Did You Want Bunnies or Lumberjacks in Your Branding?

Before a client and I begin a consultation or branding foundation video call, I ask them to complete an assessment. These questions gather important information such as where is their business now, what works great now, what needs to be tweaked, and what tools and strategy do they need. That way, I have direction on how to best serve my client, whether it’s through customized strategy or designing their marketing.

Because a lot of what I do is geared towards visual communication, I ask two very key questions:

1.  What style do you envision this piece to have (vintage, high tech, cartoon‐like, corporate, etc.)?

2.  Share at least three websites, brochures, or other graphics that you like and describe what you like about them.

When this goes unanswered, I’m lost. There is no point of origin. I’m left to assume that a male business consultant who speaks would be okay if their branding visuals included a bunch of pink flowers and comic bunnies. Or maybe a lumberjack in the forest surrounded by bears and moose serves as inspiration for a female life coach’s branding.

See where I'm going with this?

Without guidance, I’m left to read your mind. And if I could read minds, I would be in Vegas right now, baby! By leaving these two questions blank, I have been given creative license to design anything.

But that will most definitely cost time and money - both of which don't need to be wasted right now.

So, when your graphic or website designer asks to provide examples of visuals or websites, please send at least three examples of visual communication pieces that appeal to you. To help with the creative process, identify the following:

-      what do you like about the image

-      is the style (or theme) and colors appealing to you

-      do you like the layout

-      what words describe or what feeling do you get when you see this image

-      does this image represent your target audience

-      is this a branding you would like to emulate

Don’t think about it too much; trust your first reaction and gut instinct. Also, the visual does not have to pertain to your industry. It can be a visual from anyone: a Fortune 500 company, a speaker's website, a sports team, Nike, Gatorade, Volvo, whatever. If you like it, include it as an example and tell us why you like it.

Getting some direction from you allows me to help you more efficiently and effectively! And keeps glittery dancing chickens out of your design – unless you want that. Like my friend & client Coleen Merk of Sweetwater Eclectic who loved that I added a cow to her branding!

If you aren't sure about your branding or what you're doing isn't working, let's talk about that. In my 15 minute free consultation, ask your most challenging question and I'll give you a ready-to-use strategy and help you define your next step. Schedule your phone call here: www.borp.acuityscheduling.com


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Alicia White is a valuable resource for speakers, coaches, consultants and business owners who need solid branding strategy and professional, on-target marketing materials that make a lasting impression. With over 20 years of experience, Alicia has served in graphic design, marketing, and public relation roles in both the corporate and non-profit worlds.

Alicia is the founder of Back of the Room Productions™ and SpeakerSheets.com and an international best selling author. She is a two-time award recipient of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and is a Partnering Director of the Public Speakers Association.

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The difference between a FREE Discovery Call and Coaching Session

I read a post by a woman who supported the argument of "No Marketing of FREE calls or Discovery/Clarity calls. needed." In her preface, she states that "it comes from a place of 'begging' for business" and the calls "are disguised pitch tests." She also states that newer coaches believe that the free call offers a prospect insight into how great their coaching is by giving away a free session. In her article she notes that Tony Robbins doesn't give free calls. 

Well, I think there is a time and place for a free discovery call. These calls are definitely needed if the coach is new to the business or is targeting a different audience. They must establish the "know, like, trust factor" before people will buy. Not every one has the "know, like, trust factor" that Anthony Robbins has. I bet he gave away free calls to attract business before he became a respected expert and leader. 

The call is also needed to ensure the prospect is a good fit - if they aren't willing to do the work I give them, I don't want them as a client. Or they may not care for my style of design. The discovery call saves me time by eliminating difficult clients. 

However, it IS important to establish guidelines for the discovery or strategy calls. I advice clients to keep the call under 30 minutes. I also do not provide more than two strategies. If they need more advice, guidance, strategy, etc. they can pay for my value and expertise in a strategy session. 

Now, if you offer free coaching session to attract clients, then stop it. As a coach, you have value and to give it away is devaluing you and your expertise. It's not necessary to do this to attract clients. So, watch your labeling and make sure your free discovery calls are in fact discovery calls and your coaching sessions have a priced attached to it!

If you aren't sure about your coaching program or what you're doing isn't working, let's talk about that. In my 15 minute free consultation, ask your most challenging question and I'll give you a ready-to-use strategy and help you define your next step. Schedule your phone call here: www.borp.acuityscheduling.com

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Alicia White is a valuable resource for speakers, coaches, trainers and business owners who need solid branding strategy and professional, on-target marketing materials that make a lasting impression. With over 20 years of experience, Alicia has served in graphic design, marketing, and public relation roles for both the corporate and non-profit worlds.

Alicia is the founder of Back of the Room Productions™ and SpeakerSheets.com and an international best selling author. She is a two-time award recipient of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and Partnering Director of the Public Speakers Association.

Sign up for valuable tips on public speaking!