Sana E.’s Post

In 60 days, I built my brand into a powerhouse If you’re an entrepreneur struggling to start this might help 👇 Let’s skip the generic advice and go for the good stuff. 1. Strategy 2. Clearer positioning 3. Authority hooks     𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆 Let’s be clear, you don’t need one unless you have a specific goal here. Why? Because we want to track how the metric we want is performing. Otherwise, we need to change that strategy. If your goal is to get followers, you can easily see each week (or day) if it’s working. Same with leads are you getting DMs or the more subtle profile views you want? Track the metric. If it’s not working, adapt. 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 Are you all over the place? Because I was, until I figured out how I wanted to be perceived. How? I figured out: • WHY I’m here • WHO I want to reach • HOW I want them to perceive me 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 The goal is less telling, more showing. • “How I helped {Client} get 5 inbound leads in two weeks.” • “How our approach helped [Client] increase sales by 50%.” Even better, be even more specific with who you’re targeting. • “How I helped this founder get 10 more inbound leads. • "We used my {service} for 4 weeks, and you can steal it here.” Now, The most important part is to angle the post to a strong CTA. ↓ 𝗣.𝗦. I’m currently opening 2 spots for founders looking to build strong, results-driven brands. DM me “Grow” if that’s you. ↓ 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 Viktor Svensson for more writing advice. 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁 so more can see.

I saw this article on Forbes that highlights the growing importance of personal branding for entrepreneurs. This is the same data that we've been sharing at Brand Builders Group. The power of building a personal brand isn't going ANYWERE... here's some data that's particularly compelling: • 77% of consumers are more likely to buy from a company when its CEO is active on social media • 82% trust companies more when senior executives have an online presence • 49% of a company's reputation can be attributed to its CEO The article outlines 10 key reasons why top founders are investing in their personal brands, including: ✅ Standing out in a crowded market ✅ Building trust on autopilot ✅ Attracting inbound opportunities ✅ Growing your network exponentially For my fellow founders & established entrepreneurs: How are you leveraging your personal brand to drive business growth? What challenges have you faced? BTW, if you'd like free access to our Trends In Personal Brand National Study, just comment 'STUDY' and I'll send it to you. You can read the full article here:

Most entrepreneurs know that a compelling brand story creates a strong emotional connection with your audience and sets your brand apart. But just as many entrepreneurs are at a loss when it comes to actually crafting their story. So if you are lost - follow these tips and templates to guide you. Prepare yourself to write by planning out the story using these steps: 1. Brainstorm your ideas by creating an outline 2. Refine each idea into a few sentences 3. Don’t include every detail, just enough to make the audience want to learn more and relate to your story. When creating your outline, remember to embrace these four key elements in your brand story to build trust and engage your audience. -Origin Story: The reason behind the brand’s creation. -Mission and Values: Core principles that drive the brand. -Unique Selling Proposition (USP): What makes the brand unique. -Customer Connection: Elements that engage and relate to the audience. Once you have a good outline of your ideas and feel that you have some clarity around the story you want to tell, then select one of these templates to expand your story with some structure. Template 1: The Origin Story Template Introduction: Brief background of the founder(s) The Spark: The problem or inspiration that led to the brand’s creation The Journey: Challenges and milestones in building the brand The Present: Current state and achievements Template 2: The Mission-Driven Template Introduction: The brand’s mission statement Core Values: Description of the brand’s values Impact: How the brand’s mission and values influence its actions and products Call to Action: Encouraging the audience to join the brand’s mission Template 3: The Customer-Centric Template Introduction: Introduction of a typical customer persona. The Problem: The common issue faced by the target audience. The Solution: How the brand addresses this issue. Success Stories: Testimonials or success stories from real customers. Tips for Using the Templates: Personalization: Adapt templates to fit your unique brand voice. Consistency: Ensure a consistent narrative across all platforms. Authenticity: Stay true to your brand’s core values and mission. These templates provide structure to start crafting compelling narratives that resonate with your target audience and begin building a community of fans. Read this post and more on my Typeshare Social Blog: https://lnkd.in/ddKp3GrK

