Marketing
Branding
Business Branding
Branding: How to Brand Yourself and Your Business
4.3 (362 ratings)
Course Ratings are calculated from individual students’ ratings and a variety of other signals, like age of rating and reliability, to ensure that they reflect course quality fairly and accurately.
4,073 students enrolled

Branding: How to Brand Yourself and Your Business

Create a Unique and Compelling Brand That Sets You Apart from Everyone Else Who Does What You Do
Bestseller
4.3 (362 ratings)
Course Ratings are calculated from individual students’ ratings and a variety of other signals, like age of rating and reliability, to ensure that they reflect course quality fairly and accurately.
4,073 students enrolled
Created by Debbie LaChusa
Last updated 4/2020
English
English [Auto-generated]
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Branding: How to Brand Yourself and Your Business
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This course includes
  • 2 hours on-demand video
  • 19 downloadable resources
  • Full lifetime access
  • Access on mobile and TV
  • Certificate of Completion
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What you'll learn
  • Identify the best brand positioning for you and your business, based on WHO you are and WHAT you bring to the business that's unique and compelling
  • Develop a strategically sound brand that authentically represents you, your business, and what you do for your clients--a brand that only you can own
  • Ensure the brand you choose is one that attracts your ideal clients
  • Understand the difference between a brand and a brand name
  • Develop a meaningful and memorable brand name to represent your chosen brand platform or positioning
  • Ensure that no one else is using the brand name you want to use
  • Know how to test out your brand name if you're not sure you're ready to commit to it
  • Know how to implement your brand across your entire business so you become known for it
  • Know exactly what steps to take to protect your brand name, so no one else can use it
Requirements
  • The desire to set yourself apart from everyone else who does what you do with a meaningful and memorable brand
Description

*** COURSE UPDATED APRIL 2020 *** Please watch the Free Preview Video "2020 Course Update" for details on what this update covered ***


Branding can mean the difference between your business succeeding or you continuing to struggle to get clients and stay afloat. 

If you don’t want to be fighting to stand out among a sea of other service professionals in your category, you need a unique and compelling brand to set you and your business apart. 

I spent 30+ years branding businesses of all shapes and sizes, including: 

  • Large Corporations

  • Small Businesses

  • Start-up’s

  • Non-profit organizations

  • Independent service professionals (coaches, consultants, and other experts)

I developed a step-by-step proprietary branding process that I used with my private consulting clients for years.

In this course I share that exact process with you. 

Don’t settle for being just another [fill in the blank] coach, consultant, or service professional. 

I want you to think about something for a moment... 

  • What if you had a name that clearly communicated exactly what you do for people?

  • A name no one else was using?

  • A name that was interesting, intriguing, and really stood for something?

  • A name that truly represented who you are and what you stand for?

  • A name that you love and are excited to put on your business?

  • Can you imagine what that might do for your business?

It’s time to step out of the generic marketing trap. And that’s exactly what this course will help you do. 


This course includes: 

  • Video lessons that explain every step of the process

  • Handouts and worksheets to help you apply the process to your business

  • Real-world examples of brands created by other service pro’s just like you to inspire you and get you excited about creating your brand

  • Free and low-cost resources so you can research, create, implement, and protect your brand without breaking the bank

If you’re tired of having to work so hard to stand out, get attention, and get clients, this course is for you. 

If you see other coaches or consultants out there with great brand names and you’ve always wished you had one too, now is your chance. 

If you’ve ever been confused by exactly what branding is, or how to brand yourself effectively, this course will answer all of your questions and walk you, step-by-step, through the process of creating your very own, unique and compelling brand.

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Please note if you've already taken my course, How to Market Yourself as a Coach or Consultant, this course covers the same Branding process, however, it goes into more detail and includes additional exercises. Please be aware there is overlap between the two courses.
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Who this course is for:
  • Independent Coaches, Consultants, and other Experts who make a living selling their expertise or serving clients with their expertise
Course content
Expand all 38 lectures 01:55:05
+ – 2020 Update
1 lecture 03:16

A brief discussion of the changes I've made to the course in the latest update.

2020 Course Update
Preview 03:16
+ – Introduction
4 lectures 14:58
A brief welcome message and overview of what this course will cover.
Welcome and Course Overview
Preview 01:25

In this video I define what branding is, particularly as it applies to service professionals, because that is who this course is designed for. This includes coaches, consultants, and anyone else who makes a living selling their expertise, or serving clients with their expertise.  

Defining Branding
Preview 03:20

An overview of the benefits you can enjoy when you take the time to brand yourself and your business. 

The Benefits of Branding
Preview 05:11

In this video I give you a quick overview of my proprietary, 9-step, Brand Development Process.

We'll be going through each step in the process in this course to help you create and implement your brand.  

The 9-Step Brand Development & Implementation Process
05:02
+ – Step One: Finding Out About You and Your Business
6 lectures 15:17

A brief introduction to Step One.

Please note: If you are also taking my How to Market Yourself as a Coach or Consultant course, you will notice some overlap between some of the foundational steps and branding exercises. If you've already done the exercises in the other course, there is no need to repeat them here. Just pull out your worksheets and use them to keep moving forward. Or, use this course to further refine your work. Lastly, if you didn't do the exercises in the other course, then dig in here and complete them all.

