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- What K-Pop Demon Hunters Taught Me about Branding (And Why ADHD Female Entrepreneurs need to Hear It)
SPOLIER ALERT: If you haven't watched K-Pop Demon Hunters yet, bookmark this post and come back after your Netflix Binge. If you think a glitter-soaked, demon-slaying K-Pop film has nothing to teach you about branding your business, think again. K-Pop Demon Hunters is basically a 100-minute masterclass in visibility, storytelling and owning your difference - wrapped in high notes and fight scenes. It's week three of the summer holidays, and as a mum of two mini-minions, I've now see it enough times to quote half the script and hum the soundtrack in my sleep (Yes, Golden is currently number one in the UK, and yes, of course it's on repeat in my Spotify.) And as a brand strategist and designer who helps women blend their personal and business brands, I couldn't help but notice how many lessons this film throws at you - if you're paying attention. So here they are: 7 branding tips from K-Pop Demon Hunters. Your Brand is your Honmoon In the film, the Honmoon is a shimmering magical barrier that keeps demons locked away. Only the "Chosen Ones" can maintain it. Your brand is the same - it's your shield. It keeps out the wrong opportunities, protects your energy, and makes sure only the right people get in. As an ADHD female entrepreneur, that shield is everything . You get to decide what's visible to the world and what stays behind the barrier. Don't Hide Your Patterns When Rumi (lead signer of HUNTR/X) finally reveals her glowing demon markings under the stage lights, you can feel the air change. At first, her bandmates step back. By the finale, when she owns it, they're right beside her. Sound familiar? Many of us have been told we're too much, too loud, too weird. So we tone ourselves down to be accepted. But in branding, the thing you've been hiding is often the exact thing that will make your audience fall in love with you. Own it, light it up, and watch the right people step closer. Sell with Emotion The reason Golden is stuck in everyone's head isn't just the beat - it's the way the lyrics feel. "No more hiding, I'll be shining like I'm born to be..." That's branding gold. We make decisions with emotion and justify with logic. Your content doesn't need to be a song, but it does need to spark something real. Speaking of emotions, if you're getting super overwhelmed building your brand then go get my Vibe-First Branding System that builds your brand on energy and vibes, not to-do lists. Learn Your Audience's Inner Monologue After Rumi's patterns are revealed, the group splinters. Everyone - bandmates, manger, even Rumi herself - is battling their own internal voice of doubt. Your audience has their own running monologue too: " I need to see a ROI before I invest again." or "Maybe I'm just not cut out for this." If you can name those fears and offer an alternative story, you win trust before you've sold a thing. Lead with Vision, Not just Service HUNTR/X's mission isn't just to sing well - it's to turn the Honmoon golden and trap the demons forever. Your vision is the same: bigger than any single service you offer. Don't just promise 12 weeks to results . Show your audience how their life, business, or identity changes forever when they work with you. Your Fans Matter More Than You Think In the movie, the energy from the crowd literally fuels the group's ability to fight. Your brand is no different. The people who cheer you on - clients, followers, community - are not just a nice to have. They're your lifeblood. Keep it Golden By the end, Rumi and her team are stronger, more visible, and more themselves than ever before. That's the goal of branding: a version of you that's golden. Not because you're perfect, but because you've stopped hiding the parts that make you powerful. Your brand is more than fonts, colours or a killer Instagram grid. It's the story you tell, the patterns you show, the emotion you stir, and the vision you lead with. And if you can package that with a little K-Pop sparkle? Even Better. Katie is the Founder of Keppel Leopard Creative: The Brand Strategy and Design Agency on a mission to help ADHD Female Entrepreneurs unmask and show their true identities. Check our Services .
