-> Papyrus.

-> Cyber trucks.

-> Business casual.

-> Wrong coffee order.

-> Tipping for self-serve yogurt.

What do they all have in common?

People love to hate them.

Beware the algorithm but if you want to search this on Twitter or Threads, people are PASSIONATE.

So much so that it stresses me out. Like, wow, you have your opinions.

And then there are more relatable scenarios?

Story time (warning: might make you mad) 

When I learned how to design, I told my almost-minimum-wage-job boss that I could do it even though I was a “marketing assistant”.

One day I asked a designer friend about general career advice and he said “I never tell them I can do graphic design.”

What? Why?!

He answered: “Because they’ll take advantage of you.” (He also had a marketing position but more legit).

Another friend said: “Because they’ll make you design and more likely than not, they won’t fairly compensate you.”

I was already several months into this barely-paid job. And one day my boss asked me to help with some tweaks to their website and work on an infographic or two.

Little young me was so excited for the opportunity to do something creative, so of course, I did it.

After a while of doing little projects here and there, I had the courage to schedule a meeting with my boss. 

She was about 10 years older than me, and at the time, it felt like a lifetime, like she was a hundred miles away.

I asked her two things: 1) based on what I was doing, I requested working from home at least one day a week (because I got things done efficiently AND sometimes I would go almost an entire day not talking to the whopping 5 people in the office.)

And 2) with my new responsibilities I wanted a small raise to be paid for both marketing and graphic design.

And you know what she said?

“No (to both). You’re just doing your job. Design is part of the role.”

No it wasn’t. I wasn’t doing any design before I told them I could AND I re-checked the job description.

I haven’t even gone into the mean girl vibes that would make the movie blush, micromanaging on a level I’ve never experienced before, oversharing marriage problems, condescending statements, and ugh.. lots more.

Things were not well with the world for young me.

So that’s when I realized I wanted to have my own business where I wasn’t penalized for getting work done efficiently, didn’t have to tolerate bad habits that make everyone else miserable, or you know, have a scary boss.

Okay okay so what’s this have to do with personal branding?

CREATING A BRAND THAT WON’T BORE YOU

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Boring name, exciting idea: 

Negative aversion.

People LOVE sharing common adversities or just annoying things that happen to them.

And a situation like mine goes sooo much deeper than just predictably saying you hate cyber trucks or worse, you’re a designer who hates Papyrus (never heard that one before).

Bridge your problem or story with your audience.

They’ll feel so seen and it WON’T feel judgmental because you’re telling them you were/are there too.

No restrictive niche topics here, but a thoughtful connection point.

TALKING POINTS TO TRY THIS WEEK

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Here’s an easy and not-TOO-personal example from Emily (for those who are a little shy)

She’s talking about a common problem in a lighthearted way that she’s most likely guilty of too.

There’s no judgment, just interesting talking points.

It’s an educational piece, so the learning curve is smaller than storytelling.

Ready to try this out?

Think of something you do – a bad habit or problem that comes back to you regularly, could be big or small. Find a natural bridge to educate your audience about it.

IDEAS FOR YOUR CREATIVE SANITY

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Resist the entrepreneurial urge to monetize this

Craft cocktails and mocktails

No more overly sweet pre-mixed bottles at BevMo.

Experiment by making everything from scratch with individual ingredients.

• Fresh lemon zest
• Muddled strawberries
• Rosemary garnish
• Layering colors
• Liquor or NA alternative

For my left brain friends, why is this good for you?

Food creativity. You start getting familiar with flavors, the way they interact with each other.

You’ll get more ideas for meals and drinks and get excited to make it yourself AS A HOBBY!

Which means, healthier options and budget friendly (for the most part).

Pretty privilege for the drinks 😀. Meaning it will be more appealing to consume, and you’ll be happier, duh.

Get on the waitlist for Fan Favorite Founder

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Psst… are you looking to get your personal brand to be more personal? Sign up for the waitlist when my new offer opens up. I’ll help you take all of the things you used to hide in the name of professionalism to building a lasting brand beyond just the work you do.