E15: Brand and Messaging Management During Covid-19 (And Other Difficult Times)

Episode 15 Featured Image Messing in Difficult Times
Small Stage, Big Impact
Small Stage, Big Impact

Are you tired of bro marketing, manipulative algorithms, and sales funnels that encourage you to ‘trip’ a prospect to make her buy more? Then you’re in the right place.

On Small Stage, Big Impact veteran digital strategist, Renia Carsillo, combines solo teaching episodes with interviews to help you learn how to build a sustainable, people-first digital strategy that works for your business. Along the way, she speaks to digital activists, upstart developers, badass content creators, brave community leaders, and other behind-the-scenes folx you probably haven’t heard on a podcast before. To help you answer one important question:

How do we do better digital (#DoBetterDigital) so we can be better humans?

015: Brand and Messaging Management During Covid-19 (And Other Difficult Times)
byLourenia Carsillo

Are you struggling with framing your brand’s message right now?

Maybe you’re asking yourself if it’s okay to promote your business, but you’re not sure how to do it.

Me too. I was feeling pretty conflicted about branding during social distancing and Covid-19. So, I reached out to my new friend, Asia Rau for help. 

Asia Rau is the founder and creative director of The Strategic Ampersand, a social media marketing, and digital strategy consulting firm based in Portland, OR. With lady-like moxie, a dash of humor, and coffee in hand, Asia works alongside clients, ranging from local shops to national brands, with their marketing strategies while helping them focus on what’s important to them, the brand, and their community.

Asia reminded me of the power of knowing our personas, intimately. She drops some serious wisdom about how to handle your branding, marketing, and communication with customers during this time.

 

In episode 15 of Small Stage, Big Impact we discuss

  • [4:29] The most important thing to do in this moment with your social media
  • [5:59] Why blame is a bad idea always, but especially in moments where your community is experiencing a disaster
  • [7:45] It’s not enough to say you’re helping the community. Do this too.
  • [8:33] It’s not a moment to say, Look at me. Instead, spotlight your community and how they are helping each other.
  • [10:09] The One Dirty Sock Theory and why it’s important in showing your vulnerability.
  • [12:38] Too much negativity will cost you customers right now. This is why.
  • [14:06] Pivoting from your set plan on social media right now. With thoughtfulness towards your persona.
  • [16:11] Tips for stylists, estheticians, and other in-person services while in a virtual world.
  • [17:26] Digital empathy for those still working out-of-the-home 
  • [19:30] At 5:30 pm every day, do this. Seriously, set an alarm on your phone.
  • [24:52] How certain types of posts lock people out and how to avoid that happening to you
  • [30:46] Doing a knowledge inventory to help others and yourself
  • [32:56] It’s really about your breathing. Yup, branding is about breathing. We’re sticking with that.
  • [35:24] Reality and optimism are a good coupling for all of us.
  • [38:00] Example of handling health and wellness businesses handling social distancing and why what they are doing works.
  • [40:45] Business messaging priorities and how to create them
  • [43:12] Asia and I climb on a soapbox about personas
  • [45:20] How personas increase inclusion and save your sanity
  • [51:33] Balancing between your digital and analog life in normal times and crisis times

 

Resources mentioned by Asia and Renia in the episode:

Are you struggling with framing your brand’s message right now?

Maybe you’re asking yourself if it’s okay to promote your business, but you’re not sure how to do it.

Me too. I was feeling pretty conflicted about branding during social distancing and Covid-19. So, I reached out to my new friend, Asia Rau for help. 

Asia Rau is the founder and creative director of The Strategic Ampersand, a social media marketing, and digital strategy consulting firm based in Portland, OR. With lady-like moxie, a dash of humor, and coffee in hand, Asia works alongside a variety of clients, ranging from local shops to national brands. She advises them on their marketing strategies while helping them focus on what’s important to them, the brand, and their community.

Asia reminded me of the power of knowing our personas, intimately. She drops some serious wisdom about how to handle your branding, marketing, and communication with customers during this time.

Listen to episode 15 now!

 

Episode 15 Recap

  • [4:29] The most important thing to do in this moment with your social media

  • [5:59] Why blame is a bad idea always, but especially in moments where your community is experiencing a disaster

  • [7:45] It’s not enough to say you’re helping the community. Do this too.

  • [8:33] It’s not a moment to say, Look at me. Instead, spotlight your community and how they are helping each other.

  • [10:09] The One Dirty Sock Theory and why it’s important in showing your vulnerability.

  • [12:38] Too much negativity will cost you customers right now. This is why.

  • [14:06] Pivoting from your set plan on social media right now. With thoughtfulness towards your persona.

  • [16:11] Tips for stylists, estheticians, and other in-person services while in a virtual world.

  • [17:26] Digital empathy for those still working out-of-the-home 

  • [19:30] At 5:30 pm every day, do this. Seriously, set an alarm on your phone.

  • [24:52] How certain types of posts lock people out and how to avoid that happening to you

  • [30:46] Doing a knowledge inventory to help others and yourself

  • [32:56] It’s really about your breathing. Yup, branding is about breathing. We’re sticking with that.

  • [35:24] Reality and optimism are a good coupling for all of us.

  • [38:00] Example of handling health and wellness businesses handling social distancing and why what they are doing works.

  • [40:45] Business messaging priorities and how to create them

  • [43:12] Asia and I climb on a soapbox about personas

  • [45:20] How personas increase inclusion and save your sanity

  • [51:33] Balancing between your digital and analog life in normal times and crisis times

Resources Mentioned in Episode 15

Sometimes our show notes contain affiliate links. We only recommend books, products, or services we feel great about and believe will support you in your work. These small commissions help pay for the production of our show each week. We do not accept show sponsorships or host guests in exchange for compensation of any kind. Thank you for supporting us by using our links to purchase when we’ve recommended something that piques your interest.

Help Us Spread the Message to Others

Did you love this podcast? Leave an honest review over on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews help spread the word and mean the world to me.

Listen on iTunes | Spotify

Small Stage, Big Impact is hosted by Renia Carsillo (that’s me!). I am hardcore passionate and committed to bringing the systems and strategies that give big brands an unfair advantage to local businesses. For that reason, I created the Local Rock Star Intensive, where I help local business owners use their small stage to have a BIG impact. Thank you for being here and reading this far!

Other Ways To Enjoy This Post

Two on Tuesdays by Realign Consulting

Refresh and reset with our FREE newsletter! Each week, you’ll get 2 tips or recommendations to help you realign how you think about your business and grow your impact in a way that feels awesome. Sign up below!

Skip to content