Attention all business professionals! Year 2024, personal branding is more crucial than ever. Consumers today aren't just buying products; they're investing in the stories and values behind brands. Consider two founders: Ramesh and Suresh. Both run eco-friendly lifestyle startups. Ramesh's Approach: Personal Branding Ramesh shares his journey on social media, from his passion for sustainability to the challenges he faced in launching his startup. He frequently posts valuable content about reducing plastic waste, hosts live Q&A sessions, and collaborates with environmental influencers. His audience connects deeply with his authenticity and vision. They see his brand not just as a company but as a community they want to be part of. Ramesh’s personal brand builds trust, loyalty, and a sense of belonging among his customers. Suresh's Approach: Traditional Marketing Suresh relies on traditional marketing tactics like ads and discounts. While his products are high-quality, he misses the opportunity to create a deeper connection with his audience. Customers purchase his products but lack the personal connection that Ramesh’s audience feels. Suresh’s brand blends in with others in the market, making it harder to stand out. Results: - Increased Trust and Loyalty:Ramesh’s personal story and values foster trust and loyalty among customers. - Competitive Edge: Ramesh’s personal branding differentiates his business in a crowded market. - Attracting Talent:Ramesh’s authenticity attracts like-minded talent, boosting his company culture and growth. As we move forward in this fast-paced world, remember that personal branding is the foundation of trust, credibility, and meaningful connections. It’s time to invest in your story and values to set your business apart. #Marketing #PersonalBranding #Business #Entrepreneurs

Why Do Brands Take So Long To Develop?! I just had an epiphany, so I want you to follow me on this thought bubble 💭 and let me know what you think...   As I journey through the early days of launching Esco Eats, I was told more times to count: "Starting a brand is hard." This statement, while common, always left me puzzled. What exactly makes brand building so difficult?? The answer, as it turns out, isn't about logistics, marketing strategies, or even the product itself. The real challenge lies in the time it takes to forge an emotional connection between your brand and your customers. So when you hear anyone say “it takes a minimum of 10 years to build a brand” what they are saying is “it takes a minimum of 10 years to build an emotional connection with your customer.”   🧐 Research in brand management and marketing psychology supports this view, emphasizing that emotional connection is a powerful driver of customer loyalty and brand advocacy. Studies suggest that customers with a strong emotional bond to a brand are more likely to repurchase, less sensitive to price changes, and more likely to recommend the brand to others. This isn't just about repeated transactions; it's about creating brand ambassadors who believe in what you stand for as much as you do.   So, why does building this emotional connection take so long 😣? Like any relationship, it requires building trust and authenticity. Every interaction, every product, and every piece of content you share contributes to this narrative. It's about showing up consistently, being transparent about your journey, and demonstrating how your values align with those of your customers. This level of engagement requires not just time but a strategic, heartfelt approach to everything you do.   As I reflect on this, I understand now more than ever that launching Esco Eats isn't just about introducing a pie. It's about embarking on a journey to build a community, to share experiences, and to create something that resonates on a deeper level with people. This realization has transformed my approach to brand building, focusing not just on the "what" but the "why" behind everything we do.   To my fellow entrepreneurs and marketers: let's remember that at the core of every successful brand is a story that connects, resonates, and engages. It may take years, but the emotional bond that forms as a result is what truly defines a brand's success. #BrandBuilding #EmotionalConnection #Entrepreneurship #MarketingInsights #EscoEats

It’s national Margarita day!! A day after my own heart. So writing this while sipping on a lime and salty marvel - forgive the typos. Today, we’re talking Differentiation. The second part of the “bothist” agenda. We’re still on the cake and eat it too agenda! So we want to have relative distinctiveness (check out my previous post) and we also want differentiation. Differentiation is about ensuring you “look” different and stand out in the market you’re in. First, you need to ensure you’ve got brand codes. These are the few things that you are visually going to use to define yourself from others. Your logo plus max 4 other things that make your brand yours. Could be a colour, shape or even a quote that you use all the time. But they are yours. Too many is just as bad as two few. Don’t get greedy. Now, the bit creatives hate. You’re going to make a rule that you only use these brand codes on EVERYTHING you do. Over and over and over again. Never wavering, never forgetting. Your brand takes years, years to settle in, and you will only gain the benefit by being dogmatic about using these brand codes to define you. This is a huge opportunity for B2B - which have yet to really lean into this. LinkedIn’s B2B institute commissioned one of the biggest studies ever on B2B marketing and guess what… Most B2B companies do not have any distinctive brand assets, which is the foundation of effective brand management. They estimate that brand mismanagement is costing B2B firms billions of dollars in potential sales every year. That’s a hell of a lot of margaritas! #startupmarketing #startup #scaleup #success #marketingtips #fractionalCMO

