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3 Ways Personal Branding is Just Like Sex

Okay sexy entrepreneurs; let’s get real personal. It’s sex so I know I have your attention lol. ok, ok, let’s focus here. Branding is all about engagement, repetition of what works, gets results and a connection to your target audience, so is sex. It requires participation and gets more exciting the more exploratory you are. Seriously, your personal brand is just the same. There are so many ways personal branding is like sex, these are the top 3 ways.

1. INTIMACY

Whether you have one partner or multiple, the fact is sex requires intimacy. You are your most vulnerable during sex. Just the same, your branding requires you share intimacy of your message with your one client, or the world. Whatever your brand value offers are, being intimate about what you have to share is necessary for how your customers will relate to you. With brand intimacy, you package and share value that you hope will please or impress your audience/customers so they keep coming back to your company.

2. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

As with sex the more you practice, the better you should get. Having sex multiple times can help you learn and get better at it. With your personal brand, you have to keep repeating strategies; practices and lessons that make you better at showing your brand value. If certain things don’t work, you learn from them and try other things. This is how you learn and grow a brand that evolves over time. Keep learning more about your value offer as a brand and how it really helps others, so you can be great at it.

3. ORGASM = RESULTS

Results are what sex boils down to. Yes, the experience is great, the journey to orgasm is exciting, but when you actually get to an orgasm, it feels like everything falls in place. Your brand, when aligned with your intention and your value offer to the audience/target market it’s like a perfect moment. If your brand can provide a positively engaging and memorable experience with great results for your target audience, then you have done your part.

Branding as common as it may seem these days, just like sex is an intimate experience that should be taken seriously. You should be intentional about what message you are sending out about your brand, who your ideal target audience is and how you can build a lasting relationship that is beneficial to you and your target audience.

Your Purpose Coach and Cheerleader
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SIGN UP FOR MY FREE PURPOSE INSIDER! NEWSLETTER

It’s free. Sign up today and get some free helpful resources to build profits, including my report on the 7 Easy Steps To A Purposeful, Fun and Profitable Brand.


profile-ysI AM the creator of ICY ACADEMY an online program with a network of Inspired GO-GETTERS who are ready to step FULLY into their purpose doing what they love, while helping others in a way that creates financial freedom for them and their families. With my Signature Program: Meaningful Branding Sequence, I help individuals and businesses create a Purposeful and Powerful Brand that is Profitable. And we have a whole lot of fun on our way there.

To step into your own purpose, visit ICYACADEMY.com

 

 

Connect With Yetunde:

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/yetundeshorters

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/icyacademy

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/yetunde

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/icypr

Periscope: http://www.periscope.tv/Yetunde

7 Steps to a Profitable and Purposeful Brand

It’s official we have stepped into the era of total SELF PROMOTION. Here is however how YOU can stand out this year. These 7 easy steps help you identify what really matters for a purpose driven and profitable brand. One of the secrets to a successful brand is being very clear on what YOU have to offer to OTHERS that adds value to their lives.

You are more likely to be top of mind when people know your brand makes them feel better about themselves. Not about you, but about themselves. Your audience is the HERO of the story. Have that in mind as you step more into this year. Your personal brand should be meaningful. Your AUTHENTICITY is what will make you stand out, and bank on that for a profitable year ahead.

1. IDENTIFY YOUR PURPOSE & AUDIENCE

This is probably the one word that eludes a lot of people. PURPOSE. What in the world is it I am here to do? It’s usually pretty simple. Purpose is almost always about others. There are many ways to identify your purpose. I find that it usually comes from one of these 4 experiences: Promise: you have an experience and then decide and promise yourself to change things for people, Passion: passion is irrational. All you know is that if you don’t do it, life would cease to exist as a happy place for you and those you love. Pain: Something difficult happens that transforms your life and now you want to help transform the life of others. Opportunity: You see/bump into a need in the world and you find yourself wanting to make life better for others. Once you have zoned in on what it is that is your purpose, you should identify who would value it: Age, hobbies, habits, where they spend their time, how to reach them etc

2. TAKE YOUR BEST SHOT

Image goes a long way in making a first impression. There is usually always more to a book than it’s cover. However, you are more likely to open a book with an attractive cover. And if the story matches or exceeds the cover design, BRAVO! Invest in a professional shoot. I promise you it is worth the investment. A good shoot with a good photographer will be able to capture the real you that translates through images and taps into the purpose you have identified. Your image includes all visual collateral that will be a part of your brand image for the next 365 days.

3. CREATE YOUR IMAGE REPRESENTATIVE A.K.A. LOGO

Nike did it best. Their representative is the all too famous swoosh. Your logo is your representative in the brand world. If you pay $20 for a logo, you’ll get a $20 worthy logo. Invest in a customized design that speaks to the value you offer and the audience you are targeting. Your return on the investment is worth that extra hundreds to pay. Invest in your own purpose.

