Ali Brown Shine Event: Why I Said No to Advice From a Billionaire Entrepreneur Coach

November 17, 2009 by Jennifer Bourn | 5 Comments

sacramento website design sacramento graphic designThis post is the third in a series based on the Ali Brown Shine event in Las Vegas. Check out my previous posts I Didn’t Really Come For All The “Woo Woo” Junk and Billionaire Entrepreneur Coach Makes Social Media Blunder.

At the end of the Ali Brown Shine event, I was speaking with some ladies in the lobby area and one asked me if I had my brand/business card evaluated by Ali’s billionaire business coach during one of the breaks.

No way.

I have to say they were a little surprised. You see, they had assumed that as a branding/marketing expert that I would love to get advice from someone so important.

When they asked why I wasn’t one of the women huddled around this billionaire business coach for jockeying for a few words critiquing my business card, my answer was simple.

I don’t care.

Yep. That’s right. I said it. I don’t care.

Let me explain… I’m a graphic designer. I actually have my Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design. I have been designing brands, websites, logos, and sales materials since 1997 and I’d like to think I get design.

I spent a lot of time designing my logo and developing my own brand – a brand that is totally and completely representative of me. I love it and almost everyone who sees my logo or visits my site comments about how much they love it.

Plus, my brand is consistently represented both online and off and nothing anyone says will convince me to change my brand.

Why? Because it IS my brand.

I am sure that some of the biggest brands in the world have people that criticize their logo or their marketing from time to time. But do you see them changing their brand because of one person’s opinion? No. They know who they are. They know what their business represents. They are confident in their position.

So my message to you today is to stay true to your brand and what represents you. Let anyone who criticizes your brand have their say and just let it go.

Have confidence in yourself and confidence in your business. Stand firm in your brand both now, and in the years to come. Soon you’ll see that others will be attracted to your brand and advocate for your band right alongside you.

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    About the Authors: Jennifer and Brian Bourn owners of Bourn Creative, a Sacramento web design company, help established businesses build beautiful, feature-rich, custom WordPress websites and blogs, design powerful, personal brands, and help their clients learn to leverage their website and blog to attract more clients than they ever thought possible.


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    Feedback and Comments:

    1. Cathy Goodwin

      Nov 18, 2009 at 11:21

      I get lots of flack about MY brand too -
      Copy-Cat-Copywriting. Sometimes I say it’s not a great brand but it’s hard to change now. One self-styled marketing coach told me I’d never get a single client with this brand. Well, many clients later… I’ve expanded to the Cat Chats, more branding.

      Reply

      • JenBourn

        Nov 18, 2009 at 12:30

        Cathy – Thanks for your comment! I say if you love it, it works for you, and you’re having success… Stick with it. After all someone else’s opinion is just that – an opinion.

        It is so important that your brand be about you and reflective of who you are. Not everyone will resonate with that, but that is a good thing. It will help you find your ideal client who are a great fit faster!

        Reply

    2. Gina Bell

      Jan 19, 2010 at 01:00

      Hi Jennifer, your post truly exemplifies the confidence you have in your brand. I love that! It would be great if ALL entrepreneurs could experience this level of clarity. Unfortunately that’s not the case…

      So often we look outside of ourselves for answers, turning to celebrity gurus for a definition of what our business or brand (or success in general) should be like. This “comparison trap” can really take us for a ride. The end result is loss of authenticity and confidence. We end up trying to meet the expectations of others rather than creating success according to what we truly want.

      So I really love that you didn’t care and I hope more entrepreneurs take notice of what that REALLY means.

      Oh and kudos to you for hosting your AWESOME Brand Building Teleseries. The information you’re sharing is essential to long-term success. ~ Gina

      Reply

      • JenBourn

        Jan 19, 2010 at 02:32

        Gina – Wow! Thank you so much for the compliments on the teleseries! I am having a lot of fun doing it and the response has been amazing.

        I totally love that you brought up the “comparison trap!” It is so true that many get unbelievably caught up on comparing themselves to others and seeing how they measure up that they completely lose sight of their unique message and purpose. I think this is especially true for women.

        Part of having confidence in your brand is having a crystal clear understanding of your brand, message, benefits and features, and point of differentiation, etc. That clarity of having your message, passion and purpose clearly defined makes a huge difference in your confidence level!

        I appreciate your thoughts! -Jen

        Reply

    3. What Marketing Materials Does My Business Need And Why? | Bourn Creative

      Apr 28, 2010 at 09:04

      [...] you hand a client, prospect, or potential strategic partner your business card, brochure, rack card, or note card, you are putting your brand right in their hands. You have an [...]

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