First, you build a brand then you build a business.  I heard this on Jenna Kutcher’s podcast and thought… “Stop, Back up the bus, Beep, Beep, Beep.”  This is where I got off course.  I built my business first and now am learning how to brand.   This is not the recommended course of action, folks.  I was so eager to start I wouldn’t have listened if someone told me.

I started Pinning and Googling as much as possible about branding.  However, not only was I on the struggle bus but I was driving it.  My thoughts were, “my brand is a website design and tech support business.”

Branding Beast

I read this amazing blog post from Amy Howard Social, What We Can Learn About Blogging + Branding From Joanna Gaines.  The post shows us beautiful images from Chip & Joanna’s brand:  Fixer Upper houses, Magnolia Market goods, Magnolia House, Magnolia Home Furnishings, Magnolia Paint, the book, the Silos, the Bakery, the garden, and the Blog.

Flip the Switch Chip

Among other things, Amy Howard said this: “If you have ever watched Joanna’s show, Fixer Upper, you would have noticed that during EVERY episode she has quaint baked goods offered to her clients and her precious family brings her a cupcake or two during her late decorating nights at her design jobs.

Coincidence?  I think not – this is BRANDING at its finest.”  She called Joanna a “Branding Beast”!

Lightbulb Moment

Maybe it clicked for me because I love to bake and am envious of the cookies she brings out to her clients or how she stays so skinny while her kids routinely bring her cupcakes.

These are the things she loves, they are in her DNA and they are her brand.  Either in her mind or with an HGTV marketing expert this is intentional and curated.  Who she is plus what she loves equals her authentic brand.  Thank you, Amy Howard, for enlightening me.

Branding Beast at Work

I remember watching Chip & Joanna on The Chew during their book launch.  Joanna made a side comment, “I’d love to have a cooking show”.  She loves to cook and bake, and she’ll have “Cooking with Joanna at Magnolia’s show soon.  I can’t wait to watch this branding genius whip up delectable treats!

Next Steps

What does this mean for us non-HGTV Stars?

• Will I be serving cookies to my web design clients in my backyard?
• Will you be building a greenhouse next to your garage?

Probably not, but I now feel confident about building my brand around me even if it’s not all techie stuff.  Will you follow me on my branding journey?  You may get some cookies in my backyard while the dog barks at us.

Does this look like a Branding Beast to you?