4. DEVELOP YOUR CORE MESSAGING

Content, Content, Content. Be clear and direct about the value you offer. Understand what emotional triggers your value taps into, develop your biography, website content, advertising copy and do away with jargon words. Be clear, concise and engaging.

5. MARKET AND PUBLICIZE THE VALUE YOU OFFER

Most people don’t realize they are almost always marketing. When you’re convincing your friends to go out with you, or telling them how awesome that new hair company or hair stylist is, that is well under marketing and Public Relations. So relax you already have years of practice doing this. Now you have to do it consciously. Decide on what platform you want to publicize your purposeful brand. TV, Social Media, Radio, Podcast, Live Events etc. I suggest you pick your top 2 and build relationships then pitch to the world media why your value is of benefit to them.

6. SOCIALIZE AND MEET THE WORLD WHERE THEY ARE

Now more than any other time in our history, you literally have access to the world. That power that social media has offered must be viewed as an opportunity. An opportunity for you to change and reach the lives of so many people with how you and what you offer, can make their lives better. I know social media can be overwhelming. Relax, pick your top 2 or 3 platforms and be a master at it. Build friendships across the world and capitalize on the power of social media to share your purpose

7. MONETIZE YOUR VALUE

It’s a sweet spot when the thing that you identify as your purpose now serves to help create financial freedom for you and your family and build profits. This is where you have to make a commitment to your purpose and put in the work required to build your purposeful brand. Learn new ways to generate revenue with a personal brand. Understand your finances, operate from a place of abundance and always remember your why. WHY DO YOU HELP OTHERS? Once you understand and accept the value that you offer. Your audience that sees the value you offer would pay your asking price.

All in all, your brand will evolve overtime, and even your purpose might evolve as you grow. The trick is to stay hungry for knowledge, keep learning and keep connecting to how you can be of benefit to others.

I wish you a purposeful and profitable year ahead.

Your Purpose Coach and Cheerleader
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SIGN UP FOR MY FREE PURPOSE INSIDER! NEWSLETTER

It’s free. Sign up today and get some free helpful resources to build profits, including my report on the 7 Easy Steps To A Purposeful, Fun and Profitable Brand.


profile-ysI am the creator of ICY ACADEMY an online program with a network of Inspired GO-GETTERS who are ready to step FULLY into their purpose doing what they love, while helping others in a way that creates financial freedom for them and their families. With my Signature Program: Meaningful Branding Sequence, I help individuals and businesses create a Purposeful and Powerful Brand that is Profitable. And we have a whole lot of fun on our way there.

To step into your own purpose, visit ICYACADEMY.com

 

 

Connect With Yetunde:

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/yetundeshorters

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/icyacademy

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/yetunde

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/icypr

Periscope: http://www.periscope.tv/Yetunde

My Cookbook: Love with Food; African fusion meals made easy!

So the great thing about being in the business of “doing what you love”, you actually get to do the things you love. I have a cookbook launching on Saturday, November 2nd. It will be available online for digital download HERE on Amazon ( already a bestseller in its category and it’s not even out yet) whoowhooo! I am so excited. The hard-copy will be available by December 15th. You can pre-order your hard copy HERE

This has truly been a humbling, colorful and exciting experience. It took me 4 years to create, brand and develop this passion. I am looking forward to sharing the process with you all.

below is the Press release my Executive Manager sent out for the cookbook. Feel free to share with friends and family.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Finally, a cookbook about fresh African-fusion meals. The Afropolitan Chef, Yetunde Taiwo set to launch a Trendy Afro-fusion Cookbook this Holiday season.

South Florida based Entrepreneur Yetunde Taiwo launches African-Inspired Cookbook “Love with Food: African-fusion meals made easy”.

MIAMI, FLORIDA (November 2014): – The Afropolitan Chef, Yetunde Taiwo is set to awaken the culinary world with the spices, flavors and distinctive aromas of Africa, with unprecedented execution and an expressively refreshing culinary experience.  After 4 years in development, Yetunde Taiwo is launching an African Inspired cookbook- “Love with Food: African-fusion meals made easy”. She has gathered more than 50 recipes that bring people together. People from different cultures, religions, nations and neighborhoods have become friends and family at her dinner table. With these recipes, they connect on a personal level, opening their hearts and love to each other to enjoy Afro-fusion meals together. The spunky and talented model turned successful entrepreneur, who is in the business of doing what you love, Yetunde Taiwo, was born in Chicago but raised in Lagos, Nigeria and now reside in Miami, Florida.

Bisila Bokoko, Founder and CEO BBES, Global Brand Ambassador wrote the foreword for the cookbook. “This book will be very instrumental in changing the perceptions of Africa and also attract tourism to our continent”, said Bokoko. “…To cook, you must understand love. Afropolitan Chef, Yetunde has understood this right”.

