Brandmerry Blog Archives
Mastering Aligned Goal Setting for Your Business: 3 Mistakes to Avoid in the New Year
Are you already thinking about your business goals for the year ahead?
If so, you're not alone.
Planning is crucial for success, but it's equally important to avoid common mistakes that can affect your progress.
In this week’s podcast episode, I’ll share three key mistakes to avoid when planning for the new year. By steering clear of the same mistakes I’ve made in the past, you can create a more aligned and successful path for your business in the year ahead.
Inside today’s episode of the Brandmerry Podcast, we’ll dive into:
Why planning on one day isn’t setting you up for success.
The missing link with vision boards and what to do instead.
Why I don’t recommend planning the full 12 months in business.
For the full content, and all the insider tips, listen to Episode 101 now.
Mistake #1: Neglecting Pre-Planning Alignment
The Crucial Step That Often Gets Overlooked
The first mistake I've made, and perhaps you can relate to, is not taking enough time to pre plan. Rushing into goal setting without considering personal alignment often leads to setting goals that don't align with your true self.
To avoid this mistake, it’s important to time to assess who you want to become, both as a person and an entrepreneur. Your business goals should complement your life, not detract from it.
This involves reflecting on your past experiences, identifying what has worked and what hasn't, and taking into account the season of life you’re currently in or entering. We all change year to year, and even month to month, so this pre-work is so important to make sure you’re on the most aligned path for you.
Mistake #2: Outdated Vision Boards
Creating Vision Boards Rooted in Identity
The second mistake to avoid relates to the oh-so-popular vision board, which often focus on materialistic goals. I've come to realize the importance of creating a vision board that connects with the feelings I want to embody as an entrepreneur.
My shift from a material-focused vision board last year led me to tapping into my desire to feel like an athlete again. This approach led to identifying activities and experiences that would make me feel the way I aspired to. It was a game changer.
While I’m a big fan of vision boards, it can often make you feel like a failure if you don’t acquire that one thing you’ve added, so focusing more on the emotional and identity-based aspects of your goals when creating vision boards can make you feel more empowered.
Mistake #3: The Downside of Planning 12 Months in Advance
Why Rigid 12-Month Plans Are No Longer Effective
The third mistake I've made is planning the entire year, down to the smallest details, in advance. This rigid approach often leads to frustration and disappointment when unforeseen changes occur. Instead, I now adopt and teach a more adaptable planning method.
I encourage you to create goals for the year as a whole, focusing on who you want to be at the end of the year, and then break down your goals into plans for only the first 90 days. This will allow you to assess you progress and adapt to changing circumstances as they come up. Life, as well as your priorities, can change over a year and by planning in smaller, more flexible chunks, you can better align your actions with your evolving identity and needs as an entrepreneur.
The Alternative: Authentically Aligned Planning
A New Approach to Goal Setting for Modern Entrepreneurs
I want to emphasize the importance of avoiding these common planning mistakes and embracing authentically aligned goal-setting as an entrepreneur. How you start your year can really set the tone for your success throughout the year.
It’s why I’ve created the 7-day planning course, Brand New Plan, to help entrepreneurs create goals and plans that fit their life.
The focus is on setting goals that resonate with your identity, values, and personal growth. I encourage you to adapt and update your plan every 90 days, ensuring that you remain true to yourself and your evolving priorities, which is something we emphasize inside of Brand New Plan and give you the structure to do so.
I'm excited to offer you the opportunity to join Brand New Plan so you can create a more successful and fulfilling path for our businesses in the year ahead.
Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube Podcasts to hear the full episode and all the tips.
P.S. Ready to build a revenue-generating brand? One that not only stands out online but also makes it easier than ever to create high-value content? Tune in to my free brand class and learn my Build a Better Brand Method. Watch now at brandmerry.com/class.
FREE GIFTS FOR YOU
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FREE GIFTS FOR YOU --
DISCOVER YOUR BRAND STORY IN UNDER 5 MINUTES
LEARN HOW TO WRITE AN ‘ABOUT ME’ PAGE THAT CONVERTS
MAP OUT 30 DAYS OF CONTENT IN UNDER AN HOUR
Hey there, I’m Michelle Knight!
I’m an online branding and marketing consultant for female entrepreneurs.
I believe in the power of storytelling and using that superpower to brand and market yourself online...oh and to set yourself free.
