From inspiration to the book launch, in this episode of The Brand Files we’re taking you behind the scenes of how our bestselling book, The On Brand Blueprint, came to life.

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Here’s what we cover in this episode:

• How the idea came about
  • Inspired by a keynote speaker at a conference.
  • Realization that a simple email freebie could grow into a full book.
  • The decision to commit to writing and release it by April.

• The writing process
  • Using ChatGPT to build an outline.
  • Writing chapter by chapter, in sequential order.
  • Finding inspiration everywhere—on planes, at home, even in the bathtub.
  • Realizing years of experience and stories had prepared us to write this book.
  • Mission: to help small business owners build strong brand foundations, even without hiring a professional right away.

• Behind the scenes once the book was written
  • Partnering with editor Mikaela Mathews and her team
    • Check out MikaelaMathews.com
  • Using 48hourbooks.com
  • Editing, formatting, and preparing the book for Amazon publication.
  • Cover design collaboration and professional feedback.
  • Uploading and scheduling the release on Amazon.

• Preparing to launch
  • Coordinating the book launch with a brand refresh.
    • (Learn more about our rebrand here)
  • Booking professional photography and video through Iconic.
  • Launching with high-end imagery to maximize visibility.
  • Hitting bestseller status on Amazon alongside top branding authors.

• Book launch celebration
  • Hosting a launch party with family, friends, and team members.
  • Weathering a tornado and making unforgettable memories.

• Top recommendations for aspiring authors
  1. Create a detailed outline.
  2. Work with experts for editing and formatting.
  3. Invest in professional launch imagery.
  4. Set and commit to a firm deadline.

Excerpt from the book

“ Do you know what is “on brand” for your business? 

If you aren’t sure yet, that’s totally ok. You’re absolutely in the right place. The goal of this book is to help you truly reflect on your company, your values, and how it introduction 19 impacts your customers. From there, we can determine the deeper foundation of your brand beyond just pretty colors and fonts. Being On Brand is more than just aesthetics. It’s about getting in the minds of your customer and thinking about how THEY THINK about you. Being On Brand is about creating a feeling your audience has when they interact with you. Being On Brand is creating your own world that your cus- tomers are dying to be a part of. It’s creating your own little club that your customers can feel a sense of belonging. It’s why we want to wear the merch of our favorite brands. Customers don’t wear Nike hats because they want to spread the word about their awesome athletic wear. They wear the Nike hat because of what wearing the Nike hat says about THEM. Maybe it’s because they want to be perceived as ath- letic, or maybe it’s because they want to be seen as someone who embodies what “just do it” means. May- be it’s because they want to be perceived as affl uent or that they have status. 

And this isn’t just exclusive to huge brands. Small businesses are utilizing this every day. Think about a local fitness studio–they may sell hats or car magnets, and the members of that studio are more than willing to put that magnet on their car because they resonate with the brand. They are a part of the community. It says something about them, and they feel like they are a part of a “tribe.” 

Whatever the case is, think about this in the concept of your brand. Why would a customer wear your branding on their hat, and what are they trying to say about themselves by wearing it? Do they even have enough information about you to give them the desire to wear it in the first place? 

If you’re not sure, no sweat. That’s exactly what we will uncover in this book. We’re going to go beyond the surface of your brand design and discover what you’re actually trying to say with your brand so your brand can not only create a specific feeling for your customers, but it can actually resonate and make them want to be a part of it. 

Are you ready to get On Brand? Let’s dive in”

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Thank you so much for tuning into this episode of The Brand Files (or for reading the blog notes!). We hope you enjoyed this behind-the-scenes look at the making of The On Brand Blueprint and found it inspiring for your own creative journey. If you’re ready to create a brand that connects, converts, and elevates your business, grab your copy of The On Brand Blueprint today!