Because this course is focused solely on branding (and it only represents one step in my How to Market Yourself as a Coach or Consultant course) here you will find additional exercises, more examples, plus interviews with other service professionals who have successfully branded themselves. I recognize branding is one of the most challenging aspects of marketing yourself, and that's why I dedicated this entire course to helping you do it.

Introduction to Step One
01:02

In this video I introduce you to The Toolbox Inventory. This is an exercise that will help you gather all the experience, education, and expertise you bring into your business. This is the first step in making sure the brand you create authentically represents you.

Be sure to download and print out The Toolbox Inventory worksheet so you can complete your inventory.

You will notice I have included all of the worksheets you'll be completing in this course, in both PDF and MS Word format. Simply choose the format that works best for you.

The Toolbox Inventory
01:32
In this video I introduce you to the concept of mining your personal story, to further help you create a unique and authentic brand. Many things have brought you to this stage in your life, and to this business. The more you can understand how those events and milestones have shaped you, the easier it will be to create a brand that uniquely represents you. 

Be sure to download and print out the accompanying worksheet so you can mine YOUR story.
Mining Your Personal Story
01:20
For your brand to be authentic, it needs to represent your values or what you stand for. This brief exercise will help you get in touch with your core values so you can make sure the brand you create is congruent with who you are. This will make it a lot easier to consistently communicate your brand platform. 

Be sure to download and print out the accompanying worksheet so you can identify YOUR core values.
Identifying Your Core Values
01:28
In this video I introduce a concept I call "Brand Stand." Every brand must stand for something. A core idea. A concept. A promise. Here I share examples to help you understand this concept and to inspire you, so you can decide what you want YOUR brand to stand for. 

Be sure to download and print out the accompanying worksheet so you can uncover YOUR Brand Stand.
Identifying Your Brand Stand
05:13

In this video I share several personality quizzes you can take to make sure the brand you create authentically represents you. These are fun and easy quizzes designed to help you get in touch with WHO you are... a critical component in your branding. 

Be sure to download and print out the accompanying worksheet so you can take the quizzes and uncover YOUR personality.

Personality Quiz
04:42
+ – Step Two: Understanding Who Your Ideal Clients Are
2 lectures 08:47
A brief introduction to Step Two.
Introduction to Step Two
01:03
In this video I explain why you need to understand who you're selling to in order to create your brand. I walk you through some questions you can ask to help you better understand your ideal clients, and I share plenty of examples to inspire you. 

Be sure to download and print out the accompanying worksheet so you can create a detailed profile of YOUR ideal client.
Identifying Your Ideal Client
07:44
+ – Step Three: Identifying Your Promise
2 lectures 07:16
A brief introduction to Step Three.
Introduction to Step Three
00:47
In this video I share an exercise I call the Pain-Promise exercise. It will help you see what you do from your client's point of view; a necessity if you want to market to them successfully. And a key factor in helping you identify what it is you are really selling (Your Promise). 

I also share some examples to help you better understand this process.

Be sure to download and print out the accompanying worksheet so you can identify YOUR Promise.
The Pain-Promise Exercise
06:29
+ – Step Four: Uncovering Your Brand Platform
2 lectures 04:15
A brief introduction to Step Four.
Introduction to Step Four
00:46
In this video I will help you identify your brand platform, or what you want to be known for. 

This can be challenging for some people because it requires you to focus on ONE idea or concept. But I highly encourage you to accept this challenge. It has the power to totally transform your business and the effectiveness of your marketing. And, this focus is crucial if you want to come up with a brand to effectively represent you. 

Don't worry, I share lots of examples to help inspire you. 


Bonus Materials: Brand Interview with Beth Barany, Creativity Coach for Writers

In this lesson you'll meet another service professional I interviewed about her brand. You'll find a downloadable mp3 audio recording and a transcript so you can listen or read, according to your preference.

Identifying Your Brand Platform
03:29
+ – Step Five: Creating Your Brand
6 lectures 18:25

A brief introduction to Step Five and the Brand Brainstorming process. 

Introduction to Step Five
01:25
In this video I share some tips and pointers to help you create a unique and memorable brand name. You'll want to understand these tips before you proceed with brainstorming your own brand name.
Tips for Creating a Memorable Brand Name
05:10
In this video I introduce you to the idea of using Analogies to create your brand name. I also share lots of examples to help you understand how this idea works, and to inspire you. 

Be sure to download and print out the Brand Brainstorming handout. It details all four of the strategies I will be sharing with you.
Brand Brainstorming Strategy #1: Analogies
03:03
In this video I introduce you to the idea of using Appended Words (putting words together) to create a unique brand name. I also share more examples to help you better understand how this idea works, and to inspire you.
Brand Brainstorming Strategy #2: Appended Words
03:19
In this video I introduce you to the idea of using Adopted Words (words you adopt to represent who you are and what you stand for) to create your brand name. I also share more examples to help you better understand how this idea works, and to inspire you.
Brand Brainstorming Strategy #3: Adopted Words
02:37
In this video I introduce you to the idea of using Alliteration (words that all begin with the same letter) to create a memorable brand name. I also share more examples to help you better understand how this idea works, and to inspire you.
Brand Brainstorming Strategy #4: Alliteration
02:51
+ – Step Six: Researching Potential Brand Names
6 lectures 19:00
In this introduction to Step Six, I share why it's so important to research potential brand names BEFORE you begin using them, along with some quick, free, and easy ways to do the research yourself. 

