Investing in Yourself: with Branding Expert Robert Smith

Loren Greiff: Navigating the Job Market TodayEpisode Sponsored by: Wix Studiohttps://wixstudio.comOn this episode of the Brand Design Masters podcast, Philip welcomes career coach and strategist Lauren Greiff. Her company PortfolioRocket is a proprietary career curriculum enabling people to GET FOUND for 80-85% of the job opportunities that are not posted online - a methodology that treats executive job seeking like what it really is: a strategic campaign to claim your worth. In our chat, Loren shares her expertise in helping VP-level and above executives secure roles more quickly and earn more. She emphasizes treating the executive job search as a strategic campaign and discusses the importance of storytelling, network building, and maintaining relevance in the job market.Lauren also dives into the strategies to combat ageism and the role of personal branding in career advancement. The episode is filled with practical advice on leveraging one’s network and creating impactful content, making it a must-listen for job seekers and professionals aiming to elevate their careers.Topics:• Introduction to the Podcast and Guest• Addressing Ageism in Executive Job Searches• The Power of Storytelling in Career Building• Networking Strategies for Career Advancement• Building a Personal Brand and Content Creation• Lauren's Personal Journey and Career Advice• Current Trends and Final ThoughtsLoren's Website:https://www.portfoliorocket.com/Loren on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorengreiff/Loren's podcast:Career Blast in a Halfhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/career-blast-in-a-half/id1670977528__________________________________BONFIRE MASTERMIND:https://philipvandusen.com.com/bonfireWEBSITEhttps://www.philipvandusen.comBRAND•MUSE NEWSLETTER  https://www.philipvandusen.com/museCREATIVE PROFESSIONAL COACHINGhttps://philipvandusen.com/oneononeBRAND CONSULTINGhttps://philipvandusen.com/brand-consultingBRAND STRATEGY 101 COURSEhttps://philipvandusen.com/bs101YOUTUBEhttps://www.youtube.com/c/philipvandusen LINKEDINhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/philipvandusen/THREADShttps://www.threads.net/@philipvandusen FACEBOOKhttps://www.facebook.com/philipvandusen.agency/INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/philipvandusen/____________________________________Philip VanDusen is a branding consultant and the owner of a brand strategy and design agency based in New Jersey. Philip is a highly accomplished creative executive and expert in brand strategy, graphic design, marketing and creative management. Philip provides design, branding, marketing, career and business advice to creative professionals, entrepreneurs and companies on building successful brands for themselves and the clients and customers they serve.

How to Find Freelance ClientsPodcast sponsor:Wix Studio https://wixstudio.comThis episode delves into effective methods for securing freelance clients. It explores two primary approaches: promotion, where you actively reach out to potential clients, and attraction, where you draw clients to you through strategic actions. Key topics include leveraging personal connections, the importance of personalized communication, the power of video messaging, and the use of advertising on platforms like Facebook, Google, and LinkedIn. The episode also covers the benefits of listing sites, the value of local community engagement, and the role of educational webinars and trainings. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of building a comprehensive brand ecosystem and consistent content marketing. Finally, a 'secret weapon' strategy is revealed, focusing on using LinkedIn to jump directly into decision and action stages through well-crafted referral requests and free brand audits.#businessdevelopment #marketing #clientacquisition #graphicdesign #freelancing #salesfunnel• Introduction to Freelance Clients• Promotion vs. Attraction: The Two Ways to Get Clients• Leveraging Your Network: The Low-Hanging Fruit• The Power of Personalized Communication• Using Video to Stand Out• Old School Advertising Techniques• Effective Use of Listing Sites• Teaching and Training as a Business Development Tool• Building Your Brand Ecosystem• Content Marketing and Its Importance• The Secret Weapon: Jumping Directly to Decision and Action• Conclusion and Final Thoughts__________________________________BONFIRE MASTERMIND:https://philipvandusen.com.com/bonfireWEBSITEhttps://www.philipvandusen.comBRAND•MUSE NEWSLETTER  https://www.philipvandusen.com/museCREATIVE PROFESSIONAL COACHINGhttps://philipvandusen.com/oneononeBRAND CONSULTINGhttps://philipvandusen.com/brand-consultingBRAND STRATEGY 101 COURSEhttps://philipvandusen.com/bs101YOUTUBEhttps://www.youtube.com/c/philipvandusen LINKEDINhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/philipvandusen/THREADShttps://www.threads.net/@philipvandusen FACEBOOKhttps://www.facebook.com/philipvandusen.agency/INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/philipvandusen/____________________________________Philip VanDusen is a branding consultant and the owner of a brand strategy and design agency based in New Jersey. Philip is a highly accomplished creative executive and expert in brand strategy, graphic design, marketing and creative management. Philip provides design, branding, marketing, career and business advice to creative professionals, entrepreneurs and companies on building successful brands for themselves and the clients and customers they serve.

