Shows
BrandedBrand Hijacking: Missteps, Alignments, and Unintented Associations with Our BrandsWelcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding.Today, we dive into the world of brand hijacking, a phenomenon where brands encounter unexpected public perceptions or shifts that either propel them forward or challenge their core values. We'll share a real-time story involving Larry's own experience with this topic and explore other well-known brands that have faced similar situations.Larry opens up about a personal situation where his iconic red hat was mistaken for a political symbol, leading to misjudgments about his values. As we investigate further, we find a pattern of brands...2025-04-1523 min
BrandedHow to Turn Followers into Super Fans and Boost Brand LoyaltyWelcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding.In today's episode, we dive into the intriguing world of brand loyalty and explore how to transform brands into cultural phenomena with super fans. We'll examine the triumphs of major brands like Apple and personal brands like Taylor Swift, who have mastered this art seamlessly.We discuss the unique challenges smaller brands face in building loyalty amidst a sea of choices and share strategies to stand out. One of the techniques we explore is how assigning a collective name or identity to your followers can...2025-03-2520 min
BrandedDIY Book Publishing: Mastering the Process Without Breaking the BankWelcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding.In this episode, we dive into the fascinating process of writing and self-publishing a book. Both of us have embarked on our own book-writing journeys, and we’re eager to share our unique experiences and the tools that have made it possible. Our discussion ranges from utilizing AI like ChatGPT and other technological aids, to overcoming the challenges like imposter syndrome. With the recent news of 'Branded' becoming an LLC (now celebrating our first anniversary!) we touch on the dual ownership dynamics and the balance of maintaining ou...2025-03-1826 min
BrandedFrom Soap Operas to AI: Daniel Goddard's Journey in Branding and NetworkingWelcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding.In today’s episode, Sara fumbled her way through a conversation with Daniel Goddard, a former actor known from his roles in shows like "Beastmaster" and "The Young and the Restless." Daniel has since transitioned into the digital marketing realm and now focuses on developing AI networking applications. We journey through Daniel’s fascinating career transformation from acting to becoming an entrepreneur in the tech space, and how he leverages his past experiences in branding himself as an actor to now aiding others in building their brands.2025-03-1144 min
BrandedHappiness Revolution: Building a Brand Based on Good Moods with Matt O'NeillWelcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding.
In this enlightening episode, we dive into the power of happiness and the crucial role it plays in personal fulfillment and professional branding. We are thrilled to welcome our guest, Matt O'Neill, a renowned happiness coach, author, and host of the popular podcast, Good Mood Revolution. Matt has touched the lives of over 100,000 people with his insights on happiness and emotional well-being.
Together, we explore the fascinating concept that our path to positive emotions often lies through understanding and managing our negative ones. Matt shares actionable strategies from his book, "...2025-03-0433 min
BrandedFormer Disney Channel Actor on Authenticity in Storytelling and Brand BuildingWelcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding.
In this episode, we're excited to welcome Will Greenblatt, a recovering child actor from Disney Channel turned entrepreneur, public speaking coach, and creative powerhouse. Starting his acting journey at just seven years old, Will has leveraged his experiences in acting, teaching, and entrepreneurship to co-found the OutLoud Speaker School, focusing on enhancing public speaking skills for executives and entrepreneurs.
Today, we dive into Will's fascinating journey from the world of acting to the realm of branding and teaching. We explore the duality of personas, authenticity in branding, and the significance...2025-02-2538 min
BrandedGetting Started with Google Ads: Tips and Strategies for Business OwnersWelcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding.
In this episode, we had an engaging conversation about a topic that’s essential for modern businesses—leveraging online advertising to drive growth. We decided to dive into the intricacies of Google Ads, a platform that’s often misunderstood or underutilized by many. Joining us is John Horn, a digital advertising expert with a wealth of experience in Google Ads and YouTube ads, who is here to demystify these tools and help businesses harness their potential.
