Work is really slow right now. As in no projects are happening right now. Just wanted to be honest about that for the sake of all solopreneurs and small business owners. This career journey can feel really isolating for me. So I hope my “vulnerability vomit” (what I like to refer to this newsletter as sometimes) lands in a way that makes you feel less alone.
While this current season of work is daunting, I've also learned it's a part of riding the wave of working for myself. I can't always predict when these slump seasons will come, but I know they happen. Even with that knowledge, some days it feels like it's taking everything out of me, pulling me towards calling it quits.
I have worked to reframe my sad girl shame spiral into taking this downtime to work on my business. I enjoy creation mode and since 3 years have passed since I launched this little solo endeavor, it's time to rebrand.
Currently… My website is under construction with the design skills of Raudhah Rahman. My messaging and biz strategy is being guided by Tiffany Napper. I've got honest feedback and co-working time with Jamie R Cox. And I’ve even been looking at all the ways getting back on Instagram might be in the cards 😵🙂↔️
As I’ve been pulling together all the details of this rebrand, my process of building a brand with clients has been validated and enhanced. Because it’s so much more than a font combination, a color palette, and a pretty Instagram post. Those are important! We work on those things when partnering for a brand strategy map.
AND here are other elements of “being on brand” to consider. These all come together to tell an even fuller, more meaningful story…
The automated emails your customers or clients receive… That's branding.
Personalize those. Add in your voice, whether it's to make them LOL or think critically, invite them into the world you're creating.
The intake forms or surveys you send to gather feedback… That's branding.
Be in conversation with your people. You can learn and grow and make a better experience by evolving based on responses. It shows you're human!
That tiny little icon at the top of your web browser… That's branding.
It's called a Favicon and here is a little Loom walkthrough (with a quick preview of my rebrand!) on how to update it on Squarespace. Hat tip to Raudhah for this!
The opportunity to send a handwritten card… That's branding.
So underrated and SO appreciated. The smallest touches can make the biggest impact. As a thank you for working together, for the holidays, a simple just because, this little treat creates recognition and magic.
The questions you ask when you onboard a new team member… That's branding.
Being in alignment with the people you work with is what keeps business sustainable. Again, show them the world you are creating so they can be all hands on deck to build it with you.
The systems and templates that allow you to work smarter, not harder… Did you guess it? That's branding.
While backend stuff isn't as sexy as branded marketing materials, it is a piece of the puzzle that once set up, frees the space to focus on the fun stuff. An efficient back-of-house brand is what helps the front-of-house brand experience shine.
I’ve worked with clients to create all these types of things so that they are consistent and connected to deliver the message of who you are and what you do. And when foundations like those are set, you have something so solid and awesome to stand on to make your presence known.
A brand is the cohesive combination of visuals, words, and tangible items that all convey the same voice, personality, and story to create a feeling for the person who's receiving it. Pulling all those pieces together takes a strategic approach that works oh-so-well when done in collaboration.
Again, I hope you feel less alone today. I also hope you feel inspired in one way or another. Whether that's in your own brand or out there living your life.
All the elements of you are magic.
If you’re reading this or engaging with it on the Substack site or app and you enjoyed it, please tap the Like or Restack button. That helps me grow and also makes my heart go boom-clap. I post new entries once or twice a month and you can catch up on my thoughts about boobs, regret, mothering, the internet, and finding meaning in it all until the next one arrives. <3