Gloves Off…It’s Training Day.

photo: Fabio Barelt

GLOVES OFF…IT’S TRAINING DAY.

If you don’t fight for it, who will?

Last year was a match that made us wise, shine and ready to take on 2019. We have a new chance to forget about yesterday, reset the score, kick some *ss, and be healthier, wealthier, and wiser than ever. It’s time to become the reigning champ we know you are…so training camp begins now, in your great, big, beautiful today!

Knock last year out of the ring.
Health, wealth, and wisdom 
#gainz for 2019 begin now!

CLARITY

HEALTH: The hardest part of training for anything is that first realization it’s time to actually do it. We know it can feel overwhelming to start making big moves for your business, but gathering up the momentum to make that first jump in the ring is a very healthy and empowering decision- it means you’re ready to whoop some *ss!

WEALTH: Creating a wealth of wins for your business means asking yourself serious questions about the goals you want to set to rack ‘em up. The beloved (fictional) boxer Rocky Balboa once said that “every champion was once a contender that refused to give up.” If you’re a contender ready to become a champ, ask yourself “which idea is best?”, “where do I start?”, “how do I make it happen?” and other critical questions that show you’re not a quitter.

WISDOM: Now that you have the momentum to jump in the ring, and you’re asking all the right questions to start making moves, our 1C Consult can provide the gloves-off answers you need to jump-start your training with clarity.

STYLE

HEALTH: The health of your brand is only as good as the health and consistency of your style. If your brand seems to be rocking bell-bottoms from the seventies, a mullet from the eighties, and a scrunchy from the nineties, then your style might need to be straightened out.

WEALTH: We’re in the age of information, baby, which means that you have a wealth of resources all around you. Start by paying attention to what you and your clients are naturally drawn to, and go from there. Research different color palettes you like, inspirational images that speak to you, and photos from your real work that pump you up and remind you why you’re a champ.

WISDOM: Are you starting to see some trends and patterns? Now the real training begins. Our Brand Style Guide curates the best of (signature) images for your brand, identifies inspirational imagery to craft the mood of your brand’s persona, and ties them together with a complementary color palette, typeface and logo usage guide. Let’s retire the mix and match branding and develop a cohesive style that’s a sure winner.

VOICE

HEALTH: It’s unhealthy to mask your true fighting spirit, so stop being a punching bag just to conform with others and figure out what you’re really trying to say instead of padding it. 

WEALTH: There never seems to be a wealth of time, so, get into fighter’s stance and be real with your ideal clients. Winners speak freely and confidently because they know they fight for the good, and there’s no use in trying to please everyone. No matter what you say or do, there’s always someone who’ll retort with “why I oughtta...”

WISDOM: You and your target client are both training for the same thing: to be in the winner’s circle. This means that it’s time to cut the chitchat and have real, pre-match pep talks to share wisdom with each other. Our Brand Voice Guide will train you (and your team) to use your words and find your message in a way that your perfect client understands. Bonus, if you’re not someone who likes to declare themselves a winner, we can write up a bio for you.

CONTENT

HEALTH: Old, underperforming marketing materials aren’t healthy for your brand. The way clients are absorbing information and making purchasing decisions these days means it’s time to upgrade your marketing gear. 

WEALTH: “Curated Content” – it’s the buzzword that isn’t going anywhere. The branded content you put together can either bring in a wealth of new clients or knock you into last year. It's time to up your game with tailored brochures and streamlined proposal templates. 

WISDOM: Marketing materials need to pack a punch. They should communicate your brand visually and deliver relevant information quickly to your client. Our Custom Marketing Materials can break down your services into easily digestible concepts and turn them into branded assets (digital brochures, pricing pamphlets and client onboarding documents) to powerfully communicate your wealth of wisdom to your ideal clients. No more weak BS – just your clear and simple brand message.

ACTION

HEALTH: It’s a new year, which means it’s a fresh start to form healthy habits. So, put your dukes up and kick the habit of procrastination once and for all.

WEALTH: The proven method for this one is to do some solid goal setting which can then become an actual game plan. Bust out the pen and paper and take the time to establish a wealth of priorities. Write down other toxic habits you may have that could be an interference to your business and to you becoming your most bad *ss self.

WISDOM: Training to take your business the distance as a solo entrepreneur can be a tough fight. Queue Creative Coaching! With our unique wisdom we’ll take your business goals and work them into an actionable game plan. Plus, our bi-monthly consult calls will keep you on track (ahem, accountable) toward your biggest wins yet.

