S05.EP10 - Brand Naming: How to Create Great Brand Names with Alexandra Watkins

In this episode, we tackle the often-overlooked challenges of brand identity asset management and explore why traditional style guides might not be enough. Joined by Raitis Velps, we dive into the common pitfalls brands face, from outdated assets to inconsistent branding across platforms. Discover how these issues can dilute brand perception and hurt performance in competitive markets. We also examine where static brand guidelines fall short and introduce innovative tools like Corebook Studio, which offer dynamic, real-time solutions for modern brand management. Learn how digital-first brand guidelines can streamline consistency, improve collaboration, and elevate your brand’s value. Whether you’re an agency or a brand leader, this episode provides actionable insights to rethink how you manage brand assets in today’s fast-paced world. Tune in and explore the future of brand management!

The episode features a compelling discussion with Maria Brasil, founder of Essence Branding and a champion of conscious capitalism. Maria shares her journey from working in traditional branding agencies to pioneering a brand strategy approach that emphasizes aligning brand positioning with organizational culture. She explains the concept of conscious capitalism, which revolves around four pillars: higher purpose, conscious leadership, conscious culture, and stakeholder integration. Maria and the hosts delve into the importance of building brands “from the inside out,” stressing that true brand authenticity stems from the company’s core values and culture, not just external marketing efforts. Maria shares insights from her work, including a project with a fintech company in Brazil’s favelas, where she helped develop a brand that resonates deeply with its community by addressing their unique needs and challenges. The episode also explores the challenges of integrating conscious capitalism into business practices, emphasizing the need for leaders to take the time to understand and authentically embody the brand’s values. Maria concludes by encouraging companies to consciously build brands that are not only profitable but also meaningful and aligned with their internal culture. Conscious Capitalism is a business philosophy that emphasizes the importance of aligning business practices with social and environmental responsibilities. It advocates for a business model that serves all major stakeholders, including customers, employees, investors, communities, suppliers, and the environment, rather than solely focusing on maximizing shareholder value. 

In this episode of JUST Branding, we unlock “Logo Design Secrets” with the esteemed Ian Paget, the creative mastermind behind Logo Geek. Ian, a celebrated logo designer and author, has made a notable impact in the branding world through his visually stunning and memorable logo creations. Our conversation begins with Ian sharing his journey into logo design, then we delve into the intrinsic value of logos, their role in business success, and examine real-world examples of impactful logos. Ian provides insights into the attributes of a good logo, common pitfalls, and how to choose the right logo designer for your business. We explore the logo design process, current trends, and touch on the future of logo design, including Ian’s thoughts on AI’s role in the field. Finally, the episode offers practical advice for entrepreneurs on leveraging logos for brand success and for designers on building a successful career and personal brand in the industry. Join us for this insightful discussion that bridges the perspectives of both business owners and designers in the world of logo design.

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of strategy with Alex Smith, the author of the insightful book “No BS Strategy.” We start by exploring Alex’s background and what inspired him to write “No BS Strategy.” Alex then defines strategy and branding in his unique, straightforward style. We then discuss what makes a great strategy and the typical processes involved in creating one, plus Alex shares invaluable tips to sense check your strategy and highlights common pitfalls to avoid. Tune in for practical insights and no-nonsense advice on crafting a winning strategy with Alex Smith!

In this episode, Alexandra Watkins, a renowned naming expert and author of ‘Hello, My Name Is Awesome: How to Create Brand Names That Stick,’ shares her insights . Alexandra emphasizes that anyone can create memorable brand names with the right approach. She discusses the emotional impact of names, the pitfalls of overly descriptive ones, and the importance of testing using the SMILE & SCRATCH method which outlines key brand naming principles. Alexandra also delves into challenges like trademark availability, domain names and the future of brand naming in the age of AI. Tune in for practical tips on how to create brand names that stick!

ShannaRea Dennis is an expert in "rebranding". In this episode, we tuck into the subject of what a rebrand is, why a business might need a rebrand, what that entails and what the benefits are. We also review what business leaders should expect from a strategy led rebrand and what pitfalls they should avoid. This episode is a must for anyone involved in or seeking to undertake a rebrand soon.

In this episode Matt and Jacob sit down with the master of 'Strategic Narrative' Andy Raskin. Andy walks through how to create a narrative which positions your brand as the front runners in a movement and how this cuts through noise and galvanises companies around a powerful purpose. If you want help punching up your brand positioning, this episode is not to be missed.

Level up your understanding of experience design with this enlightening episode. Brands are more than just logos and fonts. They are experiences from which consumers formulate meaning. In this episode we sit down with Matthew Cluttingham who has been creating experiences for global brands for over 20 years. We pick his brains to discuss the power of lighting to effect mood and how using it can enhance the way brands are experienced by customers.

How does brand interact with the discipline of marketing? In this insightful episode, we're joined by Jade Tambini, a B2B marketing expert and course leader at B2B Breakthrough Academy. With a rich background in consulting and 17 years of experience in B2B, Jade has not only worked her way to director-level positions at DS Smith PLC but has also served as the Chair of the Chartered Institute of Wales. Jade takes us on a journey through the evolution of B2B marketing, highlighting the seismic shift from traditional person-to-person sales to the current digital landscape. In this new era, online platforms have become pivotal, transforming customer expectations from simple sales support to a demanding need for leads. Contrary to common belief, Jade observes that online competition in B2B isn't as saturated as one might think, presenting untapped opportunities for businesses to establish their presence in the digital space. Jade generously shares her expertise by unveiling the four pillars of B2B marketing, offering a robust framework for businesses navigating the intricate world of B2B Marketing. Not to be missed!

What are the strategies propelling the world’s top 181 brands to the pinnacle of global success? In this enlightening episode, we delve into the comprehensive research conducted by our esteemed guest, Sarah Robb. She has meticulously analyzed 181 leading global brands, uncovering the strategic nuances that drive their market dominance. Plus, we explore her revolutionary “Unselfish Framework,” a tool designed to empower brand builders. This framework demystifies the complex questions of brand development and provides a structured approach to finding the answers. If you're seeking clarity in branding and wish to cut through the BS, this episode is must-listen! Tune in for a deep dive into the art and science of brand building, guided by the expertise of Sarah Robb! — **Limited Time Offer** Sarah has generously offered our listeners 10% off her Brand Strategy Academy, a clear, practical online course that breaks through the jargon and equips you with the process and tools you need to develop world-class brand strategies. Visit the link below and enter code ‘JUSTBRANDING’ for 10% off. https://justcreative.com/go/bss Enjoy!