I'm obsessed with living a life of freedom, so much so, that my family and I travel the world (sometimes in an RV) while running my business.
This blog serves as a home base for all things branding, marketing, content creation, productivity, and more.
Check Out the Latest Posts
Must-Reads on the Blog
5 Business Lessons from a Brand Strategist with 7+ Years of Experience
In the world of business, we're all on a wild ride, and sometimes, it's the unexpected twists and turns that teach us the most.
It’s been two years since I launched the Brandmerry Podcast, and to celebrate the 100th episode, I’m diving into five crucial lessons I’ve learned over the past two years that can make your entrepreneurial journey smoother.
These lessons are the kind that can truly help us in our business adventures, learning from others is one of my favorite ways to grow as an entrepreneur. Let’s uncover some valuable insights that can make your entrepreneurial journey a bit less bumpy
Inside today’s episode of the Brandmerry Podcast, we’ll dive into:
The dangers of growing too fast and what the realizations I had when my business doubled in revenue.
The importance of alignment and how to embrace planning fluidity in the face of life’s uncertainties.
The art of working smarter and not harder to reach your goals
For the full content, and all the insider tips, listen to Episode 100 now.
Lesson One: The Power of Alignment in Business
In the ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurship, the concept of alignment has become increasingly crucial.
It's not just about setting goals; it's about aligning those goals with your authentic vision.
As a recovering perfectionist, I struggled with aligning my goals with my authentic self. It was easy for me to help others strategize and plan their business goals, but when it came to setting my own, I found it challenging. I often set goals based on what I thought I should be achieving, rather than what genuinely mattered to me.
In 2022, I had a moment of clarity. I realized that the goals I had been pursuing weren't my own; they were borrowed aspirations from others.
This revelation was a turning point in my entrepreneurial journey. I had strayed from what truly mattered to me, and it was time to realign with my authentic goals.
Setting goals should be a deeply personal and aligned process.
It's not just about picking a number or reverse engineering a plan. It's about understanding how you want to feel, what lifestyle you desire, and how your business fits into the bigger picture of your life.
Every decision and goal in your business should weave seamlessly into your personal life for a harmonious and fulfilling experience.
Lesson Two: Avoiding the Pitfalls of Rapid Growth
2020 brought significant growth for my business, doubling our revenue. It was an exciting time, and I started to set my sights on even grander goals, including reaching a million dollars in revenue.
However, as I learned, the appeal of rapid growth can come with hidden challenges.
One prevailing piece of advice I received was to build a team to achieve the million-dollar goal. I accepted this advice and started hiring, expanding my team to manage various aspects of my business.
I thought this was the path to growth. But soon, I realized that I was overwhelmed with managing a growing team and lost touch with what I truly loved: creating content and making an impact.
I had to ask myself if the rapid growth aligned with my vision for my business and life. The answer was a resounding "no."
I had fallen into the trap of following external advice without considering what truly mattered to me. It was a costly lesson, but it brought me back to what I valued most in my business: creativity and impact.
In a moment of clarity, I scaled back and redefined what it meant to be a CEO. I didn't need a large team to achieve my goals; I needed a few key people who aligned with my vision.
The lesson here is clear: growth should be meaningful, sustainable, and in line with your values. Don't rush to scale without considering the impact on your work-life balance and personal fulfillment.
Lesson Three: Work Smarter, Not Harder
The old belief "work hard to achieve success" has been deeply ingrained in our minds.
However, it's time to shift our perspective and start working smarter, not harder. Business ownership is about finding the balance between dedication and efficiency.
One key to working smarter is creating efficient systems. Templates, workflows, and AI tools can save you valuable time and energy. They allow you to focus on what you do best and delegate or streamline the rest.
As an entrepreneur, your creativity and content creation are essential. Embrace tools that help you maximize your productivity and creativity.
For example, I've recently started using AI tools to transcribe and format content, saving me significant time. These tools allow me to maintain my unique voice while reducing the time spent on tasks that can be automated.
It allows me to reach more people and get my brand out there without sacrificing my precious time.
Lesson Four: The Normalcy of Feeling Unmotivated
Feeling unmotivated is a common experience for entrepreneurs. You must understand that these phases are entirely normal and not a sign of failure.
The entrepreneurial journey is filled with highs and lows, and unmotivated periods are part of the game.
Rather than panicking or beating yourself up when motivation wanes, give yourself the space to step back and reflect. It's a natural part of the creative process. Use this time for self-care, and you'll often find that your motivation returns stronger than before.