An avid traveler, Taiwo is influenced by dishes from various parts of the world including Thailand, Europe, West Africa and North America. Now a resident of South Florida, she has found inspiration and solace in the abundance of culture and the ever-burgeoning foodie scene that Miami has to offer. Noting that West African cuisine has influenced many of the foods across the Caribbean and Latin America, the Afropolitan Chef believes that now more than ever, the world is ready for gourmet African cuisine and she’s ready to share her colorful palette. Stamping her style on the plates of internationally mobile, young food lovers, including the group known as “Afropolitans”. Taiwo is sure to resonate with the new generation of fusion food lovers and citizens of the world, alike.

“For many people, African food seems challenging and I am very excited to tell the world it can be so easy, delicious and a great way to bring people together for the love of food. Plus the nutritional value is spectacular.”– Yetunde Taiwo, The Afropolitan Chef

The Cookbook

The Afropolitan Chef cookbook “Love with Food: African-fusion meals made easy” will be available by November 22nd 2014 on Amazon in digital format. The hard copy will be available in December just before the holidays. Meals inspired by Africa, but infused with ingredients, techniques and flavors from around the world. Taiwo intricately balances flavors of Africa and Latin America in meals like Jollof Rice, made with pureed peppers, some curry, thyme, spices, rice and baked chicken. Though the cookbook is at this time exclusively offered for pre-order on Amazon before the release date, it is already currently top 100 in its category. Afropolitan Chef shares quick, simple, colorful, flavorful recipes. Foodies will learn how to save time cooking African meals directly from Africa’s trend setting, culinary ambassador. Africa has been aptly described as “A world in one continent.” Equally so, an African meal can be described as “A world on one plate.” Yetunde Taiwo as The Afropolitan Chef will stimulate foodies around the world to eat conscientiously with love. Her passion for food has made her a long time supporter of The World Food Programme and No Kid Hungry organizations. She has committed to giving 10 percent of her proceeds from the cookbook for the rest of her life to both organizations in support of their work in eradicating world hunger.

Her goal is to continue to tap into the power of food to bring us all together.

For photos, recipes and more information about The Afropolitan Chef, please call Kimberly Mensah at- 347.574.2589 | E: kimberly@icypr.com | http://www.afropolitanchef.com

Connect with Afropolitan Chef on social media

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AfropolitanChef

Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/Afropolitanchef

Twitter: www.twitter.com/AfropolitanChef

Instagram: www.instagram.com/AfropolitanChef

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/Afropolitanchef

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Your Purpose Coach and Cheerleader
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SIGN UP FOR MY FREE PURPOSE INSIDER! NEWSLETTER

It’s free. Sign up today and get some free helpful resources to build profits, including my report on the 7 Easy Steps To A Purposeful, Fun and Profitable Brand.


profile-ysI am the creator of ICY ACADEMY an online program with a network of Inspired GO-GETTERS who are ready to step FULLY into their purpose doing what they love, while helping others in a way that creates financial freedom for them and their families. With my Signature Program: Meaningful Branding Sequence, I help individuals and businesses create a Purposeful and Powerful Brand that is Profitable. And we have a whole lot of fun on our way there.

To step into your own purpose, visit ICYACADEMY.com

 

 

Connect With Yetunde:

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/yetundeshorters

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/icyacademy

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/yetunde

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/icypr

Periscope: http://www.periscope.tv/Yetunde

5 ways to keep your celebrity personal brand in the news!

1.    Have a fantastic logo

personal branding using your logo

When you have figured out what name you want for yourself, there is something about a logo that can do the talking for you before you even show your face. Deciding on the right color, shape or font to represent you is powerful. Take the time to invest in a great graphic design team and let your logo speak for you. If you do it right, you can use the same logo for years, and just change the color for whatever campaign or project you are developing. Here are some celebrity logos that do it right.

 

2.    Plan a memorable photo-shoot

Like it or not, taking photos frequently and releasing it with a project or an editorial can keep you in the news. Take it one step further and do a creative shoot. Get inspired by artists in Asia, Europe and Africa and even in unique shoot locations where you are (that bridge you’ve always imagined taking a photo on, that skyline atop that building you drove by for years, that hut that would make for a great contrast). Think outside the box. Work with creative people to produce images that present the best image of you to the world. We love pictures. We’ll keep talking about how hot your new shoot was, until you do the next one.

3.    Hire a PR Pro

So you have an image and need someone to let the world know what you are doing and what projects or collaborations you have coming up etc. It’s time to Hire a Public Relations Professional. Someone who has relationships with various media houses and can create strategic partnerships for your publicity that keeps you in the news. Even when you do not have any music or project running, a publicist knows how to keep you relevant. A manager and a publicist are two different people. Hire a Publicist.

