Have you ever heard the term, beginner’s mind?

Michael Port preaches this like gospel.

It’s about avoiding a deadly trap.

One that limits your choices, because you think you know all the answers.

A better way to frame it: The future belongs to learners. That’s something Mr. Port speaks about and I agree.

Think about it.

A giant part of gaining traction online (becoming “popular”) is all about letting your personality shimmer.

Approaching your day like a tail-wagging puppy.

Writing your little heart out.

And just being You.

You did all that in the beginning, right?

This kind of behavior attracts all the right people (for you). Is almost Zen-like because words just flow. It also might build the list you covet.

But many soften up and dilute their “stuff” because they’re afraid.

Afraid of not knowing everything.

Super-duper scared they might offend a few touchy people.

And terrified they will lose the audience they’ve built from the ground up.

They’re also more focused on seeking approval versus results.

So they slowly morph into a hollowed out shell where the snap, crackle, and epic sizzle is lost. Crisp toast with fresh butter and killer jam becomes the soggiest, sorriest milquetoast ever.

Don’t. Do. That.

In fact, STOP.

Stop seeking approval and START looking for people you really want to work with.

And realize that some unfiltered honesty might be the stickiest damn practice in the blogosphere.

To me, this is so inline with “beginner’s mind.”

Why?

Well, experts become boring and self-important experts can’t see the forest for the trees.

Beginners are …
1. Always open to new and amazing opportunities …
2. Maintain the epic sizzle, and …
3. Stay fresh because that original spirit is intact.

Really.

Through a beginner’s eye and the oh-so-You self-expression that comes with it, you’ll start to attract those who are in tune with what you have to offer.

In fact, it might be one of the best ways to cull the flock, then align your bad self with those you might just call “ideal.”

In other words, the best clients in the world (or at least in your world) will start showing up. Heck, they might already be at your doorstep.

Wouldn’t you prefer to work with clients who give you energy?

To avoid the dead, stinky fish who have been bringing you down for years? To experience a mutually beneficial relationship where you both can THRIVE?

Hell yeah, you would!

So …

Stop thinking like some puffed-up expert and start thinking like a fresh-eyed entrepreneur.

Be yourself. Add value. Then work like an over-caffeinated beaver to post your brilliance online.

Stay curious. Excited. Alert!

Keep learning and proudly display your swag.

But don’t. I repeat, DON’T do this:

Soften your content because you think it might offend and won’t get you business.

This is the free internet, remember? And I don’t think Pope Francis is going to buy what you’re selling anyway.

The benefit?
You might start to fill your schedule with those previously hard to find dream clients.

The perks?
You’ll be happier, less of a stress monkey, and more fulfilled.

Plus, over-caffeinated eager beavers have all the fun.

Beautiful, huh?

Want to know the best way to reward yourself (and avoid a dead fish blog)?

Please humor me a bit and read on …

Months ago, while lazily gazing into the monitor I had a rare moment of insight and wondered what the hell I was doing.

I was ignoring my own advice, which was (and still is) this: When building an online presence, make your own rules and ignore the heard.

This, I was not following.

I was bouncing around between raconteurs, adventurers and pure content marketers. Trying to be one or the other, but not staying true to what was inside.

I was lost for a moment in time.

You’ve been there, right?

When I was a fat, insecure kid I would emulate others. To be honest, I would basically steal their persona and make it my own. Mister Do Like They Do.

This went well into my twenties and it took me forever to just be comfortable in my own skin.

Self-doubt. The beast that recently tried to sneak back in.

But I was waiting there with my warhammer ready to crush it to a fine pulp.

In fact, bashing our old reptilian friend has become a favorite pastime.

So much so, that I’m now firmly on my feet, just being, um, Me.

How about you?

No one is ever 100 percent transparent online. I know. I know.

But I am convinced to stand out online you need more than a dash of unfiltered honesty. You don’t need to be remarkable. No, just stop being afraid to be, well, YOU.

Why?

1. Sustainability.
I don’t care if you’re the lead author of your CPA’s blog or you’re an amped-up mommy blogger in Kenosha, Wisconsin, you need to like what you’re writing. Otherwise you’ll sizzle, POP and fizzle like that six-legger in the bug zapper.