Email List Building: Strategies and TipsPodcast sponsor:Wix Studio https://wixstudio.comIn this episode, the Philip discusses the importance of building an email list and offers practical advice on how to create and grow one effectively. Emphasizing the value of owning your marketing real estate, the speaker provides step-by-step guidance on acquiring email subscribers, choosing the right email service provider, and using content as a lure. Various lead magnet ideas such as ebooks, checklists, and resource lists are explored, along with tips on promoting them via social media and partnership opportunities. This episode underscores the significance of asking for signups and leveraging other platforms for visibility, while also stressing the efficacy of pop-ups despite their general unpopularity.#emailmarketing #emaillist #email #branding #marketing• Introduction to Email Marketing• Why Building an Email List is Crucial• Starting Your Email List from Scratch• Using Content to Attract Subscribers• Creating Effective Lead Magnets• Promoting Your Lead Magnets• Leveraging Partnerships and Appearances• Conclusion and Final Tips___________________________________BONFIRE MASTERMIND:https://philipvandusen.com.com/bonfireWEBSITEhttps://www.philipvandusen.comBRAND•MUSE NEWSLETTER  https://www.philipvandusen.com/museCREATIVE PROFESSIONAL COACHINGhttps://philipvandusen.com/oneononeBRAND CONSULTINGhttps://philipvandusen.com/brand-consultingBRAND STRATEGY 101 COURSEhttps://philipvandusen.com/bs101YOUTUBEhttps://www.youtube.com/c/philipvandusen LINKEDINhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/philipvandusen/THREADShttps://www.threads.net/@philipvandusen FACEBOOKhttps://www.facebook.com/philipvandusen.agency/INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/philipvandusen/____________________________________Philip VanDusen is a branding consultant and the owner of a brand strategy and design agency based in New Jersey. Philip is a highly accomplished creative executive and expert in brand strategy, graphic design, marketing and creative management. Philip provides design, branding, marketing, career and business advice to creative professionals, entrepreneurs and companies on building successful brands for themselves and the clients and customers they serve.

Top 10 Branding Trends for Small Businesses in 2024Podcast sponsor:Wix Studio https://wixstudio.comIn this episode, the discussion centers on the top 10 branding trends that small businesses should focus on in 2024. The key trends highlighted include building a compelling digital presence, leveraging social media for branding, adopting sustainable and ethical branding practices, and personal branding for entrepreneurs. Other crucial points cover the significance of content marketing, targeting niche markets, investing in brand strategy and storytelling, understanding the limitations of DIY design tools, utilizing technology in branding, and the benefits of networking and collaboration. The episode also features mentions of services like brand consulting and a mastermind community called Bonfire.#smallbusiness #branding #marketing #trends___________________________________BONFIRE MASTERMIND:https://philipvandusen.com.com/bonfireWEBSITEhttps://www.philipvandusen.comBRAND•MUSE NEWSLETTER  https://www.philipvandusen.com/museCREATIVE PROFESSIONAL COACHINGhttps://philipvandusen.com/oneononeBRAND CONSULTINGhttps://philipvandusen.com/brand-consultingBRAND STRATEGY 101 COURSEhttps://philipvandusen.com/bs101YOUTUBEhttps://www.youtube.com/c/philipvandusen LINKEDINhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/philipvandusen/THREADShttps://www.threads.net/@philipvandusen FACEBOOKhttps://www.facebook.com/philipvandusen.agency/INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/philipvandusen/____________________________________Philip VanDusen is a branding consultant and the owner of a brand strategy and design agency based in New Jersey. Philip is a highly accomplished creative executive and expert in brand strategy, graphic design, marketing and creative management. Philip provides design, branding, marketing, career and business advice to creative professionals, entrepreneurs and companies on building successful brands for themselves and the clients and customers they serve.