4.    Social Media Engagement

Social media is your new best friend. Be one with it, get used to it, but manage the time you spend on it. Learn to engage your fans and followers. Have 10-20 people you pay attention to and engage them fully on facebook post or tweets. Rotate those people every couple of months, pick a new set. Always have a call to action when you are pushing a campaign on social media. Call to Action means when you post, what else do you want us to do? E.g “I just launched my second album. Tell me what you think of it” or “share your favorite track and tell me why you like it.” A call to action keeps you and your fans engaged. People connect to people. When they connect to you, they invest their time and money on you.

5.    Create Partnerships

The easiest way to stay in the news when things seem slow as a celebrity, is to form partnerships with people, companies or NGO’s that are relevant to your brand and are almost always in the news. E.g your new film is not launching for another 9 months, research an ngo that could use your own star power. Work with them to do some good, get your publicist to put it in the news, engage your fans to do good for that day (while you share pictures) and when your album launches, you have ambassadors to do more marketing for you. It’s a win, win. You help others out and you stay relevant.

 

 

 

SIGN UP FOR MY FREE PURPOSE INSIDER! NEWSLETTER

It’s free. Sign up today and get some free helpful resources to build profits, including my report on the 7 Easy Steps To A Purposeful, Fun and Profitable Brand.


profile-ysI am the creator of ICY ACADEMY an online program with a network of Inspired GO-GETTERS who are ready to step FULLY into their purpose doing what they love, while helping others in a way that creates financial freedom for them and their families. With my Signature Program: Meaningful Branding Sequence, I help individuals and businesses create a Purposeful and Powerful Brand that is Profitable. And we have a whole lot of fun on our way there.

To step into your own purpose, visit ICYACADEMY.com

 

 

Connect With Yetunde:

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/yetundeshorters

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/icyacademy

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/yetunde

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/icypr

Periscope: http://www.periscope.tv/Yetunde

5 COOL PHONE APPS TO HELP YOU POP ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Let’s face it, the new social media has everyone competing for who can attract more attention and get more engagement at the expense of our leisure time. Frankly, it’s exhausting and can waste a lot of time.  I am recommending apps that require little or no time to create strong and engaging imagery to facilitate conversations and excitement  According to 3M Corporation, 90% of information transmitted to the brain is visual, and visuals are processed 60,000X faster in the brain than text.  That’s one answer, if you ever wondered why you engage more on images on Facebook and Instagram than on twitter or long winded social media paragraphs.  So here are 5 apps to help you save time, look hotter and engage more followers.

1.     PIC PLAY POST  

pic play post app for video branding

I remember the first time I saw this app in action. I was fascinated.  Before then, all most people did on instagram/facebook was post single images or collages of images, but being able to post a video(s) with images simultaneously and you can add some music as a soundtrack? Talk about being in the know. Now, you too can be in on this.  Look for it on your iphone or android

Tip: It helps to tell a story with the collage, or make a combination that is interesting and people are inevitably going to respond to interesting and shareable content.

 

 

 

 

 

This is an example of how you can use pic play post on Facebook or Instagram:

DOWNLOAD THE APP HERE

2.     STUDIO DESIGN

studio design app for online branding

So, think about Studio Design as Photoshop for the clueless. You can add depth to your images using icons, words, odd shapes and produce a final image that makes you feel you just designed your very own campaign. In a social media world where image really is an anchor, what better way than to attract an audience than to make your words look and pop like images.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is an example of how studio design can add some character to your images.

made with studio for branding

DOWNLOAD THE APP HERE

 

3.     PHOTO GRID

photo grid app for branding online

With the 1001 new ways to collage a picture for use on twitter, Facebook or Instagram, this app is cool because when you don’t like a collage combination, Instead of going back to a different collage template and starting over (time wasting), you shake the camera and it gives you a different option for your collage. It’s quick, fun and it presents your images in a variety of ways that makes for interesting layouts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DOWNLOAD THE APP HERE

 

4.     TEXT GRAM

text gram app

Plug in a quote on social media that people find interesting and you will more than likely get people sharing it, or affirming that they agree with you (engagement). Textgram can turn your inspiring quotes into works of art. They have many layout options, color choices and various fonts. A combination of these can get you tapping into your audience attention and engagement in no time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

DOWNLOAD THE APP HERE

 

5.     INSTA PICFX

insta-PicFXapp

 

lnsta PicFX is like a collage app on cloud 9. It spices up your images with really cool colorful overlays. And once an image is visually stimulating, you get people to respond even if they intended to or not. That is the power of strong and engaging imagery, sometimes, we can’t help ourselves, we just like or share. Here is an example of what the app did when I pugged in Zainab Balogun’s recent shoot for Clan Fashion Label.

 

 

 

 

 

insta PicFX branding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DOWNLOAD THE APP HERE

 

With all these tools, keep in mind people love stories. So be intentional about the story you want to share with your fans/followers/audience. And endeavor to tell stories with your content as often as you can. People connect to people; help your fans and followers connect to you.

