THE BRANDING
BUSINESS SCHOOL
PODCAST
The Branding Business School Podcast is for the dreamers and the disruptors. You don’t need an MBA to become a successful CEO, and the women you learn from on this podcast are living proof.
Tune into weekly episodes with Victoria Marcouillier as she and her guests discuss brand strategy, marketing, motherhood, and more. *New episodes air every Wednesday.
Personal Branding 101: Why Your Story is Your Brand’s Secret Weapon with Roz Miller-Choice
What if you could transform from a "best kept secret" into the go-to expert in your industry? Join Victoria as she unlocks the secrets of personal branding with the renowned personal brand specialist, Roz Miller-Choice, famously known as “ The Expert Maker." Discover how Roz's transition from a television reporter to a leader in personal branding has equipped her with unique insights into helping individuals stand out in a crowded market. Explore her strategies for uncovering and packaging expertise, emphasizing the power of brand positioning and differentiation.
Authenticity is key to crafting a brand story that resonates, and Roz delves into the essentials of building such narratives. Using a personal anecdote, they discuss the importance of resisting AI in brand storytelling to maintain genuine connections with your audience. A compelling brand narrative goes beyond visuals, as they highlight the balance between infusing personal experiences and aligning them with business values. Learn how to reassess and tailor your services to meet the evolving needs of your audience, ensuring a brand story that not only attracts clients but truly reflects your brand's essence.
As this insightful episode wraps up, Roz introduces the transformative process of her "Expert Maker" TV show, which guides individuals in becoming industry leaders. She provides practical steps for building a robust digital presence, maintaining consistent content creation, and enhancing social media strategies without compromising on quality. Whether it’s through professional styling or creating a focused digital footprint, discover how to effectively package your unique expertise in this episode.
How to Build a Website that Converts: Website Tips for Service-Based Entrepreneurs
What if your website could be your top salesperson, attracting and converting leads while you sleep? Join Victoria as she shares how she transformed from a freelance website designer to the founder of BrandWell, all by harnessing the power of a high-converting website. Learn how your site can make a lasting first impression, turn visitors into loyal clients, and significantly boost your income, particularly if you're running a service-based business. Unravel the common traps of endless DIY web design that often amounts to nothing and instead focus on proven strategies that have empowered hundreds of women entrepreneurs to succeed.
Discover the secrets to crafting compelling messaging and design that captivate your audience from the first glance. Victoria offers actionable insights into creating engaging headlines, effective calls to action, and leveraging social proof through testimonials. Emphasizing the benefits over features, Victoria explains how a customer-centered approach can transform your website into a vital part of your sales team. Consistency in design elements and mobile optimization are key to building trust and retaining clients. For those overwhelmed by the process, Victoria offers a special offer to listeners. Don't miss out on the opportunity to elevate your brand's online presence!
Do these 6 things BEFORE raising your prices!
Can your pricing strategy speak to your brand? Join Victoria as she unveils the secrets to elevating your pricing game. She explores why aligning your brand with future aspirations rather than past milestones is the ultimate key to success. From a therapist whose outdated website cost her clients to actionable tips on updating your brand's online presence, you'll learn how to set expectations that justify a higher price tag. Discover the six pivotal steps to prepare your audience for increased rates without having to defend them, and how educating your audience through various channels can differentiate you from the competition.
Uncover transformative stories from The Branding Business School graduates who, with a newfound brand strategy, doubled their sales by confidently raising their prices. This episode is your guide to achieving professional growth and personal satisfaction through a clear branding approach. Learn how to communicate changes with poise and prepare your market, whether you're informing loyal clients on retainer or capturing new leads. Your journey to unstoppable business success starts with understanding your brand's worth, and Victoria is here to help you make that leap. Don't miss out on the next chapter of your brand's evolution.
Rest as a Business Strategy | Takeaways From my Husband and I’s Trip Out West
This week, join Victoria as she recounts a memorable trip with her husband, James, spanning Utah, Arizona, and Nevada. This bucket-list adventure was not only a celebration of birthdays and their wedding anniversary, but also a celebration of BrandWell’s sixth year of business! Victoria reflects on how stepping away from the demands of everyday life revitalized their marriage and reminded us of the importance of celebrating milestones. Despite initial anxieties about leaving their girls, Victoria and James embraced the adventure and discovered the joy of seizing unexpected moments.
