Tag Archive for: personal branding

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How a Recruitment Company Broke the Mould

Meet Ironside Resources – not your ordinary recruitment company. They’re on a mission to help defence force veterans find meaningful civilian careers, and their story of transformation is anything but ordinary.

The Challenge

When Rowena, Ironside’s co-founder, first reached out, she was facing a common dilemma. Despite doing extraordinary work, her company’s brand wasn’t capturing the true essence of their mission. In a sea of recruitment agencies, Ironside’s unique value was getting lost.

Finding the True Gold

Through our Impact Alchemy process, we discovered something powerful. Rowena wasn’t just placing veterans in jobs – she was creating a bridge between military and civilian life. Having supported her partner Glenn through his military career, she understood that veterans need more than employment – they need a sense of belonging and identity.

Magic in the Details

The real transformation happened when we turned this understanding into action. We built smart systems that could scale their personalised approach without losing their heart. As Rowena shares:

‘The way you’ve set up the automations in Clixio CRM is nothing short of amazing! For those just looking and pondering their next steps, the nurturing happens automatically. But the real magic? Our placed candidates get emails that look and sound exactly like us – even though they’re automated. The authentic brand voice you created gives them ‘the feels’, reinforcing the connection they already have with us. When we pick up the phone, it’s like chatting with an old friend. I love how we’re able to scale that personal touch while keeping it genuine!’

Breaking Free from the Box

This is what makes this story special – we didn’t just create another corporate brand. We helped Rowena and her team own what makes them different. No more generic recruitment speak. No more blending in. We:

  • Crafted a strategy that amplified their mission
  • Built a website that truly reflected their purpose
  • Developed a content funnel that resonated with their audience
  • Created nurturing workflows that maintained genuine connections

Getting Noticed

Today, Ironside stands out in their market. They’re not just another recruitment company – they’re trusted guides helping veterans write their next chapter. This is what happens when you stop trying to fit the standard recruitment mould and start embracing your unique approach.

The Impact

The transformation went beyond brand colours and websites. It gave Ironside the confidence to show up authentically and make the impact they were truly meant to make – all while scaling their personal touch.

Are you running a service business that’s ready to break free from the cookie-cutter approach? Let’s chat about uncovering your unique contribution and creating a brand that truly reflects your mission.

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The No-Nonsense 13-Step Checklist for Rebranding (Without Losing Your Mind or Your Clients)

So, you’re ready to uplevel your brand? It is definitely the most cathartic process you will go through, short of clearing out your childhood bedroom!

Maybe you’ve outgrown your current brand, or you’re pivoting to something new and exciting. Whatever the reason, I’ve developed a fast, effective checklist for you to capture all the elements that will need an update in this big bold refresh of yours!

Grab a coffee (or a wine, I won’t judge), and let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of rebranding:

Pre-Rebrand Phase

Legal Preparation

  1. Register New Business Name
  2. Update business licenses and permits
  3. Inform tax authorities of name change
  4. Update/obtain new trademarks and copyrights
  5. Consider legal consultation

Planning and Strategy

  1. Develop a rebranding announcement strategy
  2. Create an FAQ page about the rebrand
  3. Establish a review process for all changes
  4. Set deadlines and goals for rebrand implementation

Content and Asset Audit

  1. Perform a content audit
  2. Update or create new brand guidelines document
  3. Produce new photo and video assets

Design and Development

Visual Identity

  1. Create new logo and visual elements
  2. Update brand colour palette and typography
  3. Design new marketing materials templates

Digital Identity

  1. Acquire new website URL
  2. Create new email addresses
  3. Design new email signatures

Website Development

  1. Implement new visual branding on website
  2. Update all content to reflect new brand voice
  3. Revise URLs and set up redirects
  4. Update meta tags, titles, and descriptions
  5. Check and optimise page speed
  6. Ensure mobile responsiveness
    Internal Preparations

Internal Systems

  1. Update CRM system
  2. Revise internal documentation and templates
  3. Update internal communication platforms
  4. Train staff on new brand guidelines
  5. Update employee uniforms and name tags
  6. Revise company signage
  7. Update vehicle wraps or decals

Financial Updates

  1. Inform bank of name change
  2. Update bank accounts and cheques
  3. Revise invoices and receipts
  4. Update insurance policies

Tech Tune-Up

  1. Update analytics and tracking tools
  2. Revise automated systems (email responses, chatbots, phone systems)
  3. Update computer logins and file server names

