Being a solopreneur can feel like you’re riding a rollercoaster. There are emotional highs and lows, peak income months and slower ones. Your business life impacts your personal life, and vice versa. Along the may want feedback on your pricing, your business goals, expanding your services or target market, navigating client relationships, or insight on your branding, website and marketing. Sometimes you need big picture and vision support, while at other times you need super detailed and specific feedback.  You can get caught in a decision making loop. And while you’d love to be able to bounce your ideas and problems you’re facing with people outside of your friends and family, you’re worried about people will think. It can be very lonely and isolating being a solopreneur. I know because I’ve been there and done that. As a brand new solopreneur in 2004, I started out clientless and clueless. I made countless mistakes. I definitely felt incredibly isolated and alone. My ego prevented me from discussing what was really happening behind the scenes in my business. Ever heard of “fake it until you make it”? Turns out it’s surprisingly ineffectual. I spent time and energy trying to make it look like I had it all together, while quietly behind the scenes I really needed feedback and guidance. Today my experience is totally different. No, I didn’t hire a team, find a business partner or go back to working in an agency. I started letting people in. Each of these has been super helpful.  I worked with a coach I hired an operations team to look inside my business for what’s working and what can be improved I have a contractor I bring in to help me with business naming and taglines I’m a member of two business mastermind groups  Joining those masterminds has proven to be one of the most impactful and positive choices I’ve made as a solopreneur. I get the ongoing feedback and ideas I need to feel connected and supported. I also have peers I can have confidential conversations with when I need it. No matter the situation, together is better. Learn from my mistakes and let people in. Here are 3 tips:  Be willing to be vulnerable – it’s actually a sign of courage and strength Identify what would be the most supportive – is it a one-off item you need help with or is it ongoing feedback and input? Choose who to let in   You could create a feedback exchange with a trusted peer. You could identify one item you want to tackle and hire a subject matter expert to help you solve it You could hire an entrepreneur coach for 1:1 for a specified length of time to work on several items Or you can join a group of like minded solopreneurs to gain ongoing support and feedback as you ride the rollercoaster together  If you’re not sure where to find a group like that, I’ve created The Solopreneur Mastermind. It’s perfect if you’re craving a place for connection and confidential conversations about your business. It will be limited to 5 peopl

EP28: Solopreneur Not Solo

We don’t often think of brands as healthy or sick. However, it’s a helpful way to look at it. In this podcast episode we discuss:  What it means for a brand to be sick  Three key areas of your brand What it means to be a healthy brand How to diagnose and fix your brand  I also provide examples throughout.  If you get stuck working through any of this, I offer brand strategy services to help. You can also sign-up for my email newsletter to receive ongoing branding tips and support in email form.  https://speerheadsolutions.com/ Get connected on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/speerheadsolutions/ Speerhead Solutions takes the mystery out of branding and brings insight to entrepreneurship. We offer branding and coaching services for the challenges and opportunities your small business faces.

EP27:  How Healthy Is Your Brand?, Lisa Speer

Branding ties to the big picture of how a business operates and its profitability, so I brought in Natasha Davis of Impact Branding to talk about “Linking Brand Strategy to Business Operations.”   A few highlights we talk about are:  How are strategic planning and branding are codependent on one another 5 simple principles to strategic planning The difference between revenue and profit The most effective approach for measuring daily operations and why it's critical The importance of your brand promise  You can learn more about Natasha Davis and her business at https://impactbrandingconsulting.org/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/natashadavisvisionary/. You can follow Impact Branding at https://www.facebook.com/impactbrandingconsulting/, https://www.instagram.com/impactbrandingconsulting/ and https://twitter.com/IMPCTBranding. Learn tips from Natasha on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP4PZfF4Vn7QgSX6mQXUPhw. This podcast is brought to you by Speerhead Solutions, a strategic branding business. https://speerheadsolutions.com/ Subscribe to the Branding BFF podcast to stay connected to more behind-the-scenes conversations about branding and business. We also welcome your rating and review on iTunes – so we know what you enjoyed and more people can find us!

