To do or not to do? Let your values guide you.
Hey there, brandcrafter! Let's talk about values and why they're so important (and why they can literally make or break your brand).
But first, a quick story:
Yesterday, I was invited to tune in to a training about how to use organic marketing to get more clients. I love marketing -- especially organic (aka not paid ads) because it's such an underused way to connect with people and grow a community -- so I joined to hear about their new system.
The first step? Cold DMing people with a pitch that went something like "Hey, I really like what you're doing" and continued on to say something related to an offer.
When I was new to freelancing, I was introduced to this cold message tactic, but it always felt icky so I never sent them.
I was called "uncoachable," and I had coaches tell me I'd never succeed because I couldn't follow simple directions and just do what it took no matter what.
But, see, even though this was before I knew how important brand values are, I already knew what I was and wasn't willing to do.
And sending out generic messages that gave a fake compliment to make me seem like I like them wasn't it. Nor was invading people's private space without their consent.
Eventually, I learned why I wasn't willing to just follow what people (who I thought knew better than me and who I thought were better than me) told me to do -- it wasn't aligned with what I believe in and who I am.
Had I just followed directions and not listened to my gut, I probably would've burned a lot of bridges and been known as someone to avoid talking to. AKA the opposite of community building.
And that's what I want you to think about this week, brandcrafter.
Along your journey, you'll hear a lot of people telling you what to do and how to do it -- and a lot of the time, it might go against what you believe in.
Follow your compass instead.
✨ Take some time this week to really think about your brand values.✨
If you have trouble thinking of some, here's a list by Brené Brown, but these are just words and you need to put your meaning to them.
Remember: Values aren't just words that sound nice.
They inform you how to run your business, and they should correspond with clear actions, boundaries, and beliefs.
✨ Ask yourself why this value is so important to you specifically. Write a story around that value that shows why it's important and what it looks like in action.✨
And if you need an example of how to write a quick story to see how easy it can be for you too? Just re-read this newsletter. 😉
Want to get an inside peek inside my brand? Here are my brand values and how I live them:
Community at the heart: Create people-centered experiences and spaces where people are seen, heard, and feel like they belong
Lead with integrity: Be transparent, trust people to make informed decisions, and ask for consent.
Spark change: Create movements, advocate, and center marginalized people's stories and voices instead of speaking over (or for) them.
Embrace curiosity: Play with new ideas, have fun, and always keep improving the craft.
KISS: The acronym, not the glitter rock band. Keep it super simple. Simplicity and clarity come before cleverness and complexity.
Stay weird: When the world demands conformity, stay weird -- express yourself unapologetically -- instead.
I'd love to read about your values and what they mean to you.
If you'd like to share your values and/or stories about them, just hit reply and I'll get your note.
Happy branding!
Cat
PS Do you want a downloadable guide to help you come up with brand values, decide which ones are the most important ones for you, and know how to bring them to life through story and strategy?
Please reply and let me know! I want to create free resources that'll best help you, but I only know if it's needed if you raise your hand (or send me an email).