2. You’ll never stand out.
Imagine you’re walking the streets of South Mumbai with thousands of citizens wearing intensely hued garb. If you chose to don a fox fir parka, wear pink tights and place a rainbow umbrella on your head, you might have a chance of standing out.

Okay, really bad analogy, but you get the picture. Of course you don’t need to try THAT hard to stand out. Oftentimes that rainbow umbrella is your own mellow self appealing to a certain crowd, because you’re being so damn honest.

3. There is no perfect formula, but you must own it.
Yes, take Brian Clark’s advice. Watch how Altucher operates. Live vicariously through AJ’s globe trekking journey. Borrow bits and pieces of 1,000 others you follow, but work your little butt off to own it.

What spews forth naturally should be what you go with. That’s the easy part.

The grind is putting it all together. Wrapping all you do in personality and conveying that with your fast typing fingers.

The art of molding “it” into something special. The bull work, creativity, and determination involved in creating a spit-shined version of the real you.

The best way to reward yourself? Be yourself.

Throughout my day there was a nagging, persistent dread that would not go away.

An itch.

An unfulfilled desire.

The chaos of another day ended.

Many grand visions, but nothing accomplished.

Persistent dreams tease like the pretty girl. And when the daydreamer wins out, visions that could come to fruition are squashed like little bugs.

Is your blogging model a romantic vision realized? Or, do you feel deflated, working your fingers to the bone for a $1.29 affiliate check?

How many stops and starts have you had?

Is your day that chaotic?

Do you often feel like that little bug?

Are you marching forward, or do you feel discouraged and ready to throw in the towel, thinking the online marketing game is rigged for the select few?

I’m a glass half full kind of person, so will always tell you to focus on what you have accomplished. But I know that’s NOT what you want to hear.

You also don’t want the coach bark orders: push through, think like a winner, and never give up.

Well, you need that mindset to make a dent in this online kingdom, but I think many are killing their efforts by letting the practice of dreaming win out.

Endless visions of success often lead to scattered thoughts and disorganized days.

This leads to frustration and heartache. I know, because I’ve been there many times.

But when it comes to the online world we inhabit – your blog, your projects, and the potential business that is still just a potential business – your daily work habits could be killing your spirit.

The dream squasher might be you. And it’s not about doing too little. It’s about doing too much.

I used to work blindly. The furry rodent on the spinning wheel, eating up precious hours, trying to batch tasks. 15 minutes here, 30 minutes there. 10 to 20 items on my daily list.

It seems like common sense to batch process projects, but quite the opposite is true.

Treating each task as a small project is more productive, and more fulfilling.

It’s a method I started not too long ago, and I felt validated when I listened to this recent podcast from Pat Flynn.

It seems more efficient to batch things. But doing one thing at a time (in complete form) is faster and better.

Why? (I like the way Pat laid this out in his podcast and agree)

1. Think about the extra time lost between steps. If you do one thing at a time you learn as you go. If you break up things, you learn the hard way and lose time.

2. Imagine how calming it would be to work on one lone project at a time (or one detailed step of a larger project)?

3. You experience the power of completion. The sheer joy of seeing things get done is less of a drag and keeps your motor running on high.

This is borne out by guys like Pat, and Eric Ries, who wrote “The Lean startup.”

Basically, trying to do too many things at once is inefficient. You knew that. But breaking things up and scattering your day really does lead to lots of wasted time, frustration and can be a dream-killer.

Yes, dream away, but don’t let dreams dominate. Stop, then think about bringing that big dream to completion. How will you do that? What detailed mini projects will you complete, over and over and over?

Yes, take baby steps… but Focus my friends. Focus!
And make each baby step a small project. Trust me, it works.

You’ll feel better, be less stressed, save time (and money) and each day (yes each day) you’ll have a certain sense of accomplishment.

Try this and let me know how it works out.

Craig McBreen runs McBreen Design. A Seattle area Visual Branding firm which helps small companies and solopreneurs bring their vision to life with brand strategy, web design, and a little kick-as motivation.

If you want top-notch creative work with a personalized approach, look no further.