EP26: Linking Brand Strategy to Business Operations, Natasha Davis

Your brand is closely tied to your marketing so I brought in Kia Dolby of Kia Dolby Creative to talk about “Expanding Your Brand Through Email Marketing.”   A few highlights we talk about are:  How your brand foundation is important in your email marketing – this gets woven throughout our conversation The necessity of a clear goal and the “why” behind your emails Some important differences between service business and product business emails Ratio of value driven emails versus selling emails The importance of authenticity and brand values in your email communication  You can learn more about Kia at http://kiadolby.com and follow her at https://www.instagram.com/kiadolby/ and https://www.facebook.com/kiadolbycreative. This podcast is brought to you by Speerhead Solutions, a strategic branding business. https://speerheadsolutions.com/ Subscribe to the Branding BFF podcast to stay connected to more behind-the-scenes conversations about branding and business. We also welcome your rating and review on iTunes – so we know what you enjoyed and more people can find us!

EP25: Expanding Your Brand Through Email Communication, Kia Dolby

With everything going on globally, I decided to dedicate a podcast episode to “Brand Communication During a Crisis”. I had some initial thoughts and decided to bring in PR and crisis communications expert, Nicole Peternel of Rein Communications, to have a candid conversation about ways to connect and communicate with our clients and prospective clients. A few highlights we talk about are:  How our business values can help guide our communication during this time The importance of a “help first” mindset 4 things people are looking for in communication right now How the actions in your business during a crisis can impact your reputation and brand  Nicole Peternel is currently offering free crisis communication phone calls right now. You can reach her at www.reincommunications.com Recent article about crisis communication by Nicole:  https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/covid-19-when-health-crisis-becomes-communications-nicole-peternel/ You can follow Nicole at https://www.facebook.com/reincommunications/ and https://www.instagram.com/reincommunications/. This podcast is brought to you by Speerhead Solutions, a strategic branding business. https://speerheadsolutions.com/ Subscribe to the Branding BFF podcast to stay connected to more behind-the-scenes conversations about branding and business. We also welcome your rating and review on iTunes – so we know what you enjoyed and more people can find us!

EP24: Brand Communication During a Crisis, Nicole Peternel

In this episode we focus on a “Branding Quickie”. It’s one quick insight to help you better understand an aspect of branding. Our branding quickie today is: Time for a Brand Check-Up In this episode we talk about:  The health of your brand What a brand checkup is Key things to consider when you’re scheduling time for your brand check-up  If you want some help, Speerhead Solutions created a new service called Brand Check-Up. speerheadsolutions.com/strategy Subscribe to the Branding BFF podcast to stay connected to more behind-the-scenes conversations about branding and business. We also welcome your rating and review on iTunes – so we know what you enjoyed and more people can find us!

EP23: Branding Quickie, Time for a Brand Check-Up

In this episode we talk with attorney Karen Boardman about “Legally Protecting Your Brand”. A few highlights we talk about are:  What intellectual property is Understanding what trademarks, copyrights, patents and trade secrets are – with examples Which items have built in protections and when you should take legal steps for additional protection Which type of business names are easiest to get a trademark registration all the way to the hardest types Benefits of legally protecting your brand  Disclaimer from Karen Boardman:  All of my statements here are for informational purposes only and they do not constitute legal advice, nor does this podcast create any attorney/client privilege between myself and anyone listening to it. Karen Boardman works as an attorney at Sellers, Ayers, Dortch, Lyons http://sellersayers.com/ and you can also find her on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/karensboardman/ This podcast is brought to you by Speerhead Solutions, a strategic branding business. https://speerheadsolutions.com/ Is your brand working as hard as you are to get clients? Are your prospects and clients having an immersive experience with your brand? If you’re not sure, you’ll want to download the 4 Critical Elements of Brand Attraction at https://speerheadsolutions.com/ Subscribe to the Branding BFF podcast to stay connected to more behind-the-scenes conversations about branding and business. We also welcome your rating and review on iTunes – so we know what you enjoyed and more people can find us!

