What a great event last night at the Lessons in Branding Workshop, as almost 40 professionals networked, brainstormed, and collaborated to develop their differentiation. You could feel the energy and enthusiasm!
I gave a short presentation on how to discover what makes you different than everyone else that seemingly does what you do, then we broke into small groups to brainstorm and get feedback. You could hear the hum.
Next, Julian Michael shared tips on how to communicate your compelling brand visually, and engaged the audience with before and after headshots. Then the group broke into small groups again to gain feedback on their own marketing materials – are they on brand?
The evening concluded with a pretty passionate discussion about the new unbranded Starbucks stores – is it a good thing or not? Leta Beard, Professor of Marketing and International Business, at University of Washington, shared some great insight.
But it can’t be an event without door prizes – the winners were:
Andrea Hamilton, Big Dog IT – won the ‘must have’ book on how to stand out by building your personal brand, “Career Distinction.” She immersed herself in it right away, with 3 chapters read!
Oleta Ferry, Memorable Days Photography – won a gift package graciously donated by Cyndi O’Neill-Dady, of Send Out Cards.
Richard Gable, Humerlis – was excited to win 3 Visual Branding Consultations with the creative, Julian Michael. And the first one includes lunch!
Melissa Cahn, marketing specialist – jumped out of her chair when she learned she won the Personal Branding Package. She is eager and ready to jump in, and brand herself to get noticed and get the dream job! Be watching for more about her.
Thank you to Shelia Allen, www.enjoywineathome.com, for hosting wine tasting following the event.