We explored the evolving landscape of Google Ads and John shared his insights on making...2025-02-1832 min
BrandedIntrovert-Friendly Tips for Expanding Your NetworkWelcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding.On today's episode, we dive into the experience of being an introvert in the podcasting and creative branding space. While podcasting might seem inherently extroverted, many of us navigate it as introverts, using unique strategies to manage energy and interactions.We explore how introverts can comfortably and effectively express themselves in branding, whether through the safe confines behind the podcasting mic or by leveraging the power of written content. We share personal anecdotes about navigating large conferences and networking events, highlighting various strategies introverts can...2025-02-1124 min
BrandedLinkedIn Personal Branding and Engagement Tips with Melissa CohenWelcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding.
In this episode, we dive into the power of LinkedIn and uncover how it's not just a platform for job seekers but a dynamic social media network ideal for branding. We're joined by Melissa Cohen, a LinkedIn expert who transitioned from a flourishing fashion industry career to become a personal branding advocate and co-author of the book “Your Career Resilience Blueprint.”
We explore how LinkedIn transformed from a dusty resume repository to a thriving hub for professional networking and personal growth. Melissa discusses her own journey, shedding light on how Link...2025-02-0433 min
BrandedHow to Build an Authentic Brand on LinkedIn with Liam DarmodyWelcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding.
In this episode, we have an exciting discussion focused on leveraging LinkedIn for personal branding and social selling strategies. Our special guest today is Liam Darmody, a personal brand and social selling strategist known for his expertise in helping entrepreneurs and executives build magnetic personal brands on LinkedIn.
We first met Liam at the Badass Business Summit in Fort Worth, Texas, late last year, and his insights on positioning oneself on LinkedIn were outstanding. Knowing the importance of LinkedIn for personal and professional growth, we knew we had to bring...2025-01-2834 min
BrandedCrafting the Perfect Website: Roger Jorns on SEO and Design StrategiesWelcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding.
On this episode, we dive deep into the intricacies of web design and SEO. We are thrilled to be joined by Roger Jorns, the founder of Reanimation Design, a web design and marketing company specializing in SEO and better website design. Roger brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in helping businesses get found on Google and structuring websites to effectively tell their story.
We met Roger at the Badass Business Summit (BABS), and his insights tie directly into our goals for 2025, emphasizing the critical role a well-designed website plays...2025-01-2135 min
BrandedSocial Media and Marketing Trends for 2025: Authenticity, Storytelling, and Brand LoyaltyWelcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding.
Today, Sara is joined by Tim Kalinowski, an award-winning brand and creative expert and the president of LORE. He’s someone who seamlessly blends creative vision with data-driven strategy for global campaigns.
In this episode, we explore some pivotal shifts and trends in the branding landscape. From the early days of transitioning from traditional media to digital advancements to the rise of AI and its potential impact on the future of branding, we cover it all. We also look into modern consumer behavior—especially post-pandemic—and how brands can build and ma...2025-01-1438 min
BrandedBrand-Building Goals to Set for 2025Welcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding.
In this episode, we are not declaring our New Year's Resolutions. We are, however, setting goals for the coming months and wanted to share some of them with you. So, we're talking about the importance of finding the right organizational systems to boost efficiency and support business growth. We also explore various tools and techniques for building affordable, professional websites and discuss effective networking strategies to enhance media exposure.
We'll share our personal experiences and struggles with organizational tools and task management systems. Sara discusses her past aversion to platforms...2025-01-0734 min
BrandedShowing Up Online: Audio, Lighting, and Engagement Tips with Bernie DeSantisWelcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding.
In today's episode, we are thrilled to have Bernie DeSantis join us. Bernie is the owner of Insignia Training Partners and is known for his distinctive mustache. With over 20 years of experience in the field of leadership development training, he offers valuable insights into optimizing your presence in virtual spaces and mastering virtual event strategies.
We dive deep into the importance of equipment usage, perception in virtual environments, and the professional nuances of background and lighting. Bernie shares his expertise on making virtual events not only engaging but also effective...2024-12-3134 min
BrandedUniquely Human: Leveraging Stories in an AI-Driven World with Pulitzer Prize Winner Dan GrechWelcome back to Branded, your comprehensive guide to creative branding.
In today’s episode, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Dan Grech, founder and CEO of BizHack Academy and Pulitzer Prize winner. Dan has a rich background as a journalist, entrepreneur, and educator, and he brings a wealth of knowledge about the intersection of storytelling, AI, and business growth. He's joining us to explore the evolving landscape of AI and its implications for human creativity and business storytelling.
