The Personal Branding Podcast - Brands On Brands

Chris Strub is the CEO of I Am Here, LLC, a social media consultant agency, and an expert on how to get your brand noticed, discussed and promoted. He is also the author of 50 States, 100 Days - The Book and the first person to livestream in all 50 United States, both of which allowed him to promote youth-centric nonprofit organizations across the country. Through his extensive experience with social media over the last decade, Chris knows what will and what will not get people talking about you. In this episode, Chris lays out how he and other experts have pioneered this era of social media branding, reveals how you can make a name for yourself on Twitter, and explains why everything boils down to getting people to talk about you.   The Finer Details of This Episode: Chris explains the 50 States, 100 Days challenge and the roadtrip that gave him the idea. The very personal reason Chris got into nonprofit work. How old media actually helped Chris develop his skills with new media. Explaining why this decade’s successful social media brands will be seen as pioneers by future generations. Chris makes his case for Twitter and how it’s an excellent tool for professional AND personal networking. Why he thinks Twitter is far from the dying platform some people have said it is. Chris’ biggest piece of advice for getting started: ignore your follower account. The one tweet that can help you set yourself up for success as an online destination. Having an excellent product does nothing unless people are talking about it. Why selling and branding won’t mean much unless you have a solid product or service to back it up. The sheer hard work and coordination it takes to turn your brand into something reputable. What Chris hopes his customers and the people he regularly engages with would say about him. Quotes: “I know now that even at a relatively young age I’ve left something that has made this world a better place.” “It’s really a matter of having a good idea and executing upon it at all costs.” “I’m trying to do things a little better today than I did them yesterday, and trying to do them a little bit better tomorrow than I’m doing them today.” “If you don’t start something soon you’re gonna get lost in the wash.” “When you’re on Twitter you’re basically establishing your voice.” “Use social media as a mechanism to connect with real people in real life.”   Mentions: Shonduras, Dan Gingiss, At Your Gate, Switcher Studio, American Airlines, Twitonomy, Publix, Uber, Mario Armstrong   Guest Links: Chris on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisStrub Chris Strub - Social Media Education: https://www.teamstrub.com/ I am Here, LLC: https://twitter.com/iamherellc 50 States, 100 Days - The Book - https://www.amazon.com/50-States-100-Days-Book-ebook/dp/B019J7MA3Y   Brandon's Links: Visit Brandon’s website at www.BrandsOnBrandsOnBrands.com Join the Brand Growth Community on Facebook at www.brandonbrands.com/community And please leave a rating and review on iTunes!

It’s the first edition—or official edition, at least—of Freestyle Friday, where Brandon follows up with listener questions, comments and reviews, and discusses what happens to be on his mind. Something that’s obviously on his mind this week is Brands on Brands on Brands’ recent launch, especially the work he had to do to step up the quality of the show, and also the feedback sent by you listeners and supporters. In this episode, Brandon discusses the weekly format of this new show, how Brands on Brands on Brands’ launch went, and how he went from transforming his old show into this new one. The Finer Details of This Episode: What listeners can expect from Brandon every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Brandon thanks everybody who supported him through the launch and written reviews. Why reviews during launch are so important. What steps Brandon took to relaunch his show and who he consulted. The ways people in Brandon’s formative years shaped how he seeks out and makes use of knowledge for himself and others. Quotes: “This launch week is about you guys.” “Your feedback is critical, so let me know what you’re liking the best.” “If I’ve learned something along the way, I love to pass that back to the people coming up behind me.” “I think that mentorship that I was missing I’ve always looked to give back.” “I feel like I’ve grown more this year than in the past 10.” Links: Visit Brandon’s website at www.BrandsOnBrandsOnBrands.com Join the Brand Growth Community on Facebook at www.brandonbrands.com/community And please leave a rating and review on iTunes!

The recent launch of LinkedIn’s live video service got Brandon thinking about what actually makes for engaging video content and how each person can tailor theirs to a specific audience and/or platform to get the most bang for their buck—that is to say, every dollar spent on video and broadcasting equipment. It takes more than a high quality camera and microphone to make videos people actually want to tune in. In this episode, Brandon lays out his 7-step method for creating high quality and attention-grabbing video content. The Finer Details of This Episode: Invitation: Let people know about your product or service and where/when they can see it. Context: Consider who you want to talk to and if the platform you’re using is appropriate for that audience. Relevancy: Does what you’re talking about matter to your audience? Engagement: Acknowledge your viewers and make them feel like they’re part of your production. Answer questions: Can you provide your audience with the information they’re seeking? Tell stories: Don’t just drop facts; use your presentation to craft a narrative that pulls people in. Energy: Find a pace that holds your audience’s attention while not wearing yourself out. Quotes: “There’s no point in slowing your feed down and your recordings down to incorporate people when there’s not gonna be people there.” “The content should fit the context of the platform.” “You are setting the pace for how your audience interacts with you.” Links: Visit Brandon’s website at www.BrandsOnBrandsOnBrands.com Join the Brand Growth Community on Facebook at www.brandonbrands.com/community And please leave a rating and review on iTunes!

