Journey To Brand Integrity: Don't Stop Believin

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Sarah began her Journey at the School of Rock with High Hopes and Dreams of Stardom. She had spent years honing her craft and skills and was sure she was destined to be a Rock Star. After playing many birthday parties and friend’s weddings, (and by those I mean internships, and entry-level jobs Sarah finally got a break and was signed by University Records. An actual career focused position with responsibility and great potential for growth… While out on tour and learning the ropes Sarah ran into some brick walls. She realized the “industry” could be difficult and unforgiving. “Why don’t they let me write my own songs, and play my own music?” It seemed like everyone had advice to give her and appeared to know more than she did about her own image. You should look this way. You should talk that way. You should walk this way. Finally, Sarah had enough. This was the school of hard knocks. NO! She exclaimed. This is my life, my message, my voice. After some serious set backs and difficult lessons, Sarah began to filter through the trash, to find the treasure. Sarah learned that everyone had something to say. Some folks had great advice to share. She learned to listen and to understand…Without bias and without a “know-it-all” attitude. Sarah realized that just because they tried to shove her into a mold, didn’t mean the goals of her managers and peers alike were altogether different than her own. Everyone wants to be successful. We all have different paths to get there. Some journeys are more painful than others. Through the obstacles Sarah was faced with, she overcame. It wasn’t without a little blood, sweat and tears. Okay, more like wanting to pull hair out and curse the client under her breath. So, what did she do? She learned to Adapt, without losing her style, her swagger, her know-how. EVOLUTION and REVELATION Sarah figured out in order to decrease all the frustration she felt; she had to put some THE JOURNEY CONTINUES Establish an Effective Communication Loop (You can’t have good communication without determining who the key decision makers are, listening to the client’s needs, and educating your team so that everyone is on the same page. When you do this, you create a fail-safe. Expectations are easily managed. Without this, there is only chaos.) Develop and Execute Your Rock Star Strategy (At the initial meeting, share your process. Again, open communication keeps everyone aligned and accountable. Share your system – mine is a “Creative Process Checklist”. I send it to clients to complete before we meet. Then we discuss at the meeting.) Research before a meeting. Ask Questions during a meeting. Listen, to understand. (Talking Point: Research more after the meeting. Ask more questions if you need too. Clarify meaning. Manage Expectations.) Enlist your team. (Know their stories. This way you can allocate responsibilities where most appropriate. They can help you if they know how.

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