Starting this trip in the breathtaking landscapes of Zion National Park, Victoria and James hiked to Scout's Lookout and braved the Narrows. Their journey continued to Bryce Canyon, witnessing its iconic hoodoos, and then down to Page, Arizona, where they admired the iconic Horseshoe Bend and took a guided tour of the mesmerizing Antelope Canyon. When in Arizona, you can’t miss the Grand Canyon, and Victoria shares her unique glamping experience at Under Canvas with amusing anecdotes about adapting to camp-style showers. Throughout the episode, Victoria shares travel tips and reflections to inspire your own adventures.
Finally, Victoria recounts a series of unfortunate yet amusing mishaps, from a shattered window to a booking error that left them without a hotel room. Despite the rocky start, everything worked out, and they enjoyed a memorable trip. Victoria shares this journey to encourage fellow entrepreneurs to celebrate their achievements and understand the critical importance of resting to foster creativity, innovation, and a renewed sense of purpose. So, join Victoria as she explores these transformative realizations and the heartwarming, and often humorous, experiences that shaped our unforgettable adventure.
Building a Strong Brand Through Podcasting Featuring My Podcast Manager, Elisa Dyer
Rebranding a business is never easy, especially when you're caught in the whirlwind of internal struggles and realizations. In today’s episode, Victoria chats with The Branding Business School’s Podcast manager, Elisa Dyer, all about her transformative journey of rebranding her business from a virtual assistant brand to ZealCast Studios—a name that perfectly encapsulates her mission and aspirations. Inspired by a pivotal module on The Art Of Naming at The Branding Business School, Elisa reveals how she overcame the hurdles of merging different aspects of her personality into a cohesive brand. Learn how strategic branding and planning played crucial roles in creating an energetic yet approachable vibe that resonates with her ideal clients.
Victoria and Elisa also explore the multifaceted benefits of podcasting for entrepreneurs, from building credibility and community to creating networking opportunities. They discuss the nuances of monetizing a podcast, emphasizing the distinction between direct and indirect methods. Lastly, you’ll hear personal experiences and success stories that illustrate how podcasting can enhance trust, attract valuable leads, and foster meaningful connections. If you’re in a similar place that Elisa was with considering a rebrand OR if you’re considering starting your very own podcast, this episode is packed with actionable insights that underscore the necessity of strategy in your brand as well as the transformative impact of podcasting on business growth and personal connections.
5 Common Branding Mistakes to Avoid When Building Your Visual Brand
Does your brand's visual identity truly reflect your mission, values, and target audience? In this episode of The Branding Business School podcast, we dissect the five most common mistakes entrepreneurs make when crafting their visual brand. From the strategic pitfalls of overlooking psychological impacts in color selection to the dangers of choosing logos and fonts based on personal biases, we provide actionable insights to ensure your brand resonates powerfully with your audience. Let’s break down why a deep understanding of your brand’s foundation is crucial before you leap into design, and how avoiding these common blunders can align your visual identity with your business goals.
We also shine a spotlight on the importance of investing in professional branding and the timeless effectiveness of simplicity in logos, drawing inspiration from iconic brands like Coca-Cola and Nike. Discover why a versatile brand suite is essential for maintaining consistency across various platforms and how thoughtful font selection can evoke the right emotions to match your brand’s ethos. Whether you’re launching a new venture or contemplating a rebrand, this episode equips you with the knowledge to build a cohesive and impactful visual brand without misplacing your priorities. Join us for a robust discussion that promises to elevate your branding strategy to new heights.
