Visibility.

You want it.

You deserve it.

Let’s get it.

One of the huge ways I support my private clients is around this visibility piece and really allowing your full self-expression to sizzle. This is a key place to breakthrough if you want to connect with your community, bring in more $$$, and be seen as the leader or messenger of your movement.

Let’s take a peek at the 4 common branding boo-boos that keep you hidden…

1. You make your core-message too complicated.

I had a client whose core-message was about self-love, but she talked herself out of this message, because she felt it was too simple, not sexy enough. Who would buy self-love?

Once this client and I worked (played) together, she was so relieved to come back to her truth. We shook off the complication cob webs, fine-tuned her message so she felt on fiyah sharing it, and boom! A brand was born. From truth. From depth. From the soul of this person vs. what she thought she should sound like. Now that is sexy.

Truth: People fall in love with you and the way you share. It doesn’t matter how fancy, pantsy your message sounds, if your unique badassery is hidden.

2.  You reserve self-expression for the weekend.

A burlesque class. A dressy outing. A stage performance. Somehow, there is still this impression that we have to be one-note in our brand. Or that if we have different notes, they all have to sound very similar.  I went to dinner with a very dear friend last week (who also happens to be a branding genius). We both agreed that the new paradigm in branding is showing ALL of you. Really getting out there through video and showering the world with YOU. As an artist, I talk a lot about creating in the moment. So many times when we are planning out our brand, we get stuck in analyzing— I want to shoot this video but is it on brand? I want to act silly but is it on brand? I want to share my singing but is it on brand? The popular view point is that this kind of questioning is necessary. I believe it’s detrimental. Once you have your core message down, I invite you to play full out.

Truth: Self-expression is in the moment. Ignore the impulse… and the moment of creative genius is lost.

3. You’ve mistaken authentic for sappy.

Authentic is the buzz-word these days, and for some that means baring their soul with emotion. But for some, authentic can mean being wild. Or being ultra sassy. Or taking a really fierce stand. You don’t have to share a tragic loss to be authentic. It is what is true for you.Time and time again, I ask my clients this question; what is true for you? This is your navigation system in life, art and business. With all the advice these days on how to make your brand *authentic* it is easy to get stuck in questioning and doubt your truth. And that keeps you hidden and disempowered.

Truth: As you learn how to trust your voice and act from your center, the authentic you will always be present.

4. It’s not about selling; it’s about starting a movement.

This is a re-frame. What happens when you can think of your products, services, and messages as a movement? What happens when you devote yourself to your movement? The energy shifts. Instantly. Personally, when I feel devoted to something, I come from love (and some feisty-warrior-mama energy to boot.) This the way you want to feel about your brand. In order to do that, you’ll want to get clear on your message, what you stand for, and how you embody that stand.

Truth: Devotion will move mountains.

April Issue 2014