EP 22: Legally Protecting Your Brand, Karen Boardman

Today's Branding Quickie is all about how words matter in branding. We'll cover three key examples, plus communication through the key stages of client engagement. This podcast is brought to you by Speerhead Solutions, a strategic branding business. Are you working too hard to get clients? Ready to have your brand start doing some work for you? Get your free guide now. Download 4 Key Ingredients of Brand Attraction  at https://speerheadsolutions.com/ Subscribe to the Branding BFF podcast to stay connected to more behind-the-scenes conversations about branding and business. We also welcome your rating and review on iTunes – so we know what you enjoyed and more people can find us!

EP21: Branding Quickie, Words Matter

In this episode we talk with Brittany Canaski of Hello Velocity. She helps ambitious people get unstuck through coaching and consulting. Our topic is “Experience of Branding for First Time Business Owner”. A few highlights we talk about are:  The thoughts and feelings she had as a first time busines owner going through the branding process The thinking and approach we used to name her business The battle between her mind and her gut The points where fear came into play and how she dealt with it  You can follow Hello Velocity and connect at https://www.instagram.com/HelloVelocityCo/ and https://www.facebook.com/HelloVelocityCo This podcast is brought to you by Speerhead Solutions, a strategic branding business. https://speerheadsolutions.com/ Is your brand working as hard as you are to get clients? Are your prospects and clients having an immersive experience with your brand? If you’re not sure, you’ll want to download the 4 Critical Elements of Brand Attraction at SpeerheadSolutions.com Subscribe to the Branding BFF podcast to stay connected to more behind-the-scenes conversations about branding and business. We also welcome your rating and review on iTunes – so we know what you enjoyed and more people can find us!

EP 20: Experience of Branding for First Time Business Owner, Brittany Canaski

In this episode we talk with Latesha Byrd of Byrd Career Consulting & her personal brand Latesha Byrd. Our topic is “Raising Your Brand Visibility”.   A few highlights we talk about are:  The many ways Lastesha creates brand visibility How these opportunities have happened and which ones have been most effective The breakdown of time spent on the visibility work vs client work How she does it all Ways Latesha manages her time and energy Whether she considers herself an introvert or extrovert  You can learn more about Latesha Byrd and her work at http://byrdcareerconsulting.com/ and https://www.lateshabyrd.com/ You can connect with her on social for Byrd Career Consulting at https://twitter.com/byrdconsults, https://www.instagram.com/byrdconsults_/ and for Latesha Byrd at https://twitter.com/Latesha_Byrd, https://www.instagram.com/latesha_byrd/ If you enjoyed this and want more, learn the 4 Critical Elements of Brand Attraction in a free download at https://speerheadsolutions.com/ We welcome your rating and review on iTunes – so more people can find us! This podcast is brought to you by Speerhead Solutions, a strategic branding business. https://speerheadsolutions.com/

EP19: Raising Your Brand Visibility, Latesha Byrd

In this episode we turn the tables and I’m asked the questions by my guest host Erin Breeden of Blue Tide Creative. Our topic is “Behind the Scenes of My Rebrand” and starting with the biggest question, “Why does a branding business rebrand their business?” (Speer Creative Edge rebranded to Speerhead Solutions at the beginning of 2020.) A few highlights we talk about are:  The thought process and strategy behind the rebrand Why I changed more than just the business name The easiest - and hardest parts - about my rebrand How I saved a local business money in their rebrand Suggestions when you’re considering your own rebrand  You can learn more about Lisa Speer and Speerhead Solutions at https://speerheadsolutions.com You can follow on social media at https://www.instagram.com/speerheadsolutions/ https://twitter.com/ErinBreeden and https://www.facebook.com/speerheadsolutions To learn more about our guest host Erin Breeden of Blue Tide Creative, visit https://www.bluetidecreative.com/ And follow her on social media at https://www.instagram.com/erinmbreeden/ and shorturl.at/AQRX0 If you enjoyed this and want more, learn the 4 Critical Elements of Brand Attraction in a free download at https://speerheadsolutions.com We welcome your rating and review on iTunes – so more people can find us! This podcast is brought to you by Speerhead Solutions, a strategic branding business. https://speerheadsolutions.com

