Branded

Branded

By Larry Roberts & Sara LohseBusinessEntrepreneurshipMarketingCareers
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Branded episodes

  • How Curiosity Drives Successful Branding and Content Creation with Emily Aborn
    Welcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding.
    In today’s episode, we dive into the fascinating world of curiosity and how it can shape brand messaging. With us is Emily Aborn, a seasoned copywriter, speaker, and host of the "Content with Character" podcast. Emily brings her unique insights on infusing personality into content and the strategic role of curiosity in engaging audiences.
    We kick off with a light-hearted discussion between us (Sara and Larry) about the nostalgic 80s TV show "Magnum PI" and the amusing confusion around Tom Selleck’s roles. From there, we delve into Emily's love for word games like Scrabble, crosswords, and Wordle, segueing into a profound conversation on maintaining curiosity, effective content hooks, and the fine line between being genuinely engaging and overtly clickbaity.
    We explore different approaches to providing advice, debating the merits of step-by-step guides versus maintaining a philosophical, open-ended approach to spark curiosity. Our discussion also touches on the challenges of teaching inherent creative skills, using curiosity for effective brand messaging, and personal anecdotes about navigating social media notifications.
    Key takeaways:
    1. Maintaining Curiosity in Branding: Emily emphasizes the importance of using curiosity to engage audiences without overwhelming them. She discusses various tactics, such as asking questions, incorporating surprises, and avoiding overly vague content that might confuse rather than intrigue.
    2. Adapting Advice Delivery: We explore contrasting advice delivery methods. While Emily supports providing enough information to engage but not fully implement, Sara advocates for step-by-step instructions to demonstrate expertise. We agree that both methods have their place depending on the audience and context.
    3. Skill Teachability: Dividing opinions arise on whether creative skills like writing and graphic design can be fully taught. Sara believes some elements are inherent and difficult to teach, whereas Emily maintains a broader perspective on skill development, emphasizing technical aspects.
    4. Effective Pitching Strategies: Emily and the hosts share insights on crafting effective podcast pitches, avoiding industry jargon, and ensuring clarity and engagement. We discuss the importance of personalizing pitches to resonate more with recipients.
    5. Humanizing Content through Vulnerability: Larry's anecdote about authentic moments at a business summit highlights the power of vulnerability. Emily underscores that sharing personal stories and making mistakes can make content creators more relatable and human.

      6. Join us as we navigate these insightful discussions on curiosity, branding, and content creation, and don't forget to subscribe for more episodes of Branded. Until next week, stay curious and keep building your brand with personality and purpose!
      https://youtu.be/NQ_xQmFf5k8
      About Emily Aborn
      Emily Aborn is a Copywriter, Speaker, and Podcast Host. She’s been an entrepreneur for over a decade, with experience running brick-and-mortar and online businesses. She’s collaborated with 1,000’s of individuals in over 100 industries as a copywriter. She brings their personality, creativity, and message to life as she guides them to build community and relationship-based businesses. For fun, she enjoys word games, reading, listening to podcasts, and hiking with her husband, Jason, and their dog, Clyde.
      Website: www.EmilyAborn.com
      LinkedIn: www.LinkedIn.com/in/EmilyAborn
      Instagram: www.Instagram.com/EmilyAborn
      Podcast: https://contentwithcharacter.buzzsprout.com
      36 min
    6. How to Pitch Yourself as a Podcast Guest
      Welcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding.
      Today, we’re diving deep into the art of pitching to podcasts. Whether you're an aspiring guest or a seasoned pro, learning how to pitch effectively is crucial for getting your story heard and providing value to the audience.
      We’ve received a lot of pitches for our show—some great, many not so great. So, we wanted to take this episode to share some detailed insights on what makes a compelling pitch that stands out. We’re also going to sprinkle in some personal anecdotes and lessons from our experiences to help you frame your pitches better.
      In this episode, we cover a lot of ground—from crafting concise and impactful pitches to the importance of pre-calls and the value of strong storytelling. For anyone serious about building their brand and getting featured on podcasts, this is a must-listen!
      Here are five key takeaways from today’s discussion:
      1. Framework for a Successful Pitch: The pitch should be concise and focus on a brief introduction, a connector, a hook, and the value. It’s all about grabbing attention quickly and demonstrating what you bring to the table.
      2. Importance of Pre-calls: Hosts may use pre-calls to gauge your conversational skills and establish chemistry. These calls are pivotal in ensuring that you can engage in meaningful, story-driven conversations rather than just giving short answers.
      3. Media Kits and Playlists: Keep your media kit separate from your initial pitch. Use it to link previous podcast appearances and embed a playlist of past episodes on your media page. This shows that you know how to speak in stories and bring value.
      4. First Impressions Matter: Professional audio quality and thoughtful presentation go a long way in showing respect for the host’s effort. A good first impression sets the tone for a successful podcast appearance.
      5. Pitch Structure Tips: Avoid excessively long pitches and focus on value rather than self-promotion. A brief, well-crafted bio, a strong hook, and a clear statement of what the audience will gain are essential elements of a compelling pitch.