I've learned to embrace these unmotivated phases as opportunities for rest and rejuvenation.
It's essential to take care of your physical and mental well-being during these times, as they can be a signal from your body to slow down and recharge.
Lesson Five: Embracing Planning Fluidity
In the face of life's inevitable twists and turns, it's essential to embrace planning fluidity.
The traditional, rigid approach to planning no longer serves the modern entrepreneur. Life will continue to happen, often unexpectedly, and your ability to adapt is crucial.
Planning fluidity means having a plan and a destination while remaining open and adaptable.
Life's challenges can be unpredictable, but how you react to them is within your control.
You don't have to abandon your goals when life throws a curveball; instead, adapt your plan to navigate those twists and turns. It's about maintaining your vision and being flexible about how you get there.
In the world of business, it's easy to fall into the trap of setting a strict plan and believing that any detour from it is a failure. But the reality is that life doesn't always follow our carefully crafted plans.
Unexpected events, personal challenges, and shifts in the market can disrupt even the most well-thought-out strategies.
That's where planning fluidity comes in. Instead of viewing unexpected changes as roadblocks, see them as opportunities for growth.
If your initial plan encounters turbulence, be prepared to adjust your course while keeping your ultimate destination in mind. This adaptability is a superpower for entrepreneurs and business owners, allowing you to stay resilient in the face of uncertainty.
Planning fluidity isn't about giving up on your dreams; it's about making your dreams a reality on your terms.
It's about staying true to your vision while being flexible in your approach.
So, as you embark on your entrepreneurial journey, remember that the road may be winding, but with planning fluidity, you can navigate any curve and reach your destination with authenticity and resilience.
CONCLUSION
Remember that entrepreneurship isn't about sticking to a rigid plan or following a one-size-fits-all formula. It's about adapting, growing, and staying true to yourself.
In the ever-changing world of business, it's the ability to pivot, learn from challenges, and keep moving forward that truly matters.
So, whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, keep these lessons close to heart. Embrace the unexpected, find your authentic path, and know that you have the power to shape your own success.
Just like a road trip, there might be detours, pit stops, and even the occasional flat tire, but it's all part of the adventure. Stay true to your course, be open to change, and enjoy the ride. After all, the journey is what makes the destination worthwhile.
Ready to create a more adaptable approach to planning?
Learn more about Brand New Plan and how it can help you as an entrepreneur create goals authentic to you, as well as an action play you actually stick to.
Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube Podcasts to hear the full episode and all the tips.
P.S. Ready to build a revenue-generating brand? One that not only stands out online but also makes it easier than ever to create high-value content? Tune in to my free brand class and learn my Build a Better Brand Method. Watch now at brandmerry.com/class.
FREE GIFTS FOR YOU
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FREE GIFTS FOR YOU --
DISCOVER YOUR BRAND STORY IN UNDER 5 MINUTES
LEARN HOW TO WRITE AN ‘ABOUT ME’ PAGE THAT CONVERTS
MAP OUT 30 DAYS OF CONTENT IN UNDER AN HOUR
Hey there, I’m Michelle Knight!
I’m an online branding and marketing consultant for female entrepreneurs.
I believe in the power of storytelling and using that superpower to brand and market yourself online...oh and to set yourself free.
I'm obsessed with living a life of freedom, so much so, that my family and I travel the world (sometimes in an RV) while running my business.
This blog serves as a home base for all things branding, marketing, content creation, productivity, and more.
Check Out the Latest Posts
Must-Reads on the Blog
Elevate Your Brand with a Brand Photoshoot: Tips for DIY or Professional Photography
This past weekend, I had the pleasure of getting a brand photoshoot done, and every single time I have a session, it sparks a burst of inspiration that I absolutely love.
Brand photoshoots have been a consistent investment in my business for years, and the very first one changed the game for me.
Back in the early days of my business, I used whatever photos I had on hand and put them on my website. But I yearned to capture the essence of my brand, to showcase the deep dive I'd taken into my ideal customer, messaging, and the emotional aspects I wanted to convey to my ideal customer.
Photography is one of the most powerful ways to share your brand with the world. After that first transformative experience, I swore by brand photoshoots as one of the best investments for online branding.
Inside today’s episode of the Brandmerry Podcast, you’ll discover:
My top tips to prepare for a brand photoshoot, and what to do BEFORE you even start snapping pics.