EP 18: Behind the Scenes of My Rebrand, Lisa Speer

In this episode we focus on a “Branding Quickie”. It’s one quick insight to help you better understand an aspect of branding. Lisa Speer shares:  How your brand should be like a magnet What brand attraction is Thinking through your attraction to a brand  To dive in and go deeper you can get your free copy of 4 Critical Elements of Brand Attraction at https://speercreativeedge.com If you enjoyed the Branding BFF podcast, please rate us and give us a review on iTunes to help more people will discover us! This podcast is brought to you by Speer Creative Edge, a strategic branding business. https://speercreativeedge.com

EP 17: Branding Quickie, Be Like a Magnet

In this episode we talk with Nesha Pai, founder of Pai CPA and her personal brand Nesha Pai. Our topic is “The Courage to Stand Out”. A few highlights we talk about are:  How standing out and has been a theme throughout Nesha’s life and business Different ways of looking at being courageous Integrating passions into your branding Nesha’s top 3 things you need as a new entrepreneur Being a “Black Sheep Business Owner” Writing a book about her life was therapeutic  You can connect with Nesha Pai on https://paicpapllc.com and https://neshapai.com You can follow Nesha Pai on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pai_cpa/ and https://www.instagram.com/neshapai/  If you enjoyed this and want more, learn the 4 Critical Elements of Brand Attraction in a free download at https://speercreativeedge.com We welcome your rating and review on iTunes – so more people can find us! This podcast is brought to you by Speer Creative Edge, a strategic branding business. https://speercreativeedge.com  

EP 16: The Courage to Stand Out, Nesha Pai

In this episode we talk with Wade Foley, founder of Social Grit, about “Aligning Your Brand on Social”.  A few highlights we talk about are:  Every business has a story  Best practices to align your brand on social media Worst practices and items that hurt your brand on social The importance of brand consistency, clear strategy and social media goals How to turn around negative brand comments on social media  You can connect with Wade Foley on https://socialgritmarketing.com/ You can follow Social Grit on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/socialgritco/  https://www.instagram.com/socialgritco/  https://twitter.com/SocialGritCo If you enjoyed the Branding BFF podcast, please rate us and give us a review on iTunes to help more people will discover us! This podcast is brought to you by Speer Creative Edge, a strategic branding business. https://speercreativeedge.com

EP 15: Aligning Your Brand on Social Media, Wade Foley

Agile Mindset Consulting helps solopreneurs, startups and small businesses to get out of the danger zone. In this episode we talk with founder Patty Aluskewicz about “Building a Strong Brand Foundation”. A few highlights we talk about are:  How standing for what you want in your business and your brand takes courage Defining who you are and being authentic is key to connect with clients The intersection of your brand foundation and your business foundation Signs that a small business is in the danger zone, plus the role of pivoting and Agile Navigating authenticity in your brand and business when you are going through challenges in your business   You can connect with Patty Aluskewicz at http://agilemindsetconsulting.com You can follow Patty and Agile Mindset Consulting on LinkedIn and Facebook:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/patty-aluskewicz-med-csm-ryt-9a4b3b16a/ https://www.facebook.com/patty.aluskewicz.52 If you enjoyed the Branding BFF podcast, please rate us and give us a review on iTunes to help more people will discover us!  This podcast is brought to you by Speer Creative Edge, a strategic branding business. https://speercreativeedge.com  

