FiveStone’s Post

💥 BIG NEWS 💥 Award-winning strategy and branding agency, FiveStone, has joined Whiteboard as part of our ongoing mission to help leaders leverage creativity and technology for good. Our addition of FiveStone signals an ongoing commitment to offer a strategy-first approach to help clients meet their goals. Since 2001, FiveStone has developed strategy, branding, and campaigns for a wide variety of courageous nonprofits, foundations, Fortune 500s, and startups. They have worked with clients such as Smile Train, Compassion International, Paramount, Princeton Theological Seminary, Matchbook Learning, University of Colorado Boulder, Jeremy Lin Foundation, Clean Energy Freedom, Paytient, SitusAMC, and hundreds of others. Jason Locy, Founder and Principal at FiveStone, said, “I first met the founders of Whiteboard, Eric and Taylor, when the idea of Whiteboard was forming. I have had the unique privilege of watching them grow from a two-person shop to a nationally recognized and respected agency. As I think back on the past 23 years and imagine the next 23, I cannot think of any single agency better suited to steward the mission and vision of FiveStone forward.” Eric Brown, Co-founder and CVO at Whiteboard, said, “Whiteboard exists to serve leaders trying to navigate the future with wisdom and imagination. Their work is already complex when leading internal teams, navigating economic turbulence, ensuring products/services reflect brand intent, understanding shifting behaviors of customers/donors, and relentlessly trying to answer the question, ‘what’s next?’” Brown continued: “With strategy at the core of Whiteboard’s creative work, we’re doubling down on our commitment to lead our clients well in uncertain times, ensuring that every dollar invested into brand initiatives reflects strategic intent.” Taylor Jones, Co-founder and CEO at Whiteboard, said, “FiveStone’s ability to generate new ideas, ways of thinking, and insights that unlock growth for clients is second to none. Their superpower is developing strategic and tactical roadmaps to meet organizational goals and objectives. Jason Locy will join Whiteboard as Vice President and Head of Strategy and lead a team of strategists serving clients through our Brand, Web, and Growth studios.” Learn more 👉 https://lnkd.in/eCHwt8uN

Cultivating the Billionaires Mindset: Strategies from Technology Titans for Business Growth & Personal Branding 🚀As an entrepreneur riding the wave of technological innovation, it's essential to grasp the future of work while amplifying your sales and building a robust brand. How? Dive into the Billionaires Mindset and emerge with a trove of business boosters.1. LEAD with Innovation: Be the first to test emerging technologies, find untapped markets, and redefine industry standards. Tomorrow's success hinge on today's curiosity.2. BE UNIQUE: Carve a niche for your startup, offer value propositions that resonate with your audience, and elevate your go-to-market strategy through distinctive differentiators.3. FOCUS on Data-driven Decisions: Leverage data analytics to drive revenue growth, optimize marketing campaigns, and refine your product/service offerings. Insight is a currency in the digital era.4. PRIORITIZE PERSONAL BRANDING: Cultivate your audience, showcase your journey, and demonstrate transparency. Authenticity builds trust.5. NURTURE NETWORKS: Invest in meaningful relationships, foster collaborations, and engage actively in your sector's thought leadership platforms. Your network is your superpower.6. REWORK YOUR REWRITING: Challenge conventional wisdom and boldly embrace a culture of continuous learning and improvement. Failures are stepping stones, offering valuable business tips worth sharing.7. DESIGN WITH INTENTION: Create an immersive customer experience, whether through a seamless digital interface or an emotionally resonant brand narrative. Revolutionize user interaction, one touchpoint at a time.8. STAY AGILE: Adapt to shifting markets and technology trends; pivot your strategies as needed. Resilience isn't just about survival — it's about thriving amidst change and chaos.9. BUILD YOUR BODY OF WORK: Consistently produce quality content that establishes credibility and showcases your expertise. Your portfolio is both a testament to your skill and an avenue to expand your influence.10. CHAFE the Comfort Zone: As a species, humans are hardwired for growth, change, and progression. Seize opportunities and maintain an unwavering hunger for progress. Your journey is an inspiring story.Emerging from this post with a buffet of innovative strategies, we welcome you to elevate your business prowess, personal branding, and entrepreneurial mission with a Billionaires Mindset. Forge ahead, for brilliance doesn't happen by accident - it's meticulously crafted through a myriad of lessons, successes, and trials. And, remember, no billionaire ever became 'just another entrepreneur.' XxLike, share, and let's navigate the future of business together.💼🌐#Entrepreneurship #Startups #FutureOfWork #BusinessGrowth #PersonalBranding #BillionairesMindset #BusinessTips #Marketing #Technology #BrandBuilding #Sales