Hey! Having a strong brand in this competitive world is like having a reliable friend with you for a long time. So how exactly do you build a brand and make it strong for the long term? ✅Understanding Branding: Think of branding as character building, it's all about making someone feel connected. This means determining what makes your brand unique and how to make it stand out from the crowd. ✅The Importance of Organizing Goals: When you make friends with your customers, you need to keep the party going! It's like taking care of a plant, you need to water it regularly to ensure it thrives. ✅Defining Your Brand: Start by understanding what your brand is, its values, philosophy, and appeal, such as identifying your personal likes and dislikes. This can help you stay true to yourself in everything you do. ✅Create a Memorable Brand Identity: Think of your brand as a character in a story; You want it to have a unique quality and a feel that people will remember, just like a superhero outfit or slogan. ✅Create a Mission Statement: Your story is like telling your story to a friend, It should be funny, original and make people want to join you. ✅Build a strong online presence: Think of your brand's online presence as its social life, It's important to stay active, engaged and connected. Share interesting content to keep people interested in your event. ✅Dedicated customer service: It's important to treat your customers like old friends, You want to make them happy, feel valued, and smile after every conversation. ✅Monitoring and Managing Brand Names: In addition to monitoring rumors, it is important to understand what people are saying about your brand and address any rumors or trends or misunderstandings as soon as possible. ✅Adapt and Innovate: Adapting and being open to change is like trying a new business, It's fun and helps you grow as a person (or brand)! ✅Performance Review: Think of this as checking in with your friends how they're doing, You want them to be happy and successful, and if they aren't, find out what to do. Help them. #BrandBuilding #BrandIdentity #BrandMaintenance #BrandStrategy #BrandAwareness #MarketingTips #DigitalMarketing #CustomerExperience #OnlinePresence #BusinessSuccess #SmallBusinessTips #Entrepreneurship #SocialMediaMarketing #ContentStrategy #CustomerEngagement #Innovation #MarketTrends #BrandStory #BusinessGrowth #BrandPerformance

🚀 Why Personal Branding is No Longer Optional for Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders 🚀 Did you know that 81% of consumers say trust in a brand—or the person behind it—is a key factor in their decision-making process? And that 92% of people trust recommendations from individuals over faceless brands? These numbers don’t lie; in today’s hyper-competitive world, your personal brand is your most valuable asset. Yet, many businesses falter because they underestimate the importance of personal branding. They focus entirely on their products, services, or corporate identity, while neglecting the face behind the brand. This is a missed opportunity that could mean the difference between thriving and merely surviving. At ShadoInk, we help founders, entrepreneurs, and executives transform their online presence into a powerful personal brand that drives both trust and business growth. Here’s how we do it: 💡 Our Approach to Personal Branding Success 1️⃣ Authentic Storytelling: Your story is what makes you unique. Our talented writers craft compelling narratives that resonate with your audience, making you memorable and relatable. 2️⃣ Strategic Social Media Management: Our social media experts ensure that your online presence is consistent, impactful, and designed to position you as a thought leader in your industry. From LinkedIn posts to Instagram reels, we cover it all. 3️⃣ SEO-Optimized Content: Our tech-savvy team knows how to ensure that your content ranks high—not just in Google searches but also in LinkedIn and social media algorithms. Visibility = credibility. 4️⃣ Data-Driven Insights: We analyze what’s working for you and adjust strategies to ensure continuous growth. With real-time feedback and analytics, your personal brand is always evolving. 💬 Why It Matters Think about the most influential leaders today—whether they’re CEOs, thought leaders, or entrepreneurs. What sets them apart is their ability to connect on a human level. People don’t just buy products—they buy trust, value, and vision. Let ShadoInk help you craft a personal brand that not only grows your business but establishes you as a leader in your field. With our dedicated team of writers, social media experts, your personal brand will be the game-changer you’ve been looking for. Ready to leave your mark? 🌟 DM me to get started. #PersonalBranding #SocialMediaStrategy #ContentMarketing #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #BrandingMatters #ContentCreation #BusinessGrowth #LinkedInMarketing #ShadoInk #DigitalMarketing #ThoughtLeadership #FounderBrand #StartUpTips #MarketingForCEOs