Tips for performing a DIY photo session for your website or content
My top tips for finding a photographer that matches your brand!
For the full content, and all the insider tips, listen to Episode 99 now.
Elevating Your Only Presence with Brand Photography
The initial investment in a brand photographer back in 2016 was intimidating. But, incredibly, that same photographer has been with me for seven years now, documenting the transformation I've undergone as the founder and CEO of Brandmerry.
Looking back at those photos, I've seen not only personal growth but also a surge in brand confidence. It's an invaluable asset as a brand owner, and I truly believe brand photography revolutionizes your online presence.
After my first brand photoshoot, I started using those photos in my marketing efforts, particularly in Facebook groups, where I was actively promoting my business at the time.
My brand photos stood out because of their unique, darker, and moody style, amidst the pink and Eiffel Tower-themed images flooding the platform. It was unintentional, but this distinctive style immediately elevated my engagement levels and set me apart.
Since that day I've been advocating for brand photography, even providing a free photo shoot guide on my website.
While my previous brand photoshoots were predominantly done outdoors to depict a freedom lifestyle, this time, I invited my photographer into our home. We've worked hard to make it our own, and it's where we spend most of our free time.
Our lifestyle has shifted from traveling the world and living in an RV to settling down, and this change in our lifestyle called for a different energy and presentation. As I prepared for this photoshoot, I began to think about how others could benefit from having fantastic photos for their businesses. You don't necessarily need to rush out and hire a photographer, though I believe they are an incredible investment.
Your brand photos have numerous applications across your website, social media, blogs, Pinterest, and more. The key is to have photos that capture your brand's essence at the moment, which can be shared online. The following tips are what helped me prepare for my most recent session.
Brand Photoshoot Tip #1: Understanding Your Brand
The most crucial aspect of a successful brand photoshoot, whether DIY or professional, is understanding your brand.
You need to have done the groundwork and the branding work to create a foundation for your photos. My signature branding process involves understanding your niche, ideal customer, messaging, signature offering, and emotional branding. All these elements are interconnected and contribute to creating outstanding photography that aligns with your brand.
Brand Photoshoot Tip #2: Finding Inspiration
To get into the right mindset for your photoshoot, it's essential to find inspiration. Inspiration serves a dual purpose, helping you envision your poses, backgrounds, colors, and props while also guiding your photographer (or friend) during the session.
I typically turn to Pinterest, starting with a broad search for brand photography and then narrowing it down based on the vibe I'm aiming for.
In my recent photoshoot, I wanted to capture my connection with nature and plants, an integral part of my life and brand. My search was focused on images featuring plants, nature, and inside my home, which helped me convey the emotions I wanted to evoke.
Brand Photoshoot Tip #3: Location Matters
The location you choose for your photoshoot plays a pivotal role in setting the mood and conveying your brand's emotions.
I prefer a single location for cohesiveness, and it helps me maintain a comfortable timeframe. In my most recent session, the location was our home, which perfectly aligned with my brand's essence.
Our home embodies the emotions I want my brand to convey - a welcoming, inviting space where people feel comfortable and valued. But the location choice should also match your brand and personality. Over the years, I've shot in different locations, from parks to lakes to forests, all of which align with different aspects of my brand and emotions.
Brand Photoshoot Tip #4: Curating Your Look and Props
Your clothing choices and props are essential for creating the right vibe in your photos. I prefer to keep my outfits simple, with solid colors that match my brand. The key is to stay true to your everyday style.
I typically aim for three different looks in a photoshoot, which provides versatility for my content over several months.
Regarding props, it's not necessary to go out of your way to buy new items. Incorporate elements that are already a part of your life, brand, or surroundings. The goal is to highlight authenticity. Using items such as hats, jackets, or even family members and pets can add a personal touch to your photos.
Brand Photoshoot Tip #5: Getting in the Right Vibe
Feeling comfortable and natural during your photoshoot is crucial. It's perfectly normal to feel nervous in front of the camera, but getting into the right vibe can make a world of difference.
During my most recent shoot, we made a conscious effort to set the stage. We baked bread, enjoyed coffee, played music, and had organic conversations with our photographer, Jay.
These simple actions transformed the energy of the photoshoot, making it a relaxed and enjoyable experience. We also played around with music, which added an extra layer of fun and authenticity to the photos. Remember, it's essential to let your true self shine through in your brand photography.
