Networking Strategies for Designers and Entrepreneurs

Personal Branding Power TipsIn this episode of the Brand Design Masters podcast, Philip delves into an advanced perspective on personal branding, which he dubs 'Personal Branding 2.0'. Philip explores the evolution of personal branding and discusses how creative professionals can leverage new platforms and formats, like short-form video on TikTok and Instagram Reels, to build an authentic presence. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling, community building, and collaboration in establishing a strong personal brand. Additionally, Philip discusses the role of emerging technologies, such as AI and automation, in streamlining brand building efforts. He concludes with key mindset shifts necessary for sustaining a resilient and impactful personal brand. Philip also introduces his new mastermind membership community, Bonfire, designed to support creative professionals through coaching, networking, and resource sharing.BONFIRE: https://philipvandusen.com/bonfire00:00 Introduction to the Brand Design Masters Podcast00:19 Personal Branding 2.0: An Advanced Look01:09 Leveraging New Platforms and Formats03:07 Owning Your Narrative: Personal Branding as Storytelling04:28 Building Influence Through Community and Collaboration07:34 Embracing Emerging Tech in Personal Branding09:42 Mindset Shifts for Personal Branding 2.010:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts_______________________WEBSITEhttps://www.philipvandusen.comBONFIRE: Mastermind Communityhttps://philipvandusen.com/bonfireBRAND•MUSE NEWSLETTER  https://www.philipvandusen.com/museCREATIVE PRO COACHINGhttps://philipvandusen.com/oneononeBRAND CONSULTINGhttps://philipvandusen.com/brand-consultingBRAND STRATEGY 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 INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/philipvandusen/____________________________________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 based in New York. He's a highly accomplished creative executive and is regarded as an 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.

The Best LinkedIn Video Strategy for 2025In this episode of the Brand Design Masters podcast, Philip addresses the often-overlooked potential of LinkedIn for video marketing. He discusses the importance of understanding different LinkedIn video formats, including feed videos, short videos, and LinkedIn Live, emphasizing their unique advantages. Philip outlines a seven-step guide to leveraging LinkedIn video to attract an ideal audience, starting with understanding video formats and starting small with short videos. He provides advice on choosing video topics, using the 'hamburger' method for content planning, tailoring content to one's brand, and the surprising benefits of including longer text descriptions.Finally, Philip highlights the importance of tracking video performance analytics to measure success. Additionally, he introduces his mastermind membership community, Bonfire for Creative Professionals, aimed at providing group coaching, training, and networking opportunities. Stay creative and see the full potential LinkedIn video offers for business growth.BONFIRE: https://philipvandusen.com/bonfire00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:20 The Untapped Potential of LinkedIn Video00:58 Understanding LinkedIn's Video Formats03:15 Starting Small with Short Videos03:48 Choosing the Right Video Topics05:50 Introducing Bonfire for Creative Professionals07:26 "The Hamburger Method" for Content Planning08:31 Tailoring Content to Your Brand09:13 The Importance of Text Descriptions09:57 Tracking Your Successes10:34 Conclusion and Recap11:23 Supporting the Podcast and Staying Updated#LinkedIn #Marketing #ContentMarketing_______________________WEBSITEhttps://www.philipvandusen.comBONFIRE: Mastermind Communityhttps://philipvandusen.com/bonfireBRAND•MUSE NEWSLETTER  https://www.philipvandusen.com/museCREATIVE PRO COACHINGhttps://philipvandusen.com/oneononeBRAND CONSULTINGhttps://philipvandusen.com/brand-consultingBRAND STRATEGY COURSEhttps://philipvandusen.com/bs101BRAND DESIGN MASTERS PODCAST https://podcast.branddesignmasters.com/subscribeBRAND DESIGN MASTERS FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/branddesignmasters/ YOUTUBEhttps://www.youtube.com/c/philipvandusen LINKEDINhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/philipvandusen/THREADShttps://www.threads.net/@philipvandusen INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/philipvandusen/____________________________________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 based in New Jersey. He's a highly accomplished creative executive and is regarded as an 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.

10 Mistakes Small Businesses Will Make This YearIf you’re a small business owner, agency, or freelancer working with small businesses, this episode is a must-listen. I’m breaking down the 10 biggest mistakes small businesses will make this year—mistakes that can slow growth, hurt profits, or even put you out of business if you’re not careful.From ignoring AI and automation to neglecting customer retention, these missteps can mean the difference between thriving and struggling. The good news? Every single one of these mistakes is avoidable—if you know what to look for.Here’s what I’m covering:Why small businesses can’t afford to ignore AI anymoreThe massive shift to mobile-first marketing (and why your website needs to keep up)How failing to personalize your marketing is costing you salesWhy organic social media alone isn’t a winning strategyThe critical role of video content in 2025And much more...If you want to stay ahead of the curve, grow your brand, and make smart, strategic moves this year, tune in now. Let’s make 2025 your best year yet!🎧 Hit play, and let’s dive in.#SmallBusiness #MarketingStrategy #AIWEBSITEhttps://www.philipvandusen.comBONFIRE: Mastermind Communityhttps://philipvandusen.com/bonfireBRAND•MUSE NEWSLETTER  https://www.philipvandusen.com/museCREATIVE PRO COACHINGhttps://philipvandusen.com/oneononeBRAND CONSULTINGhttps://philipvandusen.com/brand-consultingBRAND STRATEGY COURSEhttps://philipvandusen.com/bs101BRAND DESIGN MASTERS PODCAST https://podcast.branddesignmasters.com/subscribeBRAND DESIGN MASTERS FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/branddesignmasters/ YOUTUBEhttps://www.youtube.com/c/philipvandusen LINKEDINhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/philipvandusen/THREADShttps://www.threads.net/@philipvandusen INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/philipvandusen/____________________________________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 based in New Jersey. He's a highly accomplished creative executive and is regarded as an 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.