Upset Clients | How to Avoid Them & What to do When You Have Them
Let’s be real, no matter how much we try to avoid it, there will always be times when a client isn’t happy. In today’s episode, unlock the secrets to turning challenging client interactions into opportunities for growth and stronger relationships. Learn how to effectively manage and mitigate client dissatisfaction by employing mutual respect, clear communication, and empathy. This episode is packed with actionable strategies such as a thorough vetting process and setting clear expectations from the outset, ensuring that conflicts are minimized and smoother project executions are achieved. Whether it's handling difficult conversations with professionalism or using direct phone communication to de-escalate tense situations, Victoria offers practical tips and real-life examples that will help you maintain a positive rapport with your clients.
Discover the power of empathy in navigating client mishaps as Victoria shares personal stories and lessons learned. From addressing misunderstandings in project scopes to dealing with aggressive client behavior, she emphasizes the importance of listening empathetically and responding without defensiveness. Hear about real-world scenarios where small gestures of goodwill, like a Starbucks gift card, made a big difference in client satisfaction. Victoria also discusses the significance of maintaining professionalism even in the face of hostility and the value of having a cancellation clause in contracts. Tune in for valuable insights on building resilient client relationships that can withstand the inevitable bumps along the road.
Owning a Secular Business as a Christian Woman | Balancing Spiritual, Mental, and Physical Health as an Entrepreneur with Stephanie Diodati
Growing up on a diet of toaster strudels and pop tarts, Stephanie Diodati never imagined she'd one day be a champion for holistic health. Join us as Stephanie takes us on her transformative journey from a non-holistic upbringing to founding Real and Raw, a business dedicated to helping women achieve metabolic health through her innovative R&R process. Learn how her academic background in health science and holistic nutrition, coupled with personal experiences, shaped her holistic approach that empowers women to understand their bodies and overcome their health fears.
Stephanie's path wasn't straightforward. Despite earning a bachelor's in health science and a master's in holistic nutrition, she faced numerous rejections in the job market and was initially reluctant to work in hospital settings. Guided by her faith and intuition, Stephanie embraced entrepreneurship, even when it felt daunting. She shares how her return to a strong walk with the Lord during a challenging relationship gave her the courage to start her own business, underscoring the profound role faith has played in navigating life's hurdles and shaping her career.
In this inspiring conversation, Stephanie also delves into the integration of faith and business, revealing how prayer and spiritual intuition guide her decisions and client interactions. From the importance of regular blood chemistry analysis for optimal health to balancing the responsibilities of being an entrepreneur, mother, and wellness advocate, Stephanie provides practical advice and heartfelt insights. She emphasizes the value of expert guidance in overcoming analysis paralysis, helping us prioritize our health and achieve better results. Tune in to discover how spirituality, health, nutrition, and career intertwine in Stephanie's enriching journey.
How Your Wardrobe is Impacting Your Brand ft. Hollywood Stylist Dina Cerchione
Transform your personal brand with expert insights from Hollywood stylist Dina, who has spent over 25 years transforming celebrities and reality TV guests into style icons. Dina's journey from high school fashion enthusiast to a Manhattan denim brand employee and finally a top stylist in California, offers rich, inspiring stories. She now leverages her Hollywood experience to help modern entrepreneurs, speakers, and coaches create authentic personal brands through style.
Discover how style plays a pivotal role in visual and emotional branding. Dina shares the secrets behind creating a cohesive vibe through colors, fonts, language, and personal appearance. She also dives into the cultural shift driven by social media—a place where authenticity can significantly impact consumer trust and perception. Learn how to align your appearance with your brand identity to avoid missed opportunities and build lasting, trustworthy relationships with your audience.
Victoria and Dina explore the balance between relatability and professionalism, stressing that authentic doesn't mean unkempt. Dina provides practical tips on building a standout personal wardrobe that reflects your career aspirations, emphasizing the importance of proper fit and how it affects confidence and productivity. From the dangers of homogenized fashion trends to the power of unique branding, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you make a lasting impression through intentional style. Whether you're an entrepreneur, speaker, or coach, Dina's expertise will guide you in creating a polished and impactful personal brand.
