|
|
Posted By Elaine Walsh-McGrath, Managing Director,
10 January 2024
|
In the ever-evolving world of online presence and professional networking, the need for a standout personal brand on platforms like LinkedIn has become paramount. Last year when I met talented photographer at an online WIBN meeting, Albane McGuinness, I knew I wanted to work with her. When I created my course the Real Me Wins Clients on LinkedIn, it was missing a little je ne sais quoi! Because I knew that if you wanted to create a stand out personal brand on LinkedIn you needed not just amazing branding, great copy but also fab photography!
Networking is amazing not just for meeting others, the support that you get, the business growth you can achieve but also for giving opportunities that you may not have considered. Like a fab collab! And so on the 17th January Albane and I alongside a wonderful Branding Expert, Namrata are holding a live paid workshop called "How to Shine on LinkedIn," coupled with a bonus course titled "The Real Me Wins Clients on LinkedIn."
The Workshop:
Scheduled for January 17th at 10 am on Zoom, the live workshop promises participants a transformative experience. Hosted by Elaine Walsh McGrath (that's me!), I'm an award winning Content Strategy and LinkedIn Coach, the event introduces two experts - Namrata Vijayakar, a Brand Design Specialist, and Albane McGuinness, a Brand Photographer.
What to Expect:
The 60-minute live workshop aims to empower participants with essential insights into utilizing branding to shine on LinkedIn. Namrata Vijayakar will share her expertise on leveraging branding to make a lasting impression. Meanwhile, Albane McGuinness will delve into the transformative power of personal brand photography, providing invaluable tips on creating personalized brand images.
Included Bonus Course:
To ensure a comprehensive learning experience, the workshop comes bundled with a bonus course - "The Real Me Wins Clients on LinkedIn." Elaine emphasizes the importance of authenticity, urging participants to embrace their unique qualities. The course includes:
1. Authentic Me Workbook with Supporting Tutorials
2. Content Workbook & Tutorial
3. Branding Cheatsheet
4. Storytelling Copy Prompts with Tutorial
5. 10 x Content Ideas to Reveal YOU!
6. Trello Board for Organisation
7. Q&A Support within the Course Portal
8. Lifetime Access to Course Material
I'm on a mission to help more service based businesses stand out on LinkedIn so that they can land more clients that they love to work with.
So coaches and service providers I'd love you to join us so that you have the tools you need to stand out on LinkedIn. By focusing on personal branding and authentic self-expression, you can expect not only to enhance your online presence but also to build a connection with their audience that goes beyond the superficial. If you've been contemplating building a personal brand on LinkedIn, this workshop and bonus course are tailored just for you. Don't miss the chance to discover the keys to shining on LinkedIn and unlocking your true potential in the world of online professional networking. Are you in?
Here's the link to learn more:
https://www.elainewalshmcgrath.com/offers/F5zSSvLb/checkout
Photo credit:
Albane McGuinness
Tags:
brand photographer
branding
Linkedin
Permalink
| Comments (0)
|
|
|
Posted By Sally Inkster, Brand Specialist,
13 September 2023
|
Who has the number 3 as their favourite number?
What is so magical about the number 3?
It appears so many times in our childhood...
It ultimately comes down to how we as humans process information. We recognise patterns and 3 is the lowest number that you can have a pattern - quite basic really!
Patterns in neuroscience are defined as paradigms or in other words habits
These habits are what lead our behaviour and therefore give us some of our Personal Brand. We should at least be aware of them so that we have control over our Brand.
'A Paradigm is defined as a mental program that has almost exclusive control over our habitual behaviour and almost all of our behaviour is habitual' Bob Proctor
These paradigms rule our lives, they are like installed software programs that are stored in our subconscious minds, so much so that we are not even aware of them.
It makes sense that we should understand what some of these are and then in turn use them to our advantage
I use 3's in my daily life all the time
It's how I prioritise my to-do list!
This is my favourite way...
-
A - Urgent and Important
-
B - Important but not urgent
-
C - Can be left until urgent or important
How about this
There are 3 Types of people –
-
Makes things happen
-
Watch things happen
-
“Oh, what just happened?”