Stephanie Liu is an online marketing specialist, live video expert and a speaker at major marketing conferences. She hosts live videos and interviews with other marketing professionals at Lights, Camera, Live, which is part of the 360 Marketing Squad. This is THE episode to listen to if you aim to make live video part of your personal business, as Stephanie has firsthand experience building her service from the ground up. In this episode, Stephanie discusses how she cobbled her live video service together, explores some methods for engaging viewers, and reveals which ’90s band is her favorite karaoke choice. The Finer Details of This Episode: Stephanie recounts the first time she went live on Facebook and how she managed to stand out. Why she’s had more success with a Facebook audience vs. a YouTube one. Stephanie describes what it was like moving from a corporate environment to one that was purely entrepreneurial. Stephanie’s key social media lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs. What equipment you can use to get your livestreaming off the ground. Some key ways to grab people’s attention and engage your viewership. Where Stephanie sits on the branding vs. selling debate. Figuring out the best social media platform to launch your brand from. Which brands and other live video artists Stephanie admires. How Stephanie’s own personality has played such a prominent role in her success. Quotes: “Social media is your opportunity to test out what works.” “Every social media platform is kind of like its own country.” “If you can’t captivate a room, you aren’t winning that pitch.” “You gotta be playful. You can’t take yourself too damn seriously.” “Success is always going to leave clues.” Mentions:  Jenn Herman, Mike Alton, Amanda Robinson, 360 Marketing Squad, Social Media Marketing World, OBS Studio, Ecamm, Loom, Logitec c920, ATR2100, Sephora, Brit + Co, Temptu, Sean Cannell, Google Home Guest Links: Lights, Camera, Live: https://www.lightscameralive.com/ 360 Marketing Squad: https://360marketingsquad.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heystephanieliu/ Brandon's Links: Visit Brandon’s website at www.BrandsOnBrandsOnBrands.com Join the Brand Growth Community on Facebook at www.brandonbrands.com/community And please leave a rating and review on iTunes!

We could all use a little help with our business. As your personal marketing coach, I'm here to help you go from unknown to being a brand that matters. This episode provides a little more background on the show. With 3 shows per week, you should get the advice you need to set the marketing strategy for your business. I interview marketing experts and game changing entrepreneurs who share their secrets on how to build better brands. Brands that are true to a purpose, brands that build real connection, and brands that matter to consumers. You can connect with me directly by going to www.brandonbrands.com/community Or if you just want any show notes or links from the episodes go to www.BrandsOnBrandsOnBrands.com  

Launching a branding business was a tricky process for Brandon because he didn’t really have any marketing connections from his former line of corporate work. Thankfully, he was able to seek out a few communities that made his next steps more confident and purposeful, and through coaching and free resources was able to grow his own brand to where it is today. In this episode, Brandon Birkmeyer debunks the myth that starting your own business means starting completely from scratch, discusses how to hire the right coach for you, and suggests how you can avoid some of the basic mistakes beginners make. The Finer Details of This Episode: You don’t have to start from scratch; other colleagues in your industry can provide you with tried and true jumping-off points. Don’t let the independent entrepreneur mindset isolate you from advice and support! The industry is full of resources—some premium, some completely free. Use them! Avoid making big mistakes by speaking to the industry veterans who’ve made those very mistakes themselves on their way up. Don’t be afraid to hire a coach! Brandon has tips for vetting the right one. Quotes: “You can benefit from finding people in your industry that are doing the same thing you’re doing.” “Stop wasting time and start today!” “Don’t be shy about asking for help. Just get out there and do it!” Brandon's Links: Visit Brandon’s website at www.brandonbrands.com Join the Brand Growth Community on Facebook at http://bit.ly/brandgrowthnow And please leave a rating and review on iTunes!

Travis Chappell is the host of Build Your Network, one of the top 50 business podcasts. Travis also runs Cool People Cool Places, a personal development retreat for entrepreneurs. Formerly a door-to-door salesman, Travis has had an unusual career path in that he used the community he was part of to launch a business instead of the more traditional route of building a network out of an existing business. In this episode, Travis discusses how he leveraged his network to launch a successful coaching business and explains why his personal brand was so instrumental to getting the word out. The Finer Details of This Episode: How a network developed into Travis’ business rather than the other way around. The epiphany that inspired Travis to give up door-to-door sales and go into personal development. The indirect route Travis took to launching his own podcast and how he shifted focus along the way. How he struggled to turn his podcast into a success. Discussing how massively important branding has been to the arc of Travis’ career. What building a personal brand really means to you and your work. Core tenets of relationship-building and networking that entrepreneurs should lean into. How you should be prioritizing branding vs. selling when getting your business off the ground. The important relationship Travis has with his very first customer, Mark. Quotes: “I always had something bigger that I was trying to head toward, and it didn’t make sense for me to not use my time and money and energy to after those things.” “If you’re truly committed to something you have actual freedom, because there’s no second-guessing.” “With no personal brand, you have no positioning.” “You have to learn how to give without the expectation of receiving anything in return.” “Always be giving at least 51% of the value in every relationship that you have.” “If you brand well enough your sales become so much easier.”   Mentions: Mentions: Grant Cardone, Ed Mylett, John Lee Dumas, Gary Vaynerchuk Guest Shout-outs: Nike, Hurley, Toyota, Bose, Apple Guest Links: Website: www.travischappell.com Podcast: The Build Your Network Podcast Events: Cool People Cool Places Instagram: @TravisChappell   Brandon's Links: Visit Brandon’s website at www.brandonbrands.com Join the Brand Growth Community on Facebook at http://bit.ly/brandgrowthnow And please leave a rating and review on iTunes!    