If you’re interested in learning more about my branding and design process, jump on over to my email list.

1. Read great fiction.
I read business books in the a.m. and only fiction at night. Works like a charm.

2. Write down your dreams.
This post about not giving up originated from a rather odd dream.

3. Really pay attention to the world around you.
In fact try and start up conversations with strangers – cashiers, waitresses, the guy asking for spare change. Just be open to the world around you. You’ll be happier, more confident and more creative. Trust me, the more experiences you have, the more you have to write about.

4. Which leads me to James Altucher.
Just take in the brilliance he spews forth. He dispenses golden nuggets of wisdom quite often.

5. Listen to some electronic dance music while you work.
Deadmau5 is a good start. If he’s too much, tone it down with Ulrich Schnauss.

6. If you’re stuck, just sit down and start writing.
This is Josh Wilner’s method and I agree. The guy is prolific.

7. Read Stephen King’s “On Writing” 

8. Join Toastmasters.
This organization has done so much for me on so many levels. Being a more creative writer is just one.

9. Listen to podcasts.
But not just podcasts about blogging. Expand your library. A few examples:
This American Life
Star Talk Radio
The Moth
WTF
Accidental Creative

10. Read Steven Pressfield’s “The War of Art”

11. Realize that just about everything Brian Clark says is true (if you are trying to market yourself online).
Read Copyblogger, nuff said.

12. Jump on over to The Sales Lion and see how successful Marcus Sheridan has become, writing like he talks. I’ve met him, and yes he’s THAT amped up all the time.

13. Write as if you were seeing the world through someone else’s eyes for a day. Pick anyone.

14. Try meditative music while you write (When you get sick of the kick-ass electronica ).

15. Take joy in trying to frame ANY topic so it fits within your blog’s theme.
Challenge yourself to creatively fine-tune your posts so they speak to your audience. Take great pleasure in whittling down a topic that is either fairly mundane or really out there, then putting your own spin on said topic: Look to Altucher for guidance.

16. If you watch a stellar video, listen to a super-informative podcast or see a really good movie, go back and watch, listen, but with pen in hand.
Discover the nuances and write about them. Deconstruct. Any form of media is a gold mine for blog posts.

17. When you comment on someone’s site, take the time to craft something really good.
Treat it as a mini blog post. Write out one great comment instead of five slightly average comments per day. Okay, you can write an average comment (we all do) but when a post really, really resonates with you … let it be known.

18. Get out of your niche.
Purge your reader and explore a new world of blogs. This will help you see things in and entirely different light.

19. Watch and listen to comedians.
To me, comedians are the most brilliant communicators on the planet.
They are without a doubt, the best public speakers.
They are insanely creative and they are not afraid to speak the truth.
A good start? Listen to Louis C.K., Bill Burr or watch some old George Carlin videos on YouTube.

20. Blog upside down.

21. Read Start Your Novel.
If you need an idea to jump start your writing, John will help.

22. Add fire and emotion to your writing.
Get into it, fully. Blog with emotion.

23. Use WriteRoom, so when you write, all you see is green text on a black screen.

24. Stop trying to be perfect.
Focus less on rules, more on creativity.

25. Be more descriptive in your writing.
Don’t overcomplicate things, but use more colorful language. If you need some help, check out Ashley Ambirge, she’s cool like that.

26. When you can’t find the right word, go to Urban Dictionary.

27. Figure out when you’re most creative and reserve your writing for that time of day.

28. Just for fun, write a review of your favorite series, a new movie or that great book you just read.
You don’t HAVE to post it.

29. Try standing up. I know, stand up desks are all the rage, but you don’t need to buy one.
Check out my custom job. I just enjoy writing more when I’m standing up.

30. Before you write, relieve the stress in your body.
Run up and down the steps, walk, mediate, do yoga, breath. Scream your lungs out. Just do something so you’re more relaxed when you start typing.

31. Write with good old pen and paper.
Writing long-hand sure works for Neal Stephenson.

32. Stop waiting and just do.
Like anything else, planning needs to stop at some point. Write! Ralph Dopping pointed me towards Jack White. Check it out and learn to be creative, then write the most creative post of your life.