- What a Pic 'n' Mix Can Teach You About Building a Strategic Branding Plan
When I was 16 I got a job at Woolworths. Every Saturday I would pop on my red top and name tag (which I still have somewhere...) and went off to do a 1.30pm - 3.30pm shift. My job entailed a few things: stock taking and stacking shelves, but mostly I worked on the tills. Now, if you're old enough to remember, Woolworths was known for their pic 'n' mix section. And there were two ways that you could get your pic 'n' mix: 1) In a bag, place the sweets you want and whatever they weigh you pay for or; 2) In a tub where it didn't matter how much you put in, as long as you could click the lid shut it would cost you £3.99 And as a employee of Woolworths, you learn the art of getting the MOST into those tubs. Here's how you do it: First, start with the squishes: we're talking your fried eggs, golden bears, rings - anything that can be packed down on the bottom. Next, if you're a snake or laces fan you need to spiral those around the edges of the cup, leaving the middle space to fill with your hard sweets: your fudges, toffees, fruit salads and boiled sweets. Push these down on the gummies to get as much in as possible. More sweets, same price (just don't eat them all at once...) you're very welcome. So What Does This Have to Do With a Branding Plan? Branding is weirdly similar to the pic 'n' mix. You have millions of ideas so you chuck everything in and hope for the best. But, like the pic 'n' mix you're probably not getting the most out of those ideas. That's where a branding plan comes in. A strong branding plan doesn't just define your logo or colour palette. Its your structure to your entire brand experience. From messaging to visuals to positioning, everything should work together to create something amazing. Think of your branding plan like a sweet tub strategy: Start with your soul and position : vision, story, values, dream client and competitors. Swirl your character around the edges: personality, content pillars and tone of voice. Finally finish off with your design : logo, colours, fonts, website and anything else you want to add. And these four areas are what we focus on in the Brand Identity Framework. The Role of a Brand Identity Framework The Brand Identity Framework takes all of your messy, brilliant ideas and helps you layer them in a way that actually makes sense. No wasted space, no conflicting messages, just one tight, satisfying brand that delivers maximum impact. This is where the Brand Identity Framework comes into play. It takes all of your messy, brilliant ideas and helps you layer them in a way that actually makes sense. No wasted space, no conflicting messages—just one tight, satisfying brand that delivers maximum impact. Need help starting your own Branding Plan? You can download your copy of the Brand Identity Framework Starter Kit . This has everything you need for your brand identity in an easy-to-action format (particularly helpful for neurospicy brains!)
- Relaunching the Branding Programme Identity: and this time it's different.
I want to start with the truth. When I first launched Identity (originally called the B Club), it didn't go as planned. In fact - nobody joined. And after that came some real messy action that I wrote about in a previous post . Because even though it had gotten crickets, I knew that I was onto something. So, I pulled it off the "buy now" shelf and started to revamp it. And that revamp has led to Identity - with the branding programme relaunching on July 31st with Founding Members. Relaunching a Branding Programme : Why Identity can't be built alone. One of the biggest things I realised? I was creating a programme (with a community) all on my own. And yes, I have launched groups, communities and programmes before but I wanted this one to be different. Because (from my personal research) I found no branding programme specifically designed for ADHD brains. And whilst yes, I am an ADHDer myself, it's a spectrum. What feels easy for me might be a real struggle for someone else. I have always said I would never surround myself with an echo chamber. I love it when my client's push back, tell me I'm going in the wrong direction. That honest feedback gives me way more to work with than just hearing "Yay, it's awesome!" (Although, hey, I like that too.) So opening the doors wide too soon? That wasn't the right move. I needed a small group of people to jump in, test things, break stuff even - so I could find the kinks and smooth them out before the big launch. Why Founding Members for Identity are so Important This is where you come in. Because to me, Founding Members aren’t just guinea pigs or early birds—they’re co-creators. You’ll get to dive in before the official relaunch, explore the programme while it’s still being shaped, and tell me what’s working and what’s not. Your feedback will literally help build the best version of Identity possible. Plus, Founding Members get exclusive perks: Early access to all the content Special discounted pricing (because you’re helping to build from the ground up) Direct line to me for questions, feedback, and support The chance to be part of a community that really gets the ADHD experience The whole purpose of Identity is to get you a brand identity that you adore — so even though you’re a Founding Member, you will get a brand at the end. That’s a promise. Want to know more? If you're craving a brand that feels truly you - messy, brilliant, full of ideas and quirks - this is your chance to get in early and help shape something made for us. Founding Members get the best price, first look at all the content, and a direct line to me. So if you're ready to build a brand that's finally fits, and to be part of a community that truly gets you click to become a Founding Member. Read more about Identity
- Embracing Messy Action in Your Journey as an ADHDer: A Personal Experience