Roll-Out Phase

Digital Launch

  1. Set up email forwarding from old addresses
  2. Set up redirects from old domain
  3. Update online directories with new URL
  4. Create/update accounts on all social media platforms
  5. Update account names, bios, profile pics, and cover images
  6. Update Google Business Profile
  7. Revise profiles on review sites
  8. Update online advertising accounts
  9. Update industry-specific listings

Marketing Material Updates

  1. Update digital marketing materials
  2. Revise traditional marketing materials
  3. Update billboard and newspaper ad templates
  4. Revise product packaging and labels
  5. Update company merchandise

Legal and Contractual Updates

  1. Revise contracts with clients, suppliers, and partners
  2. Update website terms of service and privacy policy

Customer Communication

  1. Prepare and distribute a press release
  2. Inform clients via email, letter, or phone
  3. Inform followers of the change on social media

Digital Marketing Adjustments

  1. Update SEO strategy for new brand terms
  2. Revise paid advertising campaigns
  3. Adjust email marketing templates and strategies
  4. Update social media marketing plans

Post Roll-Out Phase

Quality Control

  1. Conduct thorough checks for old branding across all touchpoints
  2. Monitor website performance and search rankings post-rebrand

Feedback and Optimisation

  1. Gather feedback from customers and employees
  2. Make necessary adjustments based on feedback
  3. Continue to monitor and optimise brand performance

 

Phew! That’s a lot, right? But trust me, covering all these bases will make your rebrand a much smoother operation!

Remember, rebranding isn’t just about slapping a new logo on everything and calling it a day. It’s about aligning your brand with who you truly are and where you’re headed. It’s about creating a brand that feels authentically, undeniably you.

With this checklist in hand, you’re not just rebranding – you’re setting yourself up for some serious success.

If you feel you are looking for a brand that is uniquely and authentically you, let’s chat. After all, the world needs more authenticity.

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6 Steps to Creating a Service-Based Business That’s Authentically You (And Wildly Successful)

So, you’ve decided to dive into the exciting (and occasionally terrifying) world of coaching, consulting, or service-based business. Kudos to you! But let’s be real – without a solid game plan, this journey can feel like trying to navigate a corn maze blindfolded. That’s why I’m here to share my tried-and-true roadmap for building a business that’s not just successful, but authentically, undeniably you.

Step 1: Unearth Your Unique Contribution

Before you even think about logos or websites, we need to dig deep and uncover your zone of genius. What makes you, well, you? This isn’t about what services you offer – it’s about the transformation you bring to your clients’ lives. It’s about finding that special sauce that makes you irreplaceable. Trust me, once you nail this, everything else falls into place.

Step 2: Turn Your Experiences into Intellectual Gold

You’ve lived a life full of experiences, overcome challenges, and gained wisdom. Now it’s time to turn all of that into your intellectual property. This is where we take your unique perspective and package it into something tangible. Think of it as distilling your genius into a form that resonates with your audience and keeps them coming back for more.

Step 3: Craft a Visual Identity That Screams ‘You’

Now that we know who you are and what you bring to the table, it’s time to show the world. Your visual identity is more than just a pretty logo – it’s the visual representation of your brand’s soul. From your colour palette to your font choices, every element should reflect the essence of your unique contribution. Let’s create a brand that’s so you, it practically winks at your ideal clients.

Step 4: Build a Website That Converts (and Looks Damn Good Doing It)

Your website is your digital home, and we want it to be as welcoming and impactful as possible. This isn’t just about slapping up some nice pictures and a contact form. We’re crafting a digital experience that guides your visitors on a journey, showcases your unique value, and turns casual browsers into loyal clients.

Step 5: Become Omnipresent (In a Non-Creepy Way)

A fantastic website is great, but it won’t do much if no one sees it. This is where we turn you into the coach that’s everywhere your ideal clients are looking. We’ll create a social media strategy that amplifies your voice, leverage video content to build trust, and sprinkle in some SEO magic to make sure you’re showing up in all the right places.

Step 6: Nurture Your Tribe

You’ve attracted an audience – awesome! Now let’s turn them into raving fans. This step is all about building relationships and providing consistent value. We’ll set up a system to stay in touch, share your wisdom, and keep your audience engaged. Remember, a nurtured lead today could be your dream client tomorrow.