33. Write a list post, just for fun. (Don’t stop me, I’m on a roll).

34. Read every day.

35. Just write, as often as you can.

Craig is Principal of McBreen Design. A Seattle Branding and Design firm which helps small companies bring their purpose to life with brand strategy, award-winning graphic design, and web design services.

If you want top-notch creative work with a personalized approach, look no further.

1. Blogging is a THE springboard.
A starting gate for the new and exciting. I’ve changed my business direction, and within 1-3 years I plan to expand this enterprise and roll out another. The practice is a catalyst for new ideas.

2. You develop better habits.
I now write for at least an hour every day. The daily writing habit brings out your voice, and it’s good for the old noggin. When you write, you flex your creative muscles and if research is involved, you learn. Learning is good.

3. It expands your creativity.
I feel more creative and just a wee bit smarter, because of blogging and the kinetic dance we call social. It’s an amazing place for creativity and exploration. Cities are idea factories, where all the friction acts as a catalyst for inventiveness – so is the online hive we inhabit.

4. It fine-tunes your communication skills.
I wish I learned the essentials of public speaking and effective writing when I was a young lad. As a life-long introvert it would have made life a hell of a lot less painless. For late bloomers like me, blogging is a life-saver, because the practice makes you a better communicator, online and off.

5. The practice of blogging makes you a better writer.
And I’ve discovered a new passion … writing. Have you?

6. You read more.
You read more often and consume content at a faster pace (At least I do). Once you’re deep into blogging the drive to research leads you to read, read and then read some more. All good.

7. You become more efficient.
I’m more productive than ever and I bet you are too. Everything that comes with blogging: Writing, researching, networking … all helps you produce at a higher, and more creative level.

8. You Listen like never before.
You’re more in tune with the world around you, because everything is topic-fodder. From news radio to casual discussions, you listen more intently (I sure do).

9. And you hone your observational skills.
The nuances of daily life come into focus. As do books, movies, art., etc.

10. You learn to how to teach.
Many bloggers write or have written instructional posts. Whittling those points down to the bare essentials is the art of instruction, right? Teaching as written communication.

11. It improves your debating skills.
You see a lot of friendly disagreement in the blogosphere. It’s part of surviving and thriving here, nuff said.

12. You develop thick skin.
An online presence brings disagreement, debate and constructive (and not so constructive) criticism. To survive in the online jungle you need to deal with this and move on.

13. You have a motivational compass.
You’ve created your own support system. The daily practice of writing alone has increased my motivation tenfold. I have more daily get up and go.

14. It sharpens your networking skills.
We are in the connection economy, after all.

15. It improves your grammar.
Well, like others, I’m at least moving beyond chimp status. How about you?

16. You have an accountability platform.
I have not followed through with everything I’ve written, BUT I follow-through like never before.

17. It’s the best classroom ever for the introverts among us.
For those who learn best in isolation, the internet is a gold mine. BUT with the practice of blogging, you dig, dig, and then dig some more. I would honestly say research is one of the most enjoyable aspects of this whole darn thing. Really.

18. You become a better salesperson.
According to Daniel Pink, the salesperson is not dead, but alive and kicking, in the form of You. And especially you, the blogger. Even if you’re just trying to get eyeballs to your site, you’re selling, and those that survive here get better.

19. You learn to be your own boss.
Even if you’re stuck in some cubicle, your blog is your baby. You need motivation to keep it humming, to bust a move, daily. You are building a platform and you ARE your own boss. You learn how to motivate yourself like any self-respecting solopreneur would.

20. You learn the power of reciprocity.
This is a networking village. You spread your knowledge, and like a dry sponge, you soak up the wisdom of others. We are ALL actively bouncing ideas off each other all the time. Give and take.

21. It helps you break out of your shell.
I wrote a short little eBook called “The Art of Breaking Out” and it’s all about my creative reawakening through the power of blogging.

It really has changed my life, this blogging thing. I hope it has done (or will do) the same for you. Let me know how it has in the comments below …

Craig is Principal of McBreen Design. A Seattle Branding and Design firm which helps small companies bring their purpose to life with brand strategy, award-winning graphic design, and web design services.

