Branded

Branded

By Larry Roberts & Sara LohseBusinessEntrepreneurshipMarketingCareers
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Branded episodes

  • New Year’s Resolutions: Committing to Creativity and Brand Growth in 2024
    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:
     
    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.
    4. 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.
    5. 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.

      6. [embed]https://youtu.be/F1lOaJf4zGM?si=Agim_aEanhjQaDzi[/embed]
      21 min
    6. Holiday Branding: Maximizing Opportunities without Devaluing Your Services
      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]
      18 min
    7. Brands on Social Media: Navigating Authenticity and Branded Content
      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]
      26 min
    8. Dealing with Criticism: Navigating Feedback as Public Speakers and Thought Leaders

      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.

      25 min
    9. Mind Mapping: A Visual Tool for Enhancing Brand Clarity

      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.

      23 min
    10. Protecting Your Brand: Trademarks, Copyrights, and AI-Related Legal Considerations
      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
      31 min
    11. Growth and Gratitude: Advice and Experiences That Helped Grow Our Brands

      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:


      1. 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.
      2. 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.
      3. 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.

      26 min
    12. Know, Like, Trust: How to Build Trust and Loyalty with Your Personal Brand
      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]
      20 min
    13. Branding for Introverts: Strategies and Coping Mechanisms for Networking and Thought Leadership

      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.

      26 min
    14. The Power of Branding: Hospitals, FinCon, and Pay-to-Play Podcasting

      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.

      25 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!