Shameless Self Promotion (a.k.a. Branding!)

Have you ever wanted to create your own path?  Are you hesitating because you figure it's just easier to work for someone else and get a steady paycheck than to do something that truly speaks to your heart and soul....and gives you more YOU time or family time?

You are not alone!

Take it from someone who is experiencing growing pains. When you're busy and productive, it's the best. But, when there is excessive down time, you may start questioning "why" you are putting yourself through the paces of becoming your own brand. 

I like to be busy, and when I'm not, I freak out. I'll admit this because I want you to  know that it's normal to be anxious about your future. But, what isn't normal or healthy is not to move on that anxiety or trepidation because it will keep you from going in a forward motion, and the only way to succeed (and I'm not just speaking of monetary gain) is to go forward! You can't go forward if you're literally and figurately standing still.

During a 90-minute tele-session with my mentor and a few of her colleagues, I was asked about my brand. For the last few weeks, I hadn't been really promoting my brand because I was stuck toying with a logo...trying to make a plain brown paper bag "cute" and it wasn't working for me. I didn't feel it.

"What is it that you do better than anyone else besides cook?" one of the experts asked.

I thought for a moment, "It's not that I cook better than anyone else. I give good service and I pay attention to detail and make people feel welcomed into my space."

"So," she continued. "A brown paper bag doesn't really describe you, now, does it?!"

My mentor piped in, "I think, Ashley, that you need to realize that nothing about you is really linear. I read your eZine and saw the article on Alphonse Mucha. I think, given the content, you are creative and curly."

Everyone laughed and I thanked her for not saying "rubenesque."

Although everyone agrees that a logo is just a moniker and really doesn't do anything except help one gain recognition, the fact that I used my name to make a 'brand' seemed to be satisfactory with all of the people on the call who had much more experience than me in the game of successful branding.  I came up with a colorful logo that really does show the clientele who I am and what I'm about. When you think of a brown bag, you may think of something plain, a mere vessel for getting groceries from the store to your home. But, A Brown Bag Gourmet is all about what you can do with that plain brown bag of groceries to make everyday meals more special.

So, I've come up with a creative, colorful, Mucha-Ashley-Esque logo that defines my position. I'm creative, bright and energetic. Plus, I'm girly.

So, I ask you this, "what is it that you do better than anyone else?"  Is it something you can put a name to? Do your friends/family/others email or call for advice on something? Are you considered the subject matter expert? You may be on to a brand new BRAND that could help propel you into a different lifestyle than the one you are living now, and it may be better!

I urge you to give your current situation some serious thought. Be the change you want to make and you could end up living your best life at your own hands.

Bon chance!