Entry 01: “Express yourself authentically, you must. Happy and confident, you become.” — Brand Jedi Angela

Let’s start off this new newsletter series adventure with a little exercise, shall we?

I’d like you to take a moment and think about the outfit you have on and also what you have going on today.

Are you working from home? Heading to an office or going out to eat? Are you gardening or running errands? Working out at home or at the gym?

Why did you choose the particular clothes you have on?

Is it because they are comfortable? Do they fit in all the right places, hiding your insecure bits? Do they make you feel empowered, beautiful? Are you wearing that tried and true staple shirt or something you just bought yourself?

Today I am working from home and my meetings are with my team, so they get super casual with me with no makeup (you lucky ducks!)

Funny side note: Usually, because I work from home, my attire is more akin to a mullet—business on the top and comfy on the bottom.

Uniforms aside, I can bet the farm that you didn’t choose your clothing solely because someone else would like it. There’s one thing to be complimented on the fit of a pair of pants, but if they aren’t comfortable or they make you feel insecure, why would you choose to wear them??

The point is, we dress for our own comfort, for our own empowerment. We choose our outfits appropriate for the occasion as an expression of ourselves.

These same principles apply to your brand.?

Your brand, whether personal or professional or company, has to be a reflection of authentically, wonderfully YOU.?

If you…

• create content to try to impress people,?
• find yourself worrying what people will think,?
• don’t feel like you can be yourself around certain people,
• are feeling less than and uncomfortable around peers,

…then maybe it is time to take a good hard look at your brand.?

These emotions are exhibitive of not really knowing who you are and what you stand for, and because of such, you are doing yourself and your career a great disservice.

If this resonates, you may be wondering, “Okay, so where do I even start?”?

Don’t worry. I’ve got you, boo!

Throughout this new newsletter series, my intention is to help you get to the heart and soul of your authentic brand by sharing my experiences and strategies working with clients ranging from pre-revenue through $1.3 billion.

I will cover topics that will benefit founders and executives alike, including:

?? Brand DNA / The Bottom of the Iceberg

?? Core Values / What Do You Stand For?

?? Vision + Mission / Your Big, Audacious Goal + How You're Going to Get There

?? Brand Positioning / Your Brand in a Nutshell

?? Inhale Brand, Exhale Marketing

?? Visual Identity / How You Look to the World

?? Brand Tone / How You Sound to the World

?? Authenticity in Branding / People Watch What You Do

?? Your Brand + Your Website/ Landing Page

?? Your Brand + Your Content

?? Brand MadLibs for DIY Founders

?? Corporate Strategy Session Outline for Founders to DIYB(rand)

What burning questions do you have about your personal or business brand that I can add to the list of topics for discussion? Put them in the comments and I will riff on them in future articles.

In the meantime, as you put on tomorrow’s outfit, try to take off that mask you are hiding behind.?

Just as you feel confident in the clothes you choose, allow your soul to express itself authentically—it will help people connect with YOU and put their trust in YOU.?

??♀? Hi, I'm Angela DiMarco. I specialize in guiding businesses to express their unique brand with authenticity and creativity. With over 30 years of experience in branding, marketing, and advertising, I possess an intuitive knack for uncovering the soul of a company. From shaping your visual brand to connecting with your audience, my goal is to empower you and your organization with a sturdy foundation. Learn more at UniquelyPhenom.com or follow Uniquely Phenom Collaboration for our latest news.

Dana Sardano and I are your super professional and buttoned up ??co-hosts of Going Commando with Angela & Dana Podcast. Check us out for a good dose of authenticity and wisdom, and the occasional epic burp.

I am also the author of Uniquely U. Update #52: The Birth of a Bright-Eyed Entrepreneur, available at Phenom-Publishing.com or an Amazon near you ??. In my debut book, I share the tumultuous journey of starting a business.

“Angela reveals herself without inhibition…We can feel her angst and the insecurity of her inner child holding on for dear life as her warrior spirit takes over with fierce determination…a true window into the evolution of Angela’s soul and each update gives us a greater glimpse into her star power and creative genius.” ~ Dana Sardano

#branding #foundation #creative #entrepreneur #creativeservices #entrepreneur #founderstories