Going the DIY Brand Photoshoot Approach
If you're taking the DIY route, all these steps are still applicable.
You'll need to follow the same process to create photos that authentically represent your brand. Use movement, take a lot of photos, and don't worry if not every shot is perfect. The magic often lies in the in-between moments.
Smartphone cameras work perfectly well, and you don't need fancy equipment. When shooting your session try and take a series of photos, or create a video and pull stills from the video itself.
You can use various editing apps to enhance your photos if necessary. And remember, it's essential to stay true to your brand in your DIY photos, just as you would with professional shots.
Finding the Right Photographer for Your Brand Photoshoot
If you're considering a professional brand photoshoot, research is key; you must find a photographer whose style aligns with your brand and personality.
This is why it’s important to know your brand and the overall vibe you want your photos to convey BEFORE you start looking for a photographer. Knowing this will allow you to match your style with their portfolio.
You'll know when you find the perfect match. The same way you have defined how you want your audience to feel should be how you feel when looking at their previous work.
CONCLUSION
Brand photography is a game-changer for your online branding.
It helps you establish a powerful visual identity that resonates with your audience. Whether you choose the DIY approach or hire a professional, the critical factor is understanding your brand's essence and the emotions you want to convey.
With the right preparation, inspiration, location, and an authentic vibe, you can capture photos that genuinely represent your brand and set you apart in your niche.
Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube Podcasts to hear the full episode and all the tips.
P.S. Ready to build a revenue-generating brand? One that not only stands out online but also makes it easier than ever to create high-value content? Tune in to my free brand class and learn my Build a Better Brand Method. Watch now at brandmerry.com/class.
FREE GIFTS FOR YOU
--
FREE GIFTS FOR YOU --
DISCOVER YOUR BRAND STORY IN UNDER 5 MINUTES
LEARN HOW TO WRITE AN ‘ABOUT ME’ PAGE THAT CONVERTS
MAP OUT 30 DAYS OF CONTENT IN UNDER AN HOUR
Hey there, I’m Michelle Knight!
I’m an online branding and marketing consultant for female entrepreneurs.
I believe in the power of storytelling and using that superpower to brand and market yourself online...oh and to set yourself free.
I'm obsessed with living a life of freedom, so much so, that my family and I travel the world (sometimes in an RV) while running my business.
This blog serves as a home base for all things branding, marketing, content creation, productivity, and more.
Check Out the Latest Posts
Must-Reads on the Blog
Mastering Habits for Entrepreneurial Success: 5 Habits to Incorporate into Your Daily Routine
As an entrepreneur, building effective daily habits is crucial to achieve success and maintain a balanced life.
After just returning from 12 days in Europe, I’m getting back into my own routine, and excited to share five daily habits I’ve refined over the past year.
In this episode, we'll delve into five daily habits that can significantly enhance your productivity, mindset, and overall well-being.
These habits are inspired by the principles of mindfulness, productivity, and self-care.
Let's explore how these habits can make a difference in your entrepreneurial journey.
Inside today’s episode of the Brandmerry Podcast, you’ll discover:
How a morning routine can be adjusted to fit your life and schedule (hint: the 5 am wake up doesn’t work for everyone).
My top tip for increasing productivity that is counterintuitive to what you might have been taught.
The #1 change I’ve made to my routine that has not only impacted my business, but also my health.
For the full content, and all the insider tips, listen to Episode 97 now.
1. Crafting a Mindful Morning Routine
Starting your day on the right foot is essential for any entrepreneur. However, the traditional idea of a rigid morning routine may not work for everyone.
My approach to crafting a morning routine that aligns with my values and needs, focuses on the mind, movement, and nutrition.
Rather than having a set morning schedule that I repeat every single year, I create one that centers around being intentional and flexible, adapting to different seasons and circumstances. In the Summer I tend to crave faster mornings, stepping outside early to ground myself, and in the Winter, I want to slow down and practice more mindfulness in the form of meditation.
Adjusting my routine based on the seasons has paid off tremendously.
To watch a vlog-style video of my morning routine, head here.
2. Embrace Frequent Breaks for Enhanced Productivity
Taking intentional breaks has been a lesser-known secret to my productivity.
I've found that stepping away from work every 90 minutes and giving myself a mental breather significantly improves my creativity and efficiency.
Embracing this habit, especially while working from home, has been crucial for maintaining high levels of productivity. I make it a goal to schedule my 90-minute breaks so I honor them throughout my day as well.