        6. We hope you find this episode valuable as you work on perfecting your podcast pitches. Remember, an effective pitch isn’t just about promoting yourself; it’s about providing real value to the listeners and creating engaging content.
        Subscribe for more episodes where we dive deeper into branding, pitching, and storytelling. And as always, thanks for tuning in to Branded.
        [embed]https://youtu.be/3DXQZeGWvOU[/embed]
        31 min
      6. How to Earn Media and PR for Your Brand
        Welcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding.
        Today, we have an exciting episode lined up as we dive into the world of public relations and branding with our special guest, Aquila Mendez Valdez, Founder and CEO of Haute in Texas, a dynamic PR marketing agency. We’re thrilled to talk about various facets of PR, from common misconceptions to practical advice for businesses.
        In this episode, we start with a brief introduction of Aquila’s journey from journalism to PR, exploring the stability and financial prospects that influenced her career switch. We then dive deep into PR strategies, focusing on the difference between earned and paid media and the benefits of thoughtful, long-term publicity efforts. We also touch on how small to medium-sized businesses can leverage PR effectively, offering practical advice on connecting with journalists and building meaningful relationships.
        Aquila shares valuable insights on when it’s the right time to hire a PR agency and what red flags to watch out for when choosing one. She also shares her experience working predominantly with female founders and the gender dynamics that play into business and PR.
        We wrap up the episode with some thought-provoking discussions on branding, storytelling, and how to strategically use PR to build and sustain a brand’s reputation.
        Key takeaways:
        1. Importance of Authentic PR: Aquila emphasizes the value of earned PR in building and expanding brand reach. She helps debunk the myth that PR is inherently deceptive or manipulative, showing that genuine PR is about honest communication and relationship-building.
        2. Journalism to PR Pathway: Many journalists make a seamless transition into PR due to their existing newsroom knowledge and contacts. This transition can often make PR strategies more effective because of their deep understanding of media dynamics.
        3. Effective PR for Small Businesses: For small and medium-sized businesses, being nimble and agile in PR strategy is crucial. Authentic connections with journalists and targeted media outlets can yield better results than broader, less personalized efforts.
        4. Building Long-term PR Strategies: Aquila and the hosts stress the importance of focusing on long-term goals rather than short-term PR bursts. Comprehensive marketing plans that integrate PR are essential for sustained brand building and maximizing the benefits of media coverage over time.
        5. Red Flags and Best Practices in PR Agencies: It’s essential to critically evaluate PR agencies when choosing one. Agencies that guarantee outcomes might be relying on paid media rather than earning genuine coverage. A good agency should feel like a partner and show sincere interest in your business’s growth while also being transparent and honest in their capabilities and plans.