We discuss the unique values that human experiences and deep professional insights bring to storytelling — aspects that AI simply cannot repl...2024-12-2439 min
BrandedBecoming a Better Leader as a Business Owner with Noelle LabrieWelcome back to Branded: your go-to podcast for all things personal growth and leadership development.
In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of leadership with our guest, Noelle Labrie. Noelle is a leadership expert who's not just known for her incredible insights in the restaurant and hospitality industry, but also for her unique streak of running at least a mile every day for over 9.5 years!
We kick off the conversation with an exploration of the differences between being a boss and a true leader. I share a defining moment from my past job as a director of marketing...2024-12-1737 min
BrandedEthical Marketing Tactics and the Power of Authentic Social ProofWelcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to authentic and ethical branding.
In today's episode, we tackle some critical conversations about the ethics of social proof and testimonials in marketing. We dive deep into the importance of honest communication, consumer awareness, and the impact of emotional marketing. We're joined by Stacy Eleczko, a talented website copywriter and brand messaging strategist, who shares her insights and experiences on the subject.
We also explore the often blurry line between influencers and thought leaders, discussing how each utilizes their platform and the different impacts they have on their audiences. This episode is packed...2024-12-1038 min
BrandedThe Festive Episode: Thanksgiving Gratitude and Career ReflectionsWelcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding.
In this festive episode, we’re celebrating Thanksgiving by talking about what we’re thankful for in our professional and personal journeys, reflecting on the experiences, people, and advice that have significantly influenced our lives and careers.
From learning the ropes of our respective industries to cherishing the mentors and friends who have guided us along the way, we dive deep into the impactful moments and individuals who have shaped our paths. We even uncover some of our unexpected backgrounds and the wisdom we’ve gained, both from triumphs and challe...2024-12-0324 min
BrandedOut-of-the-Box Strategies to Boost Sales and the Importance of Personal Branding for Company TeamsWelcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding.
In today's episode, we're joined by Ashley Beck Cuellar, a sales coach who has found her niche on LinkedIn, and by Larry for half the episode because his power went out while recording.
We cover a lot in this episode (we're sorry, it's an unfocused one), including why and how companies should encourage their employees to build personal brands online instead of recycling the marketing content that's provided for them.
Plus, we'll introduce you to different tools you can use in your sales process to foster relationships with your prospects...2024-11-2638 min
BrandedBranding Mistakes We All Make and How to Fix ThemWelcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding.
In today's episode, we're opening up about a topic that often gets swept under the rug but is crucial for anyone looking to establish a strong personal brand—mistakes. We all make them, and those missteps can often feel isolating. Today, we're admitting to the various mistakes we've made and continue to make while building our personal brands, proving that even branding experts struggle with the same issues that their clients do. Spoiler alert: This episode is as humbling for us as it probably is for many of you.
We di...2024-11-1922 min
BrandedHow to Build Your Brand on a BudgetWelcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding.
Today's episode is all about mastering the art of building a brand without breaking the bank. For many small businesses and entrepreneurs, extensive marketing budgets are out of reach, so we're diving deep into strategies that prioritize both your financial and time investments. This episode is jam-packed with practical insights and tips on how to maximize your branding efforts on a shoestring budget.
Here's what we covered in today's episode:
1. DIY Marketing and Tools: We start by discussing the DIY approach to branding. From creating your own marketing materials using...2024-11-1231 min
BrandedHow to Pitch and Secure Brand Sponsorships for Your PodcastWelcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding.
We've been traveling a lot lately so thank you for bearing with us as we released old episodes. But we're back! And on this long-overdue new episode, we pivot to an essential topic for podcast hosts and creators—leveraging your podcast to gain brand deals and sponsorships. Whether you are a seasoned podcaster or just starting, this episode is packed with insights, tips, and real-life examples that can help you secure those crucial sponsorship opportunities.
Overview of Discussion:
Discussing the common misconception about needing tens or hundreds of thousands of do...2024-11-0521 min
BrandedReality TV and Personal Branding: Insights from Survivor's Liz WilcoxWelcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding.