Harness the Power of Personal Branding to Skyrocket Your Startup in the Future of WorkRank as a LinkedIn Pro in the realm of entrepreneurship and navigate the COVID-19 waters with finesse. It's more than branding; it's about staking your claim in an ever-evolving digital jungle.Here's the crux: your personal brand is a potent tool. It's the invisible hand that guides your audience, market, and potential users to you, fast-tracking your business growth. It's about positioning yourself and your startup not as a mere offering, but as a bold, trust-inspiring thought-leader.Build a Billionaires Mindset: don't just play the game -- change it. Bring robust ideas for products and services customers crave, speak with authority, without sneaky tactics. The secret sauce? Two things: 1. Understand your audience, effortlessly deliver value, and they've got your back. 2. Be active on social platforms, particularly LinkedIn. As the go-to resource for your niche, your audience-building will speed up your go-to-market efforts.But how does this lead to revenue growth? Quite simply, a robust personal brand enhances your reputation, which boosts the confidence of investors. A strong brand opening doors to new markets and revenue streams, thus your business skyrockets.Finally, remember your brand story, your unique tale that sets you apart. Each interaction you make, on or offline, is another opportunity to grow your brand. Weave your story artfully, and customers will follow the narrative. In a nutshell, pushing your startup's boundaries, harnessing the potential of the future of work, and stimulating revenue growth? It's all about the strength of your personal brand. Now, tell us about yours. What steps are you doing to carve out your niche in this digital jungle?

If you are a startup then you must begin by branding yourself. one of the biggest problems or myths that most startups have is this, they believe that branding is something they need to do much later when they become bigger or more successful, in fact nothing is further than the truth if you want to be successful you must begin by branding yourself because it is branding that is going to be one of the factors that is going to make you successful. Here are some tips on how to transform your startup to a brand from the get go: 1-     Branding is not what you tell consumers, it is what consumers tell other consumers about you. 2-     Building a brand is very important for a startup because building a brand enables a startup to convey its value proposition. Most startups are not very clear what business they're into, they're not very clear exactly what product they actually have, what solution they're actually solving through their product. So it is very important to have a very clear value proposition, and branding is about creating a powerful value for your business and for your product. 3-     There are many advantages of branding your company. When you brand your company you create a perception of quality. When you brand your company you create a perceived advantage and differentiation in the minds of customers and clients. When you brand your company you differentiate yourself. 4-     If you are a startup you must begin by branding yourself, do not postpone this decision to a later point in time when you get bigger or more successful. In fact if you want to get bigger, if you want to get more successful you must actually begin by branding your company so get on the brand wagon as soon as possible because it gives you a competitive advantage, and by branding yourself you help connect with customers and that creates customer preference. In conclusion, when you brand yourself you get a competitive advantage which is so important when you're a startup so begin your journey as a startup by branding yourself and do not postpone branding to the future. Ali Al Marsomi Founder, MasterMind Brand Strategy Brand Strategist, Mentor, and Author of (BRAND HEART: How to Build Emotionally Resonant Brand That Connects With Customers). https://lnkd.in/dWiqH52F

MY TOP BUSINESS BRANDING STRATEGY FOR STARTUPS: A startup that starts out with a well-defined brand identity embeds an unforgettable impression in people's minds and lays strong underpinnings for future growth. As a startup in Africa, where the business sector is burgeoning at a rapid pace, having a strong brand strategy is more than just a 'nice-to-have'; it's mission critical! ☑ Brand should reflect the purpose of your business, the core values and the unique qualities that distinguish you from competitors. ☑ Your brand is your voice; it should reflect the story of your business and convey your message unequivocally. ☑ Your brand should also reflect the value propositions your business is delivering to customers and stakeholders. A strong brand must walk a mile in the customer's shoes. It shows empathy and relevance in the market by understanding what matters to the customer and exemplifying it. Remember, your brand is not what you say it is, it is what your customers perceive it to be. A well-branded business can create trust, loyalty and advocacy among its customers. It can turn customers into brand ambassadors, and with time, evangelists! As a startup, start brand-building now so as the business grows, the brand strength grows too. Make your brand strategy a key part of your business planning, reviewing it regularly and modifying it as necessary for continued relevance. At the end of the day, it's not just about building a company but building a recognizable and reputable brand! Branding strengthens the startup foundation and gives it the wings to expand, soar and grow! As Edwin Dela, a seasoned brand strategist and marketing expert, I am committed to help startups identify their unique identity and design marketing strategies to accelerate growth and positioning in the market place. Ready to build your brand and make an impact? Book a FREE Brand Discovery and Growth Session consultation with me via this link: https://lnkd.in/edaDUYK8. With over a decade of experience, I promise to give your business the brand visibility it deserves and a winning edge in the competition.