          6. So sit back, relax, and join us as we explore the insightful world of PR with Aquila Mendez-Valdez on this episode of Branded. We're excited to share these invaluable insights and practical advice to help you navigate and elevate your branding game. Don't forget to subscribe for more episodes of Branded, where we bring you the best tips and tricks for creative branding! You can find more about Aquila and Haute in Texas at hitpr.com.
          [embed]https://youtu.be/I_pDz4owqDM[/embed]
          About Aquila Mendez-Valdez
          Aquila is the Founder and CEO of Haute in Texas, an award-winning PR and Marketing agency which has grown from scratch into a multiple six-figures business. She’s been asked to speak and present to audiences across the US, Europe and Asia, and has been featured in Forbes, The Telegraph UK, Digiday, and PR on the Go, in addition to numerous TV appearances, publications, and podcasts. Her blog collaborations and client roster feature some of the world’s biggest brands, including Vogue, Prada, Lincoln, Neiman Marcus, Kendra Scott, Orangetheory, and many, many more. She graduated with honors playing Division I volleyball at Western Kentucky University and obtained her Master’s from Gonzaga University. She serves on various boards for a wide variety of non-profits, and in 2022 launched Haute in Network Agencies, a franchise model to help other women own their own agencies. In 2023 she was named a San Antonio Biz Journal 40 Under 40 honoree and launched the agency's first satellite location with Haute in Austin. Aquila and her college sweetheart, Orlando, have two girls and currently reside in San Antonio, Texas.
          37 min
        6. How Your Blog Can Attract Clients and Boost Your Business
          Welcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding.
          In this episode, we dive into the powerful realm of blogging with our fantastic guest, Jon Clemence. We explore the ins and outs of transforming blogs into client magnets and vital tools for business growth.
          We’re thrilled to have Jon Clemence with us, a seasoned blogger and the founder of Cedar Press Proofreading. Jon has an impressive story, having transitioned from the corporate world to successfully running his own business. In our chat, Jon shares his insights on how blogs can be a game-changer for businesses, especially when tailored to engage audiences and drive action.
          Throughout the episode, we uncover Jon’s top tips for effective blogging, the importance of personal touch in content, and how to compete with the ever-evolving world of AI-generated content. We also reminisce about quirky moments and share our collective disdain for the overwhelming flood of generic digital content.
          So buckle up, this episode is packed with valuable knowledge and actionable tips to elevate your blogging game and attract more clients.
          Key takeaways:
          1. Hooks and Engagement: Jon emphasizes the need to captivate your readers from the very first sentence. Whether it’s using startling statistics or controversial statements, creating an engaging entry point is crucial to maintaining reader interest—a good blog hook can boost your Google ranking significantly.
          2. Personable Content: We discuss how crucial it is to infuse blogs with personality. AI might churn out content, but it cannot replicate genuine human emotion and personal stories. Jon and Sara both highlight the importance of a personal touch to make content relatable and engaging.
          3. Formatting for Readability: Jon shares his wisdom on formatting techniques, stressing the importance of breaking up text with headers and keeping paragraphs short. This not only improves readability but is essential for retaining mobile users, who represent 61% of website traffic.
          4. Strategic Use of CTAs: According to Jon, an effective blog should always include a clear call to action. These CTAs should align with your goals, directing your readers towards booking a call, signing up for a newsletter, or interacting with your content in meaningful ways.
          5. Human Creativity vs. AI: We dive into a deep discussion about the limitations of AI in content creation. While AI can be a great tool for brainstorming, Jon points out that it lacks the soul and uniqueness that only human writers can provide. Personal insights and creativity are what make content truly stand out, and relying solely on AI can lead to generic and uninspiring results.

