boring. brutal. better.

how to build a brand (I wish I'd done this sooner...)

Welcome to day 3 of "Write Your Newsletter. Grow Your Brand. It's That Simple. Here's How."

hey Builder,

Welcome to day 3 of “Write Your Newsletter. Grow Your Brand. It’s That Simple. Here’s How.”

Each day builds on the last, so if you missed Day 1 or 2, definitely go back and read it.
Or if you’re more of a visual learner, good news: there’s a video version of today’s lesson too.

If you’re fully onboard with getting your newsletter off the ground (and you should be after yesterday’s email) the next question I get often is…

What should my newsletter be about?
Or how do I keep coming up with ideas?

Don’t worry, I got you!

I am going to start BIG PICTURE…
Then, get CRAZY TACTICAL…

First, BIG PICTURE…

What’s your brand about?

Here’s the deal, I ignored brand and branding for YEARS.
As an entrepreneur, it’s one of my biggest regrets.
Now, it’s a major focus for me.

I don’t want you to make the same mistake.

Here’s the truth:

As I am writing this… I have a document open in another pane called, “My Brand Guide”. I am referencing it all throughout my content creation process to make sure my message is clear, and on brand.

Step 1 for you - use this Brand Builder framework to get clear on YOUR BRAND.

Once you have that… you’ll be unstoppable.

So now, let’s get TACTICAL!

I’ve been creating content consistently since 2011. It started as long-form blog posts, then podcasts episodes, and now short form podcasts and videos (and always a newsletter).

and people ask me all the time… where do you get your ideas?

Well, I don’t get my ideas from ChatGPT.

Now, I don’t think there is anything wrong with using AI to help augment you as a human being. It certainly can be a tool in the creative process. And I use tools like this on a daily basis.

I am a firm believer in using my brain for creativity. I think one of the next greatest challenges humans will face is losing their ability to critically think due to an over-reliance on artificial intelligence.

but that’s not what this lesson is about, so let’s dive into 3 idea-generation methods beyond using a ChatGPT prompt…

  • method #1 - self interview method
    • pick your 5 brand pillars
    • write interview questions about these topics
    • ask yourself these questions and record responses!
    • here’s an example
  • method #2 - inspiration method (my least favorite)
    • if you are REALLY lacking creativity, you can use this method.
    • download the chrome extension: TikTok & Instagram Sorter
    • find inspiration from top performing content in adjacent fields
    • don’t copy competition.
  • method #3 - vanilla ice method
    • “STOP! Collaborate and listen”
    • Just STOP and write down things you did today.
    • Not your lunch or your dog walk…
    • What did you do that others could learn from?
    • We often are full of amazing content, but it’s so second nature to us, we don’t even think about it.

Now, you should be…

  • Building a brand that matters, one piece of content at a time
  • Swimming in ideas for your next newsletter

But, no matter how great the idea, there is one big problem we all face:

  • If no one sees your content, it doesn’t matter.

Harsh? Maybe.
True? 100%.

That’s where The Growth Continuum comes in.
But I will save that for tomorrow.

Until tomorrow, try harder.

, JM

← All past issues