There's never been a good day to say this, as every single day at least 2-3 people in my network talk about this topic and I've sat on my opinion for months now waiting for a day I could post without them thinking I'm subtweeting them. I have a real beef with the concept of "the personal brand." I'm sorry if you think this is about you, there's a Carly Simon joke in here somewhere. This doesn't mean that if you talk about, educate on, or even promote personal branding that I hate you. Don't sweat my personal opinion too much if you're hard in the paint on this concept (if anything, counter me below). Here's my issue with "personal branding": We are not a brand. We are people. Humans that do human things. Brands are not humans. Brands are companies vying for profit. Brands can be nonprofits vying for funding. No matter which one, brands exist to create capital only. When you create yourself into a "brand" you've turned your life into a transactional experience. You've reduced who you are to a what you are. You spend every single moment in the real world thinking about capturing content. Personal branding commoditizes you & your life. It erases the boundary that exists between what makes you a human & what makes you a worker. We work for money because we have no choice in this dystopia we call capitalism. What we do as labor is not who we are. The more that line remains blurred, the more disconnected from your life you become. The less present you are. The more you are only thinking about what moves the brand forward & generates capital. You can be a professional, an expert, a thought leader, & a human all at the same time. You don't have to become a "brand" to do that. The more you think of yourself as a "brand" the more boxed in you become. You now have a "content strategy" you must follow with a posting schedule. Doesn't matter what's going on in your life, you gotta play the algo, right?! This just feels completely unhinged to me. The more into late stage capitalism we venture, the more people lose sight of who they are & turn themselves into "brands" - made up entities that only serve to generate capital. We are commoditizing ourselves FOR NO REASON. This isn't required to generate business. The more I abandon these concepts, the more business I've generated. I'm almost never trying to generate business, I'm just being myself, doing what I want when I want (& more importantly, NOT doing it). I don't worry about capturing content in the wild when out with friends or colleagues. I focus on them & remaining present. I give them my all, & I find myself greatly rewarded with amazing relationships &, yes, business to boot. Create a brand you work for, that's fine. Have a consulting practice or agency that you use as your brand. But please, don't commoditize yourself just to make money. You're worth more than any amount of money you'll ever make on "your brand." Wanna get into it? I'll stay respectful, drop some heat below.

Branding is an important part of marketing for every industry, and start-ups shouldn't wait till they have spent years before investing in it. In an article with Gramdech I write about branding and its benefits, especially for start-ups. You can read it here: https://lnkd.in/djwKP9q3

Branding vs. Marketing – Where to Begin? There's been an age long debate on the difference between Branding and Marketing but whilst we were finally bringing that debate to rest, there's a new one surfacing: Branding or Marketing first? When it comes to startups, many founders opt for quick marketing wins, delaying branding. While many founders lean towards quick marketing wins, the impact pales in comparison to what Branding brings to the table. Here's the breakdown: Marketing= Quick Wins . Marketing: 📍Drives short-term results. 📍Boosts visibility and sales. 📍Responds to market dynamics. In summary, Marketing offers immediate customer reach and sales. Branding on the other hand = Purpose & Customer Loyalty Branding: 📍Defines your identity. 📍Builds trust and loyalty. 📍Sets you apart 📍Takes time but pays off long-term. So what's the bottom line? For long-term success, start with branding. Why Branding First? Opting for branding first in your startup journey is like crafting a blueprint before construction begins. It defines who you are, builds trust, and stands you out in a crowded market. By prioritizing your brand identity upfront, you set the stage for consistent and effective marketing efforts. This approach not only creates a strong foundation but also fosters long-term customer loyalty, ultimately leading to sustained success for your startup. Branding is not a luxury; it's a smart investment. While marketing gets quick wins, branding sets the stage for lasting growth and loyalty. Balancing both? That's your startup's winning formula. #branding #marketing #startup #edtech #longterm ________________________________ I'm Babalola Halleluyah. As a Brand and Content Strategist, I leverage Creativity, Strategy and Data to fuel business growth and achieve results. Need a Brand and Content Strategist? Send me a dm to see how we can work together.