By the way - Which one are you? (Which one you are could have a big bearing on your Personal Brand.
Other 3's I would recommend.
-
3 colours for a website 2 dominant colours and a highlight
-
3 words for a tagline, mine is Finding Brand YOU!
-
3 words for people to remember, Hands, Face, Space
-
3 packages for your offers - Bronze, Silver, Gold
-
3 sections when you're getting dressed in balance
-
3 flowers in a vase
Defining your personal brand is important and I would suggest if you're doing any kind of marketing, then urgent!
My system for defining your personal brand... Oh! guess what? the system is based on 3 sections-
-
Philosophy - who you are, what makes you tick, how your brain works
-
Physicality - What you are, your style, body shape and balance, colours and loads more
-
Phenomenon - of your business, what it is, what it does, how it's seen and how it shows up
I can help YOU
Why not book a FREE session today My 'Sky Rocket Your Business Through Being You' A Personal Brand Clarity Session'.
In this session, you will leave with...
-
A three-step plan to increase your visibility by being you.😉
-
A crystal clear vision of who you want to be seen as.
-
A next step plan to attract your ideal client/customers through your Personal Brand.
You will leave feeling renewed, re-energised and inspired - Does this sound as if it could be of value to you?
CLICK HERE
Sally x
*image credit Canva Sept 2023
Tags:
brand tips
branding
personal brand
Permalink
| Comments (0)
|
|
|
Posted By Sally Inkster, Brand Specialist,
16 June 2023
|
Let's talk about work/life balance
It’s one of those things that not many people are happy with.
Scenario 1 - the career professional
You’re working in a role that you are bloody good at…BUT.
The hours are long, the stress is off the charts, and you’re giving more and more and more.
And getting less and less and less in return.
Those one-off late nights have turned into early mornings AND late nights. Plus you’re probably checking your emails on your phone at the weekend - or worse… taking your laptop home.
You’re working your tail off and your work/life balance is at an all-time low.
Something's got to give.
Scenario 2 - the entrepreneur
You left that corporate life behind you to create a better work/life balance with more focus on your home life and freedom to LIVE.
Using the skills you developed in your corporate life to start your own business doing the things you love without the politics, daily ‘huddles’ and stress… BUT.
The hours are long, the stress is off the charts, and you’re giving more and more and more.
And you’re not getting as much as you expected in return.
Those one-off late nights have turned into early mornings AND late nights. Plus you’re probably checking your emails on your phone at the weekend - or worse… working on your laptop during ‘family time’.
You’re working your tail off and your work/life balance is at an all-time low.
Something's got to give.
There’s a theme here!
This is the reality for many people when they escape the corporate life and start up on their own. Those same stressors and habits follow them and their work/life balance is STILL not healthy.
That’s because it’s not easy to make the transition and new businesses don’t bring in great revenue immediately. You’ve got a lot to learn and even though you’re now your own boss - you still need help and support.
Work Smarter Not Harder
In the first stage of your entrepreneurial life it’s so easy to waste time AND money building up clients and becoming visible in a crowded market.
Maybe you’re new to business and lack visibility, or you have no Customers/Clients and no clue where to find them.
Maybe you’re a technophobe or unsure how to create engaging content.
We’ve all been there. Me included!
However, I learnt the hard way so you don’t have to and I’ve put together a FREE client attraction masterclass that will guide you through…
-
The 10 Biggest Mistakes New Solo Entrepreneurs Make - These cost you time, money and effort and can often lead to a loss of confidence - learning how to avoid them is key!
-
Why A Personal Brand Is The Foundation That Keeps On Giving - The greatest houses, hotels, shops and businesses have the best foundations - learn how to create yours!
-
Why Niche Isn't A Naughty Word - in fact it is the quickest and easiest route to gaining clients/customers.