In this episode we dive into the world of personal branding with a special guest who knows how to make waves both in email marketing and reality TV – the amazing Liz Wilcox. Liz generously shares her unique approach to branding that involves embracing authenticity and maintaining an engaging, semi-professional persona, which has earned her a dedicated following.
Liz’s journey from her colorful image and loud, outgoing persona to her time on Survivor offers valuable insights. Despite mixed public feedback, her unwavering transparency and connection with her community have solidified her...2024-10-2937 min
BrandedDitch the Pitch Slap: Why It Fails and What to Do InsteadWelcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding.In this episode, we take a humorous yet insightful dive into a phenomenon that all too many of us have experienced—being "pitch slapped." We clarify what it means to be pitch slapped, share our personal frustrations, and offer a more effective alternative on how to build genuine connections without coming off as aggressive or pushy.We cover real-life stories from our experiences at networking events and go into why these kinds of hard sales tactics feel so uncomfortable—and often backfire. We'll also discuss the...2024-10-2223 min
BrandedLiver King's Brand Built on Lies and SteroidsWelcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding.In this episode, we dive into the fascinating rise and scandalous fall of Brian Johnson, better known as the Liver King. If the name doesn’t ring a bell, no worries—Sara wasn't familiar with him either. Larry and Sara explore how Liver King crafted a wildly successful yet deeply flawed personal brand based on a primal lifestyle, only to see it crumble when the truth about his steroid use was exposed.We examine the strategies Brian Johnson used to build his asto...2024-10-1527 min
BrandedThe Future of B2B Marketing: Why Video is KingWelcome back to Branded: your go-to source for insights into creative branding.
In today's episode, we're talking about creating and leveraging video content for the B2B space with Chris Weiher, the owner of Cleaver Creative. With a rich background in film and video production, Chris offers a wealth of knowledge on making impactful B2B content, engaging audiences, and building personal brands.
Chris shares his expertise on understanding client needs, using video content to educate and build trust over time, and the nuances of making content that truly resonates with your audience. We also engage in light-hearted banter about...2024-10-0834 min
BrandedHow Curiosity Drives Successful Branding and Content Creation with Emily AbornWelcome 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...2024-10-0135 min
BrandedHow to Pitch Yourself as a Podcast GuestWelcome 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 experien...2024-09-2430 min
BrandedHow to Earn Media and PR for Your BrandWelcome 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 stra...2024-09-1736 min
BrandedHow Your Blog Can Attract Clients and Boost Your BusinessWelcome 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...2024-09-1036 min
BrandedHow to Brand Yourself While Working a 9 to 5Welcome 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 na...2024-09-0347 min
BrandedEngaging Your Audience through Non-Linear Content CreationWelcome 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...2024-08-2739 min
BrandedHow to Create Customer Loyalty for Your BrandWelcome 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.co...2024-08-2024 min
BrandedHow to Engage Website Visitors in Six Seconds or LessWelcome 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...2024-08-1344 min
BrandedHow Core Values Guide Your Branding and Personal GrowthWelcome 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 ou...2024-08-0638 min
BrandedHow to Level Up Your Brand with Next Level University's Kevin and AlanWelcome 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...2024-07-3043 min
BrandedSuccessful PR and Press Release Strategies for Small Businesses with Mickie KennedyWelcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding.
This episode dives into the intricacies of strategic press releases and how they can significantly impact your brand and business. We’re joined by Mickie Kennedy, an expert in helping businesses with press releases and the founder of eReleases.com. Mickie’s insights shed light on the challenges PR firms face today, how earned media can build trust and credibility, and how small businesses can effectively leverage press releases.
Throughout our conversation, we explore various facets of press release distribution, the role of new media, and how journalists navigate the over...2024-07-2338 min
BrandedHow Specializing in a Single Niche Can Grow Your BusinessWelcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding.
In today's episode, we're talking about the downsides of founder-led sales and how deep specialization can help scale your business with our guest, Corey Quinn. Corey shared invaluable insights that any founder or business leader can apply as they navigate the challenging transition from a founder-centric sales approach to a more scalable and focused agency model.
Together, we explored several aspects of specializing in a niche market, balancing personal branding with operational responsibilities, and the strategic methodologies crucial for long-term success.