By following these six steps, you’re not just creating a business – you’re building a brand that’s an authentic extension of you. A brand that stands out, attracts your ideal clients, and makes a real impact in the world.

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The One Thing You Actually Need to Create a Successful Online Course

Building a thriving online course to scale your business sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? Working from a beach somewhere, laptop in hand. But here’s the rub – it’s not as simple as it sounds.

I’ve seen it all in this game – people with massive followings who can’t seem to make a cent, and others with all the fancy strategies but no one to sell to. The key takeaway? You’ve got to build an audience first. Without that, your course is like a tinnie without oars – going nowhere fast.

3 ACTUAL Non-negotiables for Course Success

If you’re nodding along, wondering how to scale without a following, here are some crucial points to consider:

1. Traffic is Everything: You could have the fanciest setup on Kajabi or GoHighLevel, but if no one’s there to click ‘buy’, what’s the point? My advice? Sell the idea before you build the course. Use waiting lists to see if there’s interest. If people sign up, you might be onto something.

2. Protect Your Confidence: There’s nothing worse than pouring your heart into a course that no one buys. Trust me, it’s a hit your confidence doesn’t need. So, build your audience first to avoid this trap.

3. Market Validation: You might think your course idea is brilliant, but the market gets the final say. Make sure you’re creating something people actually want.

Now, how do you build this audience? There are loads of ways, but here’s my current favourite: be everywhere on social media.

The goal is to dominate your potential client’s newsfeed. You want to be the person they see on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram – the lot. Keep showing up with valuable content. It not only engages your audience but also boosts your SEO rankings. And don’t forget about YouTube – it’s the second-largest search engine, after all.

And One More Thing!

Blogging is another great way to boost your visibility. Each blog post tells Google you’re actively providing valuable content. Do it right, and you’ll see your search rankings improve.

By being omnipresent across different channels, you’re building your audience one follower at a time. As your presence grows, so does the top of your funnel. And with a solid nurturing process, those followers can become ready-to-buy course participants.

The Rub

So, before you dive into creating that course, make sure you’ve got a marketing strategy that fills your funnel with leads who are likely to convert. Launch your course when you’ve got an audience eager to learn from you.

Starting from scratch? Prioritise building your database and social media following with high-quality, free content. It’s a journey, and while you might not be there yet, embracing these truths will set you on the right path.

Fancy a yarn about your specific situation? I’m always here for a natter. Until then, keep pushing forward. Remember, the foundation of any successful online course is the audience waiting to learn from you.

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Redefining Success: The Moment I Had To Lean In

I have only ever known entrepreneurship. I was born into a family full of people who work for themselves and are fairly happy to take risks. As such, I too ended up working for myself most of my life (except for a 10-year career in TV production – which is kind of like working for yourself).

 

I absolutely knew I was making this choice because I didn’t want to have to fit in. I’m not very good at not being fully self-expressed or wearing a mask. Whilst I have always thought of myself as pretty darn lucky, even courageous, deep down I don’t think it’s entirely true.

 

I am not lucky; I made a choice to avoid environments where I would have to wear a mask.

 

The fact that I have avoided workplaces like this sounds smart, but in fact, in many ways, it has held back my success.

I told myself stories that I wasn’t smart enough to work in corporate, or that I wouldn’t understand the language they talked.

I was SURE that I wouldn’t be able to keep my mouth shut if I didn’t agree with something, not swear, or at the very least would struggle with the pace things move (which is not fast enough for my liking!)

 

So all these ideas I had held me back from believing that the quality of my work could possibly belong in the big mysterious world of corporate!

 

When the Universe Decides to Give You a Nudge (or a Shove)

 

At the start of 2023, I had developed the Impact Alchemy, and had at least 10 women who had worked in corporate before through the program.

 

My dream was to get this program into corporate spaces because I knew that was where this work (of owning your uniqueness to amplify your impact) would have the greatest pay-off. I could make real change there.

 

But my stories were holding me back. My stories about how I talked too much, I wasn’t refined enough, I didn’t know the right vocab…

 

All things that no doubt I was told throughout my life because whatever I was doing didn’t suit someone else at the time!

 

But I held on to the dream, of someday – somehow – I would find a way to fit into the corporate space and be courageous enough to call myself a leadership trainer in the corporate space.

 

With this vision, the universe supported me, and I was nominated in the Future Women member group of over 24,000 women working in organisations, not small business, to do a talk at their 2023 Leadership Summit.