You have a whole new year with a wealth of chances to make healthy decisions. Make your wisest decision of the year and let us train your brand to kick *ss, take names, and go the distance toward making 2019 a big win for your business.

Gloves off - time to wise to the top.

Schedule your 30-minute complimentary consult,

and let Editor’s Edge train your brand to win! 🙌

Like a Boss: Directing 101

photo: Zee Nunes

DIRECTING 101

It’s MORE than just “management.”

Whether it’s the assistant that doesn’t understand timelines or the one who can’t get it right the first (or second) time, we find ourselves going in circles to get sh*t done when there’s way bigger fish to fry. So what’s the catch? Well, you might want to ask yourself, “Am I managing my team or directing them?” There’s a difference! As the boss, your agenda should be on top-level items: setting goals, providing tools, and defining success for your team. That then trickles down to your team, who should be managing themselves. It might sound easy in theory but we know it’s hard in practice (been there, done that, still doing it). Good news is we’ve got a few tips to get you rolling. 

The 4C’s of
Directing like a BOSS

1. COMMUNICATE

BECAUSE: Unfortunately, we’re not all mind readers. Save yourself the annoyance of confusion and be crystal clear when talking about what you want and expect from your team. Bonus points for taking the time to understand the different ways each of your colleagues learns – whether they lean on visuals or need some examples, cater to their style and you’ll all find success sooner. 

BE WARNED: Let’s just say communication is the backbone of directing a team. Without it, you’re going to find yourself burning the midnight oil to catch up on the tasks that your team totally effed up.

2. COLLABORATE

BECAUSE: There’s no “I” in team, or in boss for that matter. Working together can unlock opportunities and solutions you couldn’t come to on your own. The sense of collectiveness will also instill responsibility and ownership in your employees. They’ll feel more invested in your business, which is always a good thing.

BE WARNED: A “my way or the highway” style of micro managing will get you nowhere fast. Not only is it totally annoying but also completely inefficient (see above: you have bigger fish to fry). Empower your team and make them feel they have something to add. Which they do! Otherwise, why did you hire them?

3. COMPLIMENT

BECAUSE: Give credit where credit is due. When it comes to team members, you’re not only building a positive rapport but also giving them a boost of confidence to keep doing great work! Pro tip: it’s the cheapest way to increase employee morale. Regardless of who you are, positive reinforcement will always make you feel like a million bucks. 

BE WARNED: Lack of accolades isn’t great for company morale…or employee retention…or your continued efforts to find your Zen. We’re big believers in the power of positive reinforcement so why not check your ego at the door and give credit where credit’s due. A little goes a long way.

4. CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM

BECAUSE: One word: GROWTH. As the boss, for better or worse, it’s part of the gig to support growth in our team members. Honest feedback delivered in a clear and encouraging way will truly resonate with your team to push them to improve and do better work. All that equals less micro managing and more time dedicated to important boss stuff…like finding the perfect LBD for your next speaking engagement. 

BE WARNED: Cue resentment. Without critique, your team can’t look back to look forward and set themselves up for success. Which is incredibly frustrating to them and it’s going to be incredibly frustrating for you too. Skip the passive aggressive hostilities by doling out advice that they can use to create an action plan to accomplishment.  

So to sum it up: Communicate, Collaborate, Compliment and Constructive Criticism. Rinse and repeat for team-fueled success and hard-earned BOSS freedom!

Ready to Call the Shots? 
This Way to Direct Success. 

 

WTF does that mean: Buzzword Breakdown

photo: unknown

IT’S A BUZZWORD BREAKDOWN, YO!

We’re about to cut this one up seven times.

Bzz, bzz, bzz…sometimes the sound of trendy buzzwords is enough to have you reaching for the noise-cancelling headphones. We hear you! We’ll be the first to admit that we’re guilty of using the jargon (sorry!) and even roll our eyes at ourselves sometimes. –Scraaatch- We’re here to spin the top seven buzzwords our way so that they make sense for you.

Ready to take it to the bridge?

1. BRAND

WTF DOES IT MEAN:  A targeted brand is what separates the big dogs in the overcrowded marketplace. The synergy of a cohesive visual style and unique brand voice makes a brand recognizable (in under 3 seconds) and memorable. 

WHAT IT’S GOOD FOR: It’s that clear understanding of brand that gives you the leverage to target and connect emotionally with your ideal client – leading to major $$. 

WHEN TO USE IT: When you know you’re ready to step up your game by turning your small business into a full-fledged brand.

2. CONTENT

WTF DOES IT MEAN:  Content is information packaged in a way (imagery, social media, newsletters, video etc.) that is used to tell a story, portray emotion, explain ideas and connect with people.

