» » How to Brand Yourself and Your Business

How to Brand Yourself and Your Business

Section 1: Introduction Lecture 1 01:51 A brief welcome message and overview of what this course will cover. Section 2: Before We Dive In... Lecture 2 09:16 In this video I define what branding is, particularly as it applies to service professionals, because that is who this course is designed for. This includes coaches, consultants, and anyone else who makes a living selling their expertise, or serving clients with their expertise.  

I want to clarify what branding means for service professionals because there's been a lot of misinformation about this topic spread on the web in the past few years. So in this video I also talk about what branding is NOT. And, we take a look at the difference between Personal Branding, Corporate Branding, and Branding for Service Professionals, because they are different.

Lecture 3 10:25

In this video I share my background, my experience in branding, and why I'm qualified to teach this course. I also share some examples of the brands I've worked on, and created, encompassing million dollar corporations, international non-profits, small businesses, and service professionals just like you.

As I share my own branding history, you'll also start to see why marketing yourself using your own name is not usually a smart marketing decision, and why identifying your brand platform and adopting a brand name that represents that platform will serve you and your business much better.

Section 3: The Benefits of Branding Yourself and Your Business Lecture 4 01:40 A brief introduction to this section covering the benefits of branding yourself and your business.
Lecture 5 11:15 An overview of the benefits you can enjoy when you take the time to brand yourself and your business. 

In this video I share real-world examples of the results I've seen in my business, in my clients' businesses, and in the businesses of the service professionals I interviewed.

Bonus Materials: Brand Interviews with Debi Silber, The Mojo Coach®

In this lesson you'll meet Debi Silber, The Mojo Coach®. She's one of five service pro's I interviewed for this course. I first interviewed Debi in 2008. I interviewed her again in 2013. You'll find downloadable mp3 audio recordings and transcripts of both interviews so you can listen or read, according to your preference.

A bit of a forewarning... Debi's voice is a little loud on the 2008 recording so you may want to have your finger on the volume control at the start of the interview! It's an older recording and I wasn't able to adjust the volume on just her voice. However, the content of the interview is valuable so I wanted to share it.

PLEASE NOTE: The audio interviews included in this course are Bonus Materials and as such are optional. They're not essential to the steps you're learning. Additionally, they were recorded over the phone which does limit quality a bit. So try to focus on CONTENT and I think you'll find they offer a nice little peek inside the businesses of service pro's who have already gone through the branding process. 

Section 4: The 9-Step Brand Development Process Lecture 6 00:59 A brief introduction to this section.
Lecture 7 05:16 In this video I give you a quick overview of my proprietary, 9-step, Brand Development Process. This is the exact same process I take my private consulting clients through.

We'll be going through each step in the process in this course to help you create and implement your brand.  

You will also find a PDF of the Brand Development Flowchart that you can download and print out, in the supplemental materials.

Section 5: Step One: Finding Out About You and Your Business Lecture 8 01:33

A brief introduction to Step One.

Please note: If you are also taking my How to Market Yourself as a Coach or Consultant course, you will notice some overlap between some of the foundational steps and branding exercises. If you've already done the exercises in the other course, there is no need to repeat them here. Just pull out your worksheets and use them to keep moving forward. Or, use this course to further refine your work. Lastly, if you didn't do the exercises in the other course, then dig in here and complete them all.

Because this course is focused solely on branding (and it only represents one step in my How to Market Yourself as a Coach or Consultant course) here you will find additional exercises, more examples, plus interviews with other service professionals who have successfully branded themselves. I recognize branding is one of the most challenging aspects of marketing yourself, and that's why I dedicated this entire course to helping you do it.

Lecture 9 02:02

In this video I introduce you to The Toolbox Inventory. This is an exercise that will help you gather all the experience, education, and expertise you bring into your business. This is the first step in making sure the brand you create authentically represents you.

Be sure to download and print out The Toolbox Inventory worksheet so you can complete your inventory.

You will notice I have included all of the worksheets you'll be completing in this course, in both PDF and MS Word format. Simply choose the format that works best for you.

Lecture 10 01:43 In this video I introduce you to the concept of mining your personal story, to further help you create a unique and authentic brand. Many things have brought you to this stage in your life, and to this business. The more you can understand how those events and milestones have shaped you, the easier it will be to create a brand that uniquely represents you. 

Be sure to download and print out the accompanying worksheet so you can mine YOUR story.

Lecture 11 01:50 For your brand to be authentic, it needs to represent your values or what you stand for. This brief exercise will help you get in touch with your core values so you can make sure the brand you create is congruent with who you are. This will make it a lot easier to consistently communicate your brand platform. 

Be sure to download and print out the accompanying worksheet so you can identify YOUR core values.

Lecture 12 05:34 In this video I introduce a concept I call "Brand Stand." Every brand must stand for something. A core idea. A concept. A promise. Here I share examples to help you understand this concept and to inspire you, so you can decide what you want YOUR brand to stand for. 