Steve Sims is the founder of personal concierge service Bluefish and a speaker who has worked with Richard Branson, Elon Musk and many other rich and influential figures. Forbes has called him “the real life Wizard of Oz,” acting as a kind of Make-a-Wish Foundation for the super rich and providing them with bespoke experiences beyond their wildest dreams. He is also the host of The Art of Making Things Happen podcast and author of Bluefishing: The Art of Making Things Happen. In this episode, our host Brandon Birkmeyer speaks with Steve about some of the unique services Bluefish provides for its high profile clients. And Steve explains how he turned his little startup into an extremely well-connected business, and discusses which brands he has the greatest faith in. The Finer Details of This Episode: What exactly Bluefish does on a daily basis and who its clients are. How does Steve get out the word about Bluefish and what he thinks the problem is with modern communication. Why networking and building relationships have been so essential to Bluefish’s success. The ups and downs Steve endured turning his little branding company into the massive concierge service it is today. Steve’s tips for maintaining relationships with influential people. Weighing the merits of branding vs. selling in the long term. The moments Steve thinks have been the biggest turning points in his career. Which brands Steve is currently obsessed with and which ones he really trusts. What Steve secretly wishes a customer would say about him in a testimonial. Quotes: “Never ask a question where someone can answer with a ‘yes’ or ‘no’.” “I focused on my substance over my shine and that’s what built up my credibility.” “I created by my own brand by my identity and my values.” “If you don’t have a client, no matter how pretty your logo is you’re fucked.” “I try to find growth in whatever I do.”   Mentions: Richard Branson, Elton John, Andrea Bocelli, Journey, Ferrari, Guest's Brand Shout-outs: Ducati, Suntory Whisky, McIntosh Laboratory, Apple, Starbucks, McDonalds Brandon’s Brand Shout-outs: Skippy Peanut Butter   Guest Links: Website: www.stevedsims.com Mobile Text: Text “SIMS” to 345345 for videos, events, and Bluefishing playbook Book: Bluefishing: The Art of Making Things Happen Podcast: The Art of Making Things Happen Instagram: @SteveDSims Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SteveDSims   Brandon's Links: Visit Brandon’s website at brandonbrands.com Join the Brand Growth Community on Facebook at http://bit.ly/brandgrowthnow And please leave a rating and review on iTunes!

Advertising is great for getting the word out about your business, but you don’t simply want customers who come and go. Instead, thinking about what you can do to build and manage communities around your businesses and services. A strong community can make customers and users feel like they’re part of something bigger than simply using your products. In this solo show, Brandon explains how you can use your existing connections to forge a strong community around your business. The Finer Details of This Episode: Finding a way to leverage who you know into becoming your first customers. Why these existing connections can give you the most important feedback early on. Think about who you can help by expanding your business community. To build your community, check out the new Brand Growth Community Facebook group! Quotes: “Our first customers tend to be the people we know.” “Having a community is what may make or break that path that you’re taking.” Links: Visit Brandon’s website at www.brandonbrands.com Join the Brand Growth Community on Facebook at http://bit.ly/brandgrowthnow And please leave a rating and review on iTunes!

So much of success in business is being able to pull customers toward your product and service. Quite fittingly, there’s a six-step process called P.U.L.L. M.E. that’s essential for figuring out what exactly you need to do to accomplish that. To truly connect with customers and succeed, you need to actively engage with them at every step of the transaction process. In this mini-episode (minisode, if you will), Brandon explains how you can bring your customers value on a daily basis and breaks down the PULL ME method. The Finer Details of This Episode: Personalize: making each customer interaction bespoke and memorable rather than standardized and uniform. Unique: how does your company, firm or product stand out from the crowd? what story can you tell about what you’re putting out in the world? Lead: ensure that your intended audience can actually find you; know where to find them and how to entice them. Like: what are you doing to show your customers that you care about and empathize with them? Meaningful: forging trust and loyalty with customers through shared interests. Exceed: set a standard for what customers can expect from you, and then go above and beyond in delivering it. Quotes: “If you talk about branding, it’s more of a pull than a push.” “Follow up in a way that personalizes the experience and let that customer know that they are important.” “Meaning is going to come from you guys finding common ground or common shared values.” Links: Visit Brandon’s website at www.brandonbrands.com Join the Brand Growth Community on Facebook at http://bit.ly/brandgrowthnow And don't forget to leave a rating and review on iTunes! Thanks!