Unfortunately, this is the step most often overlooked by service pro's who are branding themselves without professional help. Skipping this step can lead to brand and trademark infringement and all kinds of problems that are SO easy to avoid.


While I am not an attorney and I can't give you legal advice about researching or protecting your brand, I can share information so you are aware of some quick and easy things you can do on your own to make sure the brand name you want to use is not already being used by someone else. You may also choose to get legal assistance to further ensure the name you want to use is available. That will be up to you.
My goal with this course, and with this Step and Step 9 in particular, is to educate you so you don't make easily avoidable mistakes and so you can avoid the all the problems that result from infringing on someone else's brand name.

Be sure to download and print out the accompanying handout to help you research your potential brand names.
Introduction to Step Six
01:40
In this video I show you how a quick and easy Google Search can tell you if someone is already using the brand name you want to use. It's also a great way to monitor usage of your brand name once you've adopted it. On numerous occasions this is how I have discovered other business consultants using my brand name, and it has enabled me to take steps to protect my brand and ensure they stop using my trademarked brand name.
Brand Research Technique #1: Google Search
02:56
In this video I show you how to do a quick domain name search to find out if someone has already registered the brand name you want to use as a website domain name, another indication the name may already be in use by someone else.
Brand Research Technique #2: Domain Name Search
04:18
In this video I show you how to do a quick U.S. Trademark Search to find out if anyone has trademarked the brand name you want to use. 

Note: If you own and operate your business outside the U.S. you can use this lesson as a guide and then locate your country's trademark office or website and search there.
Brand Research Technique #3: Trademark Search
05:10
In this video I show you how to find, and do a quick state-level search to find out if anyone has incorporated a business in your state using the brand name you want to use. This is just ONE more free and easy way to find out if someone is already doing business using the brand name you want to use. 

Please note: If you're doing business outside the U.S. you can use this video as a guide and then locate your local resource for doing a similar search.
Brand Research Technique #4: Entity Search
02:19
In this video I show you how to find, and do a quick local-level search to find out if anyone is doing business in your county as the brand name you want to use. This is just one more way to go all the way down to the local level to research your brand name. 

Please note: If you're doing business outside the U.S. you can use this video as a guide and then locate your local resource for doing a similar search.



Brand Research Technique #5: Fictitious Business Name Search
02:37
+ – Step Seven: Choosing Your Brand Name
2 lectures 04:05
A brief introduction to Step Seven.
Introduction to Step Seven
00:29

In this video I talk about how to choose your brand name. You've done the research, now it's time to make a commitment. If you're a little afraid to commit, don't worry, I also share some ways you can try on your brand name before making a full commitment.

Bonus Materials: Brand Interview with Margaret Saunders, Your Harmonising Energy Coach

In this lesson you'll meet another service professional I interviewed about her brand, Australian coach, Margaret Saunders. You'll find a downloadable mp3 audio recording and a transcript so you can listen or read, according to your preference.

Examples of Trying on a Brand

In the Downloadable Materials you'll find an example of how you can "try on" a brand before fully committing. This example is from one of my private clients who is a wellness coach and registered nurse (RN), and who brings together advice and support from both traditional and alternative medicine. One brand platform we came up with was to position her as The Diet AlteRNative, however she wasn't sure she was ready to commit her entire business, website, and marketing to it. To try it on, she created a free ebook. I've included her ebook, along with a screen shot of her home page so you can see how she is trying on her brand. Once she sees if it attracts the kind or attention and clients she's looking for, she may choose to change the name of her website and feature it more prominently in her marketing. If she changes her mind, all she has to do is change her free ebook.

How to Choose Your Brand Name
03:36
+ – Step Eight: Implementing Your Brand
4 lectures 12:16
A brief introduction to Step Eight.
Introduction to Step Eight
01:11
In this video I talk about all the places and ways you can implement your brand in your business and marketing. This will ensure your brand is more than what I call "gift wrap" or outside packaging. A brand in name alone (i.e. gift wrap) will not be effective or garner you the benefits I shared at the beginning of this course. Only when you become known for your brand platform and you begin to stand for something will you start reaping the benefits. And implementing your brand in everything you do is the best way to do that. 

There are several handouts that go with this section. Be sure to download them and print them out so you can use them as you implement YOUR brand. 

Bonus Materials: Brand Interview with Marquesa Pettway, Your Business Reinvention Expert
In this lesson you'll meet another service professional I interviewed about her brand. You'll find a downloadable mp3 audio recording and a transcript so you can listen or read, according to your preference. 
Branded Words & Phrases
02:48
Taglines
03:01
Brand Implementation Checklist
05:16