Pay attention to what would work best for you.
Some of my clients find every 45 minutes is key, and others need an hour break. The goal here is to find your secret timing, and honor that by scheduling it into your calendar until you have a solid habit.
3. Optimize Your Day with Effective Scheduling
Scheduling is a cornerstone habit that helps me manage my time efficiently. If it’s not on the schedule it’s not happening.
By meticulously scheduling every aspect of my day using tools like Google Calendar, I gain a clear perspective of where my time is allocated. This helps me take a balanced approach to work and personal life, allowing me to be more intentional and productive throughout the day.
It also gives me the daily practice of prioritizing what’s most important to me and making sure the things that don’t serve me, don’t make it on the calendar.
Everything goes on the calendar!
Want to see how I schedule my content 90 days in advance? Check out this post here.
4. Prep for Success: Set Up Your Day the Night Before
Taking a few moments each night to reflect on the day and plan for the next has been incredibly beneficial to me.
This practice helps me set clear intentions for the upcoming day, ultimately allowing me to start with focus and purpose. It’s something I started a few years ago and is one of the most simple habits because it doesn’t require anything fancy, or a lot of additional time to achieve.
Inside the Brandmerry Planner, I made sure we added a daily space to reflect and plan for the next day. This practice also helps me “shut off” from work and move into my family time more fluidly which has been amazing.
Check out the Brandmerry Planner here.
5. Prioritize Nutrition for Optimal Energy and Focus
My fifth habit emphasizes the importance of nutrition as a foundational pillar of overall well-being and energy.
Nutrition plays a vital role in my entrepreneurial journey. Being a food enthusiast, I've made it a priority to be mindful of what I eat and when I eat it.
Nourishing my body with the right foods ensures I have the energy and focus needed to perform at my best.
This year, I noticed that although this had always been a priority, I was missing out on the mindful practice of eating. Now, my habit includes taking breaks to enjoy my meals throughout the day which helps with my overall well-being and productivity. It’s one of the shifts I’ve also made to better balance my hormones.
To learn more about how hormone health impacts entrepreneurship, listen to this recent episode.
CONCLUSION
These daily habits have played a massive role in my entrepreneurial success, helping me find balance and achieve my goals.
By tailoring my morning routine, embracing breaks, optimizing my schedule, preparing for each day, and prioritizing nutrition, I've enhanced my productivity, creativity, and overall quality of life.
Remember, finding what works for you and aligning it with your unique needs is the key to building a successful routine. Here's to you thriving as an entrepreneur!
Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube Podcasts to hear the full episode and all the tips.
P.S. Ready to build a revenue-generating brand? One that not only stands out online but also makes it easier than ever to create high-value content? Tune in to my free brand class and learn my Build a Better Brand Method. Watch now at brandmerry.com/class.
FREE GIFTS FOR YOU
--
FREE GIFTS FOR YOU --
DISCOVER YOUR BRAND STORY IN UNDER 5 MINUTES
LEARN HOW TO WRITE AN ‘ABOUT ME’ PAGE THAT CONVERTS
MAP OUT 30 DAYS OF CONTENT IN UNDER AN HOUR
Hey there, I’m Michelle Knight!
I’m an online branding and marketing consultant for female entrepreneurs.
I believe in the power of storytelling and using that superpower to brand and market yourself online...oh and to set yourself free.
I'm obsessed with living a life of freedom, so much so, that my family and I travel the world (sometimes in an RV) while running my business.
This blog serves as a home base for all things branding, marketing, content creation, productivity, and more.
Check Out the Latest Posts
Must-Reads on the Blog
How to Craft Your Signature Offering: A Step-by-Step Guide from a Brand Strategist
Whether you aim to build a brand, market with ease, or create more income and impact, your signature offering is your launchpad.
Many of my clients, especially those just starting out often wonder, "What should I offer?"
This question is not just about packaging your expertise but also making it appealing and valuable to potential clients. There are many directions you could take—courses, one-on-one coaching, memberships, digital goods—but what's the best for you?
Let's break it down step by step.
Inside this post, we’ll dive into:
The option I recommend most entrepreneurs get started with is a low-cost, low-barrier to entry so they can reinvest into their business quickly.
The 5-step process for discovering your signature offering that is authentic and aligned to you and the vision you have for your business.
The different types of offerings you can create and the pros and cons of each.