Corey started by discussing the unique challenges that founders...2024-07-1635 min
BrandedHow to Grow Your Brand on Social MediaWelcome back to Branded, your comprehensive guide to creative branding.
In this episode, we’re diving deep into the world of social media. For better or worse, social media is an essential tool for any brand today, and we’ll be sharing our experiences, challenges, and some best practices we’ve picked up along the way. We’ll be keeping it real and relatable by discussing our own struggles with maintaining an active social media presence, even as branding experts.
We don’t have a guest joining us this week, but we’ll be highlighting some of the exceptional social media strate...2024-07-0924 min
BrandedOne Year In: AI Insights, Branding Chats, and Lego's Grown-Up MarketWelcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding.
In today's episode, we're celebrating our one year anniversary and reflecting on the journey we've had! From our first episode to where we are now, we've seen tremendous growth, not only in ourselves but also in the branding strategies and insights we've shared with you. We launched in June, and though we’re a bit late for our anniversary episode, we’re excited to dive into a reflective discussion about what we've learned and enjoyed.
We also venture into an exciting discussion about Lego's unique branding strategy, especially how they've expa...2024-07-0228 min
BrandedWhy Your Marketing Sucks (and How to Make it Better) with Sunny DublickWelcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding.
In this episode, we dive deep into the world of creative marketing strategies and branding with our very special guest, Sunny Dublick, a marketing strategist and taco enthusiast. Sunny has brilliantly grown her business through word-of-mouth referrals and by designing marketing plans that truly resonate with customers' preferences and emerging trends, like podcasts.
We explore the nuances of getting inside customers' minds to find unique marketing opportunities and crafting memorable advertising strategies. Sunny shares her approach to creating scarcity to generate demand and the challenge of translating service-based businesses into...2024-06-2545 min
BrandedWhat Does Your Branding Say About You?: The Psychology of Brand DesignWelcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding.In this episode, we're diving deep into the world of logo design and the importance of understanding the psychological elements that make your brand stand out. We will touch on everything from fonts and shapes to the powerful effects of color on human perception.We're looking at what makes a logo not just visually appealing, but also psychologically compelling. We'll highlight how your choices in font, spacing, color, and shapes can evoke specific feelings and perceptions in your audience, making your brand more memorable and...2024-06-1837 min
BrandedThe Rise and Fall of Liver King: A Look into Inauthentic BrandsWelcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding.
In this episode, we dive into the fascinating rise and fall of a social media sensation known as the Liver King. While Sara learns about Liver King for the first time, Larry breaks down Liver King's journey from obscurity to a massive online following, built on a rather dubious premise. We'll explore the marketing scheme that catapulted him to fame, and how his brand was meticulously crafted—and ultimately tarnished.
We'll dissect the unique branding techniques that Liver King employed, mostly involving raw meat diets and "ancestral tenants." We'll also di...2024-06-1127 min
BrandedTop Personal Branding Mistakes You Don't Want to MakeWelcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding.
For today's episode, we're going back to the basics and talking about the top mistakes we see people make when building their personal brand.
First, there's a common misconception that building a successful brand is a quick process. We’ve seen it firsthand; it’s anything but quick and easy. Today, we’re here to shed light on the patience, perseverance, and authenticity required to create a brand that truly resonates.
We talk about our personal journeys—yes, the struggles included—before we found success with our own brands. Core to this di...2024-06-0431 min
BrandedPodcast Monetization Strategies and Adapting Content Creation for Changing BehaviorsWelcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding.
Today, we have a special guest on the show, John Svedese, who brings a unique perspective on personal branding and content creation. Our conversation with John covers the power of short-form videos, the impact of attention spans on long-form content, and the evolving landscape of digital media consumption.
We kick things off by exploring the shift towards shorter videos as consumers gravitate towards quick and engaging content, disrupting traditional long-form podcasts. We discuss the trend of watching YouTube content on television screens, challenging traditional streaming services for viewer attention.
The...2024-05-2834 min
BrandedAI's Impact on Brands and How to Maintain ControlWelcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding.