 

 

 

 

SIGN UP FOR MY FREE PURPOSE INSIDER! NEWSLETTER

It’s free. Sign up today and get some free helpful resources to build profits, including my report on the 7 Easy Steps To A Purposeful, Fun and Profitable Brand.


profile-ysI am the creator of ICY ACADEMY an online program with a network of Inspired GO-GETTERS who are ready to step FULLY into their purpose doing what they love, while helping others in a way that creates financial freedom for them and their families. With my Signature Program: Meaningful Branding Sequence, I help individuals and businesses create a Purposeful and Powerful Brand that is Profitable. And we have a whole lot of fun on our way there.

To step into your own purpose, visit ICYACADEMY.com

 

 

Connect With Yetunde:

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/yetundeshorters

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/icyacademy

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/yetunde

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/icypr

Periscope: http://www.periscope.tv/Yetunde

3 Celebrity Truths to Make You Popular!

In my 15 years in public relations and marketing, I have worked with over 100 celebrities from the pop music industry, to the classical music industry to the film industry. I noticed that they all share certain characteristics. Understanding these truths can help you shift your own thinking and help you too be “celebrated”. The biggest difference between you and any celebrity is that way more people know them and celebrate them than they do you. Let’s face it; your moment of fame when you sang in primary school or in that play in kindergarten was your premier “celebrity moment”. We’ve all had some kind of taste of “celebrity”. Mastering those things we experienced and learned in those times are the same things celebrities do now. On that note, let’s get into it.

 

  1. YOU AMPLIFIED (YOUR BEST SELF):be your own brand

 

If you remember that moment in your life you were celebrated, you will probably realize it was because you were being you x 50. When your mother or father told you “practice makes perfect”, she meant it. Celebrities have practiced being themselves x 50. They have practiced being themselves or being so exceptional at what they do, they become MASTERS at it. You need to decide to step FULLY into you, the authentic you. Then master it so well that no one can do what you do, the way you do it. So the thought of being like anyone else is a bad idea to being celebrated. Be your best self. From Oprah, Angelina Jolie to Denzel Washington, Stephanie Linus and Idris Elba. They are MASTERS at themselves and their craft. Start practicing your own SELF MASTERY.

  1. STAY CURRENT AND ENGAGED

Beyonce personal brand

You can probably name 5 celebrities that are “has beens”. Do you know why? They stopped staying in front of us or engaging us. If you don’t evolve, let’s face it you will become redundant. There is nothing wrong with sticking to what worked in 1990. But you have to find a way to evolve into current technologies that fit your personality in the new millennia. So if you like old school R & B music as an artist, you should find a hybrid that can pull your music into the ears of the millennial. If you don’t engage the new population, you will be left in and with the old population. My suggestion: sit down and take inventory of how you do things and develop ways to evolve into the new millennia. Either using the Internet (social media), a hybrid of your sense of style, a partnership with someone or a company that does things the new way. Just remember, if you do not engage the influential population, you just may get stuck promoting or marketing to your generation alone. That can be limiting. Think bigger. The celebrity that has mastered this art is BEYONCÉ. She is still herself, but you can see it’s a more evolved version of her with a similar sound to her style of music and fashion. Her fan-base ranges from teens to grown adults. Even grandmas can sing a Beyoncé Song. Stay Current.

 

  1. LEARNING 101: COMMITMENT 

Serena WIlliams personal brand

If you think celebrities reach “celeb status” and stop, think again. They are always learning. Either at being better at their craft or learning a new craft, they understand that knowing and doing more keeps them evolving into other parts of themselves. This other parts are what keep us engaged and interested. They commit to learning. Elite athlete Serena Williams is a great example of this. With all her accolades in the tennis world, she decided she wanted to be a manicurist too. I know. Many people looked down on it. (Side bar, a lot of men and women build their wealth in this people-pampering field). Don’t knock it. She decided to do something she loved. She got certified as a manicurist and now, she has a line of nail polish in partnership with OPI that are a part of her wealth building way of life. Take a cue from Serena. Whatever it is that you like and want to learn, do it and don’t bother about what people would say about you. It just might be your millionaire idea. GO FOR IT.

There are many more truths, but these were the top 3 I found consistent with the celebrities I got to work with. I hope you tap into these truths for yourself. GOODLUCK!

&

 

 

 

SIGN UP FOR MY FREE PURPOSE INSIDER! NEWSLETTER

It’s free. Sign up today and get some free helpful resources to build profits, including my report on the 7 Easy Steps To A Purposeful, Fun and Profitable Brand.


profile-ysI am the creator of ICY ACADEMY an online program with a network of Inspired GO-GETTERS who are ready to step FULLY into their purpose doing what they love, while helping others in a way that creates financial freedom for them and their families. With my Signature Program: Meaningful Branding Sequence, I help individuals and businesses create a Purposeful and Powerful Brand that is Profitable. And we have a whole lot of fun on our way there.