You can watch it here https://www.sallyinkster.co.uk/Registration
Tags:
branding
personal brand
personal stylist
Permalink
| Comments (0)
|
|
|
Posted By Laurenne Dorgan, Graphic Designer,
12 September 2022
|
“Your brand is the single most important investment you can make in your business” Steve Forbes, Editor in Chief of Forbes Magazine
Brand consistency in your online and offline marketing is the ultimate goal. It helps to convert potential clients which ultimately leads to increased sales. According to research, creating a consistent brand can increase revenue by 33%. Consistency in visual identity, message, and tone of voice accounts for a strong customer experience and helps them understand what they should expect, how to interact with a product, while encouraging them to come back and purchase some more.
No matter the channel you operate on, brands should aim at providing a unified experience in line with their branding elements, including core values, visual elements, and messaging. This helps brands create a strong bond with their audience, leading to long-term benefits for the company’s success.
But why is it so important? Why should brands invest time and effort in creating “consistent” customer experiences? Here are a few reasons:
First impressions count
When looking to attract new customers, consider the impression they get when they visit your website, social media or app for the first time. According to research, it takes only 0.05 seconds for users to get a first impression of a brands website or product, even before navigating or interacting. Brand marketers or designers should make sure they provide an impactful and consistent experience across all the channels - from social media ads to website presentation or in-app purchases. This means creating a user journey with a unique experience - from colours to visuals and messaging. Imagine a brand that advertises a product as fun and trendy, but the actual user journey is boring and dull! It sends out a confusing message to potential customers, who will probably leave without purchasing what they were looking for!
Consumers trust brands they recognise
Many designers invest time and energy to create a solid brand that users will remember, but brand recognition is not just about getting your name out there, it’s about creating a set of elements that users can find everywhere, with which they can connect on a personal level. Starbucks is a great example of that: customers can enjoy the exact same experience no matter where they are located - the menu is the same, the waiters make the same spelling mistakes when they write your name on a cup! Apply that rule to your digital touchpoints - customers will be more likely to come back as they will start to identify with your brand as you market to them in a consistent way via visual images, colours, messaging - this all goes to create trust, build a community which will ultimately lead to sales.
Brand consistency is not just important to help users remember a brand or company, it is also useful to help create what is known as “Aha moments” - feelings of delight that reveal the product’s true value as remembered by the human brain. Research has long shown that purchases are more often driven by emotions than logic. In fact, according to Harvard Professor Gerald Zaltman, 95% of purchase decision-making takes place in the subconscious mind, driven by emotions and past positive experiences.
Why establish brand consistency?
Brand consistency is about establishing trust.
In order for customers to trust you, they have to feel they know you. In order for them to feel like they know you, they must be aware of you, recognise and remember you. In order for people to recognise and remember you, you must always ‘show up’ in a consistent way.
It takes time and constant repetition for customers to go from being aware of you to trusting, remembering, and considering you.
Maintain brand consistency by creating brand guidelines
Consistent branding is easily achieved by creating rules to follow and it ensures that your brand will not be diluted or altered when working with outside agencies.
Brand guidelines should include:
- How your logo should be used (what you can or cannot do with the logo).
- Your colour palette.
- Your brand fonts and how they should be used e.g. headings, body text, quotes etc.
- Photography, graphics, and icons.
- Brand voice and messaging e.g., the tone of voice, phrases, and personality of your messages.
- Rules for social media graphics and messaging.
Never underestimate the importance of your brand. Your brand is important and key to making your business a success or not. Hiring of a graphic designer to create your unique brand is key and not to be taken lightly in your business journey. Always seek professional help from a graphic designer or brand specialist. When deciding on who to work with, it is important to do your research, take a look at examples of their work, who they have worked with and go through any testimonials that you can find. Once you are comfortable that they might be a good match with what you are looking for, book an introductory call with them to discuss your project.
If you’d like to have a friendly chat with this graphic designer, please do get in contact via email laurenne@hounddogcreatives.com
Tags:
brand consistency
brand identity
branding
communication
Permalink
| Comments (0)
|
|
|
Posted By Laurenne Dorgan, Graphic Designer,
30 June 2022
|
Take it from me, someone who has rebranded Hound Dog Creatives several times. In business, you learn the dynamics of your own industry. In this ever-changing business world, it’s important to stay fresh, vibrant, eye-catching, recognisable, and above all relevant.
