigns--emphasizing the need for a well-thought-out strategy to turn these initiatives into long-term revenue opportunities.   Larry reminds us of the importance of considering all the extra factors involved in holiday offers—time, effort, and execution—and the long-term ROI. It's not just about the price tag, but also the value delivered to potential clients.   Key takeaways:   1. Be Strategic: When planning holiday branding activities, make sure to have a strategic approach. Ensure that any giveaways or discounts are aligned with long-term revenue goals.   2. Consider Real Costs: It's important to factor in both the direct and indirect costs of holiday offers. This includes the time, effort, and resources invested, as well as the potential long-term impact on the business.   3. Introductory Offers: Offering introductory products or services during the holidays can serve as a lead generation tool and a way to establish new client relationships, potentially leading to increased value in the future.   4. Fulfilling Offers: When providing holiday giveaways or discounted services, make sure there's a plan in place to fulfill the offers and consider how this will impact the business operationally.   5. Deliver Genuine Value: Ensure that any holiday promotions provide genuine value to customers and avoid making offers seem like a bait-and-switch. It's important to maintain brand integrity and customer trust. [embed]https://youtu.be/_klr-DydxY0[/embed]

In this episode of Branded, Larry and Sara are begrudgingly talking about social media, discussing the importance of authenticity in brand representation. We talk about the voices in our heads that keep us from creating and sharing content and the necessity of showcasing the real you on social media. Authenticity is a common theme for this show, and Sara shares her recent experience at a financial conference where she made the conscious decision to show up as herself rather than conform to industry standards, and Larry talks about his signature red hat and how it has become an integral part of his personal branding. The episode explores the balance between personal and professional content on social media and the value of resonating with your audience through authenticity and consistency. We also discuss the impact of genuine representation in building a community around your brand and establishing meaningful connections. Key takeaways: 1. Authenticity is Key: Whether it’s on social media or in person, it's important to show up authentically as yourself. This helps build genuine connections with your audience and potential clients. 2. Consistency in Branding: Consistency in your personal brand across different platforms and in person is crucial. This can help establish your brand and make it memorable to your audience. 3. Tailor Your Social Media to Your Brand: Consider how you want to structure your social media. Whether it's mixing personal and professional content or keeping them separate, ensure it aligns with your brand and resonates with your audience. 4. Show Up as Yourself: If you find yourself in a situation where you feel you can't show up as yourself, it may be time to find a new space or room that aligns better with your authentic self. 5. Value and Consistency: Incorporate value and consistency in your content, and encourage your audience to subscribe for more valuable content. [embed]https://youtu.be/L0zswVFOrJw[/embed]

On this episode of Branded, Larry Roberts and Sara Lohse explore the impact of feedback on personal branding. We're opening up about our experiences with getting feedback as public speakers, and how focusing on negative comments have sent us spiraling.We're talking about recent experiences at the AFCPE Symposium and industry networking events that brought up mostly positive feedback, but single negative comments that got more attention than they deserved. We reveal our personal struggles with hyper-focusing on negative comments and how it affects our willingness to put ourselves out there. The episode highlights the importance of balancing constructive criticism with self-confidence in building a successful brand.Key takeaways:1. Dealing with feedback: Both Larry and Sara discussed our personal experiences with dealing with feedback and how easy it is to hyperfocus on the negative comments. It's important to remember that feedback can be constructive and should not be the sole determinant of success or impact.2. Overcoming rejection hypersensitivity: Sara shares her experience with rejection hypersensitivity as a symptom of ADHD, which causes her to take any potential rejection very personally. It's essential to understand and address the root of such sensitivities and not let them hinder growth.3. Balancing sales and value: Sara highlighted the importance of maintaining a balance between sales and delivering value. Emphasizing the positive impact of one's product or service can help take the "sleaze" out of selling, making it easier to confidently present offerings without feeling overly salesy.4. Positive impact of products or services: Recognizing the positive impact one's product or service can have on customers' lives makes it easier to confidently present and sell without coming across as sleazy.

On this episode of Branded, Larry Roberts and Sara Lohse are going deeper than usual and talking about mind mapping.By creating a visual outline of your areas of expertise, services, and unique selling propositions, you can organize your thoughts and gain clarity on what your brand offers.We're talking about our own mind maps, how we created them, and walking you through the process. PLUS, you can find a template for creating your own mind map at bit.ly/BrandedMap.1. Mind Mapping for Brand Clarity: The episode discusses the concept of mind mapping as a tool to bring clarity to one's brand. By visualizing and mapping out different areas of expertise and offerings, individuals and businesses can gain a clearer understanding of how their brand components relate to each other.2. Diverse Skill Sets as Unique Selling Propositions: Having diverse skill sets and expertise can be reframed as unique selling propositions. By recognizing how different areas of expertise overlap and complement each other, individuals can leverage their diverse background to offer distinctive and valuable services.3. Importance of Clarity in Brand Messaging: The conversation emphasizes the importance of clarity in brand messaging and the need for continuity and cohesion in presenting a brand's vision, mission, and deliverables. Developing a clear and cohesive brand message is essential for effectively communicating to potential clients and customers.4. Visualization and Detailed Planning: The episode stresses the significance of visualizing and planning brand components in detail. By breaking down areas of expertise into subcomponents and further details, individuals can uncover connections between different aspects of their brand and identify how to harness their expertise to build compelling value propositions.5. Action-Orientation and Continuous Improvement: We express the value of taking action to map out one's brand and continuously working on refining and evolving the brand components. Mind mapping is presented as a proactive exercise to help individuals identify areas for improvement and align their brand components for greater impact.

In today's episode, Larry Roberts and Sara Lohse are joined by a very special guest, Gordon Firemark, known in the industry as the Podcast Lawyer. Gordon is here to share his expertise on the legalities around branding and podcasting, including intellectual property protection, trademarks, and copyrights. With artificial intelligence being a major topic right now, we're also talking about how intellectual property laws apply to AI-generated content. Listen in on our free legal advice session as we pick Gordon's brain on trademark protections, forming our LLCs, and how we can safeguard our brands and content. Key takeaways: 1. Protect your brand with a trademark: One of the most important aspects of your podcast is your brand. Gordon emphasized the importance of choosing a distinctive name and registering it as a trademark. This not only prevents others from adopting similar titles but also establishes a strong position for your podcast. Consider reaching out to other podcasters with similar names before resorting to legal action. 2. Intellectual property protection: There are different types of intellectual property protection, including patents, copyrights, and trademarks. Copyrights protect your content, while trademarks protect your brand names and distinctive symbols. Remember, copyright protection exists from the moment your work is created. 3. LLC vs Trademark: While forming an LLC provides benefits such as liability protection and organizational structure, it does not offer the same level of protection as a trademark. Registering a trademark is highly recommended for serious business ventures. 4. AI-generated content: With the rise of artificial intelligence, there are new challenges and legal considerations to be aware of. Gordon highlighted that the copyright office does not grant protection to content generated solely by AI; it needs to involve human creation. We discussed cases involving AI-generated paintings, highlighting the need for human involvement in copyrightable works. [embed]https://youtu.be/cp4iaecjEew[/embed] About Gordon Firemark The Podcast Lawyer™ Gordon Firemark is a lawyer who specializes in entertainment law, specifically in the area of podcasting. He is often referred to as "The Podcast Lawyer™" due to his extensive experience advising and representing podcast creators and companies on legal matters. Gordon has been practicing law for over 30 years, and has represented clients in a wide range of industries, including theater, film, television, and digital media. In addition to his legal practice, Gordon is also a well-known speaker and writer on legal issues affecting podcasters, and has been featured in numerous podcasts, webinars, and industry events. A podcaster himself, he’s been producing and hosting the Entertainment Law Update podcast since 2009. And more recently a livestream and podcast entitled “Legit Podcast Pro” https://gordonfiremark.com https://legitpodcastpro.captivate.fm https://instagram.com/gordonfiremark https://facebook.com/podcastlaw https://youtube.com/gfiremark https://linkedin.com/in/gfiremark https://twitter.com/gfiremark