To step into your own purpose, visit ICYACADEMY.com

 

 

Connect With Yetunde:

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/yetundeshorters

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/icyacademy

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/yetunde

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/icypr

Periscope: http://www.periscope.tv/Yetunde

7 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU HIRE A PUBLICIST

The truth is in many ways, we all have a publicist in our family or we are our own pr persons. When your family members try to hook you up e.g., “Adewale is a great guy, you should meet him.” The person that just said that just showed you what pr is. But when it comes to business or your personal brand, getting clear on what will help you grow your brand can make or break your image and your bank account. In my 15 years in Branding, Publicity and Marketing, I know that people consistently mix the 3 segments and the funniest of all is, when you expect your publicist to be your sales person. These 7 tips will help you get clear so you can work with your pr team to make the most of what you are representing or selling.

  • KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BRANDING, PUBLIC RELATIONS, ADVERTISING AND MARKETING?

I will make this simple using examples we can relate to. This was on the back on my old business cards.

Branding is:

branding

 

Public Relations is:

publicrelations

 

Marketing is:

 

marketing

 

 

 

Advertising is:

advertising

 

 

 

 

 

Basically, the job of your publicist is to provide PUBLIC opportunities to help expose you or your brand (which you should always be working on). It provides opportunity for the Marketing person to convert that publicity to dollars. But you have to repeat it multiple times (advertising) so that people remember. So, you usually need all 4 on your team for a very effective strategy.

  • BE CLEAR ON YOUR CUSTOMER PROFILE

what to know before you hire a publicist

 

If you have an idea of your target audience, It can help you identify which publicist to go for and can put your publicist to work faster. You should know the following as a business owner before you hire a publicist

  • Your gender market i.e. – Male, Female, Boys, Girls, Students
  • Their Age Bracket i.e.- Age 10-18, 20- 25, 30-45
  • A clear value statement of what will you be providing to them
  • Why they should pick you over the competition

The beautiful thing is, if you come up with this, a good publicist will help you fine tune it if need be, and you’re half way there because when you have a profile of your ideal target audience, it makes reaching them that much easier and faster.

  • INTERVIEW YOUR PROSPECTIVE PUBLICIST

what to know before you hire a publicist 1what to know before you hire a publicist

The truth is PR cost money, but public relations is so far the only way to get exposure to millions of people at one time. That opportunity is invaluable. So before you make that financial commitment, you should sincerely want to know what your partnership with your publicist could do for your brand and how you together can help your target market. So do not be afraid to interview your publicist. Here are 7 questions you should ask your prospective publicists.

  • How many years has he/she been doing that form of PR?
  • What are the top 3-5 results they can share with you about their successful campaigns?
  • Who were their toughest clients and how did that relationship end?
  • Do they focus on local, national or international publicity?
  • What major media do they have good relationships with?
  • Are their efforts more prominent on print, TV, radio or online media?
  • Do they charge by results (À la carte) or with a monthly retainer?
  • PICKING YOUR PUBLICIST

how to find a publicist

Declaring your customer profile helps you almost immediately weed out the publicist you should approach. An entertainment industry publicist may have no clue how to market to teenagers. They can probably come up with a plan, but you save time and money going to the right publicist for your target market and industry. Find and contact publicists that have experience in your industry, genre or target market.

 

  • BE FLEXIBLE

how to hire a publicist

 

Let’s imagine you have your demographic information, you are clear on your goals and you find the perfect publicist. And then he or she tells you “you need to re-brand, what you have now is just not going to work for the media you want to receive. Please do not be stubborn or in-flexible. Make the changes. If they can show you proven results of their success conversion, please invest in updating your brand to get the results you desire.

 

 

  • HAVE A REALISTIC MEDIA WISH LIST

how to do yoru own publicity

 

A wish list is the ideal media you would like your publicist to get you into via TV, Print, Online or Radio. I say realistic because I have had prospective clients in the past tell me they want to be in Vogue and their branding is no were near ideal even for a daily newspaper. Be realistic about the type of publications you want to get in. If your brand is aligned with that media’s image then you have a higher chance of getting featured. But remember it may take months. I once had a magazine call me 6 months after my pitch and I had 24 hours to get them everything they needed. We made it and my client was featured in Entrepreneur Magazine.

  • BE PATIENT

what to know before you hire a publicist 1what to know before you hire a publicist 2

Public Relations is just that “RELATIONS” It’s building a relationship with the world about you, your brand. Just as you don’t always open your door to every stranger that you meet, you have to see your new brand as a stranger to the public, the world and the more they get to “know you” the more they feel more comfortable with you and eventually you become besties. Twitter is a perfect example. Most of us who joined twitter when it started where completely not comfortable with it. And now we are all besties with Twitter and that took almost what, 7 years. YES, so be patient and give people a chance to know what you, your product or service is about.