If you want top-notch creative work with a personalized approach, look no further.

I was listening to this interview with Michael Hyatt when the discussion turned to voice.

Voice: That incomparable you on display for the world to see.

You realize how important this is right?

When it comes to platform-building, your flavor is a major reason why people read your stuff.

So what about the narrow blog niche that so many bloggers harp on?

Whittle down that topic to a sharp point that sells.

That’s all well and good, but if you’re little blogging alcove is too precise, how far is that going to get you in this fickle land?

Really?

1. You’ll eventually grow weary of writing the same old muck, because repetition of the same topic = boredom.

2. You’ll lose the love of the craft that brought you here in the first place.

To me, that continual evolution is well, kind of exhilarating.

So my question today is simple …

What is more important?

A. Finding a specific niche and narrowing it until it’s as thin as a wafer mint?

… or …

B. Focusing on voice … flavor … swag?

Of course there’s a happy medium (in fact that might be the ideal scenario), but which of the above is more important to you?

In this competitive landscape I’m kinda partial to B.

Yes, it’s good practice to narrow your topic, but there are exceptions to every rule …

Generalists sometimes rock.
There are some extremely successful generalist bloggers.

Niche players can rule the day.
And there are tight niche players who are just as successful.

Either can succeed when it comes to building a successful online platform. BUT where are you without voice? Really?

Think about the bloggers you can’t get enough of.

Do they not have that incomparable presence that seems to bring you back?

Yes, Copyblogger is kinda, sorta dialed in (you would agree right? ). The crème de la crème of blogging with Brian Clark sitting at the throne. But I would feel comfortable saying his voice got him there. Smarts, hard work and dogged determination helped, but I’m not so sure Copyblogger would be the entity it is today without Brian’s authentic voice.

Derek Halpern is a guy who often tells people to drill-down to a very specific topic. He is very, very good at what he does, but how has he built something quite special on his own plot in our blogging wonderland? If you know about him, it’s an obvious statement that his personality is a huge part of his success. Yes, he knows his stuff and is obviously putting in the hours, but voice is a primary driver.

Mark Schaefer is one of the most well-regarded platform builders in our online kingdom. Why? Well, he has something we call gravitas, and he teaches us all about online business (as only a professor could), BUT he has a wonderful writing style that is all his. This Schaefer dude kinda rocks it  If you don’t believe me, go to his house and you won’t be disappointed. You’ll learn AND be entertained.

I’ve focused on James Altucher before, but good lord, read “The Altucher Confidential” and you’ll see why I sing his praises. As Mars Dorian wrote here, he breaks just about every rule in blogging, yet his writing is almost irresistible, to me at least. Besides I just love rule breakers. And once again, voice rules the day.

You guys have heard of Erika Napoletano right? Well, just in case you have not, head on over to Red Head Writing and let me know what you think. If you need branding advice infused with an oh so special language that’s a blend of salt and spice and all that other good stuff, you’ll soon be in love. Let me know what you think of that Napoletano-style lingo.

VOICE!

I would say it’s pretty damn important.

Yes, yes, yes … niche down. Don’t be too general. BUT please don’t forget that handy dandy little voice only YOU own. It has power.

Your blog will be nothing without the essence of you behind it.

My methodology?
Well I’m still in the platform-building stages and all this time I’ve been working feverishly behind the scenes, because … this stuff takes time.

You can be successful. You can make it rock. You can simply kill it, be super-duper epic, remarkable and all that fun stuff. You might even be sipping margaritas while lounging on the beach (while typing on your laptop).

BUT that is never going to happen unless you build a successful online platform, and I truly believe the power of platform comes from that voice only you can bring.

Plus … all work and no play makes Jack (or Jill) a rather dull sort. Embrace that voice, have fun and keep building that platform.

Craig is Principal of McBreen Design. A Seattle Branding and Design firm which helps small companies bring their purpose to life with brand strategy, award-winning graphic design, and web design services.

If you want top-notch creative work with a personalized approach, look no further.

What are your plans for marketing?

What is your model to keep potential customers engaged? To make your brand sticky? To have design and copy work for you?