🚀 Your Personal Brand: The Ultimate Growth Engine for Entrepreneurs and Leaders! 🌟 I strongly believe that in today’s competitive world, your personal brand isn’t just an accessory—it’s your secret weapon! Whether you’re pitching to investors, securing high-profile partnerships, or attracting premium clients, your personal brand can make or break the deal. It's not just about your business anymore; it’s about YOU. Here’s why building a powerful personal brand is non-negotiable: 🔥 Instant Credibility: A strong personal brand establishes you as the go-to expert in your field. Trust in YOU translates to trust in your business. 🤝 Networking Power-Up: A recognizable personal brand opens doors to high-value connections. You'll find it easier to collaborate with decision-makers and industry leaders. 🎯 Client Magnet: People connect with people, not logos. Your personal brand makes your business relatable and irresistible to your audience. 💡 Stand Out from the Crowd: In a sea of competitors, your personal brand becomes the X-factor that sets you apart. 🔑 Timeless Asset: Businesses may evolve, but your personal brand is yours forever. It’s an investment in lifelong opportunities and success. But how do you build a brand that resonates? I have been seeing many posts these days focusing on getting more likes or some shortcuts to optimizing LinkedIn etc. But these short-term tactics don't work. You need to build a solid foundation to really build your personal brand, and it takes at least 180 days and more. To make the process simpler and easier, I have developed the 100X Authority Accelerator System —a proven framework to help leaders like YOU build authority, attract high-value opportunities, and lead with unstoppable confidence, really fast and without breaking the bank😍 Here’s a quick-start guide: 🪕Define Your Core Values ⭐ Craft your UVP- Unique Value Proposition 👉Craft Your Purpose Statement 💪Create Your Authority Messaging Framework 💡 Add Value: Share game-changing insights, tips, and strategies that make a real difference. 📲 Be Consistent: Maintain a clear, cohesive message across all platforms—this builds trust! 🤝 Engage with Purpose: Build genuine relationships that strengthen your personal and professional network. 🌟 Your personal brand is not about creating a persona—it’s about amplifying your authentic self. With the 100X Authority Accelerator System, we’ll take your brand from invisible to ICONIC. Let’s connect, collaborate, and create something extraordinary together. 🚀 Follow me for exclusive insights into personal branding and entrepreneurial growth! 💼

Brand marketers make terrible founders! Now before you come @ me just remember that I am a brand marketer turned founder so if anything, this is a self reflection.. LOL! And of course there are exceptions, but hear me out: Brand marketers in big corporations have the luxury of two things : 1. Time and 2. Money. And even if the budgets are “limited” there is still money, a LOT of money compared to scrappy startups. So with that time and money they can fine tune their brand strategy, communication guidelines and execution plans and, with the help of agencies (read: more money here), turn them into polished presentations to be shared in numerous meetings across the organisation. What they often lack is experience in sales. Not always, but often. In fact, during my decade long career in big corporation I don’t think I was ever directly measured on sales. Shocking, isn’t it! As a founder you become your business’s first sales person. You NEED to sell to generate funds to then put more focus on those above mentioned decks and guidelines as the business grows. But in many ways, sales come first. I have friends who tell me that they would start a business if they had the capital to do so, or that they can’t start a certain type of business without the capital. Now, I’m very aware of my own privilege but I think it’s often not about the capital. For reference, when I started Stolt I didn’t have any capital to invest (we created a pre-sale campaign, remember :), and that’s how we got of the ground… we SOLD some products before we even had them). It’s often about brand marketers not knowing how to sell. Hustle and sell. But you can learn, of course you can. My own personal learning curve has been steep, and I’m still learning. So if you are a brand marketer looking to start a business, then I suggest you start by selling something. Just sell! Simple as that :) Thoughts? Pictured: me with a first backpack sample in 2018 in the toilet of my one bed rental in London… oh the glamorous life of a founder.