Everything you say or do is Public Relations. Be aware of how you are relating to the world. Imagine if your product were a person, what kind of person would you want to be friends with? That should help you be gentle with your brand and it’s message. GOODLUCK.

Your Purpose Coach and Cheerleader
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profile-ysI am the creator of ICY ACADEMY an online program with a network of Inspired GO-GETTERS who are ready to step FULLY into their purpose doing what they love, while helping others in a way that creates financial freedom for them and their families. With my Signature Program: Meaningful Branding Sequence, I help individuals and businesses create a Purposeful and Powerful Brand that is Profitable. And we have a whole lot of fun on our way there.

To step into your own purpose, visit ICYACADEMY.com

 

 

Connect With Yetunde:

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3 Ways You Too Can Create Wealth Like Celebrities

With over 7.1 billion people in the world, I guarantee you; someone else wants to hear your story and can be inspired by you. Even if 1 in 10,000 people are interested in you, that is 700,000 people. Imagine what celebrities who are known by millions experience when people are interested in even where they eat, or what they wear for an event. Today I want to share with you 3 ways you too can build wealth like the celebrities.

 

 1Write a Book

Celebrities have been tuned in to story telling for centuries. They share their personal stories about how they overcame, or learned or share fantasy stories with fictional characters. In this digital age, you too can write a book and position yourself as a published writer. There are 3 angles to writing a book.

Information Expert – You share your know-how E.g How I got into the Nollywood industry; How I started my own business, How I created a million naira blogging business e.t.c

Research Expert- Collecting information in a particular industry or lifestyle. E.g- Things you need to know before you move to Africa, What no one tells you about life in Nigeria e.t.c

Fictional/Fantasy writing – You use your creative gift of story telling to tell a compeling and engaging story from your perspective: E.g. Evbu My love by Helen Ovbiagele, Dark Night Africa e.t.c

Writing a book in this age has never been so easy. I recommend the Best Seller in a Weekend Program. I actually co –wrote a book last year and it was a bestseller for over 6 weeks on Amazon. It is worth the money to have your own bestselling book and add the title Author to your name. It opens up so many opportunities.

Information/Research Book writing: https://zw172.isrefer.com/go/bsiaw/yetundetaiwo/

 

Examples

TV host, Wendy Williams: Hold me in Contempt – a fictional novel

get rich writing books

 

Actor, Hill Harper: Letters to a young brother – Informative

 

write a book and get rich

 

2.     Launch a Product/Service

So, easier said than done right. But think about it. With a product it is cash and carry. You have a product I have cash. I give you the product for cash. Celebrities are figuring out that launching products in the beauty (make-up, hair care products, perfumes), and fashion industry (shoes, bags, clothes) and even the technology industry is where the big box continues. Plus they get to provide a need in the market. So do your research in your neighbor, school, city or state. Find out how you can make the lives of others easier and better with a product or service. You do not have to re-invent the wheel. Even if there is a product in the market now and you can make it better, develop your own version and start where you are. Sell it to your family and if it’s that good, they will spread the word. When you figure out what your target audience needs, ALIBABA.COM www.alibaba.com is a great place to find products you can re-brand and launch.

Example of product Launches

Iman launched a make up line

create your own make up line

 

The Kardashians just launched a kids collection

design your own line and get rich

design your own clothing line and get rich

 

3.     Joint Venture

JV is what they call it on the Internet marketing circles. Joint Ventures are the easiest and fastest ways to grow wealth. As long as you have a product or service that fulfills a need. So when you write your book or launch that product/service, joining marketing forces with people or brands that already have an audience helps. Both parties must share revenue, and sometimes expenses of the partnership. As long as you are providing value to your JV partners, it is a benefit to both parties to work together and promote each other’s products to their target market. E.g. If Linda Ikeji launched a social media app for bloggers and partners with Ikechukwu Ofili to promote it to his readers. Both parties have a product that can be beneficial to their audiences and working together, they can both build wealth for their brands.

Example:

In 2013 Jennifer Lopez did a joint venture with Verizon to target the latino market

 

New mobile brand launches

 

Read more here (http://www.digitalafro.com/celebs-tech-jennifer-lopez-verizon-do-major-joint-venture-to-target-huge-latino-market/

I am looking forward to hearing how these tips worked for you.

Your Purpose Coach and Cheerleader
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profile-ysI am the creator of ICY ACADEMY an online program with a network of Inspired GO-GETTERS who are ready to step FULLY into their purpose doing what they love, while helping others in a way that creates financial freedom for them and their families. With my Signature Program: Meaningful Branding Sequence, I help individuals and businesses create a Purposeful and Powerful Brand that is Profitable. And we have a whole lot of fun on our way there.