EP 14: Building a Strong Brand Foundation, Patty Aluskewicz

In this episode we introduce a segment called "Branding Quickie".  Lisa Speer shares one quick insight and then backs it up with an explanation and examples. She describes:  • How your brand is a bridge • The three areas of your bridge If you enjoyed the Branding BFF podcast, please rate us and give us a review on iTunes to help more people will discover us! This podcast is brought to you by Speer Creative Edge, a strategic branding business. https://speercreativeedge.com

EP 13: Branding Quickie, Your Brand is a Bridge

In this episode our topic is “Using Your Lifestyle to Shape Your Brand” and we’re talking with Allison Conway of Sealevel Agency.  A few highlights we talk about are:  Using her desired lifestyle to create her business and brand The inspiration for her business name came while traveling How the visual elements of her brand – logo, colors and photos – are drawn from spending time above and below sea level The ways that travel helps her bring a unique perspective to her web design work How the website platform she uses aligns with her lifestyle and supports her clients in location independence as well  You connect with Allison Conway at https://sealevelagency.com/ If you enjoyed the Branding BFF podcast, please rate us and give us a review on iTunes to help more people will discover us! This podcast is brought to you by Speer Creative Edge, a strategic branding business. https://speercreativeedge.com

EP 12: Using Your Lifestyle to Shape Your Brand, Allison Conway

In this episode our topic is “Creating Your Business Name and Tagline” and we’re talking with Ellen Gross.   A few highlights we talk about are:  Multiple approaches for business naming, with national and local examples Alliteration as a tool for memorability and recall Purpose and role of a business tagline, with examples Importance of having multiple business name options Key items to check before finalizing your business name    You connect with Ellen Gross at Speer Creative Edge. https://speercreativeedge.com/contact   If you enjoyed the Branding BFF podcast, please rate us and give us a review on iTunes to help more people will discover us!   This podcast is brought to you by Speer Creative Edge, a strategic branding business. https://speercreativeedge.com

EP 11: Creating Your Business Name and Tagline, Ellen Gross

In this episode our topic is “Telling Your Brand Story with Video” and we’re talking with Duncan Littlefield of The Littlefield Company. A few highlights we cover are:  People aren’t connecting with the fake-it-till-you-make-it people and influencers anymore Video and telling stories help you earn trust – and allows you to ask (for the sale) The video that prompted Duncan to purchase a product on first viewing because of the story it told and how he connected to it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-VM6wUr16w You’re ready for video when you have a story and are excited to tell it Accessibility of video and the use of it as a connection point How being partners for life drives how Duncan hires staff and works with his clients  You can learn more about The Littlefield Company at https://thelittlefield.co/ You can follow The Littlefield Company on Instagram, Facebook and Vimeo: https://www.instagram.com/thelittlefieldco/ https://www.facebook.com/TheLittlefieldCo/ https://vimeo.com/user84890147 If you enjoyed the Branding BFF podcast, please rate us and give us a review on iTunes to help more people will discover us! This podcast is brought to you by Speer Creative Edge, a strategic branding business. https://speercreativeedge.com

EP 10: Telling Your Brand Story with Video, Duncan Littlefield

Quin Gwinn Studio is a full-service interior architecture and design studio which provides commercial and residential services. In this episode our topic is “When to Name a Business After Yourself”. A few highlights we talk about are:  How her personal philosophy helped Quin name her business after herself – and the alternatives she considered How social media helps her connect with prospective clients The role of rhyming in Quin’s life and how it makes people smile Examples of when it’s good to name your business after yourself, and also when it’s a bad idea A key perspective to consider: your name and reputation go hand in hand  You can learn more about Quin Gwinn Studio at www.quingwinn.com You can follow Quin Gwinn Studio on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter: https://www.instagram.com/thestudioqg/ https://www.instagram.com/quingwinn/ https://www.facebook.com/quingwinnstudio https://twitter.com/quingwinn  If you enjoyed the Branding BFF podcast, please rate us and give us a review on iTunes to help more people will discover us! This podcast is brought to you by Speer Creative Edge, a strategic branding business. https://speercreativeedge.com

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