Today's episode is a continuation of last week's AI conversation as technology is changing daily. We're talking about the rapid advancements of AI technology and how they impact branding strategies. While we touch upon AI advancements such as the latest Chat GPT update, our primary focus is on how brands can maintain control and avoid obsolescence in such a fast-evolving digital landscape.
Recorded on May 16, just days after the release of the new Chat GPT update, we discuss the groundbreaking features of the AI tool, including real-time conversations, emotional response...2024-05-2120 min
BrandedIntegrating AI Responsibly into Your Brand StrategyWelcome 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...2024-05-1428 min
BrandedAvenues of Public Speaking, Challenges Speakers Face, and How We Show Up Consistently as our BrandWelcome 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...2024-05-0722 min
BrandedOpen This Book: Storytelling, Thought Leadership, and Sara's New BookWelcome 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...2024-04-3025 min
BrandedWriting for Your Brand: Using eBooks for Brand Growth and Thought LeadershipWelcome 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 i...2024-04-2327 min
BrandedHow Reality TV Impacts Personal Brands with Survivor’s Liz WilcoxWelcome 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...2024-04-1637 min
BrandedAuthentic Connections: Building Real Connections Through Podcasts and StoriesWelcome 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, L...2024-04-0936 min
BrandedBrand Activation: Creating Sticky Marketing Experiences for Your BrandWelcome 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...2024-04-0233 min
BrandedStalking Benjamins: How to Create a Successful Podcast Brand(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...2024-03-2636 min
BrandedBetter Networking: Tips for Being a Better NetworkerWelcome 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...2024-03-1924 min
BrandedPodcast Guesting: Tips and Best Practices for Being a Great GuestWelcome 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...2024-03-1222 min
BrandedBrand Basics: Five Questions to Help Establish Your Personal BrandWelcome 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...2024-03-0530 min
BrandedSpeaking About Speaking: Thought Leadership and Branding Through Public SpeakingWelcome 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...2024-02-2726 min
BrandedSimple Self-Publishing: Tips and Tools for Writing Your BookWelcome 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...2024-02-2026 min
BrandedTake a Card: Business Card Tips to Help You NetworkWelcome 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...2024-02-1325 minBrandedBranded: Your Comprehensive Guide to Creative BrandingWelcome 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. B...2024-02-0602 min
BrandedPodFest 2024: Lessons and Success Stories from the Expo HallWelcome 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 n...2024-02-0624 min
BrandedIs It Worth It?: Tools and Services You Do or Don't Need for Your BrandWelcome 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...2024-01-3027 min
BrandedBranded at Podfest: Conference Expo Booth Tips and TricksWelcome 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...2024-01-2323 min
BrandedWriting a Book: Beginning the Publishing Process to Grow Your BrandWelcome 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...2024-01-1624 min
BrandedPaying Taxes: Expert Tips for Entrepreneurs and CreatorsOn 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...2024-01-0935 min
BrandedNew Year's Resolutions: Committing to Creativity and Brand Growth in 2024Welcome 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...2024-01-0220 min
BrandedHoliday Branding: Maximizing Opportunities without Devaluing Your ServicesOn 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...2023-12-2617 min
BrandedBrands on Social Media: Navigating Authenticity and Branded ContentIn 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...2023-12-1925 min
BrandedDealing with Criticism: Navigating Feedback as Public Speakers and Thought LeadersOn 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...2023-12-1224 min
BrandedMind Mapping: A Visual Tool for Enhancing Brand ClarityOn 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...2023-12-0522 min
BrandedProtecting Your Brand: Trademarks, Copyrights, and AI-Related Legal ConsiderationsIn 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...2023-11-2830 min
BrandedGrowth and Gratitude: Advice and Experiences That Helped Grow Our BrandsWelcome 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...2023-11-2125 min
BrandedKnow, Like, Trust: How to Build Trust and Loyalty with Your Personal BrandWelcome 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...2023-11-1419 min
BrandedBranding for Introverts: Strategies and Coping Mechanisms for Networking and Thought LeadershipIn 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...2023-11-0725 min
BrandedThe Power of Branding: Hospitals, FinCon, and Pay-to-Play PodcastingWe 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?...2023-10-3124 min
BrandedFrom Definition to Values: Exploring the Fundamental Steps of Brand BuildingWelcome 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...2023-10-2427 min