To step into your own purpose, visit ICYACADEMY.com

 

 

Connect With Yetunde:

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/yetundeshorters

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Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/yetunde

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/icypr

Periscope: http://www.periscope.tv/Yetunde

Celebrities, Controversies, and the recurring Sin!

What makes an artiste a star?

What makes any type of artiste a star is their authenticity. At the point in your life you choose to be a “STAR” or you fall into it, figure out what part of you that you are most comfortable with and that is what you should share with the world. The trick is, since it comes naturally to you, it won’t be hard to be “it”. Don’t worry about what others say about it. Give people time. Once they see you are being your authentic self, they will naturally gravitate and celebrate that, or at least you’ll have a fan base that is attracted to your authenticity, and then just bank on that. Branding is also a HUGE part of your “STAR” power. Are you the serious business guy, the funny goofy down to earth lady, the silent but powerful, the loud and aggressive. Whatever your personality, package it in your actions, words and marketing collateral. But remember you run the risk of being identified that way for a long time, so leave room for versatility.

How can celebrities protect themselves from controversy?

Most controversies stem from personal stories. If you don’t want your business out there, DO NOT put your business out there. That means watch who you talk to, conduct yourself accordingly in public while still staying authentic to who you are. It’s actually okay to think before you speak, no seriously, think before you speak! Controversy keeps the industry interesting, so we love it.  Should you however be faced with one, have a strategy to explain to your fans or the media and STICK TO YOUR explanation, no matter what extra “gossip” is added along the way. DO NOT LIE, but if you are going to lie, at least make it a believable lie and try not to make that a habit. Remember people are now attracted to your authenticity.

Is bad publicity really good publicity in disguise?

That quote has been credited to Oscar Wilde and sometimes to P.T. Barnum. Times have evolved and you cannot use that phrase anymore unless you have the ability to spin EVERY bad PR into a good one; but frankly bad PR is bad PR. It can destroy a brand, so no, I don’t believe bad publicity is good publicity in disguise. If that were the case, the snake would eventually get good PR. Poor snakes, they have had a bad wrap since the days of Adam and Eve. The day I find a publicist that can spin the image of the snake that will be the day I completely believe that phrase.

What makes a star endorse-able? What would attract a company, for instance, to endorse a celebrity, spending millions of naira?

Your image makes you endorsable, your values, your AUTHENTICITY, your star power. A perfect example is a client we helped plan their video shoot in Miami: THE HKN GANG: Davido. He has star power which for any company equates to dollars. His fans hang to his every word – good or bad. So let’s get real here. They endorse you because they believe you can draw in more dollars for their brand. They endorse you because they realize people listen to you. Another client we represent is Stephanie Linus (formerly Stephanie Okereke). Her authenticity and star power are solid. She conducts herself respectfully in the industry and yet she remains relatable, which to companies means she can be trusted and when she says something it will be valued. So if you want to be endorsed, be sure you have the ability to influence people and the ability to influence comes with building trust with your fan base in your given industry over time.

Which Nigerian celebrity are you proud of the most regarding his/her branding?

I have to say Stephanie Linus (nee Okereke). Her image from when she started to where she is now is a perfect example of the power of re-branding and how it can immensely impact your career. When we started with Stephanie in 2009 she had less than 30,000 fans on face book. With strategic and purposeful branding, 3 years later, Stephanie has over 461,000 fans and has more than tripled her cover appearances. You inevitably have to respect that kind of re-branding power.

What is that recurring sin celebrities commit?

You have to blame this sin on technology. The new and improved sin is: underestimating the power of social media. You now have to constantly remember, whether you like it or not, you are officially a role model. Stop thinking you are talking to your friends. Your fans and your 5000+ fb followers are not your friends. Again, just as it is okay to think before you talk or respond to press, it is okay to think before you hit that tweet or publish button. Damage control in PR cost money and cost you time. You can’t avoid it all together, but you can sure minimize it, and use that money in your bank account, or spend that time working on your craft. Social media is here to stay, at least for now and you officially have to have that as part of your PR consciousness.


Your Purpose Coach and Cheerleader
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SIGN UP FOR MY FREE PURPOSE INSIDER! NEWSLETTER

It’s free. Sign up today and get some free helpful resources to build profits, including my report on the 7 Easy Steps To A Purposeful, Fun and Profitable Brand.


profile-ysI am the creator of ICY ACADEMY an online program with a network of Inspired GO-GETTERS who are ready to step FULLY into their purpose doing what they love, while helping others in a way that creates financial freedom for them and their families. With my Signature Program: Meaningful Branding Sequence, I help individuals and businesses create a Purposeful and Powerful Brand that is Profitable. And we have a whole lot of fun on our way there.

To step into your own purpose, visit ICYACADEMY.com

 

 

Connect With Yetunde:

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/yetundeshorters

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/icyacademy

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/yetunde

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/icypr

Periscope: http://www.periscope.tv/Yetunde