Have you ever wondered how AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Bard decide which content to recommend? If you're a content creator looking to expand your reach, this episode is a must-listen.I recently had a game-changing conversation with someone who discovered my work—not through YouTube or Google, but through ChatGPT. That’s when it hit me: AI-driven recommendations are a massive, untapped opportunity for creators. Unlike traditional SEO, these AI tools don’t rank content the same way Google does. Instead, they prioritize relevance, authority, and context.In this episode, I break down exactly how AI selects content and what you can do to ensure your videos, articles, and brand get recommended more often. We’ll cover:Why AI recommendations are a game-changer for content visibilityHow AI tools determine which content to suggestThe key role of metadata, transcripts, and engagement metricsWhy evergreen content performs better in AI-driven searchSimple optimization strategies to make your content AI-friendlyIf you want to future-proof your content strategy and stay ahead in the evolving digital landscape, this episode is packed with actionable insights.#ContentMarketing #SEO #BrandVisibility #AEO________________________________WEBSITEhttps://www.philipvandusen.comBONFIRE: Mastermind Communityhttps://philipvandusen.com/bonfireBRAND•MUSE NEWSLETTER  https://www.philipvandusen.com/museCREATIVE PRO COACHINGhttps://philipvandusen.com/oneononeBRAND CONSULTINGhttps://philipvandusen.com/brand-consultingBRAND STRATEGY COURSEhttps://philipvandusen.com/bs101BRAND DESIGN MASTERS PODCAST https://podcast.branddesignmasters.com/subscribeBRAND DESIGN MASTERS FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/branddesignmasters/ YOUTUBEhttps://www.youtube.com/c/philipvandusen LINKEDINhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/philipvandusen/THREADShttps://www.threads.net/@philipvandusen INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/philipvandusen/____________________________________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 based in New Jersey. He's a highly accomplished creative executive and is regarded as an 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 a Job in the Creative IndustryLanding a job in today’s creative industry isn’t easy—especially if you’re mid-to-late career. But it’s far from impossible. In this solo episode, I break down five proven strategies to help you stand out in a competitive job market, refine your approach, and ultimately secure the role you’ve been striving for.We’ll cover:• How to tailor your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and hiring managers• The key updates you need to make on your LinkedIn profile to get noticed• Smart ways to reach out to hiring managers and decision-makers• Why networking (both online and in-person) is your secret weapon• How to prepare for interviews and present your work strategicallyIf you’re feeling stuck in your job search, these tactics will give you the clarity and confidence to move forward. And if you want more career support, consider joining my mastermind group, BONFIRE, where creative pros connect, learn, and grow together. Learn more at philipvandusen.com/bonfire.Tune in now, and let’s get you hired!#CreativeCareers #JobSearchTips #PersonalBranding____________________________________WEBSITEhttps://www.philipvandusen.comBONFIRE: Mastermind Communityhttps://philipvandusen.com/bonfireBRAND•MUSE NEWSLETTER  https://www.philipvandusen.com/museCREATIVE PRO COACHINGhttps://philipvandusen.com/oneononeBRAND CONSULTINGhttps://philipvandusen.com/brand-consultingBRAND STRATEGY COURSEhttps://philipvandusen.com/bs101BRAND DESIGN MASTERS PODCAST https://podcast.branddesignmasters.com/subscribeBRAND DESIGN MASTERS FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/branddesignmasters/ YOUTUBEhttps://www.youtube.com/c/philipvandusen LINKEDINhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/philipvandusen/THREADShttps://www.threads.net/@philipvandusen INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/philipvandusen/____________________________________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 based in New Jersey. He's a highly accomplished creative executive and is regarded as an 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.