Be sure to download and print out the accompanying worksheet so you can uncover YOUR Brand Stand.

Lecture 13 05:01 In this video I share several personality quizzes you can take to make sure the brand you create authentically represents you. These are fun and easy quizzes designed to help you get in touch with WHO you are... a critical component in your branding. 
I also share some examples to help you understand the role personality plays in branding.

Be sure to download and print out the accompanying worksheet so you can take the quizzes and uncover YOUR personality.

Section 6: Step Two: Understanding Who Your Ideal Clients Are Lecture 14 01:31 A brief introduction to Step Two. Lecture 15 08:16 In this video I explain why you need to understand who you're selling to in order to create your brand. I walk you through some questions you can ask to help you better understand your ideal clients, and I share plenty of examples to inspire you. 

Be sure to download and print out the accompanying worksheet so you can create a detailed profile of YOUR ideal client.

Section 7: Step Three: Identifying Your Promise Lecture 16 01:24 A brief introduction to Step Three. Lecture 17 07:27 In this video I share an exercise I call the Pain-Promise exercise. It will help you see what you do from your client's point of view; a necessity if you want to market to them successfully. And a key factor in helping you identify what it is you are really selling (Your Promise). 
I also share some examples to help you better understand this process.

Be sure to download and print out the accompanying worksheet so you can identify YOUR Promise.

Section 8: Step Four: Uncovering Your Brand Platform Lecture 18 01:34 A brief introduction to Step Four. Lecture 19 05:12 In this video I will help you identify your brand platform, or what you want to be known for. 

This can be challenging for some people because it requires you to focus on ONE idea or concept. But I highly encourage you to accept this challenge. It has the power to totally transform your business and the effectiveness of your marketing. And, this focus is crucial if you want to come up with a brand to effectively represent you. 

Don't worry, I share lots of examples to help inspire you. 

Bonus Materials: Brand Interview with Beth Barany, Creativity Coach for Writers

In this lesson you'll meet another service professional I interviewed about her brand. You'll find a downloadable mp3 audio recording and a transcript so you can listen or read, according to your preference.

Section 9: Step Five: Creating Your Brand Lecture 20 01:58 A brief introduction to Step Five and the Brand Brainstorming process. 

Be sure to download the accompanying handout so you can use each of the four brainstorming strategies to help you come up with a brand name you love, that authentically represents you and your platform, and that is memorable.

Lecture 21 06:04 In this video I share some tips and pointers to help you create a unique and memorable brand name. You'll want to understand these tips before you proceed with brainstorming your own brand name. Lecture 22 03:29 In this video I introduce you to the idea of using Analogies to create your brand name. I also share lots of examples to help you understand how this idea works, and to inspire you. 

Be sure to download and print out the Brand Brainstorming handout. It details all four of the strategies I will be sharing with you.

Lecture 23 03:44 In this video I introduce you to the idea of using Appended Words (putting words together) to create a unique brand name. I also share more examples to help you better understand how this idea works, and to inspire you. Lecture 24 03:35 In this video I introduce you to the idea of using Adopted Words (words you adopt to represent who you are and what you stand for) to create your brand name. I also share more examples to help you better understand how this idea works, and to inspire you. Lecture 25 03:18 In this video I introduce you to the idea of using Alliteration (words that all begin with the same letter) to create a memorable brand name. I also share more examples to help you better understand how this idea works, and to inspire you. Section 10: Step Six: Researching Potential Brand Names Lecture 26 02:13 In this introduction to Step Six, I share why it's so important to research potential brand names BEFORE you begin using them, along with some quick, free, and easy ways to do the research yourself. 

Unfortunately, this is the step most often overlooked by service pro's who are branding themselves without professional help. Skipping this step can lead to brand and trademark infringement and all kinds of problems that are SO easy to avoid.

While I am not an attorney and I can't give you legal advice about researching or protecting your brand, I can share information so you are aware of some quick and easy things you can do on your own to make sure the brand name you want to use is not already being used by someone else. You may also choose to get legal assistance to further ensure the name you want to use is available. That will be up to you.

My goal with this course, and with this Step and Step 9 in particular, is to educate you so you don't make easily avoidable mistakes and so you can avoid the all the problems that result from infringing on someone else's brand name.

Be sure to download and print out the accompanying handout to help you research your potential brand names.

Lecture 27 01:16 In this video I talk about researching potential brand names before you start using them. Lecture 28 03:25 In this video I show you how a quick and easy Google Search can tell you if someone is already using the brand name you want to use. It's also a great way to monitor usage of your brand name once you've adopted it. On numerous occasions this is how I have discovered other business consultants using my brand name, and it has enabled me to take steps to protect my brand and ensure they stop using my trademarked brand name. Lecture 29 04:47 In this video I show you how to do a quick domain name search to find out if someone has already registered the brand name you want to use as a website domain name, another indication the name may already be in use by someone else. Lecture 30 05:55 In this video I show you how to do a quick U.S. Trademark Search to find out if anyone has trademarked the brand name you want to use. 