The Difference Between a Business and a Brand
What truly distinguishes a business from a brand, and why is it essential to have both? Join Victoria Marcouillier, founder of BrandWell Designs, as she explains the difference between the two and why it really matters to build both. It’s time to understand what is driving your revenue, and contrast it with the magnetic allure of a brand, which creates memorable emotional connections with your audience. Through engaging analogies and compelling real-life examples, you'll discover how transforming a business into a powerful brand can make you the go-to choice for customers.
In this short and sweet episode, Victoria also recounts her personal journey and dives into the branding techniques that have propelled companies like Apple and Nike into household names. Learn why brand storytelling and personal narratives are vital in connecting with your target audience. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this conversation will inspire you to reassess and refine your brand strategy, ensuring it not only aligns with your business goals but also stands out in today's competitive market. Tune in and uncover the secrets to building a powerhouse brand that commands loyalty and trust.
How My Summer Off Helped Us 2x Sales | Tips for Maintaining Growth While Taking Time Off
Welcome back to The Branding Business School Podcast - Season 8! After a 15-week hiatus, Victoria is thrilled to reconnect with you all and share insights from her unconventional summer. This episode kicks off with reflections on taking time off from BrandWell to spend quality time with her children, embracing a flexible and unstructured work routine.
This summer, Victoria decided to eliminate structured meetings and obligations from her calendar, so that she could prioritize being present for her girls. Balancing work and motherhood, especially with young children, poses its challenges, but it was mentally relieving to remove internal meetings and focus on being present with her family. With her team’s support, Victoria could prioritize essential projects while delaying others. Her daily work routine centered around her children’s nap and quiet times, offering a consistent yet limited work window that allowed her to invest in meaningful family moments, including cherished evenings with her husband, James.
The experience of balancing work and family life turned out to be more rewarding than she anticipated. Despite initial fears of a dip in sales, June was a strong month, and July even broke records, highlighting the strength of BrandWell’s systems and team. Pre-scheduling content and conducting efficiency audits were key strategies that maintained business operations smoothly during her time off. By trimming non-essential tasks and focusing on impactful ones, Victoria ensured crucial operations like payroll were always addressed. This intentional shift underscored the importance of building a flexible business that supports family life, and Victoria is grateful for the unexpected success and the divine blessings that made it possible. Tune in to hear more about how taking a step back can sometimes propel your business forward.
10 Myths You've Been Told About Selling That Are Hurting Your Business and Your Confidence ft. My Sales Coach
What if you could double your income with a blend of grit and tenacity? Join us as we welcome back BrandWell’s sales coach and The Branding Business School educator, Gwen Tinsley, to the podcast! Gwen shares her compelling story of transitioning careers, her deep-rooted friendship with Victoria and how she helped her find confidence in selling. Together, they discuss strategies for dealing with difficult clients, maintaining pricing integrity, and building confidence in closing sales. This episode is packed with 10 myths that you’ve been told about selling and actionable insights on what to do instead that promise to elevate your entrepreneurial journey.
Discover how tapping into emotions can significantly influence purchasing decisions and create authentic human-to-human connections. The conversation emphasizes the importance of a thorough client discovery process and the necessity of protecting one's emotional well-being by carefully selecting clients. Gwen and Victoria discuss the benefits of an outcome-based approach, aiming to foster a positive and invigorating business environment.
Challenging common myths around selling in female entrepreneurship, this episode debunks misconceptions that could be holding you back. From the false notion that only extroverts can succeed in sales to the detrimental practice of discounting prices, Gwen and Victoria share valuable lessons on maintaining pricing integrity and niching down to attract the right clients. They also cover the importance of consistent follow-ups and structured communication in sales. Tune in to learn how expert sales coaching can be transformative, helping you handle difficult clients, balance work and life, and ultimately grow your business with confidence.
Is Work-life Balance Real? A Q&A on Motherhood, Business, Hiring and More
Season 7 has brought stories from incredible women and solo-casts filled with insights on building a brand and growing a successful online business. As the season comes to an end, Victoria is thrilled to answer YOUR questions that were asked on her Instagram Q&A! Today’s episode covers a range of topics including, motherhood, work life balance, business growth, preparation for maternity leave or an extended leave of absence, hiring a team, and more! Your engagement has been the highlight of the season, and Victoria is already looking forward to returning with a Season 8 after some weeks off to enjoy her summer with her family!