In the world of startups, where new ideas pop up every day, having a personal brand has become a big deal for founders. It's like putting a face to the name of your company. But just like anything else, it has its good and bad sides. Let's break it down, keeping it simple! Why Personal Branding? - Connecting on a Personal Level: Imagine walking into a party and finding someone who tells fantastic stories. That's what personal branding does. It turns founders into storytellers, letting customers and followers feel they're part of a journey, not just a transaction. - Shining in a Crowded Space: Think of the startup world as a vast ocean. Personal branding is like a lighthouse guiding ships (or, in this case, customers and investors) to shore. It's about standing out by being yourself. At Bingelabs, founders like Neel Gogia, Arjun Vaidya, Shradha Sharma, and Mohit Sadaani have used Instagram to tell their personal stories and create a unique identity that resonates with their audience and sets them apart. - Attracting Investors: Investors invest in people as much as they do in ideas. A solid personal brand showcases a founder's passion, expertise, and drive to succeed. It's like a live pitch, constantly reinforcing why they're the best bet. The Challenges of Personal Branding: - Balancing Act: The biggest challenge is not letting personal branding overshadow the startup itself. Founders need to ensure that their startup doesn't take a backseat while building their brand. - The Pressure of Keeping Up: Personal branding requires consistency and effort. For busy founders, finding the time to maintain an active and engaging personal brand can be stressful. - Investor Skepticism: While a strong personal brand can attract investors, it can also raise concerns. If too much of the startup's success seems hinged on the founder's personal brand, it might signal a lack of depth in the business model or the team. What Founders Can Do? - Self-Reflection: Understand why you're building your brand and align it with your startup's goals. - Authenticity: Be genuine in your storytelling. Authenticity resonates more than any polished image. - Community Building: Use your personal brand to build a community, not just followers. Engage, listen, and grow with your audience. - Boundaries: Keep a healthy boundary between personal and professional life. It protects both your privacy and the startup's integrity. Final Thoughts: - Personal branding for founders is more art than science. It's about finding that sweet spot where your personal story amplifies your startup's message, attracting the right attention without becoming a distraction. Remember, the goal is to complement, not compete with, your startup's brand. Have you seen personal branding work wonders for a startup? Or perhaps witnessed the pitfalls? Let's discuss how founders can navigate the complex yet rewarding world of personal branding. #founders #personalbranding #pros #personalbrand

How a Personal Brand Builds a Million-Dollar Company Ever wonder why some startups succeed while others disappear? I did, too. Here’s what I learned:  ⇢ The founder’s personal brand often makes the difference. ⇢ When you know the person behind the brand, you trust the company more. ⇢ It’s not just about the product; it’s about a story that connects with people. ⇢ An honest, real story can turn a small idea into a million-dollar business. Here’s what I found: ↳ Trust is Key: ⇢ Founders with strong personal brands gain trust faster. ⇢ This trust brings in customers and investors. ↳ Standing Out is Important: ⇢ A founder’s story helps a startup stand out from others. ⇢ It’s the personal touch that makes a brand memorable. ↳ Community is Powerful: ⇢ Personal brands create loyal fans who want to be part of the journey. ⇢ These founders didn’t just build companies; they built communities. So, how do you build a personal brand? ↳ Create Your Story with Care: ⇢ Think about the experiences that shaped you.   ⇢ Match your story with your startup’s goals.   ⇢ Share key moments that connect with your audience. ↳ Live Your Values:  ⇢ Know the principles that guide your actions.   ⇢ Show these values in everything you do.   ⇢ Let people see your values to build trust. ↳ Use Storytelling Everywhere: ⇢ Share your story on blogs, videos, podcasts, and more.   ⇢ Adjust your message to fit each platform.   ⇢ Keep your core message the same to strengthen your brand. ↳ Build Strong Connections:   ⇢ Work with people who share your vision.   ⇢ Form partnerships that spread your message.   ⇢ Network to build relationships that help your startup grow. ↳ Share Your Expertise: ⇢ Offer insights and solutions in your industry.   ⇢ Speak at events, write articles, and join discussions.   ⇢ Position yourself as an expert, attracting followers who trust you. ↳ Lift Others Up:   ⇢ Focus on helping and inspiring your audience.   ⇢ Share your knowledge, offer support, and motivate others.   ⇢ Build a loyal community around your brand. ↳ Keep Improving: ⇢ Regularly check how people see your brand.   ⇢ Use feedback to improve your approach.   ⇢ Make sure your brand grows and changes with your startup. In today’s world, a strong personal brand isn’t just nice to have—it’s a must. P.S. How does your personal story shape your startup’s success?