Maggie Maggie’s Post

I was chatting to my husband on Friday about a client I’d just finished helping – you know that warm, fuzzy feeling when you’ve made a real difference for someone? I was describing her as ‘the kindest, loveliest, most caring lady’ at which point Kev interrupted me and said “What, you were holding up a mirror?” Isn’t that just typical? Not that my husband would interrupt me part way through a story - although he does have a habit of doing that at times! But pointing out something about me that I would never say about myself! And honestly, it made me feel great for two reasons: 1) I get to create amazing ‘a-ha!’ moments for others using my creative powers 2) I attract kind, lovely people by being a kind and lovely person (who knew?!) Win-win. These brand audits are turning out to be a playground of creative ideas just swinging out of the mixed up jumbles in people’s heads and turning them into clarity and purpose, it’s the best! I love it! Fancy a chat about your brand? I’ve just opened 5 more slots for November because… well, why not? I get to help awesome people, and it feels so good! Who’s in? 🙌  DM me. #Branding #CreativeClarity #BrandAudit

On another wet and windy day, I am throwing back to some photos from the summer, when I had a mini shoot with Sarka Andersonova. For part of the shoot, we headed to the beach because it's somewhere that Sarka loves and one of the reasons she settled in the South West. Sarka is working on the development of a new business: Offering services for families, early years settings and individuals In the early years, it offers an independent review of quality practice to help settings ensure the highest practice quality across their provision and gives parents a helping hand with strategies for parenting children of all ages. So what has that got to do with the beach? Well, nothing, but what the images do show is Sarka in her happy place, not being corporate or polished, but warm and caring and happy and her authentic herself. What would you prefer from your early years professional? I understand authenticity can feel a little scary. Not everyone is ready to drop the polished facade and show their real selves, especially in a professional setting. But, the shift towards authenticity is undeniable. In a world full of curated perfection, people are craving something real—someone they can actually relate to. As more brands and individuals take that leap, the connection they’re making with their audiences is deeper and more meaningful. People want to feel like they’re dealing with a person, not just a brand, and that’s where your authentic self will shine through. In today’s business world, being relatable, approachable, and genuine isn’t just a trend—it’s becoming necessary. Would you agree? Are you ready to be a bit more like Sarka Andersonova. I am here to help, just message me to find out how.

"I am a Failure" and that’s my "brand". Recently, I found myself in a reflective mood, realizing how easy it is to hide behind a mask of perfection. Social media is flooded with curated lives, filtered images, and success stories that often ignore the messy realities we all experience. This got me questioning what people really think of when they hear my name. At a gathering not too long ago, everyone was sharing their achievements, and I felt this pressure to impress. Instead of highlighting my own wins, I caught myself dwelling on my countless stumbles and moments of failure. But then it hit me: what if I started embracing those imperfections instead? What if I shared the stories of my struggles and failures rather than just the highlights? So, the next time someone asked about my journey, I decided to share the real stuff—the moments of doubt, the times I wanted to give up, and the valuable lessons I learned along the way. To my surprise, people were drawn in. They connected with my honesty and vulnerability, and it felt liberating to just be myself. That experience made me realize that my personal brand doesn’t have to revolve around perfection. I want people to associate my name, Laiba Zafar, with the idea of embracing imperfection. When they think of me, I want them to remember that it’s okay to stumble, that failure is part of the journey, and that authenticity resonates far more than a polished image ever could. This is what we call, PERSONAL BRAND ASSOCIATION. Personal brand association is the specific idea, concept, or value that people immediately think of when they hear your name. It’s what your audience connects you to in their minds. Think about it: When people hear your name, what do they immediately associate with you? Is it the curated image you’ve been striving to maintain, or is it something real? The way you define yourself shapes the way others will remember you. So, remember, whenever you think of imperfections, think of Laiba Zafar. Let my name be the reminder that it’s okay to embrace the flaws, the failures, and the missteps—because they are what make us real relatable, and strong. #work #personalbranding #flaw

Thought for the Day. Personal branding is overrated. Because: 🎃It’s not about selling a commodity. 🎃It’s about revealing your true self. How others may judge you is not in your hands. But they will nevertheless form an image of you, right or wrong, from what they see and hear. It’s tricky to define, but surely a positive image entails: 1. Speaking with honesty, authenticity and respect. Letting your words reflect your personal values. 2. Acting with integrity. Actions speak louder than any tagline. 3. Making others feel valued. The impact you leave is in their hearts. We know that some people create a personal brand based on selling an imaginary and righteous version of themselves. But we are fallible humans, not business brands. As Jon Stewart the American comedian, writer, producer and political commentator said: “I’m not a brand. I’m a guy.” Rather than creating a personal brand, maybe it’s important to realise that you already have an image. And that image is crafted by what you say, what you do and how you make people feel. (Any allusion to current political activities in North America is purely coincidental.) What do you think? 🍏 #image #personalbranding #humanintelligence #careercoaching #authenticity #halloween

Your personal brand is shaped by both your actions and your thoughts—align them for a powerful impact. Let your actions be the canvas and your thoughts the paintbrush, as you artfully craft a personal brand that inspires, and ignites positive change wherever you go.