Episode Sponsored by: Wix Studio: https://wixstudio.comIn this candid and informal rant, Philip shares nine crucial pieces of advice for creative professionals navigating today's challenging job market. Drawing from over 30 years of experience, Philip emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, understanding HR's role, building a personal brand, and maintaining a mindset of continual learning. He also discusses industry ageism, the significance of networking, having a versatile skill set, and the complexities surrounding non-compete agreements. Additionally, Philip introduces 'Bonfire, the mastermind community aimed at helping mid to late-career creative professionals build their personal brands and professional independence.#creativecareers #graphicdesign #personalbranding #careeradvice00:00 Introduction and Context01:26 You Are Number One02:13 HR is Not Your Friend04:11 Career Insurance: Personal Brand06:00 Ageism in Creative Industries08:39 Networking: Who You Know Matters10:58 Zen Beginner's Mind: Constant Learning13:20 Skill Sets: T-Shaped vs. V-Shaped14:48 Show Your Work: Navigating Non-Compete Agreements18:28 Conclusion and Bonfire Community________________________________________BONFIRE MASTERMIND:https://philipvandusen.com.com/bonfireWEBSITEhttps://www.philipvandusen.comBRAND•MUSE NEWSLETTER  https://www.philipvandusen.com/museCREATIVE PROFESSIONAL COACHINGhttps://philipvandusen.com/oneononeBRAND CONSULTINGhttps://philipvandusen.com/brand-consultingBRAND STRATEGY 101 COURSEhttps://philipvandusen.com/bs101YOUTUBEhttps://www.youtube.com/c/philipvandusen LINKEDINhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/philipvandusen/THREADShttps://www.threads.net/@philipvandusen FACEBOOKhttps://www.facebook.com/philipvandusen.agency/INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/philipvandusen/____________________________________Philip VanDusen is a branding consultant and the owner of a brand strategy and design agency based in New Jersey. Philip is a highly accomplished creative executive and expert in brand strategy, graphic design, marketing and creative management. Philip provides design, branding, marketing, career and business advice to creative professionals, entrepreneurs and companies on building successful brands for themselves and the clients and customers they serve.