            6. Join us as we explore these insights and more in this engaging episode with Jon Clemence. By putting these tips into action, you'll be well on your way to making your blog a powerful tool for client acquisition and business growth.
            [embed]https://youtu.be/dR2tc3jV5jM?si=iq67Ru-DeXyK90R_[/embed]
            About Jon Clemence
            I'm Jon, a professional editor and writer. I also run an editing and writing agency. I help businesses improve their written content to attract more people to their websites and convert them into new clients.
            www.cedarpressproofreading.com
            linkedin.com/in/jon-clemence-300b31187
            instagram.com/cp_proofreading
            facebook.com/cedarpressproofreading
            37 min
          6. How to Brand Yourself While Working a 9 to 5
            Welcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding.
            In this episode, we're diving deep into personal branding and how unique elements can transform your visibility and career trajectory--even if entrepreneurship isn't in your plan.
            We’re joined by Dave Polykoff, an expert in startups and branding, who has worked with several big names in the industry like Brand.com, Presto Media, and Zenpost. We explore how branding isn't just about logos and colors; it's about storytelling, authenticity, and finding unique, engaging elements to make your brand stand out.
            We discuss everything from Larry's experience of changing his business name following recognition at a Bitcoin conference in Miami, to Sara's personal branding experiment with tattoo storytelling, all the way to Dave's invaluable advice on starting small and gradually building your content without overwhelming yourself.
            This episode is filled with real-world examples, personal stories, and practical tips to help you establish and grow your personal brand in today's digital age. We emphasize the importance of authenticity, creativity, and the strategic use of personal stories to make meaningful connections with your audience.
            Key takeaways:
            1. Start Small and Build Up: Dave Polykoff emphasizes the importance of not biting off more than you can chew when it comes to branding. It's essential to start with small, manageable steps in content creation and gradually work your way up to more complex projects. This method helps you stay consistent and prevents burnout.
            2. Unexpected Elements in Branding: Unique and unexpected elements, such as Larry's red hat or the confetti that Dave mentions, can significantly impact your brand's visibility and memorability. These elements not only make your brand stand out but also create a lasting impression on your audience.
            3. Authenticity is Crucial: Being yourself and showing up authentically helps people understand how you will be in different settings, whether virtual or in person. Authenticity attracts your true audience and allows you to engage more deeply by being genuine rather than trying to impress or adhere to external expectations.
            4. Personal Branding in Corporate Roles: Both Sara and Larry discuss the importance of personal branding even within corporate environments. Your personal brand can impact your career advancement and job security, helping you stand out in a crowded job market and opening doors for future opportunities.
            5. Leveraging Unique Stories and Humor: Real estate and car sales agents who use humor and authenticity in their branding have shown how effective these elements can be. The hosts emphasize that integrating storytelling and unexpected twists in your content can capture and retain audience attention far better than generic posts or content designed purely to follow trends.

