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The last time Brooke Sellas of B Squared Media was on "Let's Talk About Brand," we discussed the importance of real conversations with customers and clients.


This time, we're having a real conversation about Brooke's hesitance to stand in her own spotlight over the years, the supporters who nudged her onto those huge global stages and even into writing a book, and the confidence she's found since to finally take control of her strong personal brand.


Brooke's reluctance is highly relatable, and goes to show that even the most successful people sometimes need a little help owning their own greatness.


(Sound like anyone you know, Christine? Perhaps even yourself?) ❤️

Christine

p.s. Check out Brooke's previous appearance if you want to know more about customer care conversations!

Now, let's talk about...

 

Today's Podcast


I always love a chance to chat with self-professed "goofball" Brooke Sellas! (She'll be returning to MarketingProfs B2B Forum in Boston in a few weeks, so if you're there, make sure to catch her session!)

Have A Listen

Behind The Brand


I think it's safe to say Martha Stewart is a personal branding icon⏤and whether you love her or hate her, her struggles and triumphs over the years all hold valuable insights on the pitfalls and pleasures of building and maintaining a personal brand that lasts decades (and continues to bring in millions). From soup to Snoop, from catering to convictions, from tablescapes to thirst traps, I'm so excited to watch this in-depth view of how a legendary woman built herself⏤and then re-built, and re-built again.


Lesson: Whether you see Martha's story as "tall poppy syndrome" or as a cautionary tale of hubris, it's an interesting exercise to reflect on how you might handle such setbacks in your own personal brand (I'd probably have given up at the second or so hurdle, TBH). What has driven her to keep going? And what is the line between confidence and pride?

Watch The Trailer

Swedish Slay


For a while now, IKEA UK has been serving up on-brand, of-the-moment spoofs of popular culture moments (this time it's Charli XCX's Brat remix album). I first noticed this trend when IKEA posted their version of Doja Cat's Met Gala towel dress the morning after the event, and the hits just keep on coming.


The thing that makes IKEA UK's efforts so impressive is the commitment to brand; as you can see, they kept IKEA's colours and font when imitating Charli XCX, and all the "tracks" are actual IKEA products. All their spoofs have consistently incorporated organic "in"s for the brand within them, including a few clever carousels of items at IKEA to match famous Taylor Swift songs.


Lesson: If you're thinking of jumping on a pop culture moment, make it timely (don't wait!), and make sure there's a natural connection to your brand. Don't put something out there just to blend in; create something that stands out as yours!

IKEA UK IG
 

Want more than emails?


I'd love to work with you 1-on-1, with your team, or with your event to help build some strong, confident personal brands!

Let's Talk About YOU

Personal Branding Prompt:


When was the last time you used your content to actively start direct, 1-on-1 conversations⏤whether as a series of comment replies, or even in the DMs?


What could you put out there this week to get some of those conversations started?


And how can you keep them going (and take them deeper) once someone engages?

See you next week!

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