Balancing the roles of motherhood and entrepreneurship is no small feat, and Victoria’s been right there with you. When answering the questions pertaining to motherhood and entrepreneurship, Victoria opens up about her experience with building BrandWell while also being a mom of two toddlers. She continues on to share strategies that have worked for her, how hiring has helped her scale, marketing strategies that BrandWell currently uses, and more!
In today’s episode, Victoria shares many tangible takeaways but also shares how The Branding Business School can help you even more! There are whole modules that surround questions that were asked, including, “How do you overcome imposter syndrome, self-sabotage, and standing in your own way?”. This episode is packed with personal anecdotes, strategies for growth, and heartfelt advice—all designed to empower you as you navigate the entrepreneurial journey. We look forward to more weekly episodes coming soon with Season 8, but until then, throw in your earbuds, or turn up your car speakers, and enjoy today’s Q&A with Victoria!
Finding Peace and Confidence Through Pregnancy & Postpartum ft. BirthWell Founder, Shana Kosofsky
Today’s episode takes you to the other side of the world, in the heart of Jerusalem! Shana Kosofsky, founder of BirthWell, is an ultrasound technician, yoga teacher, and a certified pre and postnatal coach living in Jerusalem, Israel. Shana shares fascinating details of her experience living in Jerusalem during her first pregnancy, and now her second, along with the planning of having the birth of her second baby in Jerusalem. Victoria and Shana continue the conversation around the ways in which Shana is harnessing her expertise and personal experience to bring American-style warmth to Jerusalem’s prenatal care. It’s a dialogue that mirrors the collective hopes and challenges faced by women worldwide, as we seek to find connection to our bodies throughout the transformational season of pregnancy and childbirth. The power of education in transforming fear into confidence during childbirth becomes a central theme, reminding us all that the journey to motherhood is as much about preparation and strength as it is about love and resilience.
Shana and Victoria round off their discussion with the strategic groundwork that goes into successful brand building, applauding how the principles gained from The Branding Business School have shaped BirthWell's brand strategy. So, settle in, and let's celebrate the powerful symphony of women thriving in business and motherhood.
How to Push Through Plateaus & Gain Momentum in Your Business
Growth doesn't happen over night, we all know that. What we might not realize is that what you do in one season of business, might not work for you in the next season of business. Today, Victoria shares a reminder for all entrepreneurs as she shares an episode from the archives! This episode dives into lessons that Victoria learned after reading the book "Who Not How" and it serves as a great refresher that what got you here, won't get you there.
A Crash Course in Brand Identity
Unlock the secrets to a brand identity that doesn't just whisper, but roars with authenticity and purpose. Join Victoria Marcouillier, as she delves into the heart of what makes a brand truly resonate with their audience. Whether you're distinguishing your personal brand from your business or intertwining the two, this episode is your map to navigating the complex world of brand identity. Inside, you’ll dissect the six pivotal steps to cultivating a brand that not only stands out but stands for something. Learn how Victoria’s experiences with BrandWell have shaped an approach to branding that's about more than just aesthetics—it's about crafting a narrative that holds power and integrity.
Step into the world of impeccable brand crafting, where the right logo suite and visual style aren't just niceties, they're necessities. In a market flooded with noise and competition, Victoria shares strategies to elevate your brand's professionalism and attract the clientele you deserve. From leveraging tools to maintain a consistent visual presence, to articulating a brand message that fosters trust and loyalty, this episode is rich with practical advice for ambitious women ready to lead their industries. Tune in, and let's transform your brand identity into your business's most valuable asset.
BrandWell Retreat Recap: Why I Took My Design Team to Nashville for 3 Days
Nashville's vibrant heartbeat set the stage for the third annual BrandWell designer retreat, where creativity and camaraderie fused into an unforgettable weekend. Victoria has returned from an immersive brand experience with her all-female design team, and she’s sharing the highlights with you! From paying homage to Taylor Swift with friendship bracelets and customized acknowledgements, to indulging in designer trivia, to experiencing the local brands of Nashville; this retreat balanced strategic play with heartfelt moments.