April Fools' Day was yesterday, and wow, did we see some crackers! I love seeing brands unleash their inner comedian. And while we all had a good laugh, it got me thinking about what makes some pranks stick the landing while others... well, not so much. Take, for example, the museum that claimed its giant squid made a break for it. I'm not sure how it passed the Whale or the dinosaur to escape through the front doors, but it was great! Or those iconic South Australian brands pulling our leg with an iced coffee Brie! These pranks remind us why we love April Fools – they're all in good fun, they get people talking, and they are a brilliant showcase of creativity, but many of these also showed collaboration! This is a must-do in today's environment! I love seeing brands come together. But here's the thing – not all pranks are created equal. There's a fine line between a laugh and a cringe. Announcing your business is closing down? Yeah, not the best move. With so many real businesses struggling, pretending to shut shop can leave a sour taste. All it does is reduce brand trust and loyalty. It's not really the way you want things to go! For smaller brands without larger budgets, choosing a simple way to join in can be easier. But like all marketing campaigns, you need to look at it constructively and see what the desired outcome is from posting. If your idea doesn't fit in with your brand, products or… ethics, then there is no harm in not participating. It's a classic example of "just because you can, doesn't mean you should." What do you want to be remembered for? Making people have a giggle, or not reading the room and making people feel icky about what you did? It's all about striking the right balance.  A great April Fools' prank should make people laugh, not worry. It should be clever, not complicated. And most importantly, it should reflect your brand's personality—think of it as your brand having a bit of a laugh with your customers, not at their expense. Tell me your favourite or the ones the made you cringe!

Your personal brand is shaped by both your actions and your thoughts—align them for a powerful impact. Cultivate a compassionate internal dialogue that reflects in your external interactions. Your brand should radiate authenticity and kindness. What is something that you tell yourself, a mantra of sorts, that helps you get in the right headspace?

📚✨ "Don't Judge a Book by Its Cover" – But Can We Completely Ignore Outer Appearances in Today's Professional World? 🌟👔 We’ve all heard the saying, "Don't judge a book by its cover," encouraging us to look beyond the surface to understand the true essence of a person. But in an era where first impressions and personal branding are pivotal, can we really afford to completely ignore outer appearances? Let's dive into this intriguing conversation. 💡🔍 1️⃣ First Impressions Matter: Whether we like it or not, people often make snap judgments based on initial appearances. A professional and well-groomed look can help make a positive first impression, opening doors to opportunities and fostering connections. 🧥👗 2️⃣ Personal Branding: How we present ourselves is a reflection of our personal brand. Dressing appropriately and maintaining a polished appearance communicates confidence, professionalism, and respect for the environment we are in. It's about aligning outer appearances with inner values and aspirations. 🌟📈 3️⃣ The Balance of Authenticity: While appearance does matter, authenticity should never be compromised. Striking a balance between looking professional and staying true to oneself is key. Personal style and unique attributes should be celebrated, as they contribute to a genuine and memorable presence. 🌿🌟 4️⃣ Cultural and Industry Norms: Different industries and cultures have varied expectations regarding appearance. Understanding and respecting these norms can enhance your ability to connect and collaborate effectively. Adapting your look to fit the context shows awareness and adaptability. 🌏🔄 5️⃣ Beyond the Surface: Ultimately, while outer appearances can influence first impressions, it’s the substance and character beneath that truly define a person. Building relationships based on integrity, skills, and values fosters long-term success and meaningful connections. 🌟🤝 So, what's the takeaway? While we shouldn't solely judge others by their appearance, we also can't entirely disregard the impact it has in professional settings. Let’s aim for a harmonious blend where our outward appearance complements our inner qualities, creating a well-rounded and authentic personal brand. 🌟🌈 What are your thoughts on balancing outer appearances with authenticity in the professional world? Share your insights in the comments below and let's foster a meaningful discussion! 💬🔗 #PersonalBranding #FirstImpressions #ProfessionalAppearance #Authenticity #DontJudgeABookByItsCover #CareerGrowth

Authenticity is your secret weapon in crafting a standout personal brand. Picture this: Treating your audience like your closest buddies. Open up about: - Your triumphs ✨ - Your aspirations 🚀 - The bumps along the road 🛤️ - The chapters of your journey 📖 - The wisdom gained along the way 🧠 Remember, ditch the robot act! Embrace your humanity.

We are unique. Are we original? I present a shortcut to be a brand that sings, a lullaby, a happy earworm. Ever remember a brand that managed to occupying a permanent office in your mind? Lo, even if we tried, we couldn't forget those. I show two ways to do it: The first is love, which is naturally intense trust. The second is the opposite, which I think we need less of. #trust #eventprofs #humanity