Here, Joe Pulizzi (with help from Robert Rose) describes the difference between Inbound and Content Marketing. Blogger, small business owner, goat milk soap aficionado, you should read it, because it’s so spot on, even for a late 2011 post.

And his description of brand evangelism really struck a chord with me.

He mentioned that Apple has a more gung ho subscriber base than just about any company on this big blue marble.

And they “move” those customers in more ways than one. The creative wonks at Apple are adept at maintaining a brand experience like no other.

But their content marketing strategy is not so obvious. When is the last time your read the Apple Blog? Well the truth is, there are too many to count.

(They are ALL over the place).

You see, the top dogs at Apple have a deep understanding of how consumers process, research and purchase. And they’ve created an incomparable brand experience around that.

They’ve built a feverish fan base that pimps the brand like crazy. In fact, it helps the company get through those rocky patches, just like the one they’re in right now.

Brand evangelism.

From Joe’s own 10 fingers:
“Content marketing is the practice of creating relevant and compelling content in a consistent fashion to a targeted buyer, focusing on all stages of the buying process, from brand awareness through to brand evangelism.

What about you?

Whether you’re a blogger trying to bust a move or a business owner lasered in on “that” buyer, you need a base – potential customers, fans, tribe members.

So, why not try the following …

Write with emotion:
Yes, get excited. While pounding the keyboard conjure up an individual dying for that spark to break out and make something happen.

Business owner … type away with passion, sincerity, and conviction. Bring the excitement. Bring the emotion. Tell a story with heart and soul. This is how you make enduring connections.

And embrace the power of story:
You have a story. Life is an adventure. Running your business is a daily saga that might just define your life’s mission. Run with it.

Story and Emotion will help you break from the flock, engage your audience and help you find the evangelists you need, and will grow to love. To me, it’s part of branding done right.

In response to Joe’s post, Ardath Albee wrote this comment …

My favorite parts of the comment above? …

“Storytelling leads to conversations and conversations lead to relationships which leads to customers.”

Yep.

“We’re now making the shift back to sharing the story about opportunities available and helping people find success – which also results in selling, but with a different flavor – as more of a mutually beneficial exchange.”

A mutually beneficial exchange … I rather like that.

So, solo-blogger, online entrepreneur, software developer. Whatever business you’re trying to build, learn that creating passion around your brand is now more important than ever.

Get excited – Teach. Help. Inspire. Branding is way more that great graphic design and informative copy. Way more. Embrace that different flavor Ardath mentioned above.

Let the passion rip using your voice. Tell that story and bring some people along for the ride.

A request …

In the comments, let me know how you’ve done this and what kind of success it’s brought you.

If you’re interested in learning more about my branding and design process, jump on over to my email list. There is much more in store. In the comments below, let me know exactly what you are struggling with regarding branding and design.

Craig is Principal of McBreen Design. A Seattle Branding and Design firm which helps small companies bring their purpose to life with brand strategy, award-winning graphic design, and web design services.

If you want top-notch creative work with a personalized approach, look no further.

I feel like we’re reaching a boiling point in our blogging wonderland.

1. On one hand, a certain cynicism is on the rise. A crowd sick to death of the BS.

2. The other? They’re ready to jump on board the ever-elusive blogging gravy train. To join an entrenched group of “elite” online marketers making money hand over fist.

You?

A. Cynical much? Think blogging is built for suckers? That rainbow bombs are filling our space with pipe dreams?

or

B. Do you see certain A-listers as superstars who are now reaping the benefits of so much hard work?

Have you picked a side?

Me neither, but to be perfectly honest, I’m closer to camp B.

Yep. But …

Like Mark, I think the “remarkable” moniker often reeks of so much fairy dust. And it’s such a relative term anyway.

You DON’T need to be “remarkable,” you just need to craft a recipe for online success and take small, incremental steps to see it through.

Creativity, hard work and dogged determination. Herculean baby steps.

Camp B does this.

Easy, right?

Well no. But part of the problem might be your mindset:

– You think you must create something “remarkable” and;

– You’re constantly comparing yourself to the Grand Poobahs of the blogging world. The Bilderbergs of social.