In this episode of the Brand Design Masters podcast, host Phillip VanDusen welcomes Robert Smith, an internationally recognized branding expert, professor, and author. They discuss the importance of investing time in oneself rather than focusing on transient technical skills, emphasizing the value of creativity, peer interaction, and mental health. Robert shares insights from his latest book 'Stop Looking for Zebras', which guides creative professionals on achieving long-term career success. Key topics include the relevance of human-driven creativity in the face of AI advancements, the significance of networking and mentorship, and strategies for maintaining passion and confidence in the creative industry.#branddesign #creativecareers #creativity #graphicdesignEpisode Sponsored by: WIX STUDIO: https://wixstudio.comROBERT SMITH Book: "Stop Looking for Zebras": https://a.co/d/54KQRlPThinkSmith Website: https://www.think-smith.com/00:00 The Best Investment for Longevity in the Industry00:25 Introduction to the Brand Design Masters Podcast00:42 Meet Robert Smith: Branding Expert and Author01:50 The Journey of Writing 'Stop Looking for Zebras'03:49 Teaching Design: Beyond Technical Skills08:33 Addressing Self-Confidence in Creative Careers12:47 The Impact of AI and Automation on Design17:58 Strategies for Creative Professionals to Stand Out21:21 Marty Neumeier's Packaging Success22:32 The Reality Behind Rockstar Designers23:55 Investing in Yourself Post-COVID26:35 The Power of Mastermind Groups27:41 The Importance of Networking35:45 Recognizing Career Transformations37:06 Career Goals and Bear Traps40:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts________________________________________WEBSITEhttps://www.philipvandusen.comBRAND•MUSE NEWSLETTER  https://www.philipvandusen.com/museCREATIVE PROFESSIONAL COACHINGhttps://philipvandusen.com/oneononeBRAND CONSULTINGhttps://philipvandusen.com/brand-consultingBRAND STRATEGY 101 COURSEhttps://philipvandusen.com/bs101YOUTUBEhttps://www.youtube.com/c/philipvandusen LINKEDINhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/philipvandusen/THREADShttps://www.threads.net/@philipvandusen FACEBOOKhttps://www.facebook.com/philipvandusen.agency/INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/philipvandusen/____________________________________Philip VanDusen is a branding consultant and the owner of a brand strategy and design agency based in New Jersey. Philip is a highly accomplished creative executive and expert in brand strategy, graphic design, marketing and creative management. Philip provides design, branding, marketing, career and business advice to creative professionals, entrepreneurs and companies on building successful brands for themselves and the clients and customers they serve.

In this episode, I sit down with Maureen Clough, a passionate advocate for age inclusion and the host of the popular podcast It Gets Late Early. Maureen is a former journalist and director of strategic partnerships for a variety of tech companies turned speaker, podcaster, and career strategist for professionals over 40. Her advocacy has been highlighted in outlets such as Wired, Business Insider, and Inside Edition. Maureen first caught my attention with a viral LinkedIn post reacting to the ageist language she discovered in Indeed’s Career Guide, a moment that ignited a broader conversation about the challenges facing seasoned professionals in today’s workforce.During this insightful conversation, Maureen shares her personal journey, the origins of her podcast, and the inspiration behind her mission to fight ageism in the tech industry. We explore the parallels and differences in how age discrimination manifests in various industry sectors, and Maureen offers actionable advice for shifting societal mindsets, improving hiring practices, holding companies accountable for their actions and embracing the value of intergenerational teams. This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone navigating a career in their 40s and beyond, and those looking to create more inclusive work environments.Episode Sponsored by: WIX STUDIO: https://wixstudio.comMaureen Clough Podcast "It Gets Late Early":https://www.itgetslateearly.com/podcastMaureen Clough on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough/#ageism #tech #personalbranding #careeradvice #careerdevelopment ____________________________________WEBSITEhttps://www.philipvandusen.comBRAND•MUSE NEWSLETTER  https://www.philipvandusen.com/museCREATIVE PROFESSIONAL COACHINGhttps://philipvandusen.com/oneononeBRAND CONSULTINGhttps://philipvandusen.com/brand-consultingBRAND STRATEGY 101 COURSEhttps://philipvandusen.com/bs101BRAND DESIGN MASTERS PODCAST https://podcast.branddesignmasters.com/subscribeYOUTUBEhttps://www.youtube.com/c/philipvandusen LINKEDINhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/philipvandusen/THREADShttps://www.threads.net/@philipvandusen FACEBOOKhttps://www.facebook.com/philipvandusen.agency/INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/philipvandusen/BRAND DESIGN MASTERS FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/branddesignmasters/ ____________________________________AFFILIATE PARTNERS:BRING YOUR OWN LAPTOP - Adobe Training with Daniel Scotthttps://www.byol.me/philip  GO HIGHLEVEL:https://www.gohighlevel.com/philipvandusenTUBEBUDDYhttps://www.tubebuddy.com/philipvandusen  ____________________________Philip VanDusen is a branding consultant and the owner of a brand strategy and design agency based in New Jersey. Philip is a highly accomplished creative executive and expert in brand strategy, graphic design, marketing and creative management. Philip provides design, branding, marketing, career and business advice to creative professionals, entrepreneurs and companies on building successful brands for themselves and the clients and customers they serve.