 

It was a 10-minute Lightning Talk.

 

I was freaking out but so proud of myself. I knew this was the start of overcoming this imposter syndrome I had been experiencing.

But the universe really wanted to make sure I wanted it, so I broke my wrist a week earlier. I was still pretty drugged up, unable to use my left arm, but I pushed through the flight, suitcases, dressing myself, using MacGyver-like contraptions to do up my bra!

 

Rocking It with a Broken Wrist: Because Why Not?

 

I got on the stage and absolutely rocked it. Among the incredible company on the stage, most of the speeches were more formal and serious. I knew I wasn’t going to be able to compete with stats and political views, so I claimed my space as an intuitive, unique, entertaining, funny, expressive performer. And I inspired the fuck out of 250 women and men in the room.

That 10 mins made so much of an impression I was interviewed by Sally and Tarang of Future Women the next day on their podcast.

 

I was right. Owning my uniqueness amplified my impact. I stood out like a dog’s dinner in that room.

 

I was also right that by leaning into the discomfort, it was the start of something.

 

Since this interview, I have been asked twice to speak at the Australian Hotels Association (a connection I made in the room in Sydney). I have spoken on uniqueness on at least 3 stages since for local councils, other people’s platforms etc.

 

But I was doing that stuff before the Lightning Talk.

 

What I wasn’t doing, and what I am super excited to be trusted with…

 

From Outsider to Corporate Leadership Trainer

 

I am now officially a leadership trainer – with one of the most unique programs for Corporate women – working with a pioneering energy company in Victoria, to take 15 of their leaders through the Impact Alchemy. With the view to do another 35 in the new year!

 

OWN YOUR UNIQUENESS. AMPLIFY YOUR IMPACT.

 

The. end.

 

 

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State of Influence Roadmap: Aligning Your Work Life with Your Life’s Work

Are you a Coach, Consultant, Service Professional or Subject Matter Expert?

The key to building a life’s work – not just a work life is in your personal brand.

 

 

Are you ready to find that sweet spot where your 9-to-5 isn’t just about paying the bills, but actually aligns with your life’s work – the stuff that makes your heart sing? As a personal branding specialist, I know this matters more (particularly to women) than you might think, and how it can be the foundation for a fulfilling work life.

 

 

The Power of Influence: Expert Positioning for Consultants, Coaches, & SMEs

When you align your day job with your life’s calling, it’s like turning on a light in a dark room. That glow doesn’t just brighten your corner; it sends ripples of change across the globe.

 

  • Imagine coming home after a day of work that’s seriously impacting people for the better
  • That positivity spreads to your family, your community, and even future generations
  • Hot tip: This level of fulfilment can be found in thousands of jobs, not just saving lives or charity work!

 

 

Because We’re All Connected

You’re influencing your opportunities & outcomes with every interaction. We’re all connected, like it or not. It’s a bit like the characters in that film ‘Avatar’ (minus the blue people), or those moments when you’re out in nature and suddenly feel at one with the universe.

 

  • We’re made of the same stuff as the stars and the ocean
  • We get to choose how we show up in the world
  • Our choices shape everything around us including our outcomes

 

 

Your Unique Brilliance: The Core of Your Thought Leadership

Now, let’s talk about YOUR light – your unique brilliance. Every interaction leaves a mark. One positive encounter can start a chain reaction of goodwill…It’s kind of like turning up the dimmer switch on the world’s mood lighting

 

you know you’ve got something of impact to do, a difference to make. But life has a way of squishing us into boxes, and dampening our light, doesn’t it? Well, I say it’s time to call bullshit on that and take back our power. We’ve all been through a massive, collective shake-up over the last few years, and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to reassess and try something new. The universe is practically begging for change, and it’s nudging you to step up. So, how do we do this?

 

Finding Your People

It starts with finding your people – people who get it, who are on the same wavelength about making a change. It’s about quiet influence. Making ripples of impact behind the scenes. Leading from a place of authenticity and creating a deep connection with who you really are.

 

Then You’re On Your Journey to Influence

Influence doesn’t come easy, mind you. It starts from within.

 

  • Get out of your head and into your heart
  • Understand your ‘why’ before worrying about the ‘how’ and the ‘who’
  • Move through states: possibility, realisation, and alchemy
  • Until you reach the state of influence where you own what makes you brilliantly different

 

Making Your Mark

In this state of influence, you’re articulating your ideas and building a community who share your vision.