Wrapping up the weekend, Victoria brought in each of the girls for a mini podcast interview to reflect on the mix of leisure and creativity that defined the Nashville retreat. The little joys, like experiencing a unique taco restaurant together and mastering the art of line dancing, became milestones in their girls weekend. As they have now parted ways, the retreat's impact lingers—a strengthened community of women in design, ready to infuse their work with the inspiration drawn from their collective adventure. Join the girls behind BrandWell Designs as they recount the laughter, the learning, and the love for branding that binds them all at BrandWell.
Do These 5 Things and Your Customers Will Market Your Business For You
Unlock the secret to turning your customers into your brand ambassadors as this episode revisits the brilliant insights from one of last year's favorite discussions. Victoria channels the wisdom of Mark Schaefer's "Marketing Rebellion" to equip you with five stellar tactics that will not only make your clients adore your brand but also transform them into eager advocates, ready to sing your praises to the world. In the episode, Victoria talks about the enchanting alchemy of customer recommendations, the unbeatable authenticity they bring compared to polished ads, and the little-known truth that your customer base can double as a potent marketing force.
Victoria also talks about the power of a timely and authentic customer review which can never be overstated, and she pulls back the curtain on the art of soliciting feedback that resonates. Victoria personally invites you to join the conversation and if this chat sparks a lightbulb moment for you, consider leaving The Branding Business School Podcast a review. It's time to sharpen your CEO skills and take your brand to new heights—just hit play and let the magic unfold.
BrandWell Designer Retreat Prep
Victoria’s spilling the tea on BrandWell's third designer retreat! It's been an incredible journey creating a space where collaboration and like-minded creatives thrive, and this Nashville getaway is BrandWell’s way of saying thanks to the designers, for the late nights and the brilliant designs. With anticipation bubbling, Victoria weaves together the threads of this retreat, from the venue that'll be their creative home to a special photography opportunity, slated to capture the team's essence and sprinkle a little more BrandWell sparkle into the world.
When you're part of a team that feels more like family, every moment is an opportunity to bond and bask in the glow of collective genius. So, as they experience Nashville's vibrant branding landscape, they’re not just tourists – they’re searching for inspiration and dissecting the branding strategies that make the city pulse. Back at their AirBnb, they’ll share their top picks and plan their own project of rebranding a local gem, because nothing screams 'teamwork' like a friendly competition that sets their creative fires ablaze.
Here's the thing about retreats – they're not just frivolous getaways; they're the cement in the foundation of a thriving company culture. Sure, it's a break from the hustle, but it's also about deepening the roots that keep BrandWell’s design family standing tall. We're talking personalized gift bags that ooze thoughtfulness, and awards that shine a spotlight on each unique contribution to BrandWell’s story. Investing in these moments of camaraderie and recognition pays dividends in loyalty and a culture that everyone wants to be a part of. So enjoy today’s episode, get a little inspired, and who knows, you might just start plotting your own team retreat by the time we're through.
5 Reasons Your Website Is Costing You Dearly
Ever wondered if your website is silently sabotaging your business's potential? That's the question we're tackling in this eye-opening episode. Victoria ruffles some feathers as she discusses the pivotal role a strong online presence plays in today's digital marketplace. She’s not holding back as she reveals how a lack of a professional website could mean you're leaving heaps of money on the table. Through personal anecdotes and some tough love, Victoria will show you why your services deserve a platform that speaks volumes of your credibility and helps you command the prices you truly deserve.
This episode peels back the layers on just what makes or breaks the user experience on your website and its direct impact on your sales figures. A DIY website might seem like a cost-effective solution, but Victoria is here to tell you why it might cost you more in the long run, especially if you're eyeing the big leagues of B2B or high-ticket markets. Get actionable advice on how to present your business's purpose with punchy imagery and headlines that reel in your audience. And because Victoria believes in walking the walk, she’s offering something special in April to help you tweak your site into a branding powerhouse that draws in your ideal clients. So tune in, get inspired, and let's get that website working as hard as you do.