WHAT IT’S GOOD FOR: Whether you’re posting to Instagram or putting together your digital marketing materials (i.e. services brochure, online bio, etc.) you’re content is educating potential clients.

WHEN TO USE IT: To create a connection with your target client that convinces them you’re the right person for their unique needs.

3. CURATE

WTF DOES IT MEAN: To curate means to sift through an assortment of similar things, select the best and organize for presentation. 

WHAT IT’S GOOD FOR: Cutting through the crap to create a cohesive brand (and consistent content) that reaches clients in less than 3 seconds. 

WHEN TO USE IT:  In the context of building your business, you would curate your website galleries to feature the work that you want to be booking while removing the work that you’re moving away from…like Mason jar weddings, if that’s not your jam.

4. IDEAL CLIENT

WTF DOES IT MEAN:  An ideal client is someone who you’ve qualified as most likely to benefit from (and purchase) your services and products. 

WHAT IT’S GOOD FOR:  Working with clients that you actually like – cheers to that!

WHEN TO USE IT: Once you outline hyper-specific qualities about your ideal client, such as where they shop, what their favorite TV shows are, where they want to vacation next, you can target them with content that is certain to resonate.  

5. CREATIVE DIRECTION

WTF DOES IT MEAN:  Creative direction is the act of guiding the overall concept for a project. This could be anything from overseeing the design for a website to physically being on set at a photo shoot.

WHAT IT’S GOOD FOR: A great creative director takes a holistic approach to each project to make sure it’s cohesive across all channels, maintains brand taste levels and elevates the team while keeping client goals in mind the entire time.

WHEN TO USE IT: To direct a brand’s vision and goals turning them into reality with style (while removing that whole stress element from the project).

6. SIGNATURE IMAGES

WTF DOES IT MEAN:  Signature images are the visual calling card to your brand. They should be images you share repeatedly because they represent the type of work that you want to be doing. 

WHAT IT’S GOOD FOR: Using signature images consistently and repeatedly will
allow potential clients to recognize your brand immediately.

WHEN TO USE IT: When you want to visually define your brand. Remember, what you put out there is what you get back.

7. INFLUENCER

WTF DOES IT MEAN:  An influencer is a person who has a guiding affect on the purchasing decisions of others. Based on a relationship of trust, often built through social media, influencers are looked to for their “expertise” on certain topics.

WHAT IT’S GOOD FOR: Businesses and brands collaborate with influencers to promote their products and services in a more authentic manner; it should feel like a friend is recommending it. 

WHEN TO USE IT: Getting an invite to that next fomo-inducing FAM trip.

MASH-UP BONUS: STRATEGY

Add to the end of just about anything to make it a SUPER buzzword. 💪🏻 

For example: social media strategy, content strategy, email strategy, or mid-week
survival cocktail strategy.

Feelin’ like mixing things up?
LET’S GET DOWN

So Frustrated You Could Scream?

photo: Marcus Ohlsson

SO FRUSTRATED YOU COULD SCREAM? 

Let it all out.

Oh March, roaring in like a lion with dreary cold weather that just won’t quit. We get it; all you want to do is break out of those winter business blues and fast-forward to spring. Unless you have a Plutonium-filled DeLorean, looks like you’ll be sloshing through the rest of the month with everyone else. Hold up, there is hope! Instead of watching your frustrations pile up alongside the muddy snow, we challenge you to look at them from a new perspective… 

Raise your hand if any of this

sounds familiar:

✓ My potential clients are so damn wishy-washy and take too long to close.

✓ I keep losing gigs to competitors who are in the same league as me.

✓ It’s time for a change. Is my next move a good one?

✓  Am I standing in my own way?

Sounds like “frustrated” is the new “F” word around here. The funny little thing about pent up grievances is that they obscure what’s really going on. That said, how can we step outside of our brands to see and reflect on these issues?

FEEDBACK

Are you hiding under the covers already? We know that receiving feedback is about the most intimidating thing on Earth but we promise it’s the secret to releasing frustrations. Now let’s clarify, that doesn’t mean you should run to your best-friend-in-the-whole-world and ask them to be blatantly honest about your work…because they’ll most likely tell you what you want hear, “It’s not you, it’s them!” We mean seeking a qualified critique from a truly experienced professional in your field (not just any hot young thing calling them self an “expert”). Think of it as the Tim Gunn treatment for your business – no bullshit. You wouldn’t leave the house with mismatched shoes so why would you let your brand look uncoordinated? Make it work. 