You know … the super-bloggers constantly being criticized for being, well … successful. (Okay, there are a few charlatans out there, but you get the picture).

Have the big pieces of Blogging Pie been gobbled up?

Are we peons left scurrying for scraps like so many rats?

Is this elusive online success nothing but smoke and mirrors? …

Well, not exactly.

There’s so much opportunity out there it’s silly, but what IS the secret to “their” success? … The famous amos bloggers who seem to be hogging all the damn pie? (Scoundrels!)

Well, the secret is that there is no secret. Same as it ever was and as it always will be. At least until the cyborgs take over.

Here is the hard truth …

Many people out there think: “I’ll create something remarkable (there’s that word again) and they will come.”

Not gonna work (I’ve SO been there) …
You can write epic shit ’til the cows come home, but by itself? Um, that advice is basically worthless.

Like just about everything online, I look at this through my branding and design lens.

I’m leaving out a few details for the sake of brevity, but a typical project usually entails …
1. Research
2. Positioning work
3. Copywriting and design
4. Development
5. Completion, promotion … and … wait for it …

6. Starting over (and not stopping)

Stellar services or products will get you nowhere without Clarity, Consistency and Self-Promotion. That’s where the pop and sizzle come in.

But the most important thing?

NOT STOPPING. Ever. It’s what Team B does best. They show up, daily.

Constantly re-tooling, testing, analyzing … a “This Pro’s Train Ain’t Never Gonna Stop” mentality. They keep pushing!

Trying to carve out your own online space is hard, hard work. It’s a mother. And the guys and girls who write about passive income are often the hardest workers out there.

That Seth guy likes to speak and write about picking yourself. There IS no better time to be alive and no better time to own and run your own little business.

Choose yourself. Find you passion. Whatever.

But some things never change: Work your fingers to the bone. Lather, rinse, repeat. Wax on, wax off. Mr. Miyagi would just tell you to get busy.

“The Pro’s Train Never Stops?” I stole that line from Steven Pressfield, but I figured he wouldn’t mind. It’s kinda like that famous Woody Allen line, only better.

In my world I like to say great branding is an investment, not an expense, but you must be “all in” to build something of substance around it. And “all in” means not stopping.

If you’re interested in learning more about my branding and design process, jump on over to my email list.

Also: In the comments below, I would love to know your thoughts on true success in the online realm (and what it takes to get there).

How clear is your online messaging?

Let me guess – you’re pumping out great content. You have a site design you’re proud of … and you’re putting in the work each day.

But things are not quite panning out as expected.

You have the blogging disease of the many headed hydra.

(I sure did)

So, why are you not gaining traction? Why has your marketing stalled?

Well it might just be how you’re positioning your business.

A lack of clarity and focus usually results in that wheel spinning exercise (the one with the furry rodent).

But a finely-tuned positioning statement becomes your nitty-gritty tool for clarity in messaging.

Why you really do need a positioning statement

You’ve heard that many businesses fail within the first year.

(Me too).

That many abandon their blog within the first three months.

(Yeppo).

They start with lofty goals, but meander.

Why?

Well, many don’t start at the ground level. They focus on form first, function second.

Jumping in without an end in mind.

Many of the businesses I work with want to focus on design first, but it’s best to take a step back and work on positioning as step one.

Why?

– It’s the center of bang-on marketing communications, design and copy.

– It becomes the foundation of your brand.

– The filter which everything else runs through.

– And it makes your life easier in so many ways.

And … it’s always my very first step to building a brand that works!

When it comes to branding your enterprise, are you feeling a little stuck?

Worried that you are wasting time on all the wrong things?

Feel like the many headed beast mentioned above?

Well, answering some basic questions is the easiest way to get started.

So, let’s get to it …

1. Define your target market.

2. What are the specific needs of that market?

3. How does your product or service satisfy that need?

4. What makes your business stand out from the competition? (Look at this from a potential customer’s perspective.)

5. Clearly define the unique benefit(s) your product or service offers.

Whittle this down as much as possible. Don’t complicate your positioning with a multitude of benefits or by focusing on a market that’s to varied.

Clarity is key. Be brief and craft a 2-4 sentence statement based on the above.

One paragraph. No more!