Networking Strategies for Designers and EntrepreneursEpisode 152In this episode, Philip explores how networking has evolved with the rise of remote work and digital platforms. He shares innovative, non-standard networking tactics that go beyond traditional methods such as industry mixers and LinkedIn messages. Philip emphasizes the importance of a strong online presence and gives actionable tips for optimizing platforms like LinkedIn, Behance, and Dribbble. He also introduces niche platforms, the power of masterminds, and personalized outreach through video messages. Whether you're an in-house creative or an entrepreneur, Philip provides practical strategies to build meaningful connections and grow your network in today’s digital-first world. Tune in to discover how to make networking a creative and rewarding experience.Mentioned: BONFIRE Mastermind Communityhttps://philipvandusen.com/bonfire#Networking #Entrepreneurship #Graphicdesign _________________________________________WEBSITEhttps://www.philipvandusen.comBONFIRE: Mastermind Communityhttps://philipvandusen.com/bonfireBRAND•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 BRAND DESIGN MASTERS FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/branddesignmasters/ INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/philipvandusen/____________________________________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. He's a highly accomplished creative executive and is regarded as an 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.

Best Content Marketing Strategy for 2025Episode 151A great content marketing strategy includes more than just producing and posting as much as possible. That’s why I’m breaking down the most impactful shifts in content marketing for 2025 and beyond. This episode dives into the strategies that are working right now—based on trends in audience behavior and the changing tools of the trade. Whether you're building a brand, growing a business, or amplifying your career, these insights will help you thrive in the new era of content marketing.I cover actionable tactics and essential mindset shifts, including moving from volume to value, creating community-focused content, and leveraging data-driven personalization. You’ll also learn how to entirely transform your approach to content marketing, craft impactful campaigns, and foster genuine connections with your audience that lead to sales.#contentmarketing #digitalstrategy #contentcreation_________________________________________WEBSITEhttps://www.philipvandusen.comBONFIRE: Mastermind Communityhttps://philipvandusen.com/bonfireBRAND•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 BRAND DESIGN MASTERS FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/branddesignmasters/ INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/philipvandusen/____________________________________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. He's a highly accomplished creative executive and is regarded as an 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.

The Power of Brand Alignment with Brandon Coleman, Jr.In this episode, Philip welcomes Brandon Coleman, Jr., a legend in branding and strategic consulting with over five decades of experience. Brandon discusses his journey in branding, launching a successful strategic branding firm, and writing his book, 'Brand On!: the Hidden Power of Brand Alignment.' He emphasizes the importance of brand alignment, sharing actionable insights and real-life examples to help entrepreneurs and businesses amplify their potential. Brandon also delves into maintaining authenticity amidst advancements in AI and technology, the essential role of leadership in brand alignment, and how caring deeply for a client's brand can lead to successful brand strategies.'Brand On!: The Power of Brand Alignment' by Brandon Coleman, Jr.Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/40mnWBNBrandon's website: https://www.brandoncolemanjr.com/#brandstrategy #branding #marketing__________________________________________WEBSITEhttps://www.philipvandusen.comBONFIRE MASTERMIND:https://philipvandusen.com/bonfireBRAND•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 Philip delves into the journey from designer to creative director. He outlines five key steps: gaining exposure to upper management, managing and mentoring others, mastering project planning and delivery, managing clients and presentations, and being solutions-oriented. Philip emphasizes the importance of visibility, leadership skills, reliability, strategic thinking, and solving problems. He also highlights a crucial 'power-up' bonus step – finding a mentor to navigate the transition smoothly. Offering practical and actionable advice, this episode is a must-listen for any designer aspiring to move up the career ladder.00:19 The Journey from Designer to Creative Director01:08 Step 1: Getting Exposure to Upper Management03:03 Step 2: Learn to Manage and Mentor Others05:12 Step 3: Master Project Planning and Delivery06:46 Step 4: Master Client Management and Presentations08:57 Step 5: Be Solutions Oriented and Take Ownership10:19 Bonus Step: Get a Mentor13:30 Recap and Final Thoughts14:27 Support and Stay Connected#creativedirector #personalbranding #careeradvice #graphicdesign #careercoaching__________________________________________WEBSITEhttps://www.philipvandusen.comBONFIRE MASTERMIND:https://philipvandusen.com/bonfireBRAND•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.

Experience Transformative Growth with Joseph BojangIn this episode, Philip welcomes special guest Joseph Bojang, a certified coach with expertise in human behavior, marketing, and business. Joseph shares his unique journey from running a marketing agency to becoming a transformational coach. The discussion explores the difference between problems and dilemmas, the significance of archetypes in personal development, and the importance of mindfulness practices. They delve into overcoming business overwhelm, the power of journaling, and the role of a coach in achieving self-discovery and authentic goal setting.Joseph emphasizes the transformative power of understanding and navigating one's dilemmas to achieve lasting fulfillment.Joseph Bojang on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-bojang/TOPICS• Joseph's Career Transition• Understanding Problems and Dilemmas• Creating Safety for Growth• The Role of Archetypes in Personal Development• Trends in Coaching and Personal Growth• The Importance of Coaching and Journaling• Conclusion and Contact Information#personaldevelopment #coaching #josephbojang #careercoaching__________________________WEBSITEhttps://www.philipvandusen.comBONFIRE MASTERMIND:https://philipvandusen.com/bonfireBRAND•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.