Tell your story
Your branding should not only reflect who you are and what you do, but it is something to have fun with. Your brand should deliver your business message while letting your personality shine through.
A rebrand can be a very interesting journey, so much so that I have written an article as I wanted to share my own experience.
The story so far…
After a solid foundation having studied art and graphic design, I knew the career path I was destined to take was in design and print. I cut my teeth at Christie’s, going on to work with such mega brands as Shell and even Porsche as a graphic designer and printer.
In 2004, exhausted and extremely disillusioned, I had left corporate life behind me. Don’t get me wrong, I’d had an amazing career working for such incredible clients. I had a wealth of knowledge and experience which I wanted to impart to businesses who ordinarily wouldn’t be able to afford the prices of big London design agencies. This excited me. It floated my boat.
I was flying solo, with a fine pedigree (excuse the pun) and getting recognised for it.
The problem…
Some sixteen years on from developing my own business I found myself, like most business owners, in the most unusual situation. We were in the middle of a global pandemic; the first national lockdown had been declared and I actually found myself with time to really look at my business. I had already rebranded three times over the years, but the rebranding question had raised its head again. My brand was lacking something. I had decided that I wanted a more warm, welcoming and visually engaging look. More fun than before.
My brand values are creativity, innovation, integrity, quality, passion and experience and once again this needed to reflect in the branding.
The solution and the art of rebranding…
I love injecting the fun of what I do into every aspect of my business. Our dog, Buster, a beautifully handsome Rhodesian Ridgeback, was an initial inspiration for the logo. The design went through many variations until I found the right look. The whole process is an evolutionary one. Start with your base idea and through various incarnations, it will evolve naturally. Albeit through many redesigns
Considering endless variations of colour palettes, I knew that I wanted something bold, rich, elegant, and above all, fun. Most importantly it would have to be engaging from the first sight.
The right message
The orange and brown tones spoke to me. They were professional looking without being too corporate. These colours even feature in high fashion and work really well. It suited my brand as soon as I saw them together. When advising a client while developing their brand they will be able to get a feel of my high standards from the branding I have created for myself.
Having chosen the colour palette, I was more than happy with I was now ready for the hard part. The re-write and redesign of the website itself. It is relatively easy for me to write for you and your brand because I have the benefit of being outside of your business and looking in. I will see you as your potential clients will. However, when it’s my turn I am so close to my own business I can tend to lose perspective. I see why a business comes to us to do the job for them. I had to look at my website with new eyes. The content has to be to the point. Not too brief, yet not overloaded with too much information. Finding that perfect balance is an art form and one I pride myself on.
How I work
I like to imagine the client journey when they visit my website. As I say to clients, it has to flow, keeping their journey in mind so that when they have the right amount of information they will get in touch. Luckily, I am proud to say that I learn from the help and guidance I give to my clients. My passion is in developing their brand with them.
To complete the process, I implemented a Branding with Archetypes exercise. Effectively this is giving your brand its own DNA or human traits. My branding archetypes are artist, nurturer, humanitarian, hero, maverick, sage, alchemist, jester, romantic, ruler, explorer, innocent. My brand has strong beliefs with a creative and caring dominance.
So, take it from someone who has gone through this several times and knowing the perfect practices, as well as the pitfalls, it is not an easy process, however, it is one I am rather an expert at. As I have said previously, the rebranding process is an evolution. It will take as long as it needs while still within the required time frame and budget.
How about you?
Hopefully, this has given you an insight into my work. Reassuring you that you are in the safest of hands when you choose me and my team for your rebranding.
I would also like to extend an invitation to you for a free external brand audit which will give you a clear understanding of how well your brand is reflecting you and your business at the moment. This will involve a review of your:
- logo
- visual assets
- branding messaging
If you have any questions or would like to take up the offer of a free external brand audit, then please get in touch.
**Image credits Hound Dog Creatives**
Tags:
brand identity
branding
marketing
Permalink
| Comments (0)
|
|
Blog Home
All Blogs
RSS