Why is this positioning exercise so important?

A. It clarifies your purpose.

B. It helps your brand stand out (in a unique way).

C. And it makes your life easier, because it filters a continual delivery that is spot on.

The bedrock of cohesiveness, clarity and brand stickiness. Driving every touchpoint: Logo, tagline, copy, even PR.

What will it help you do?

Attract the right customers.

So, let me ask you this …

Are you reaching your ideal customer?

If not, read the above and get busy writing that first paragraph.

Today we are starting with the basics (this is only step one), BUT… if you are interested in learning more about my branding and design process, jump on over to my email list, there is much more in store.

Oh … and in the comments below, let me know exactly what you are struggling with regarding branding and design.

Craig is Principal of McBreen Design. A Seattle Branding and Design firm which helps small companies bring their purpose to life with brand strategy, award-winning graphic design, and web design services.

If you want top-notch creative work with a personalized approach, look no further.

If you’re blogging, I imagine you seek a commanding online presence.

As a small business owner, you need to set yourself apart from the competition.

But you must know where you are going.

What are you offering? How do you wish to be perceived? Can you define your target audience? Know exactly what they need?

If not, you need to get some answers on paper.

And the most important question to answer? … What does your audience need?

So you might be asking, where do I start?

Well, let’s go back to what we’ve covered so far …
1. Your Uniqueness
2. Your Purpose
3. Your Value
4. The specific problems you will solve

The posts above? They’re variations of what I do with my B2B clients. When I start any branding or design project I first ask clients to answer a few questions:

1. Can you clearly define your target market?

2. What are the specific needs of that market?

3. How does your product or service satisfy that need?

4. How does your business stand out from the competition?

5. And what are the unique benefits you bring?

So what about you?

Answering these questions will help you flesh out your brand and create a rock solid center to help you survive and thrive.

But today, instead of rambling I thought it better to highlight four people with artful positioning clearly in place. I’d say their online presence exudes it. And this isn’t just about design … it’s about consistency across the board.

…

Laura Click

Take a look at Laura’s blog and her business site.

Visual branding is cohesive across the board. And everything from tagline to blog posts have a tonality that bathes in a clearly defined essence.

She does branding right and I’m sure if I asked her for an impromptu elevator pitch she would be ready to deliver.

…

AJ Leon

I’m a fan of Misfit Inc. and one of the reasons? The branding chops AJ and crew possess.

Check out his many online properties and you’ll find an environment with mood and meaning, from ebook to blog to landing page. Study the design, the photography, the writing and overall messaging, and you’ll see what I mean.

…

Ryan Hanley

Young Mr. Hanley is everywhere. He blogs, runs a podcast and manages a day job, all while adding value to his insurance firm through social and content. He’s smart, motivated and in my mind, doing this “thing” the right way.

He’s not dispensing rainbow bombs, practices what he preaches and delivers a consistent message from podcast to his Content Warfare newsletter.

He clearly knows what his audience wants: Smart, tactical, business advice. And trust me, you’ll be hearing more about him in the coming years.

…

Jon Buscall

I’m not sure when I was introduced to Mr. Buscall, but he is a great guy, really knows his stuff, and he certainly gets branding.

The essence I described above? He has it nailed, plus he has one of the most helpful podcasts out there; packed with detailed, actionable advice.

Take a look at his blog. Listen to his podcast. Read his comments (he offers generous heaps of advice in the style of Danny Brown).

Take a look at how Jon operates and you’ll understand what I mean by CORE.

What about you? Your branding?

Who are you trying to reach and what are their needs?

Does your product or service satisfy that need?

Are you bringing it in a unique way?

Is your visual style inline with your message?

Work to answer these questions and study the bloggers (um, entrepreneurs) above. They’re rocking it and you’ll learn a ton, trust me.

If you’re interested in learning more about my branding and design process, jump on over to my email list. There is much more in store. In the comments below, let me know exactly what you are struggling with regarding branding and design.

Craig is Principal of McBreen Design. A Seattle Branding and Design firm which helps small companies bring their purpose to life with brand strategy, award-winning graphic design, and web design services.

If you want top-notch creative work with a personalized approach, look no further.