Welcome to a very special episode of Branded! We're embracing the holidays in this episode and talking about the things we're thankful for that have shaped our careers, lives, and brands.We each share an experience, mentor, and piece of advice we've received, the impact it had, and why it stuck with us.As always, we're thankful for each of you for listening to the show and wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving!Key takeaways:Embrace the Power of Side Hustles: Larry shares his experience as an entrepreneur and the value of having multiple side hustles. Having different ventures allows for growth, flexibility, and the opportunity to bring everything together under your personal brand.Find the Right Mentors: Sara highlights the importance of finding mentors who can guide you in your journey. Look for someone you respect, admire, and can learn from in the field you aspire to be in. Mentors provide invaluable insights and support that can shape your career.Don't Let Work Define Your Mental State: Both Larry and Sara discuss the significance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It's essential not to let work-related stress impact your mental health. Remember, it's just a job, and focusing too much on work can hinder personal growth and well-being.

Welcome back to Branded, your comprehensive guide to creative branding. In today's episode, we dive deep into the essential journey of building your personal brand through what is known as the "Know, Like, Trust" process. This framework is vital not only for personal branding but also for thought leadership and sales. Join us as we explore how you can guide your audience through these crucial stages to create a brand that resonates. We break down each phase, explain the kind of content you should be putting out, and share real-life examples of how successful brands have nailed this process. From the initial introduction of your brand, through engaging storytelling, to building authenticity and trust, we've got it all covered. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your brand strategy, this episode is a must-listen. Key Insights: 1. The "Know" Phase: Establishing Your Foundation We talk about the importance of making a good first impression. Larry emphasizes that this is where you share your origin stories, highlight key milestones, and introduce what you're all about. This is your audience’s first encounter with you, so make sure it's memorable and informative. 2. The "Like" Phase: Deepening the Connection Sara discusses how this phase is all about showing your personality and letting people get to know the real you. It’s important to move beyond the surface and reveal the struggles, daily life, and your "why." This is where storytelling and emotional connection come into play. 3. The "Trust" Phase: Building Credibility Highlighting testimonials and case studies is crucial here. We discuss how sharing your mistakes and setbacks, along with the lessons you learned, can actually enhance your credibility. Authenticity is key—people trust those who are real and transparent. 4. Consistency in Messaging Larry points out the importance of maintaining consistency in your messaging. Flip-flopping perspectives can confuse your audience and erode trust. Establish clear mission and vision statements and stick to them. 5. Importance of Vulnerability We both agree that showing vulnerability is essential. It makes you relatable and trustworthy. Larry shares how he struggled with showing his real self across different contexts and how consistency in his personal presentation helped build genuine connections. Take a journey with us as we unravel the intricacies of the "Know, Like, Trust" process. We promise you'll walk away with actionable insights to bolster your personal brand and create deeper, more authentic connections with your audience. Key Takeaways: 1. The Role of Personal Stories in the "Know" Phase: Sharing who you are and how you got there helps establish a strong foundation. Initial stories should include origin milestones and key achievements to give the audience a clear picture of your expertise. 2. Creating Emotional Connections in the "Like" Phase: This phase is about letting your personality shine. Go beyond professional achievements and delve into personal anecdotes that show your human side. This helps in creating deeper emotional connections. 3. Building Trust Through Transparency: Real-life testimonials and case studies are crucial. Also, talk about your mistakes and what you’ve learned. This transparency builds credibility and trust, which are essential for long-term relationships with your audience. 4. Consistency in Branding and Messaging: Establish a consistent message that aligns with your mission and vision. Maintain this consistency across all platforms to avoid confusing your audience and to strengthen your brand identity. 5. Embracing and Demonstrating Vulnerability: Showcasing vulnerability helps in making genuine connections. Don’t shy away from sharing your struggles and failures. People appreciate and trust those who are real and sincere. By following these steps, you'll not only build a personal brand that people know, like, and trust but also one that stands out in a crowded marketplace. Hit that subscribe button to stay tuned for more invaluable branding insights. We’ll see you next week! [embed]https://youtu.be/NaBixSUTiTk[/embed]

In this episode of Branded, Larry and Sara are talking about the challenges that introverted individuals face when trying to build a personal brand and become thought leaders.As introverts ourselves, we struggle just as much as anyone else when it comes to putting ourselves and our brands out into the world. This episode explores some of the discoveries we've made about ourselves and others throughout our careers, how we've navigated the podcasting industry and survived big conferences, and our advice for how you can boost your own brand in a way that's not too far out of your comfort zone.Key takeaways:1. Embrace writing as a powerful tool for expressing yourself and sharing your ideas. Blogging and publishing can be a great way for introverts to connect with their audience on their terms.2. Recognize that being an introvert doesn't mean you don't want to share your thoughts or ideas. It's about finding ways to do it in a way that feels comfortable and authentic to you.3. Remember the importance of self-care and recharging. Introverts often need time alone to regain their energy. Don't be afraid to step away and take a break when needed, even in social situations.

We are back with another new episode of Branded after our short hiatus!On this episode of Branded, Larry and Sara are explaining the unfortunate medical events that had Larry missing out on a big speaking opportunity and how his strong personal brand shone through despite his absence.Plus, a recap of the FinCon event Sara attended the same week and a continuation of a discussion from the panel she spoke on: should you charge guests to appear on your podcast or pay to be a guest?Key takeaways:1. Even when you can't be physically present, a strong personal brand can continue to work for you. Despite not being able to deliver his presentation, Larry was amazed to see that people still wanted to meet with and learn from him. The power of the red hat and everything it represents was enough to attract attention and spark conversations.2. A personal brand can open doors and create opportunities. Even without taking the stage, he booked several appointments within minutes after his replacement, Mark Savant, started speaking. The reputation built over time drew people in and made them eager to connect and collaborate.3. Personal branding is an ongoing investment. This experience reinforced the importance of consistently nurturing and expanding my personal brand. It's not just about one event or one moment; it's about building a brand that withstands challenges and continues to generate opportunities.

Welcome back to Branded! Things are sounding a little different this week. Larry's been in and out of the hospital, so we're sending him positive vibes for a speedy recovery. In the meantime, we wanted to share one of our favorite past episodes that we often reference. It's all about building your brand, and even if you've heard it before, it's a great refresher. This episode talks about the eight components of a personal brand and is filled with actionable steps to build your own brand. You'll want to take notes on this one!Key takeaways:Start with a Strong Brand Definition: Define who you are, what you do, and who you do it for. This will serve as the foundation for your entire brand-building journey!'Embrace Your Brand Values: Your values reflect what you stand for and guide the future of your brand. Think about what ideals are important to you and ensure they align with your company's mission.Don't Overthink, Just Act: Take the time to break down each component of your brand and examine them individually. Then, step back and see how they work together as a cohesive whole. Remember, simplicity is key!

Welcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding. In today's episode, we dive deep into the intriguing question: how do you know when it's time to initiate a rebrand? Larry and Sara open up this insightful discussion by sharing their experiences and strategies around rebranding, both from a corporate and personal branding perspective. Larry shares his own rebranding journey, from the creation of his initial podcast "Readily Random" to the birth of "Red Hat Media." Through his story, he reveals the challenges, missteps, and lessons learned on his path to establishing a brand that truly resonates with its intended audience. Sara chimes in with her experiences, discussing how personal changes and evolving interests can necessitate a brand refresh. We also explore how life-changing events and personal growth can be catalysts for rebranding, using the example of a content creator navigating her return after a break and the subsequent evolution of her brand to better align with her new circumstances. Key takeaways: 1. Identifying When to Rebrand: Larry stresses that a key indicator for rebranding is when your brand fails to resonate with your audience or if you realize there’s an absence of a clear brand message. Reflecting on his early brand, Larry highlights the importance of having a message that the audience can readily identify and connect with. 2. Importance of Audience Alignment: Understanding and analyzing your audience is crucial for any rebrand. Both hosts agree that ensuring your brand message aligns with your audience's expectations and needs is a fundamental step in a successful rebrand. 3. Navigating Life Changes in Personal Branding: Sara discusses how significant personal events, like having a baby, can influence the direction of a personal brand. It's essential to reevaluate and possibly realign your brand to reflect these pivotal moments genuinely and transparently, creating a stronger connection with your evolving audience. 4. Continuous Evolution of a Brand: Personal brands should be dynamic and flexible. Regularly revisiting and adjusting your brand to reflect your current mission, vision, and values can prevent the need for a drastic rebrand later on. This approach ensures that your brand grows organically and authentically. 5. Strategic and Thoughtful Rebranding Process: Planning is paramount when considering a rebrand. It's not just about picking a new logo or color scheme on a whim. A strategic approach, including studying market trends, gathering audience feedback, and ensuring consistent application across all touchpoints, is vital for a successful rebrand. We hope you find these insights valuable as you consider the evolution of your own brand. If you enjoyed this episode, please smash that subscribe button so we can continue to guide you on your branding journey. Stay tuned for more tips and experiences from the world of creative branding! Hit subscribe and join us on this branding adventure. [embed]https://youtu.be/7bWaAdVhJq8[/embed]

Welcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding. In this episode, we dive into the world of AI tools and how they can be leveraged to build and enhance your personal brand. We start off by discussing the intimidating nature of AI and how it's only been about a year since the AI revolution started impacting us all. Larry, having spent a lot of time understanding these tools, shares insights about ChatGPT, focusing on its utility and the recent additions of custom instructions and plug-ins. Sara humorously recounts her own journey and challenges with using these features, which many of you might relate to. Throughout the episode, Larry goes into detail about how you can use ChatGPT to create personalized branding tools, like persona modeling, and even touches on the broader implications of AI advancements. Meanwhile, Sara adds a lighter touch by sharing her experiences and lightly ribbing Larry about his age and early tech experiences. Key takeaways: 1. Effective Use of ChatGPT for Branding: We dive into how ChatGPT's custom instructions can help you define your brand’s voice and ensure your content resonates well with your audience. These instructions can personalize your interactions with the AI, making it a more powerful tool for developing consistent and branded content. 2. Custom Plug-ins in ChatGPT: Larry explains the importance of using plug-ins with ChatGPT to expand its capabilities, such as reading long documents like PDFs. He also walks us through the basic steps of enabling these plug-ins, emphasizing that this function can extend the productivity of your AI interactions. 3. Persona Modeling for AI-Based Branding: Larry talks about persona modeling using ChatGPT's custom instructions. This entails defining who you are, your goals, experiences, and how you want ChatGPT to respond, enabling you to maintain brand clarity and consistency in communications. 4. The Role of AI in Enhancing Your Brand: We discuss how ChatGPT and other AI tools can be used for tasks like writing blog posts, social media content, or even entire books, thus reinforcing your brand propositions. Larry also touches on the potential future of AI, its impact, and how it integrates into personal and business branding strategies. 5. Starting with the Basics: Sara shares a practical tip for beginners – copying a piece of existing written content into ChatGPT and asking it to mimic that style. While this is a great temporary solution for fitting ChatGPT responses into your brand’s voice, Larry emphasizes the importance of properly setting up custom instructions for long-term use. We wrap up the conversation by encouraging you to explore ChatGPT and its evolving features. Educate yourself to fully leverage these tools for your brand’s benefit, and don’t shy away from making these advanced technologies work for you. We hope you find these insights valuable and that they inspire you to dig deeper into how AI can be a part of your branding strategy. Until next week, stay creative! Dad jokes: Q: Why don’t scientists trust atoms? A: They make up everything.   Q: Why was the math book sad? A: Because it had too many problems.   Q: Why did the tomato blush? A: Because it saw the salad dressing.   Q: Why don’t oysters give to charity? A: Because they’re too shellfish.   Q: Why did the banana go to the doctor? A: Because it wasn’t peeling well. [embed]https://youtu.be/_YZVknoCSic[/embed]

On this episode of Branded, we're recapping our recent experience on the PodFest PodTour and at the Spark Media Ignite Conference. Most importantly, we're talking about a lesson that one of our hosts (Larry) learned the hard way: lean into ideas that resonate with your audience even if they don't resonate with you. During the SPARK Media Conference, we experimented with an innovative approach to connect with attendees—our very own bracelet-making station, thanks to Sara's brilliant idea. Despite initial skepticism from Larry, the concept proved to be a massive hit, drawing crowds and fostering genuine connections. Join us as we dive deep into the lessons learned from this unique branding experiment and how you can apply these insights to your own branding efforts. Key Takeaways: 1. Personalization Creates Impact: Sara's bracelet-making station was a stellar example of creating a unique, personalized experience for attendees. It emphasized the importance of creating memorable, personal interactions that resonate more deeply than generic branding materials. By allowing attendees to create their own branded bracelets, they left with a tangible and meaningful reminder of the interaction. 2. Differentiation in Branding Efforts: The standard conference swag often falls short in creating lasting impressions. Sara and Larry discuss how stepping outside the norm with unique and thoughtful giveaways can significantly impact how people remember and engage with your brand. Personalized items show attendees that thought and effort went into the engagement, which stands out against the typical mass-produced items. 3. Building Genuine Connections: Spending time with attendees at the bracelet-making station allowed for deeper, more meaningful conversations. Larry and Sara illustrate how taking the time to engage on a personal level can help establish strong connections and build trust, which is invaluable for any brand. 4. Think Beyond Immediate ROI: The bracelet-making activity wasn’t just about immediate gains but about long-term relationship-building. Attendees weren’t just passing through; they spent time, shared stories, and forged genuine relationships with Larry and Sara. These interactions are likely to translate into future opportunities and brand loyalty. 5. Creativity in Brand Representation: Sara highlights the importance of aligning brand activities with your brand promise. Branded is all about building other brands, so creating an activity where attendees could personalize their experience was a perfect fit. This experience serves as a reminder that any branding effort should reflect your brand’s core values and mission authentically. [embed]https://youtu.be/XrNLLB_6fYw[/embed]

In today's episode, our hosts Larry Roberts and Sara Lohse are joined by a very special guest, Christina Barsi, a podcasting and creativity coach. Barsi is here to talk about the power of podcasting in brand building and the rules we do or do not follow when we create something new. She shares insights on understanding fear, setting realistic expectations, and the fine line between coaching and therapy. We also dive into the power of podcasting as a content marketing strategy and its ability to transform how listeners perceive brands. Barsi reflects on her own podcasting journey and the impact it has had on her personal and professional growth. Key takeaways: Authenticity and Transparency: Revealing our true selves and showing up in the moment can be challenging, but it is essential in both personal and professional growth. As a creativity coach, Barsi helps people remove their personas and embrace authenticity to create a safe space for exploration and growth. Individuality in the Creative Process: The journey of creativity is unique for each individual. While guidebooks and set ways of doing things can be helpful, it's important to break patterns, find what works for us, and embrace our own uniqueness. Understanding our core values and purpose allows us to stand out and make a meaningful contribution to our field. The Transformative Power of Podcasting: Podcasting has evolved into an incredible marketing tool that creates a deep connection with listeners. With its intimate format and ability to transform how people perceive hosts and guests, podcasting is an effective way to build trust and authenticity with your audience. While it may take time to see a significant return on investment, the true value lies in the influence gained and the personal and professional growth that comes with it. [embed]https://youtu.be/fEbd-VPXm6A[/embed] About Christina Barsi I'm an entrepreneur, having founded three companies that I operate today, a Certified Kaizen-Muse Creativity Coach, a Certified Level II Reiki Healer and the host of a podcast called Be Bold Begin. I'm also a creative, a writer, a producer, an expert in podcast creation and audio post-production, a speaker and workshop leader. Everything I create is in the spirit of guiding others (and myself) closer to our truths and unearthing our higher selves. Transformation is my jam. After building my first business in default-hustle mode, I can share firsthand, that THAT is not sustainable, let alone enjoyable. So I've created an easier way... Are you ready? https://www.avanthausmedia.com/ https://www.christinabarsi.com/be-bold-begin-podcast https://www.instagram.com/thebarsi/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-barsi/

Welcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding. In this episode, we dive into the real costs of creating a strong brand identity. Today, we're pulling back the curtain on our own experiences with logo design, branding strategies, and the critical importance of in-person networking. We are sharing six strategies for growing your brand on a budget so you can market yourself without spending thousands. Larry shares his journey with Red Hat Media, from navigating exorbitant initial quotes for a logo to discovering more budget-friendly options that ultimately led to the iconic Red Hat logo. We also explore the strategies that can enhance your brand’s visibility, from leveraging social media effectively to repurposing content across various platforms. Moreover, we touch on the essence of face-to-face interactions and the significant role they play in building a brand. In illustrating this, Larry delves into his own networking practices and how consistently representing the brand has opened doors and created opportunities for Red Hat Media. Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to make your mark or a seasoned business owner seeking fresh insights, this episode is packed with actionable advice to elevate your branding game. Key takeaways: 1. Cost-Effective Branding Solutions: Larry discusses how he initially faced a $7000 quote for designing the Red Hat Media logo and brand guidelines but ultimately spent $750 using a service like 99 Designs. This underscores the importance of exploring cost-effective alternatives without compromising on quality. 2. Strategic Social Media Presence: We emphasize that posting content more frequently than once a week is crucial for building and maintaining a brand's presence. Knowing where your audience hangs out and tailoring your content accordingly can make or break your social media strategy. 3. Repurpose and Reinforce: The importance of repurposing content can't be overstated. Transforming a podcast into a blog post or sharing posts across different social media platforms helps to reinforce your brand message and reach a broader audience. 4. The Power of In-Person Networking: Larry shares insights on how in-person networking has been instrumental in growing Red Hat Media. Face-to-face interactions can lead to significant opportunities, such as being featured on bigger platforms or forming lucrative collaborations. 5. User Generated Content: Leveraging user generated content is a powerful strategy for organic brand promotion. By encouraging others to post photos with branded merchandise or sharing their content, you can significantly boost your brand's visibility and credibility. Tune in to learn how to navigate branding costs, enhance your social media presence, repurpose content effectively, and why in-person networking remains a cornerstone of successful branding. [embed]https://youtu.be/RDPcvV2sWrg[/embed]

Welcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding. In this episode, we dive into a topic that's universally frustrating for podcast guests and equally detrimental to podcast hosts: the dreaded "Tell us about yourself" question. We explore why this question is a sign of unpreparedness and how it can derail the value of a podcast episode. This discussion not only targets podcast hosts but also provides valuable advice for guests on how to effectively steer this question into a productive conversation. We'll share personal anecdotes, common pitfalls, and actionable strategies for both hosts and guests to improve the quality of their podcast interviews and, in turn, enhance their branding efforts. From Larry's early podcasting days fraught with this very mistake to Sara’s expert advice on crafting a concise and effective introduction, we cover it all. Key takeaways: 1. The Pitfalls of "Tell Us About Yourself": We discuss how asking this broad, unfocused question showcases a lack of preparation and unprofessionalism in podcast hosts. This question often leads guests to give lengthy, rambling answers that fail to provide value to the audience. 2. Effective Strategies for Hosts: Larry emphasizes the importance of doing your homework on your guest. He advises podcast hosts to prepare insightful, targeted questions that align with the guest’s expertise and the podcast’s value proposition. 3. Crafting a Focused Response: Sara shares her three-step formula for guests to answer the dreaded question concisely and effectively. Introducing oneself, establishing expertise, and hinting at the key topics to be discussed can help drive the conversation forward. 4. Setting Expectations and Building Rapport: We highlight the importance of clear communication between hosts and guests prior to the recording. Both parties should be on the same page about the episode’s focus to ensure a smooth and valuable conversation. 5. Leveraging Podcast Appearances for Branding: We discuss how both hosts and guests can use podcast interviews to strengthen their brand. By being prepared and strategic, both parties can ensure that the episode delivers value, builds credibility, and engages the audience. Join us as we unpack these insights and offer practical advice to level up your podcasting game. And don't forget to smash that subscribe button on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. [embed]https://youtu.be/iCYmCvnN7-c[/embed]

On this episode of Branded, Larry and Sara are joined by Joe Saul-Sehy to talk about how he built one of the biggest podcasts in the industry, and also dive into the role he played in Sara's own story. At Podcast Movement 2021 in Nashville, Sara stalked the host of Stacking Benjamins and accidentally got herself booked on the show to tell the story of the time she got a tattoo of a penis while in Ireland. Joe tells his side of that interaction and how he created The Girl With the Penis Tattoo. With his mullet strategy, Joe talks about how to grow a small podcast into a huge success and make a show that leads with entertainment. Key Takeaways: 1. Crafting Compelling Content: Joe emphasized the importance of creating interesting and entertaining content. Regardless of the type of product or message, we are all in the entertainment business first and foremost. Joe and Sara share their experience of telling a hilarious story about a tattoo gone wrong, which served as an example of the kind of content we aim to create to entertain our listeners. 2. Building a Successful Show: Joe acknowledged the presence of another more professional and research-focused host on the show, showcasing the importance of finding a balance. He revealed that Branded underwent some changes to make it more accessible and entertaining, akin to "The Tonight Show." While these changes initially led to some setbacks, the show eventually improved and even received awards from reputable publications like Kiplinger. 3. Interview Techniques: Joe offered valuable insights into the art of interviewing. He drew inspiration from legendary interviewers like Larry King, Barbara Walters, Howard Stern, and Mark Marron. Joe stressed the significance of being genuinely curious and asking meaningful questions that delve into the heart of the guest's book or topic. Crafting interviews that are engaging, informative, and leave the audience wanting more is no easy feat. 4. Investing in Skill Sets: The importance of investing in individual skill sets cannot be overstated. Joe shared how he personally invested in learning comedy and public speaking to enhance his hosting abilities. Drawing from his experience as a professional PR person for American Express, he highlighted the value of specific skill sets in generating meaningful conversations on the show. 5. Overcoming Challenges: Joe shared his frustration with success stories that lack practical advice on how to achieve it. He emphasized the importance of actively reducing friction in communication, listening to criticism, and finding truth in the message even amidst snark or negativity. Joe encouraged fellow podcasters to become students of what causes friction in their content and improve upon it. 6. The Serious-Fun Mix: Joe drew a captivating analogy, likening a good podcast to a mullet - serious content in the front and fun or entertaining elements in the back. Striking a balance between educational and enjoyable content is key to keeping our listeners engaged and coming back for more. [embed]https://youtu.be/tl1fcZqLh-M[/embed] About Joe Saul-Sehy Author/Co-Host of The Stacking Benjamins Show Joe is the creator and co-host of the Stacking Benjamins and Stacking Deeds podcasts and the creator of a network of five podcasts (plus a monthly contributor to another!). Current board member at large of The Plutus Foundation. Former board president of Partnership For The Pathway. Joe is a former financial advisor (16 years) and represented American Express and Ameriprise in the media. He was the “Money Man” at Detroit television WXYZ-TV, appearing twice weekly. He’s appeared in Bride, Best Life, and Child magazines, the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Sun-Times, Detroit News and Baltimore Sun newspapers. He’s also appeared online in more than 200 different places, including CNBC.com and WSJ.com. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-stacking-benjamins-show/id650045209?ign-itscg=30200&ign-itsct=podcast_box_player https://www.instagram.com/stackingbenjaminspodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/IStackBenjamins https://www.youtube.com/@StackingBenjamins https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-saul-sehy-b3426b31/ https://www.amazon.com/Stacked-Super-Serious-Guide-Modern-Management/dp/0593330676?crid=11J381Q512FFW&keywords=stacked+your+super+serious+guide+to+modern+money+management&qid=1673289314&sprefix=stacked+your+,aps,146&sr=8-1&linkCode=sl1&tag=sbpod-20&linkId=dfacee7366fcdc0f29f2cc3d468913d4&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl https://www.tiktok.com/@stackingbenjamins   https://twitter.com/SBenjaminsCast  

Welcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding. In today's episode, we're focusing on brand guidelines—one of the most critical aspects of ensuring your brand stays consistent and recognizable. We’ll break down the importance of fonts, visuals, logos, and even the tone of your speech as pivotal elements in crafting your brand’s identity. We were introduced to Red Hat, a new font brought to us by a client named Scott Houston. Initially, we were die-hard fans of Montserrat, but Red Hat captured our imagination and felt more in line with the essence of our brand. However, we also experienced the harsh reality of internet fame through a parody video that garnered thousands of views but attracted unwanted and hurtful comments from trolls. That experience made it clear: garnering attention is only valuable when it aligns with your brand. Moreover, we reflected on how our own brand uses unique, hand-drawn designs and speech bubbles, abstaining from stock photography to ensure genuine representation. We also touch upon the necessity of having various logo versions for different mediums and the importance of documenting this thoroughly in your brand guidelines. We’re really excited for an upcoming Spark Media Conference where we’ll showcase our branded booth, complete with our custom stickers and consistent color schemes. This brings us to the primary focus of today’s discussion: the significance of maintaining consistency across all your brand’s touchpoints. Key takeaways: 1. Importance of Consistent Brand Formatting: We emphasize that having viral posts and attention isn’t enough; these need to translate into brand recognition and value. Ensuring that your formatting, from fonts to visuals, remains consistent is crucial for this. 2. Role of Visuals in Brand Identity: Our brand opts for hand-drawn designs and speech bubbles, avoiding stock photography. It’s essential to choose visuals that truly represent your brand's unique voice. 3. Versatile Logo Usage: Documenting various versions of your logo, like black and white formats, and specifying their application ensures that your brand is consistently represented across different media, whether it be in print or online. 4. Speech and Tonality’s Impact on Branding: Paying attention to your speech patterns and tonality can significantly change how you present yourself to clients. Being aware of and working on smoothing out your delivery will enhance your brand’s professionalism. 5. Value of Brand Taglines and Catchphrases: Reiterating our tagline "use your outside voice" has resonated strongly with our audience. It’s important to find and consistently use a tagline that reflects your brand's passion and message across all platforms. Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Branded. Remember, building brand guidelines and documenting them meticulously is an investment in your brand’s future success. Stay consistent, and let your voice be heard! [embed]https://youtu.be/MKI62c0BHvc[/embed]  

On this episode of Branded, Larry and Sara are joined by Joe Rubin to talk about how you can make your brand stand out by pushing the boundaries of creativity. Joe is one half of the duo behind MowPod, the leading podcast marketing agency, and has built his brand by doing things that make people remember him--like serving beer out of a toilet in an expo hall. Joe shares his journey in the world of podcasting, starting from humble beginnings and transforming into a confident podcast expert. He takes us through the challenges he faced in promoting his podcast, the lessons he learned along the way, and the strategies he developed to stand out in a crowded industry. We'll also discuss the power of community-building, the importance of creative booth setups at conferences, and the value of taking risks to build a successful brand He's sharing his insights from 20+ years of entrepreneurship, community-building, and podcasting failures and successes. Key takeaways: 1. Persistence Pays Off:* Joe Rubin's story exemplifies the importance of perseverance and continuous learning. Despite initial challenges and failures, he didn't give up but instead focused on improvement and understanding the podcasting space. 2. Transparency and Guarantees: Joe's approach of offering a performance guarantee when selling podcasts showcases the power of transparency and accountability. By ensuring they deliver what they promise, businesses can build trust with their audience. 3. Creative Marketing Strategies: Joe's inventive booth setup at events, like using toilets filled with ice and beers, demonstrates the impact of creativity and resourcefulness in catching people's attention. Thinking outside the box can make a brand memorable even with limited resources. 4. Community Building: The importance of creating a community around a brand, as seen in Mike and Joe's successful after parties, is highlighted. Engaging with the audience and fostering a sense of belonging can significantly contribute to a brand's success. 5. Strategic Conferences Attendance: Joe's focus on selecting the right conferences and making a strong impression emphasizes the effectiveness of strategic planning in generating business and visibility. Choosing the right platforms to showcase a brand is crucial in standing out amidst the competition and building connections. [embed]https://youtu.be/TOO6LadlqzI[/embed] About Joe Rubin Co-founder & Co-Host Joe Rubin is the CMO of the leading podcast marketing agency, mowpod.com. Prior to that, Joe had been introducing entrepreneurs to investors nationwide for 19 years through VC & Angel Investor Conferences across the US with FundingPost.com. Joe has also invested in over a dozen seed deals over the past decade, such as Sticky, Inc. (acq Splashtop), Senscient (acq MSA Safety Inc), Giftworks (acq Frontstream Payments), was an investor and on the advisory board of Offermobi (acq Moko.mobi), Human Demand (acq IgnitionOne) and an advisor to Gozaik (acq Monster) and currently on the Board of RxBra. https://www.mowpod.com https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/friday-night-karaoke/id1574029840?uo=7 https://instagram.com/itsmowpod https://youtube.com/itsmowpod https://www.linkedin.com/in/joerubin https://twitter.com/fundingpost  

Welcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding. In today's episode, we dive into a topic that resonates with many: imposter syndrome. We explore six different ways you can manage imposter syndrome while building your brand. Both of us have had our struggles with feeling like impostors, and today we share personal experiences and actionable tips to help you overcome these feelings. Overview of what was discussed: Larry and Sara reflected on their personal battles with imposter syndrome throughout their careers and lives. The episode is structured around six practical strategies to manage and reduce the impact of imposter syndrome. We shared real-life stories and insights into how these strategies helped us in our journeys. The discussion touched on the complexity of comparing oneself to others and viewing past failures through a constructive lens. We hope you find this episode as enlightening and empowering as we did. Let's go! Key takeaways: 1. Acknowledge Your Feelings: Recognize and vocalize your feelings of imposter syndrome. Understand that these feelings are more common than you might think. This is often the first step toward managing the anxiety and self-doubt. 2. Recognize Your Achievements: Make it a point to acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small they seem. Remember, even minor wins contribute to your overall experience and expertise. 3. Avoid Comparanoia: Stop comparing yourself to others incessantly. Understand that everyone’s journey is unique, and their success doesn't diminish your own potential or achievements. Use healthy comparisons to set aspirational goals, not to fuel self-doubt. 4. Reframe Failures as Lessons: Look at your failures as learning opportunities. Each setback is a chance to gain valuable insights and improve. Larger failures can offer even more profound lessons that might transform how you approach your goals. 5. Treat Yourself as You Would Treat Others: Be as kind and supportive to yourself as you are to your friends, family, and colleagues. Replace negative self-talk with constructive and positive affirmations. Think about what you would say to a friend in your situation and turn that kindness inward. 6. Have a Support Group: Cultivate a network of supportive individuals who understand and uplift you. This could be family, friends, mentors, or colleagues. Their encouragement can be invaluable when imposter syndrome rears its head. These six strategies have been instrumental in our own journeys and have helped us navigate the complexities of imposter syndrome. We hope that by sharing our experiences and insights, you’ll find some valuable tools to help manage your own feelings of self-doubt. If you found value in this episode, don't forget to smash that subscribe button so we can continue bringing you more insightful content each week. [embed]https://youtu.be/mBytPKo3F9M[/embed]  