              6. Tune in to gain insights from Dave Polykoff's rich experience in branding and learn actionable tips to elevate your personal and professional brand. And don't forget to check out Sara Lohse's book "Open This Book" on Amazon for more compelling storytelling advice. For those interested in diving deeper, be sure to subscribe to Dave's podcast, "Brand Science," for more episodes on the nuances of branding.
              [embed]https://youtu.be/rqnX2xFPKS4[/embed]
              About Dave Polykoff
              Dave is the Co-Founder and CEO of Zenpost, a brand and content strategy agency that teaches entrepreneurs how to show up consistently on the right channels and convert their audience into leads.
              He focuses on the entire funnel, from message to conversion, and teaches busy clients simple social strategies that maximize impact and the only KPI that matters, new business.
              Dave has a lengthy resume in startups and as a founder of his own businesses, and literally started his career at an online reputation company called Brand.com. He founded the content marketing agencies Presto Media and Zenpost and has worked with brands including Yahoo, Ask, and PandaDoc.
              You can find him on LinkedIn, and subscribe to his podcast Brand Science, where he interviews experts across the content creation landscape, from fellow coaches to photographers, to learn new tips and strategies for growing a personal brand online.
              Dave’s goal is to make posting content easy AF so that his clients can focus turning their expertise into content, and their content into customers.
              Visit Dave's website or connect with him on LinkedIn.
              48 min
            6. Engaging Your Audience through Non-Linear Content Creation
              Welcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding.
              We're excited about today's episode where we dive deep into content accessibility and the innovative Brain Bump app. Our special guest today is Mark Herschberg, the author of "The Career Toolkit Essential Skills for Success" and the creator of the Brain Bump app.
              Mark gives us a fascinating overview of content delivery in a digital age, emphasizing the importance of providing people with the content they need when they need it. We explore how Brain Bump extracts key ideas from various content, organizes them into accessible formats, and allows users to subscribe to specific content sources based on their preferences. We also touch on the history of book apps, issues with user adoption, and how tools like Kindle have made access easier.
              Mark dives into how the Brain Bump app is helping content creators share their work in a non-linear format, which significantly improves brand trust and awareness. There's also a lot to unpack about the challenges and solutions in making evergreen content discoverable in an increasingly linear digital world.
              Key takeaways:
              1. Content Accessibility Through Brain Bump: Mark elaborates on how the Brain Bump app simplifies access to relevant content, whether users need it immediately or as foundational knowledge. This just-in-time content delivery system utilizing a spreadsheet format is a game-changer for users.
              2. Non-linear Content Distribution: Mark highlights the necessity of moving away from traditional linear content distribution like social media and email. He recommends leveraging categorization features in blogs and podcasts for accessing historical yet relevant content.
              3. Engagement Through Custom Links and QR Codes: The Brain Bump app allows content creators to engage their audiences through unique links and QR codes, making it easier for users to find and interact with the content they are interested in.
              4. Potential for Content Creators: There’s a significant opportunity for content creators to have their content featured on the Brain Bump app. This platform supports improved brand visibility and makes it easier for creators to distribute their work and generate leads.
              5. Strategic Use of AI and Tools: Mark discusses the future integration of AI for better content categorization and retrieval. He suggests starting small with existing content, leveraging AI tools for efficiency, and creating long-form content that can be broken down into micro-content for targeted distribution.

                6. We hope you find this episode insightful and that you explore the Brain Bump app at brainbumpapp.com. Special thanks to Mark Herschberg for sharing his expertise and vision for a more accessible and engaging digital content future.
                [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5J1rD16YEBc[/embed]
                About Mark Herschberg
                Mark Herschberg is the author of The Career Toolkit: Essential Skills for Success That No One Taught You and creator of the Brain Bump app. From tracking criminals and terrorists on the dark web to creating marketplaces and new authentication systems, Mark has spent his career launching and developing new ventures at startups and Fortune 500s and in academia, with over a dozen patents to his name. He helped to start the Undergraduate Practice Opportunities Program, dubbed MIT’s “career success accelerator,” where he teaches annually. At MIT, he received a B.S. in physics, a B.S. in electrical engineering & computer science, and a M.Eng. in electrical engineering & computer science, focusing on cryptography. At Harvard Business School, Mark helped create a platform used to teach finance at prominent business schools. He also works with many non-profits, currently serving on the board of Plant A Million Corals. He was one of the top-ranked ballroom dancers in the country and now lives in New York City, where he is known for his social gatherings, including his annual Halloween party, as well as his diverse cufflink collection.
                40 min
              6. How to Create Customer Loyalty for Your Brand

                Welcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding.

                In this episode, we thought we’d shift gears and dive into an essential topic that's foundational to every successful business: exceptional customer service. We decided to make this a solo-ish episode, just the two of us, Sara and Larry, sharing insights and a personal story that underscores the impact of outstanding customer service on your brand.

                Larry shares a recent experience that combines humor and a valuable lesson on customer service. After accidentally ordering 200 business cards with template guidelines, Larry reached out to Moo.com for help, despite knowing the mistake was his. What followed was an exemplary customer service interaction that not only resolved the issue but reinforced Larry's loyalty to the Moo brand. We also discuss how great customer service creates brand evangelists – loyal fans who are eager to spread the word about your brand.

