Episode 163. I've Got a Great Logo - Does That Mean I've Got a Great Brand?

Today, I'm talking with the truly talented Michelle Knox, a brand strategist and designer who has become not only one of my closest friends, but also one of my most trusted advisors over the years.

Michelle helps women entrepreneurs, small businesses, and nonprofits cut through the noise and create messaging that actually makes the right people stop and pay attention.

In this episode, we’ll dive deep into why most people are starting their branding journey completely backwards, and how to fix that before wasting another dollar on pretty graphics that don't convert.

Michelle breaks down her powerful "3 C's" framework and shares some seriously eye-opening stories about what happens when you finally get clear about who you really serve.

(And, uhm, we’ll include a behind-the-scenes look at my own brand evolution that I hadn't exactly planned to share…😅).

In our conversation, you'll learn:

The essential step you must take before you even think about designing a logo or a website.
Why your messaging should REPEL most people from working with you. (And yes, I meant to say that.)
The one fear that you must face, if you want to stop looking and sounding like everyone else. (And please, for the love of your clients, do stop looking and sounding like everyone else!)
A simple way to test whether your messaging is landing with the right people (Spoiler alert: this one could take you out of your comfort zone.)

Michelle also shares that standing out isn't about being louder (or prettier or more poetic or more clever or…whatev’s).

It's about being clearer.

#TRUTH: Bland branding might feel safe, but it's also invisible.

One of the things I love about Michelle is her ability to call it out when she sees me making a mistake in my own branding.

Today - you will learn from her too, just as I have.

Give it a listen.

~Wendy

P.S. Did this make you think? If so, good. That’s what my goal is here on the Ideal Practice podcast. And if that happens often - if you love the value that we bring to you each week - would you please give us a 5 star review and a few words over on Apple Podcasts?

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TODAY’S GUEST: MICHELLE KNOX

Michelle Knox is the owner of Lone Red & Co., an online branding & marketing collaborative. They help entrepreneurs with decades of experience brand their mastery so they can market with confidence, earn more money, create a bigger impact, and feel inspired about what's next in their businesses (and lives!).

In addition to Lone Red & Co.'s marketing services, Michelle also offers growth consulting to small businesses and nonprofits who are looking to grow their revenue and impact. Partnering with them to identify and fix the leaks in their marketing and sales systems so they can scale without having to hire more staff.

Her Website
LinkedIn
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MENTIONED

And excellent book: Start With WHY, by Simon Sinek

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