On this episode of Branded, Larry and Sara are joined by Aleya Harris to talk about how our energy can impact our personal brand. Aleya Harris, a Bioenergetic Business Coach, combines energy healing with radically authentic business strategy to help entrepreneurs, executives, leadership teams, and thought leaders tell a new story. She is here to help us remember our own spark by looking inside ourselves, turning life into a self-dating game, and navigating the world from a multidimensional perspective. Key takeaways: 1. Personal Authenticity and Self-Acceptance: Aleya discusses her use of self-deprecation as a defense mechanism developed from her experiences with bullying. She highlights the importance of being authentic and how acknowledging one's imperfections disempowers negativity and criticism. 2. Bioenergetic Business Consultancy: Aleya's company, Evolution Collective, Inc., is the first of its kind to combine energy healing with business strategy. This innovative approach focuses on aligning and regulating energy to create an authentic narrative and effective messaging strategy. 3. Energy and Mindset: Aleya explains the significance of energetic hygiene and sovereignty. Misaligned energy can lead to confusion and brain fog, whereas aligning one's energy with the universe can improve overall well-being. She uses tools like Nest Health to assist in this alignment process. 4. Embracing Unique Style and Identity: Despite facing criticism for her fashion choices, including a distinctive "desert hat," Aleya champions the idea that personal style is a reflection of one's true self and inner spark. She emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself despite external opinions. 5. Finding and Expressing Personal Stories: Aleya stresses the necessity of uncovering and sharing personal stories on one's own terms. By doing this, individuals can create a strong foundation for their messaging strategy, free from limiting beliefs and outdated ideas. She connects this idea to the concept of recalling one's inherent spark, as depicted in the movie Soul. [embed]https://youtu.be/d8SVuApUH10[/embed] About Aleya Harris Founder and CEO of The Evolution Collective Inc Aleya Harris, CPCE is the spark for your sparkTM. Using her proprietary Flourishing Empire Framework, Aleya combines energy healing with radically authentic business strategy to help entrepreneurs, executives, leadership teams, and thought leaders tell a new story. Aleya infuses elements of the Flourishing Empire Framework in everything that she does, from being an award-winning international speaker to a sought-after BioEnergetic Business Consultant and the host of the award-winning podcast, The Flourishing Entrepreneur. Aleya is the founder and CEO of The Evolution Collective Inc., a BioEnergetic Business Consultancy that solves strategy, leadership, and culture problems from the inside out. She is also the host of the Radical Rebirth Retreat, LLC, a loving, immersive in-person experience that helps entrepreneurs and executives transcend challenging life shifts and redefine their personal brands. Aleya is a StoryBrand Certified Guide and a Certified NES Health Practioner. She is also a regular guest on the Marketing Made Simple podcast, a featured presenter in StoryBrand’s Business Made Simple course platform, and has been featured in Thrive Global, Authority Magazine, and Special Events. A two-time Speaker of the Year award winner, Aleya has been a guest on over 125 podcasts and rocked over 100 stages where she has edutained audiences with her business acumen and energetic personality. https://www.aleyaharris.com/ https://www.aleyaharris.com/podcast https://www.instagram.com/aleyaharris/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleyaharris/ https://www.tiktok.com/@thealeyaharris

Welcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding. In this episode, your hosts Larry Roberts and Sara Lohse cover the importance of brand values and the guiding principles that underpin them. Brand values are more than just words on a page; they're the ethical foundation and the essence of what your brand stands for. They help shape your company's behavior, guide decision-making processes, and build trust with your audience. We'll explore what brand values are, how they relate to personal values, and how they translate into the ethical manner in which your business delivers its products or services. This episode also touches on the process of rebranding, establishing guiding principles, and setting goals that align with your brand's core values. Larry shares his experience with rebranding from "readily random" to "red hat" and discusses the importance of innovation as a core value. We also emphasize the significance of consistency and the role of mission and vision statements in conveying brand values. Sara explains how her commitment to kindness and positivity shapes her collaboration choices and goals, while offering practical tips for creating your own brand values and statements. Key takeaways: 1. Understanding Brand Values: Brand values are akin to personal values; they signify what your brand stands for and guide the behavior and actions of your business. They are essential in crafting mission and vision statements that reflect your brand's objectives and desired impact. 2. Importance of Ethical Conduct: Ethical behavior and consistency are crucial in maintaining a brand's integrity. Entrepreneurs and business owners must ensure that their personal conduct aligns with their brand values across all aspects of their lives to build and sustain trust with their audience. 3. Role of Innovation in Branding: Larry talks about his rebrand experience and highlights innovation as a core value. Staying at the forefront of industry trends and consistently updating your knowledge and skills can establish you as a thought leader and build trust with your community. 4. Creating Mission and Vision Statements: A mission or vision statement should reflect the core values and guiding principles of your brand. These statements are not set in stone and can evolve over time as the brand grows and adapts to new challenges and opportunities. 5. Practical Tips for Defining Brand Values: To identify and define your brand values, consider brainstorming with your team, surveying your customers, analyzing testimonials and reviews, and studying your competition. These methods can help you uncover the values that resonate most with your audience and set you apart in your industry. We hope you find these insights valuable as you work on defining and implementing your brand values. Your brand's success hinges on the clarity and consistency of its values and the ethical conduct that brings those values to life. [embed]https://youtu.be/SHC06D1Cp4E[/embed]

We're doing things a little differently on this week's episode of the podcast! Hosts Larry Roberts and Sara Lohse each chose one of our own favorite brands whose values and missions align well with our own. We start with Sara's choice of Cards Against Humanity, a card game company whose branding verges on demarketing, but truly knows its audience and uses its platform to do good for the world. We look at self-deprecating humor as a branding tactic, the use of social movements to promote a company, and the importance of remaining authentic. After, we dive into Larry's choice of LEGO, which to this day is his favorite past-time. Looking at each of LEGO's brand values, we see how clearly they align with the brand experience and how important values like imagination, creativity, and fun are no matter what age we are. Key takeaways: 1. Demarketing and Authenticity: We highlight how Cards Against Humanity uses demarketing and self-deprecating humor effectively to create a strong brand identity. Their approach might be unorthodox, but it resonates with their audience and aligns perfectly with their values. 2. Navigating Controversy: Cards Against Humanity is no stranger to controversy, often infusing political stances into their branding. We discuss the potential risks and rewards of merging politics with business and the importance of staying true to your brand's core values. 3. Understanding Target Audience: Both brands exhibit a deep understanding of their respective audiences. Cards Against Humanity knows their crowd's sense of humor and boundaries, while Lego taps into the universal love for creativity and fun across various age groups. 4. Importance of Brand Values: The episode emphasizes the critical role of clearly defined brand values. For Lego, values like imagination, creativity, and quality are not just words; they are the foundation of every product and interaction with the brand. 5. Longevity through Consistency: Larry's admiration for Lego showcases how consistency in brand messaging and product quality can build an enduring legacy. Lego's commitment to their core values, despite minor hiccups like missing pieces, keeps their audience engaged and loyal. [embed]https://youtu.be/BSEjYFGZRIE[/embed]

Welcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding! In this episode, we dive deep into the world of social media branding, focusing on the emergent platform Threads alongside other established networks. Are you feeling overwhelmed by the need to establish your brand on multiple social media platforms? You're not alone! Sara Lohse and Larry Roberts break it all down for you, offering insights, strategies, and personal anecdotes to help you navigate these digital waters. Highlights: 1. Initial Impressions of Threads: Larry talks about his recent experience speaking at an event in Florida and his observations about Threads since its launch. He compares it to Twitter and highlights its community’s initial positivity and unique features like muting specific words and phrases. 2. Privacy Concerns: We discuss the privacy implications and the potential drawbacks, such as the inability to delete a Threads account without also deleting your Instagram account, sparking a conversation about data security and concerns. 3. Seamless Branding Strategy: Both Sara and Larry emphasize the importance of integrating personal branding with professional branding. We share our personal approaches to maintaining consistent branding across platforms and the need to engage authentically with your audience. 4. Automation in Modern Living: Larry shares a cautionary tale about data and technology's grip on modern life, using an example of a fully automated house that was shut down due to a false report. 5. Engagement and Social Media Best Practices: We wrap up by discussing best practices for maintaining active engagement on social media, underlining the necessity to respond to comments and interact with followers to build and sustain a successful brand presence. Key Takeaways: 1. Understanding New Platforms: Larry explains how using new platforms like Threads can offer unique opportunities for early adopters. The app’s focus on positive interactions and customizable content filters can create a refreshing user experience. 2. Privacy and Data Security: Concerns about data privacy are discussed, with Larry explaining the risk of linking personal and professional profiles. He stresses the importance of being mindful of how and where our personal information is shared. 3. Personal and Professional Branding Integration: We highlight the significance of aligning personal branding with professional efforts. Sara shares her strategy of merging posts from her personal and branded accounts, advocating authenticity in engagement. 4. The Importance of Human Connection on Social Media: Larry emphasizes the role of human interaction over corporate branding, suggesting that brands incorporate personal stories and employee highlights to foster deeper connections with their audience. 5. Consistency and Engagement: Engaging thoughtfully with your audience is crucial. We stress the importance of responding to comments and maintaining active conversations to boost engagement and build a loyal community. We recommend leveraging tools like Metricool to manage and schedule social media posts effectively and focus on specific platforms where your audience is most active to achieve the best results. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review! Check out our new resources page at listentobranded.com for tools and tips to elevate your social media game. [embed]https://youtu.be/ujoggHYwpV0[/embed]

On this episode of Branded, Larry and Sara are joined by our first-ever guest expert, Danielle Lewis. Danielle is a graphic designer who helps businesses and entrepreneurs create a cohesive brand look. We explore the evolution of graphic design and the importance of consistency when it comes to visual elements. Danielle emphasizes that a well-designed logo is like the cherry on top of a brand, but visual elements encompass much more than that. Font, color, and imagery all contribute to the overall message and persona of a brand. We also discuss how, even without a logo, you can start developing a personal brand by taking simple steps. They share practical tips on maintaining consistency in your social media posts, finding the right balance between variety and cohesion, and creating templates that give your content room to breathe. We talk about the significance of planning your posts in advance and guiding your content creation process by visualizing your desired message or appearance. Danielle emphasizes the importance of creating a visual brand that truly reflects who you are and resonates with your target audience. In the digital age, personal branding has become more important than ever. As people seek a personal touch amidst the prevalence of artificial intelligence, developing a consistent persona and fully embodying your brand helps you stand out and make a lasting impression. Key takeaways: 1. Consistency is Key: Consistency in branding elements like font, color, and imagery is crucial for building a recognizable and memorable brand. This applies not only to logos but also to all visual content across different platforms. 2. Brand Elements: Danielle emphasizes that the three most important components of building a brand through graphic design are font, color, and imagery. These elements should be consistent to create a cohesive brand image. 3. Social Media Strategy: To create a cohesive and appealing Instagram feed, treat it like a magazine layout. Alternate between different types of posts (e.g., images, quotes, personal content) to create a visually pleasing and consistent grid. 4. Branding Beyond Logos: A strong brand image goes beyond just having a logo. Consistency in other visual elements can also create a powerful brand identity, as demonstrated by successful brands like Starbucks and McDonald's. 5. Personal Touch and Engagement: Including personal elements in your branded content can humanize your brand and make it more relatable. This can include sharing personal stories or behind-the-scenes content, as long as it aligns with your overall branding strategy. Download Danielle's free brand image guide here: https://brand.daniellelewisdesigns.com/frm/w4F9zf7tNxwukT3Y   [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTABSm-bGrU[/embed] About Danielle Lewis Owner / CEO of Danielle Lewis Designs Danielle is the owner of Danielle Lewis Designs, and has been running her own business for 15+ years. She specializes in helping entrepreneurs with businesses big or small bring their ideas to life, whether it be with their logos or through marketing design and templates. She is a stickler for consistency and loves a good design challenge. She takes a mentor's approach to design and is forever teaching her clients how to be more effective when visually communicating their brand. If you would like to work with her check out her IG @daniellelewisdesigns https://daniellelewisdesigns.com/ https://www.instagram.com/daniellelewisdesigns/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-lewis-55a191161/  

Welcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding. In today's episode, Sara and Larry dive deep into the essence of brand building by breaking down the eight core components essential for crafting a strong, cohesive brand. With Sara’s expertise from her branding summits and Larry’s experience in market analysis, they provide listeners with a roadmap to understanding and implementing effective branding strategies. This episode, while focusing on the highlights, promises a series of upcoming deep dives into each component, offering valuable insights and practical exercises to help you define and enhance your brand. Key takeaways: 1. Understanding Brand Definition: Sara emphasizes the importance of starting with a clear brand definition. Filling in the simple "I am ___ that ___ for ___" helps in identifying who you are, what you offer, and who your target audience is. Getting this right lays a crucial foundation for all other branding efforts. 2. The Role of Brand Values: Both hosts discuss the importance of brand values and how they align with personal values, especially for solopreneurs. Larry points out that these values guide the future of the company and are essential for crafting mission statements and maintaining a cohesive brand message. 3. Crafting a Brand Promise: They discuss the concept of the brand promise, noting that while specific outcomes can't always be guaranteed, the experience and quality of service can be. This promise is about ensuring clients and customers know what to expect when they engage with your brand. 4. Establishing Brand Identity: Sara introduces the importance of visual elements in branding, such as logos, colors, fonts, and overall design consistency. In a few weeks, a special guest, Danielle, a graphic designer, will join to discuss this in detail, emphasizing the need for a cohesive visual identity across all platforms. 5. Positioning Your Brand in the Market: Larry sheds light on the importance of understanding your market position through consumer perception and competitor analysis. He underlines that their strategic approach plays a pivotal role in identifying gaps and opportunities in a crowded marketplace. The episode continues to explore other components, such as brand differentiation—identifying what makes your brand unique in a competitive market, and the importance of market research to place your brand effectively. Moreover, Sara stresses the importance of a consistent brand message, which ensures that everything from your website to social media communicates the core values and promises of your brand. Finally, they discuss how brand experience is influenced by consumer interactions and how sometimes, despite the brand's best efforts, external factors can shape consumer perceptions. This episode is packed with actionable advice and serves as an essential guide for anyone looking to solidify their brand's foundation. Listen to find out: * The essential eight components to build a strong brand foundation * Practical exercises to define your brand clearly * Insights into maintaining consistency across different platforms * How to differentiate and position your brand in a competitive market * Real-world examples and personal anecdotes from the hosts that illustrate key points [embed]https://youtu.be/GBHQ4B2l3WE[/embed]

Welcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding. In this episode of Branded, Larry Roberts and Sara Lohse are discussing the essential topic of building your brand through networking. Networking can be a powerful tool for entrepreneurs and professionals looking to elevate their personal and business brands but often gets overlooked or misconstrued as mere socializing. Larry and Sara explore how to approach networking with the right mindset to forge meaningful connections that can lead to long-term opportunities and successes. Larry and Sara also share their personal networking experiences, offering practical advice and strategies they learned along the way. If you're hesitant about networking or feel that you haven't been using it to its full potential, this episode will provide crucial insights to transform how you engage with others in professional settings. Key takeaways: 1. Networking with Intent: Larry and Sara emphasize the importance of attending networking events with the goal of making genuine connections rather than merely selling your services. Building lasting relationships can lead to more significant, long-term opportunities. 2. Authenticity is Key: Sara shares her story about meeting Clifton Corbin and how being her authentic self allowed her to form a meaningful connection that benefited her both professionally and personally. Authenticity can make a lasting impression and differentiate you from others. 3. Overcoming Initial Hesitation: Larry recounts his experience of going to networking events alone, where he initially felt out of place. He highlights how overcoming the fear of the unknown and taking that first step can lead to invaluable connections and business opportunities. 4. Invest in Quality Business Tools*: Larry discusses the impact of having high-quality business cards nd how they can make a memorable impression. While Sara mentions her soft-touch business cards, both hosts agree that having well-branded materials can leave a lasting, positive impression. 5. Strategic Follow-Ups: Sara explains her approach to following up with new connections by adding them to her email list with a personal note, which facilitates continued engagement. It's a strategic way to keep in touch and nurture the relationship you’ve started. In this episode, Larry and Sara bring their unique perspectives and experiences to encourage you to rethink how you approach networking. Whether you are new to networking or looking to refine your strategy, their insights will help you leverage this essential tool to build and strengthen your brand. If you enjoyed this episode and found value in it, do us a favor and smash that subscribe button on whatever platform you’re listening on, so we can continue to bring you insightful commentary each and every week. [embed]https://youtu.be/EUL234Tm2GI[/embed]

Welcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding. In this episode, we’re tackling a topic that many aspiring podcasters have misconceptions about: making money from podcasting. There’s a pervasive belief that just starting a podcast will bring in loads of money right out of the gate. However, the reality is much more complex and requires a strategic approach towards building a brand and an audience. Throughout this episode, we break down the challenges, myths, and realities of podcast monetization. We emphasize the importance of focusing on creating great content and building influence rather than expecting immediate financial returns. Whether you're new to podcasting or looking to refine your strategy, this episode offers essential insights to help you navigate the podcasting landscape effectively. Overview of Discussion: Sara and Larry dive deep into why the goal of immediate monetization is misguided and how podcasts should first and foremost focus on adding value and building a brand. They touch upon the misconception that sponsorships and ads are the only ways to monetize a podcast and propose looking at monetization through the lens of Return on Influence (ROI). They also offer actionable steps on how to utilize a podcast as part of a broader marketing strategy. Key Takeaways: 1. Focus on Brand Building First: Sara and Larry highlight the need to have a well-established brand before considering podcast monetization. Without a brand, it's challenging to create the kind of content that resonates deeply with an audience and adds genuine value. 2. Return on Influence (ROI): Larry introduces the concept of "Return on Influence" instead of "Return on Investment." The idea here is to focus on building influence and presence within your niche. Influence paves the way for future monetization opportunities, making it a more realistic and effective goal in the initial stages of podcasting. 3. Indirect Monetization: Monetization doesn't have to come directly from podcast ads and sponsorships. Sara explains how bringing in clients through the podcast or opening up opportunities like guest appearances and speaking engagements can also be considered forms of monetization. 4. The Role of Consistency: Consistency in content, branding, and messaging is key. Larry emphasizes that successful podcasters consistently show up and deliver high-quality content. Inconsistent efforts in these areas often lead to failure in achieving desired monetization goals. 5. Holistic Marketing Strategy: A podcast should be viewed as one part of a larger marketing strategy. Sara discusses how integrating your podcast into social media, blogs, and other marketing efforts can maximize your reach and indirectly contribute to business growth and monetization. By understanding these key aspects, podcasters can set realistic expectations, focus on value creation, and use their podcast as a powerful tool within a broader marketing framework. Tune in to this insightful episode to learn more about the path to successful podcasting with the right focus and strategy. Thank you for listening to Branded. Subscribe to stay updated with our latest episodes as we continue to explore the world of creative branding. We’ll see you next week! [embed]https://youtu.be/VI9nJQsTn00[/embed]

Welcome back to Branded: Your Comprehensive Guide to Creative Branding In today's episode, Larry Roberts and Sara Lohse dive deep into the intricate world of personal branding and the common pitfalls to avoid. Personal branding can be tricky, with many common mistakes that are easy to make but crucial to recognize and rectify. In this episode, Larry and Sara share insights from their own experiences - including Larry's ongoing journey to define his brand after leaving the corporate world, and Sara's strategic decision to focus her business on her passion for podcast guesting and personal branding. Throughout their conversation, they emphasize the importance of clarity, authenticity, audience targeting, and avoiding the trap of comparanoia. They offer practical advice and illustrate their points with real-world examples, making for an episode rich in actionable takeaways. Overview of What Was Discussed: 1. The Importance of Clarity: Both hosts stress the necessity of having a clear and concise definition of what you do and ensuring that your audience understands it. 2. Personal Experiences: Larry and Sara share personal anecdotes to highlight the importance of clarity, authenticity, and proper audience targeting in personal branding. 3. The Concept of Comparanoia: They discuss how comparing oneself to others can harm personal branding and offer alternative ways to use comparisons constructively. 4. Authenticity in Branding: They talk about the vital role authenticity plays in branding and how being true to oneself can attract the right audience and opportunities. 5. Collaboration Over Competition: Sara provides an example of how comparing yourself to others in your field can lead to collaboration instead of competition, benefiting both parties. Key Takeaways: 1. Clarity is Crucial for Personal Branding: Larry and Sara both emphasize that having a clear and concise understanding of what you do and ensuring that it’s communicated effectively to your audience is fundamental. They note that a lack of clarity can confuse potential clients and dilute your brand's impact. 2. Authenticity Matters: Authenticity is not just a buzzword in personal branding – it's a necessity. Both hosts discuss how being genuine and true to yourself ensures that your message resonates and attracts the right audience. They highlight that inauthenticity can repel the very people you are trying to reach. 3. Avoid Comparanoia: The idea of "comparanoia" – the unhealthy habit of constantly comparing oneself to others – is dissected. Larry and Sara suggest reframing comparison as a way to find collaboration opportunities, looking at it as a way to identify complementary strengths instead of viewing it competitively. 4. Targeting the Right Audience: Understanding who you are doing your work for is as important as knowing what you do. Larry shares his experience of initially targeting the wrong audience and how refining his audience focus significantly benefited his business. 5. Collaboration Over Competition: Sara’s approach to comparing herself with others for mutual growth illustrates the power of collaboration. Rather than viewing others in her field as competition, she’s found that understanding their strengths can lead to beneficial partnerships, expanding opportunities for all involved. Don't miss this insightful episode if you’re looking to master personal branding and avoid common pitfalls. Click Subscribe and join us every week as we continue to explore the dynamic world of creative branding on Branded. Visit ListenToBranded.com for more episodes, ratings, and reviews. Thank you for tuning in! [embed]https://youtu.be/7HGqjIURNJI[/embed]