Your blog content is below, but for the full content, and all the insider tips, listen to Episode 97 now.
The Easier Entry Point: One-to-One Services
When I first began my entrepreneurial journey, I offered one-to-one services. It was the quickest, simplest, and most cost-effective way to get started.
Instead of investing upfront in various tools or platforms, I used basic resources available at the time, like a free Zoom account and PayPal invoices. This allowed me to start making money right away, charging more for personalized services, which made it easier to hit revenue goals with fewer clients.
If you're new to the entrepreneurial world, consider starting with one-to-one services.
It's tempting to jump straight into creating a course or a membership program, but these require significant upfront investment and time. In contrast, one-to-one services allow you to start now, with minimal overhead.
You can quickly put up a service page, use free scheduling and invoicing tools, and connect with clients almost immediately.
Whatever option you ultimately choose, let’s break down the step-by-step process to determine what’s right for you.
Step 1: Brainstorm Your Expertise
Create a comprehensive list of all the areas you excel in. Think about what your friends, family, or coworkers ask you for advice on. Are there skills you've self-taught or areas where you have substantial experience? Your academic credentials and any specific education should also be included. This brainstorming phase is about putting everything out there without judgment.
This step is about identifying your unique skills and knowledge that can be turned into a valuable product or service.
Step 2: Prioritize Impact and Income
From your list, identify items that could generate the most significant income and have the highest impact.
Your goal is to align your skills with market demand. This step requires you to think about your overall business and lifestyle goals. If your aim is to build a sustainable business, you need to focus on offerings that will bring in steady income.
Balancing impact and income is crucial to ensure your offering aligns with both your mission and your financial goals.
Step 3: Identify Your Ideal Customer
Now, think about who you want to serve. Your ideal customer is the person you would love to work with every single day. If you already have a clear picture of this person, great! If not, start dreaming up their characteristics now.
Some questions to dive into are:
What problems are they experiencing?
What are their goals and desires?
What solutions are they seeking?
How can your expertise address their specific challenges?
Check out this resource for more information on doing market research.
Step 4: Solve a Specific Problem
Every successful business solves a particular problem.
Look at your narrowed list and ask yourself which of these problems you can solve for your ideal customer. Be very specific.
A clearly defined problem helps you design an offering that addresses a pressing need for your ideal customer. Remember, customers are willing to invest in solutions that alleviate their pain points.
Step 5: Decide on the Delivery Method
Now, it’s time to determine how you will deliver this offering.
Consider various formats such as:
One-to-One Services: Ideal for personalized, high-touch solutions.
Group Programs: Great for supporting multiple clients simultaneously with a community feel.
Courses: Evergreen and passive income options where you create content once and sell it multiple times.
Memberships: Ongoing support or educational content updated regularly.
Digital Goods: Lower-priced, one-off products like templates, checklists, or eBooks.
Based on your expertise and the problem you aim to solve, select the appropriate delivery method for your offering. Listen to the full episode to hear the pros and cons of each.
Then assess the pros and cons of each method and choose the one that aligns with your target market's preferences and your desired income goals.
CONCLUSION
Creating your signature offering starts with understanding what you bring to the table and matching it to what your market needs. From there, it's about narrowing your focus, understanding your audience, and choosing the optimal delivery method to solve specific problems and generate income.
Ready to learn more about creating your signature offer as part of my Build a Better Brand Method? You can learn more inside my free, on-demand class at brandmerry.com/class.
P.S. Ready to build a revenue-generating brand? One that not only stands out online but also makes it easier than ever to create high-value content? Tune in to my free brand class and learn my Build a Better Brand Method. Watch now at brandmerry.com/class.
FREE GIFTS FOR YOU
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FREE GIFTS FOR YOU --
DISCOVER YOUR BRAND STORY IN UNDER 5 MINUTES
LEARN HOW TO WRITE AN ‘ABOUT ME’ PAGE THAT CONVERTS
MAP OUT 30 DAYS OF CONTENT IN UNDER AN HOUR
Hey there, I’m Michelle Knight!
I’m an online branding and marketing consultant for female entrepreneurs.
I believe in the power of storytelling and using that superpower to brand and market yourself online...oh and to set yourself free.
I'm obsessed with living a life of freedom, so much so, that my family and I travel the world (sometimes in an RV) while running my business.
This blog serves as a home base for all things branding, marketing, content creation, productivity, and more.