                We hope this episode inspires you to reflect on your own customer service practices and consider ways to elevate them to create impactful experiences for your customers.

                Key takeaways:

                1. The Power of Exceptional Customer Service: Larry's story about Moo.com reprinting his business cards despite his mistake illustrates the profound impact of going above and beyond for customers. This kind of service not only resolves immediate issues but also generates long-term loyalty and positive word-of-mouth.
                2. Building Brand Evangelists: Sara points out that memorable customer service experiences encourage customers to become brand evangelists. These enthusiastic supporters will not only return but will also recommend your business to others, significantly amplifying your reach and reputation.
                3. The Importance of Personal Touches: We discuss Moo.com's interaction on social media, where they provided personalized responses instead of generic comments. This attention to detail makes customers feel valued and understood, which is critical for building strong customer relationships.
                4. Handling Mistakes with Grace: Larry's anecdote emphasizes the importance of admitting and learning from mistakes in a customer-centric manner. Acknowledging errors and making sincere efforts to rectify them can turn a potential negative into a compelling positive experience.
                5. Consistency in Customer Service Across Channels: Ensuring that your customer service is consistent and exceptional across all platforms—whether it’s in-person, on the phone, or on social media—is crucial. This consistency builds trust and reliability, which are key components of a strong brand.

                Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Branded. We'll see you next week, and as always, we hope you're inspired to take your customer service to the next level, because your brand depends on it!

                24 min
              7. How to Engage Website Visitors in Six Seconds or Less
                Welcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding.
                In this episode, we're going online to talk about website strategy, personal branding, and SEO with our special guest, James Hipkin. James is an expert in websites and SEO, and he brings a wealth of knowledge to today's discussion. We cover why small business owners need to be selective about their SEO efforts, the importance of personal branding, and how to engage visitors on your website effectively.
                James shares crucial insights into crafting a website that not only attracts visitors but also retains them and converts them into loyal customers. We explore the intricacies of personal branding, the challenges of businesses built around an individual’s name, and the need for a cohesive market statement. We also touch on practical tips for webpage design, the use of images and text, and the importance of clear, problem-solving headlines.
                We also share some personal experiences with website design and marketing challenges. Sara talks about the need to practice what she preaches in her own business marketing efforts, and James provides feedback on her headline, emphasizing a focus on the problems the business solves.
                James has some controversial opinions about websites (like, you don't need one!), so feel free to take sides with whomever you agree with.
                Key takeaways:
                1. The Pitfalls of Relying Solely on SEO: James advises small business owners to be aware of SEO fundamentals but cautions against making it their primary strategy. He stresses the lengthy time investment required and the essential role of domain authority in an effective SEO plan.
                2. The Power of Personal Branding: Establishing immediate recognition and trust through personal branding is critical. It's important to create a cohesive statement about what your business does in the marketplace, ensuring consistency with your brand's message.
                3. Engaging Website Design: James highlights six crucial ways to engage visitors within six seconds, including fast page load speeds and consistent branding. Strategic placement of images and text is also essential, with models in photographs directing attention to key actions like the ‘buy now’ button.
                4. Crafting Effective Headlines: Your website’s headline should instantly grab attention and speak directly to the problems your business solves, rather than just explaining what you do. Use real consumer language, and avoid being overly clever or vague.
                5. Building and Maintaining a High-Quality Email List: Two key digital assets for marketing are your email list and your website. Using email service providers like Mailer Light and Mailchimp can help you get started, and maintaining the quality of your email list is essential for successful marketing campaigns. Tools like mail merge can personalize emails, and adding contacts from business cards helps expand your list.
                Join us as we unravel these insights and provide practical steps to take your brand's online presence to the next level. Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and schedule a website audit with James Hipkin at sixsecondsorless.com.
                [embed]https://youtu.be/JzH6e-zc_rg[/embed]
                About James Hipkin
                Over a 40-year career, James worked in marketing and advertising at a high level. Since 2010, he has built his clients’ businesses with digital marketing.
                James is an accomplished, forward-thinking marketing professional. His clients included Sprint, Apple, Wells Fargo online bank, Nestlé, and Toyota. He has the scars and many stories to share.
                His stories are always valuable and entertaining. His humor and infectious good-natured approach to marketing are fun and practical. But he never loses track of what’s important. Marketing, done well, creates value for customers and the business.
                Website: inn8ly.com/
                LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jameshipkin/
                 
