“It’s not only your customer service. It’s the story that you tell that people resonate with. It’s the all-around feeling you get when you’re associated with that brand.”

Sam Greenwaldt (8:57 - 9:12)

The importance of clearly and consistently sharing your message.

Logos. Color schemes. Graphics. Those are the typical elements business owners, myself included, associate with the word branding. We spend so much time, energy, and money on the overall “look” of a business that we forget about the “feel.” Luckily, Brand Strategist and mother of two, Sam Greendwaldt, is here to steer us in the right direction. The CEO of Greendwaldt Design lays out four steps that will help you develop a cohesive brand that both speaks and resonates on a soulmate level.

“It needs to be one of those je ne sais quoi, match made in heaven type relationships where they say, “I just like her.”

- Janelle Lara (12:59 - 13:09)

If branding isn’t solely rooted in visual style, then what is it?

Branding is a tool that influences perception. Seth Godin put it this way, “A brand is a person’s gut feeling about you.”

Everything you produce, from content to marketing materials, is being perceived in a very specific way. Therefore, it is critical for you to be conscious of what you’re putting out and whether it is clear and consistent across the board.

While you can’t force anyone to fall in love with your business, you can be irresistibly attractive through these four steps.

1. Share who you are and who you can help. What are your values? What is your lifestyle? Who do you serve? Keep these questions in mind as you allow your energy and personality to shine. Your goal is to share to connect.
2. Wink at your ideal clients. Do you know who you would love to work with? Here’s a hint: take a look at any past successful clients that stand out! Focus your attention on finding like-minded individuals and wooing them your way.
3. Communicate in the right language. Your targeted audience most likely uses jargon. Study their lingo by joining a Facebook group they are involved in. Take the time to fully learn who they are, their pain points, and the type of communication that will draw them in.
4. Tie in your visuals. After all the strategic work is done, then you can move on to creating an empathy chart. An empathy chart lays out your type of client visually, down to their preferred drink. Watch as a color scheme and logo fall into place as you realize what best resonates with your type of client.

“Strategy is the most important piece in branding. It’s not something that you throw together. It’s something that you do intentionally.”

- Janelle Lara (26:11 - 26:20)

Branding will make or break your business. It is the key to your success in the pushing away or pulling in of a prospect. This week reflect on whether your branding is effectively communicating the right message for your business. What story are you telling? Is it clear and consistent? Is it even the one that you want? If not, then work through the steps above to develop a cohesive brand that aligns with everything you stand for.

Strategize. Fine-tune. Then share your message!

One by one your ideal clients will connect on a soulmate level and fall deeply in love. It’ll be an ever-lasting relationship for the success of your business!

How to get involved

• Follow @theparttimeceopodcast on Instagram for special, podcast related updates!
• For more resources, information on my coaching services, and a whole community of Part-Time CEOs, find me on Facebook at Janelle Lara, my website, or email me at [email protected].

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