  • You’re not just flogging products or services
  • You’re selling your authentic self, your vision, your values
  • This is where your ripples of change turn into waves of impacts

 

Your Personal Brand is the conscious curation of the way people perceive you. Their perception can make or break your consultancy or coaching practice. Whether you’re a coach, an entrepreneur, or a leader in any field, aligning your work with your life’s work is the key to real success and fulfillment.

 

Ready to get in the state of influence? Let’s create a world where our work and our lives aren’t just aligned, they’re one and the same – where everything we do sends out ripples of positive imapct.

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How to Build Professional Credibility for Coaches, Consultants or SMEs Through Strategic Personal Branding

Do potential clients have trouble seeing you as a credible coach, consultant or Subject Matter Expert? 

This article explores how to develop a strong personal brand that builds trust and attracts your ideal clients.

Crafting an impressive brand starts with getting clarity on who you are and what is your competitive difference:

  1. Identify your niche. Get ultra clear on the specific problem you solve and audience you serve. Your brand must appeal directly to this niche. Think psychographics not just demographics!
  2. Define your key transformation. Boil down the core result clients get from your coaching into a simple compelling ultimate promise statement. You might have multiple promises, but there is a way to package many ideas into one core message (check out the Impact Alchemy).
  3. Unearth your origin story. Outline your background and life journey to show what shaped your expertise, gifts, strengths and purpose. Storytelling builds rapport and buy in!
  4. Determine your ideal visual identity. Work with a visual branding agency to select colours, fonts, and imagery that reflect your authentic personality but still resonates with your niche clients.
  5. Develop polished brand assets. Your ideal clients are being trained in what to expect visually from every company they shop with – think Zomp, Witchery, Canva, Scratch pet Food, just as afew examples of beautiful brands. If you want to attract your high value clients your visual identity needs to meet them where they’re at with  pro graphics for your logo, website, social media, and marketing materials. Align your look and feel.
  6. Show your personality in your messaging. Infuse your communications with your authentic human voice, inspiring passion, and humour that makes you relatable. Avoid corporate jargon.Nust be yourself – but nice like!
  7. Spotlight client success stories. Gather testimonials from ideal clients who’ve achieved incredible transformations through your consulting. Build trust by showing people who have the same problems and the path they walked to the solution.

With clarity on your niche, offer, story, and visual identity, you can develop a strong personal brand as a coach, consultant or SME. A polished, targeted brand attracts your perfect clients, allowing you to confidently embody and amplify your impact. Nothing like seeing yourself looking killer on your own website, to make you say “dammmn I do know what i’m talking about don’t I!?”

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Establish Yourself as a Thought Leader with Leadership Training

Are you an expert in your field but aren’t sure how to stand out as a thought leader? 

This post looks at how high-level leadership training can help coaches, consultants and Subject Matter Experts (SME) establish strong personal brands and amplify their impact.

Becoming recognized as a thought leader starts with packaging your expertise into a proven leadership framework. 

Follow these steps:

  1. Identify your Zone of Genius or Unique Contribution. What perspectives, methods, or innovations do you have that others lack? (Having super clarity on what your ideal clients have tried before to solve their problems will help with this!) Get ultra clear on your core message.
  2. Systematize your approach. Synthesise your tactics into a step-by-step leadership training program or a signature framework. Outline your methodology and sequence. Have a visual sales framework to articulate and communicate your value.
  3. Invest in powerful branding. Develop a professional brand identity that instills confidence in your expertise. Match the quality of your image to your price point.
  4. Perfect your positioning. Differentiate yourself from the competition by promoting the specific transformations clients achieve through your leadership training or signature framework.
  5. Create authoritative content. Regularly share blogs, videos, social content and talks centred around your expertise. Provide value and showcase your thought leadership.
  6. Leverage speaking opportunities. Establish credibility through speaking engagements and podcast interviews focused on your niche. Highlight client success stories.
  7. Promote your program or framework. If you’re a coach, run offers, launch sequences, and events to sell your leadership training. If you’re a SME or consultant – develop a strong LinkedIn Reach out strategy to consistently build connections. Enrol initial clients, gather testimonials, and refine based on feedback.

With persistence and consistency, you can cement your status as an industry thought leader and amplify your impact. When you own your expertise, you gain the power to influence change and build a purposeful business, and build a work life around your life’s work!

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