                45 min
              8. How Core Values Guide Your Branding and Personal Growth
                Welcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding.
                In this episode, we are delighted to welcome Andrea Johnson, a transformational leadership coach and host of the podcast Stand Tall and Own It. We're talking about understanding people, respecting others’ perspectives, and the powerful impact of intrinsic core values on personal and professional branding.
                Andrea joins us to share her insights on authenticity, creativity, and the importance of recognizing and honoring our core values. She shares moving personal stories, particularly about her son's ADHD, and provides practical tools like the DISC assessment to help us better understand ourselves and our communication styles. Together, we explore how core values influence our decisions and interactions, and how they evolve over time.
                Key takeaways:
                1. Understanding and Honoring Core Values: Andrea underscores the need to look internally to understand our core values, as these intrinsic motivations guide our interactions and decisions. By recognizing these values, individuals can align more authentically with both personal and business brands.
                2. Impact of ADHD as a Superpower: Sharing her personal experience with her son's ADHD, Andrea reframes ADHD in a positive light, depicting it as a “superpower” that comes with unique strengths and opportunities. This perspective encourages a more constructive view of neurodiversity within personal and professional spheres.
                3. Importance of Authenticity in Branding: We discuss how authenticity plays a critical role in branding. Andrea explains that core values should reflect in every aspect of our brand, promoting genuine interactions and building trust with our audience.
                4. Discovering Communication Styles with DISC Assessment: The DISC assessment emerges as a significant tool discussed in this episode. Andrea elaborates on how it helps individuals and teams understand their communication styles, improve interpersonal relationships, and resolve conflicts. She even offers a free cheat sheet to help recognize behaviors and conflicts effectively.
                5. Personal vs. Brand Values: Distinguishing between personal core values and business values is essential. Andrea helps us understand that while personal core values involve internal non-negotiables, business values revolve around community-building and external engagement. Aligning both types of values is crucial for coherent and effective branding.
                Throughout the episode, we had insightful explorations into how personal experiences, core values, and professional growth intersect in the journey of building a strong, authentic brand. We left the conversation with a deeper appreciation for the role that values play in shaping who we are and how we present ourselves to the world.
                Thank you for joining us on Branded. Remember, you can connect with Andrea Johnson through her podcast Stand Tall and Own It, and make use of the free resources she offers to enhance your understanding of core values and communication styles.
                Find Andrea's Core Values exercise here: https://www.theintentionaloptimist.com/corevaluesexercise
                [embed]https://youtu.be/9RBofVrj6CE[/embed]
                About Andrea Johnson
                Andrea Johnson empowers executives and founders to lead with authenticity, conviction and confidence so they can make a positive impact on their lives, organizations and communities. Uncovering and understanding the significance of her Core Values became the key to the process that allows her clients to become Impactful Leaders. Her passion is equipping female leaders to define a new culture by trusting their own ability to think critically, create imaginatively and lead effectively.
                Andrea's website
                39 min
              9. How to Level Up Your Brand with Next Level University’s Kevin and Alan
                Welcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding.
                This episode is our first-ever interview with two guests, and despite some talking over each other, it is jam packed with value.
                We dive deep into the world of personal branding, social media dynamics, and the relentless pursuit of self-improvement. We are thrilled to welcome Kevin Palmieri and Alan Lazaros, the minds behind the acclaimed Next Level University podcast, which has amassed over 1700 episodes and boasts a spot in the top 100 podcast rankings with more than a million listeners.
                Throughout the episode, we explore the concept of "BIRGing," where individuals flaunt their association with successful brands or individuals to elevate their social standing. Kevin and Alan share their personal experiences and insights into how people who didn’t believe in their potential initially try to reconnect once they become successful, emphasizing the importance of caution regarding these intentions.