If you’re feeling the urge to break through these frustrations, our Content Consulting services are the solution. Editor’s Edge takes a holistic approach to your brand with your big picture in mind the whole time. Working together to (confidentially) discuss your concerns and define your goals, we build a realistic action plan made to differentiate and elevate your brand. Our honest and constructive critiques - we call it our “spoonful of sugar” method - pinpoint your unique strengths and dig into the holes to redefine your signature style. Your business is evolving all the time, and we’re here to guide you to a stronger brand built on your existing foundation.

Ready to flourish this spring? 

Let’s step up your game with a

complimentary call!

Should I Stay...

photo: Josh Olins

SHOULD I STAY
OR SHOULD I GO (FOR IT) NOW?

Out with the old, in with the new.

That’s so 2017. Last year had its ups and downs but now it’s time to go full speed ahead into 2018! Did you take a time out in December to reflect on your successes (and learn from your f*ck ups)? Then let’s rock ‘n’ roll because you’re about to kick this year in the a**.

What’s our game plan? 

Kicking out the old, embracing the new and
stepping into 2018 with some swagger!

Let us help get
your brand in formation…

CLARITY

KICK IT:  First things first, let’s get the ball rolling! It can feel overwhelming to find a starting point but don’t let that paralyze you.

EMBRACE IT: Let the questions guide you. If you’re wondering whether your work is attracting the right clients or your Instagram needs a facelift ask the opinions of those you trust.

STEP IN: Did you find some clarity? Now it’s time to really refine it to drive change this year. Our 1C Consult can get you to that aha moment with some real talk constructive criticism that’ll empower you to get into action (like, now).

STYLE

KICK IT:  Vision boards are cute but ditch them for a more intentional Brand Mood Board this year. Honestly, pasting a picture of Kit Harrington on your wall isn’t getting you any closer to that Game of Bones anyway. 

EMBRACE IT:  Start with what gives you and your ideal clients the feels and go from there. Research for color palettes that you like, inspirational images (Pinterest is a rabbit hole of redundancy so look for eye candy outside of your field) and photos from your real work that remind you why you’re a rockstar. 

STEP IN:  Are you seeing a common thread come together? Ding-ding, your brand is getting it’s groove on, visually. Our Brand Style Services take it a step further by curating your brand’s Signature images, identifying inspirational images that craft a visual representation of your ideal client and tying those together with a complementary color palette and typeface guide. No more mix and match style branding!

VOICE

KICK IT: Quit the small talk. It’s time to figure out what you’re really trying to say instead of skirting the issue. No more Mr. Ambiguous Guy (or Gal).

EMBRACE IT: There’s no time to waste, you’ve got to talk the talk to walk the walk with your ideal client. We’re not saying you have to be an a-hole but there’s no use in trying to please everyone. Besides, you’ll be much happier when you can speak freely.

STEP IN: Cut through the chitchat and strike up a real conversation with your target client. Our Brand Voice Guide helps you use your words and find your message in a way that your perfect client understands. Bonus, for those who hate bragging about themselves, we can write up a bio that would make your frenemies jealous.

 

CONTENT

KICK IT: If you’re still slinging the same old marketing materials from Y2K, do the planet a favor and recycle them…now. With the way clients are absorbing informationand making purchasing decisions these days, it’s time to upgrade.

EMBRACE IT: “Curated Content” – it’s the buzzword that isn’t going anywhere. From tailored brochures to streamlined proposal templates, the branded content you put together is what’s going to power your business. 

STEP IN: Your marketing materials need to be pulling double duty – communicating your brand visually and delivering important information (i.e. how much you need to get paid) quickly to your client. With our Custom Marketing Materials we brainstorm together to figure out how to break down your services into easily digestible concepts, turn them into branded assets (think digital brochures, pricing pamphlets and client onboarding documents) and deliver them with a ribbon on top (ribbon by request only). No more long-winded, over-stuffed BS – just your brand message, clear, simple and easy to book.

ACTION

KICK IT: New Year, new you. We know; we’ve been there. But seriously, it’s time to kick the procrastinating once and for all. 

EMBRACE IT: Bust out the pen and paper because the tried and true solution for this one is goal setting. You have to take the time to establish priorities and how to game plan where you should be going. 

STEP IN: Truth be told, going at it alone as solo entrepreneur makes this particularly challenging but not impossible. Cue Creative Coaching! Bi-monthly consult calls help keep you on track (ahem, accountable) to those creative goals so you can work ON your brand and not just IN it. 

We’ve heard that parting is such sweet sorrow but there are some things worth saying goodbye to.

If you’re ready to kick it,
Editor’s Edge can get you
steppin’ in to the New Year!