Career Pivot Strategies for Creative ProsIf you're a seasoned creative professional ready for a career pivot this episode is for you. In it I share proven career transition strategies tailored for mid-late career designers, branding experts, and creative professionals. Learn how to navigate shifts in your career, diversify your income with freelancing or consulting, and pursue more fulfilling work by leveraging your years of experience. I discuss key topics like up-skilling in digital marketing and AI, building a personal brand for your new direction, and overcoming the fear of change. Whether you’re ready to make a bold career move or simply want to explore new opportunities, this episode will equip you with the tools to succeed. Plus, discover how my BONFIRE mastermind community can offer the critical support and guidance you need during a career transformation.Episode Sponsored by: WIX STUDIO: https://wixstudio.comMentioned:BONFIRE: The Mastermind Community for Established Creative Proshttps://philipvandusen.com/bonfire#careeradvice #careerdevelopment #careercoaching #personalbranding #graphicdesign #graphicdesigner ____________________________________WEBSITEhttps://www.philipvandusen.comBRAND•MUSE NEWSLETTER  https://www.philipvandusen.com/museCREATIVE PROFESSIONAL COACHINGhttps://philipvandusen.com/oneononeBRAND CONSULTINGhttps://philipvandusen.com/brand-consultingBRAND STRATEGY 101 COURSEhttps://philipvandusen.com/bs101BRAND DESIGN MASTERS PODCAST https://podcast.branddesignmasters.com/subscribeYOUTUBEhttps://www.youtube.com/c/philipvandusen LINKEDINhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/philipvandusen/THREADShttps://www.threads.net/@philipvandusen FACEBOOKhttps://www.facebook.com/philipvandusen.agency/INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/philipvandusen/BRAND DESIGN MASTERS FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/branddesignmasters/ ____________________________________AFFILIATE PARTNERS:BRING YOUR OWN LAPTOP - Adobe Training with Daniel Scotthttps://www.byol.me/philip  GO HIGHLEVEL:https://www.gohighlevel.com/philipvandusenTUBEBUDDYhttps://www.tubebuddy.com/philipvandusen  ____________________________Philip VanDusen is a branding consultant and the owner of a brand strategy and design agency based in New Jersey. Philip is a highly accomplished creative executive and expert in brand strategy, graphic design, marketing and creative management. Philip provides design, branding, marketing, career and business advice to creative professionals, entrepreneurs and companies on building successful brands for themselves and the clients and customers they serve.