                We also venture into the intricacies of building a brand, where Kevin stresses the need for understanding and proactively seeking the audience that resonates with the brand, rather than waiting for demand to create itself. Alan underscores building a brand on one's obsessions and core values, illustrating this with the analogy of weddings to showcase finding common ground with an audience.
                The conversation seamlessly moves into discussing the challenges and triumphs of maintaining a podcast, punctuated by resounding themes of self-doubt, fear of judgment, and the influence of negative comments. We unpack strategies for combating these mental hurdles and dive into the overarching importance of staying true to one's core passions and values.
                To wrap up, we reminisce about the MySpace era, contrasting it with today’s podcasting landscape. We talk about niching down, personal growth, and how genuine passion drives long-term success in brand building.
                Key takeaways:
                1. The Concept of "BIRGing" and Its Social Impact: Kevin Palmieri introduces us to “BIRGing,” or "basking in reflective glory," where people elevate their social status by flaunting their association with successful brands or individuals. We discuss the social dynamics and implications of this trend, along with cautioning against opportunistic reconnections from non-believers once success is achieved.
                2. Proactive Audience Engagement: Kevin emphasizes the importance of actively seeking and understanding your audience. Rather than waiting for demand to appear, a proactive approach to audience engagement ensures that your brand resonates deeply with those who matter most.
                3. Brand Building on Obsessions and Core Values: Alan Lazaros makes a compelling case for building brands rooted in personal obsessions and core values. Using the analogy of weddings, he illustrates the necessity of finding common ground with your audience, ensuring long-term brand relevance and authenticity.
                4. Navigating Self-Doubt and Negative Feedback: Both Kevin and Alan share their personal battles with self-doubt and the influence of negative comments on their journey. We highlight strategies for overcoming these challenges, emphasizing the importance of a deep belief in one’s mission and the influence it seeks to have.
                5. Evolving from MySpace to Modern Podcasting: We reminisce about the MySpace era and its evolution into today’s podcasting landscape. This nostalgic journey underscores the importance of adapting to technological advances while staying true to core branding principles and the personal growth that accompanies these changes.
                Join us for an enlightening discussion that not only addresses the nuances of personal and professional branding but also offers actionable insights into overcoming common hurdles faced by creators and entrepreneurs. This episode is more than just about branding—it's about staying true to oneself amidst the journey of growth and success.
                [embed]https://youtu.be/bzO4awILRU8[/embed]
                About Kevin Palmieri
                Kevin is the founder and co-host of the Next Level University podcast. Early in his life, Kevin found “success”, but after a brush with near suicide he realised he wasn´t living a life he truly wanted. He became passionate about self improvement and decided to make it his purpose in life to impact as many people as possible by becoming a role model podcaster and speaker.
                He has succeeded to make his podcast one of the top 100 with almost 1700 episodes and one million listens in over 170 countries.
                He has taken his life to the next level and achieved both personal and professional success.
                About Alan Lazaros
                At age 2, Alan’s father passed away in a car accident. At age 26, after getting into a nearly fatal car accident himself, Alan questioned everything he was doing in life.
                He questioned who he was and the choices he was making. He was at an all-time low, and decided to change his trajectory forever.
                Although he had a successful career in Corporate America,he made the hard decision to start his own business dedicated to helping others get to the Next Level in their life, love, health, and wealth.
                He is the CEO of the Next Level University podcast, a global top 100 podcast with 1700 episodes, listened in 170+ countries.
                Listen to the Next Level University podcast and get to know Kevin and Alan at www.nextleveluniverse.com
                44 min

              About Branded

              From the publisher's feed

              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!