Note: If you own and operate your business outside the U.S. you can use this lesson as a guide and then locate your country's trademark office or website and search there.

Lecture 31 02:48 In this video I show you how to find, and do a quick state-level search to find out if anyone has incorporated a business in your state using the brand name you want to use. This is just ONE more free and easy way to find out if someone is already doing business using the brand name you want to use. 

Please note: If you're doing business outside the U.S. you can use this video as a guide and then locate your local resource for doing a similar search.

Lecture 32 03:06 In this video I show you how to find, and do a quick local-level search to find out if anyone is doing business in your county as the brand name you want to use. This is just one more way to go all the way down to the local level to research your brand name. 
Please note: If you're doing business outside the U.S. you can use this video as a guide and then locate your local resource for doing a similar search.
Section 11: Step Seven: Choosing Your Brand Name Lecture 33 01:24 A brief introduction to Step Seven. Lecture 34 05:22

In this video I talk about how to choose your brand name. You've done the research, now it's time to make a commitment. If you're a little afraid to commit, don't worry, I also share some ways you can try on your brand name before making a full commitment.

Bonus Materials: Brand Interview with Margaret Saunders, Your Harmonising Energy Coach

In this lesson you'll meet another service professional I interviewed about her brand, Australian coach, Margaret Saunders. You'll find a downloadable mp3 audio recording and a transcript so you can listen or read, according to your preference.

Examples of Trying on a Brand

In the Downloadable Materials you'll find an example of how you can "try on" a brand before fully committing. This example is from one of my private clients who is a wellness coach and registered nurse (RN), and who brings together advice and support from both traditional and alternative medicine. One brand platform we came up with was to position her as The Diet AlteRNative, however she wasn't sure she was ready to commit her entire business, website, and marketing to it. To try it on, she created a free ebook. I've included her ebook, along with a screen shot of her home page so you can see how she is trying on her brand. Once she sees if it attracts the kind or attention and clients she's looking for, she may choose to change the name of her website and feature it more prominently in her marketing. If she changes her mind, all she has to do is change her free ebook.

Section 12: Step Eight: Implementing Your Brand Lecture 35 02:19 A brief introduction to Step Eight. Lecture 36 14:32 In this video I talk about all the places and ways you can implement your brand in your business and marketing. This will ensure your brand is more than what I call "gift wrap" or outside packaging. A brand in name alone (i.e. gift wrap) will not be effective or garner you the benefits I shared at the beginning of this course. Only when you become known for your brand platform and you begin to stand for something will you start reaping the benefits. And implementing your brand in everything you do is the best way to do that. 

There are several handouts that go with this section. Be sure to download them and print them out so you can use them as you implement YOUR brand. 

Bonus Materials: Brand Interview with Marquesa Pettway, Your Business Reinvention Expert

In this lesson you'll meet another service professional I interviewed about her brand. You'll find a downloadable mp3 audio recording and a transcript so you can listen or read, according to your preference. 

Section 13: Step Nine: Protecting Your Brand Lecture 37 01:18 A brief introduction to Step Nine. Lecture 38 06:55 In this video I share a number of ways you can protect your brand so someone else cannot come along and start using the same name. 

Because I'm not an attorney I cannot provide you with legal advice. My goal here is simply to arm you with information so you will be aware of some of the possible ways you can protect your brand. It will be up to you to decide how you want to proceed and to determine whether you want to consult an attorney to ensure your brand is protected. 

Be sure to download and print out the accompanying handout. 

Bonus Materials: Brand Interview with Deborah Alcock of Clickety-Quick Business Solutions and Training

In this lesson you will meet one more service professional that I interviewed about her brand. In addition to talking about how she branded her business, we also talk about researching and protecting brands. You'll find a downloadable mp3 audio recording and a transcript so you can listen or read, according to your preference. 

Section 14: Branding Resources Lecture 39 01:24 A brief introduction to the Branding Resources I've included with this course. Be sure to download and print out the list of resources that's included in the supplemental materials section. Section 15: Wrap-Up and Review Lecture 40 01:19 A brief introduction and thank you as we begin our wrap-up of this course. Lecture 41 05:33

In this video I provide a summary of all the steps we've taken in this course. This is a great way to solidify your learning and for you to identify any steps you may need to go back and spend more time on. I also share a way you can get more help with creating your brand, if you're having a hard time doing this on your own.

Want Additional Marketing Help?

If you've got your brand down but want a little more help with the rest of your marketing, you may want to check out my course, How to Market Yourself as a Coach or Consultant right here on Udemy. While it covers a few of the same things as this course, it will also help you package your programs and services, develop and implement your marketing plan, and learn how to sell your services. Because you've already invested in this course, I wanted to give you the chance to take that course at a discounted price.

Just click here to discover everything you'll learn in that course and to enroll for just $49

Or use Coupon Code HOW2BRAND49

Full curriculum




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