Episode Sponsored by: WIX STUDIO: https://wixstudio.comIn this episode, I explore how to build confidence as a creative professional and why it’s crucial for success in the creative and entrepreneurial world. Confidence isn't just about constant success; it's about embracing failure, pushing beyond your comfort zone, and doing things that scare you. I'll share insights on how resilience, not perfection, is the true foundation of confidence, and why small, consistent risks can significantly boost your confidence over time.I also discuss practical ways to expand your comfort zone, like incorporating new experiences and surrounding yourself with a supportive community. You'll learn how engaging in activities outside of your professional life and participating in a mastermind group, like BONFIRE, can rapidly accelerate your journey to confidence. If you're looking to overcome self-doubt and achieve greater success, this episode provides the tools and mindset shifts you need to start building real confidence today.Mentioned: BONFIRE Mastermind Community https://philipvandusen.com/bonfire#confidence #mindset #personaldevelopment #professionaldevelopment____________________________________WEBSITEhttps://www.philipvandusen.comBRAND•MUSE NEWSLETTER  https://www.philipvandusen.com/museBONFIRE: The Mastermind Community for Established Creative Proshttps://philipvandusen.com/bonfireCREATIVE PROFESSIONAL COACHINGhttps://philipvandusen.com/oneononeBRAND CONSULTINGhttps://philipvandusen.com/brand-consultingBRAND STRATEGY 101 COURSEhttps://philipvandusen.com/bs101BRAND DESIGN MASTERS PODCAST https://podcast.branddesignmasters.com/subscribeYOUTUBEhttps://www.youtube.com/c/philipvandusen LINKEDINhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/philipvandusen/THREADShttps://www.threads.net/@philipvandusen FACEBOOKhttps://www.facebook.com/philipvandusen.agency/INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/philipvandusen/BRAND DESIGN MASTERS FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/branddesignmasters/ ____________________________________AFFILIATE PARTNERS:BRING YOUR OWN LAPTOP - Adobe Training with Daniel Scotthttps://www.byol.me/philip  GO HIGHLEVEL:https://www.gohighlevel.com/philipvandusenTUBEBUDDYhttps://www.tubebuddy.com/philipvandusen  ____________________________Philip VanDusen is a branding consultant and the owner of a brand strategy and design agency based in New Jersey. Philip is a highly accomplished creative executive and expert in brand strategy, graphic design, marketing and creative management. Philip provides design, branding, marketing, career and business advice to creative professionals, entrepreneurs and companies on building successful brands for themselves and the clients and customers they serve.

Mentioned: Wix Studio: https://wixstudio.comBONFIRE Mastermind Community https://philipvandusen.com/bonfireWhat are the top trends in social media marketing for 2024-2025 that are set to redefine how brands and creators connect with their audiences? Whether you're a freelancer, a small business owner, or managing social media for a company, these insights are essential for staying ahead in the fast-evolving digital landscape.In this episode, you'll learn how YouTube has emerged as the top platform for brand engagement, and why lower video production value content is winning over audiences craving authenticity. I also discuss the staggering growth of the creator economy, where 1 in 5 people now consider themselves creators, and how this shift is reshaping consumer behavior. You'll also hear about the rise of social commerce, where consumers are increasingly shopping directly through social platforms.These actionable strategies will help you thrive in this dynamic marketing environment and ensure your brand remains relevant and impactful in the years to come.#socialmediamarketing #graphicdesign #marketing____________________________________WEBSITEhttps://www.philipvandusen.comBRAND•MUSE NEWSLETTER  https://www.philipvandusen.com/museBONFIRE: The Mastermind Community for Established Creative Proshttps://philipvandusen.com/bonfireCREATIVE PROFESSIONAL COACHINGhttps://philipvandusen.com/oneononeBRAND CONSULTINGhttps://philipvandusen.com/brand-consultingBRAND STRATEGY 101 COURSEhttps://philipvandusen.com/bs101BRAND DESIGN MASTERS PODCAST https://podcast.branddesignmasters.com/subscribeYOUTUBEhttps://www.youtube.com/c/philipvandusen LINKEDINhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/philipvandusen/THREADShttps://www.threads.net/@philipvandusen FACEBOOKhttps://www.facebook.com/philipvandusen.agency/INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/philipvandusen/BRAND DESIGN MASTERS FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/branddesignmasters/ ____________________________________AFFILIATE PARTNERS:BRING YOUR OWN LAPTOP - Adobe Training with Daniel Scotthttps://www.byol.me/philip  GO HIGHLEVEL:https://www.gohighlevel.com/philipvandusenTUBEBUDDYhttps://www.tubebuddy.com/philipvandusen  ____________________________Philip VanDusen is a branding consultant and the owner of a brand strategy and design agency based in New Jersey. Philip is a highly accomplished creative executive and expert in brand strategy, graphic design, marketing and creative management. Philip provides design, branding, marketing, career and business advice to creative professionals, entrepreneurs and companies on building successful brands for themselves and the clients and customers they serve.