Last week, I launched my membership program. I refer to it as a thingy because, honestly, I wasn't sure what it was meant to be. The launch didn’t go as planned. It didn’t sell. As someone with ADHD, my instinct was to scrap the idea entirely. The market had spoken, and clearly, they wanted something else. Moments of rejection can trigger RSD (Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria) in many of us. However, after taking some time to reflect, I decided against completely discarding the idea. Instead, I chose to adapt and reshape it until it becomes something the market truly desires. This process has been about taking messy action. And I mean really messy action. If you're hesitant about taking that first step, here’s how I approached it. Defining My Membership Program What Exactly Am I Selling? Initially, I called it a membership thingy. While this description fits in neurodivergent terms, it lacked clarity. When I launched, I hadn’t fully conceptualized what it was meant to be. Confusion isn’t just mine; it’s likely to confuse the market too. The first task on my messy action list was to define precisely what I was offering. This took time, as there were no clear categories that suited it. Here are the crucial questions I asked myself to find clarity: Did I envision members undergoing a transformation, or was it simply a safe space? If it was about transformation, could they achieve it without my input? If it was to be a safe space, how would it differ from others available? After answering these questions, I realized it is primarily a group program. My goal is to help members establish their brand identity. However, community support was also essential. Together, these elements provide the accountability needed for members to succeed. Determining the Price Point How Do I Value My Offering? Pricing has always been a significant concern. Initially, I considered a high ticket price, which can be daunting for many with ADHD, as it often feels like paying the dreaded ADHD Tax. Nevertheless, it’s crucial that the pricing works for me as a business owner, too. I asked myself some essential questions to find the right price point: Does the price I’m considering reflect my expertise, experience, and knowledge? Will this price transformation be viewed as an investment rather than a mere purchase? Does this price allow for future growth of the group program? Ultimately, I established a monthly cost that feels like an investment, offering significant value for the transformation provided. Naming the Program What Should We Call It? I initially called my program “The B Club,” as in “Branding Club.” But frankly, this name didn’t excite me. I needed something more vibrant and fitting. The name also didn’t align with how I generally name my business initiatives. Even branding experts can overlook their guidelines! I asked myself these questions: Does the current name serve my aims? Does it intrigue and captivate? If not, what words or phrases better align with the transformation I want for members? (Stay tuned to discover the new name I chose!) The Struggles of Messy Action for ADHDers Even now, I struggle with the idea of "Messy Action." For me, it signifies admitting mistakes. As someone with ADHD, I have faced numerous instances of getting it wrong, leading to a whirlwind of emotions. Admitting I’m not perfect doesn’t come easily. Messy action means accepting that things won't always be flawless. There may be typos in my posts or failures in my membership launch, even after investing considerable effort. However, that's the essence of entrepreneurship. It's all about taking messy action and progressing through the chaos. Nonetheless, there’s a silver lining for us with ADHD: when we embrace messy action, we act quickly . We begin to trust our instincts, adjusting things before it's too late. While the process might appear chaotic to outsiders, it actually enables us to find the right answers faster. The Outcome of Embracing Messy Action By embracing messy action over the past week, I managed to revise "The B Club" into a newly branded initiative: Identity . This program is uniquely tailored for ADHDers, serving as the only branding program specifically designed for our community (to the best of our knowledge!). Instead of lowering the subscription costs, we’ve incorporated multiple features to ensure our members have the best possible experience without the burden of the ADHD tax. Could I have reached these conclusions without taking messy action? Perhaps. But, it would undoubtedly have taken a lot longer. Conclusion In summary, taking messy action has opened doors to opportunities I never expected. It’s a vital process for anyone, especially those navigating the unique challenges of ADHD. By moving forward, even when things feel uncertain, we create room for growth and transformation. So, don't fear the mess—embrace it!
- Disrupting the Industry: How to create an Authentic brand identity for an Interior Designer
Helen was pivoting her business. She was researching new target markets and competitors and wanted a brand overhaul to engage her new market but staying authentic to who she really is. Brand Strategy | Logo and Mark Design | Colour Palette | Typeface and Fonts| Business Card Design | Promotional Material | Branding Guidelines. "I want to disrupt the Interior Design Industry." This was one of the first things Helen said to me when we were chatting about her branding. We had met previously at a networking event where I delivered an impromptu talk about brand identity. As you can tell, Helen is not your typical interior designer. She loves pattern and colour (magnolia is a bit of a swear word) especially when it reflects her client's personality. For her brand to work, we needed to focus and amplify her authenticity. Getting an Interior Designer in to help make your 3-bed semi-detached new build seems like an extravagant choice, but Helen wanted a refresh her brand and reach her new audience while focusing on authenticity in branding. The Branding Brief Helen had created her brand herself, but she wanted to refresh it, focus it, and make it cohesive for when she started to promote her business. It needed to stand out from other designers while staying true to her brand of bold colours. The Solution To implement authenticity in Helen's branding, we start with strategy - the first 3 parts of our Brand Identity Framework. Here we delved deep into Helen's business: what she wanted it to be, who she wanted to work with and how her brand will connect with others authentically. We then used this information to create the brand design elements. Helen liked elements of her previous logo so we used this and refreshed it, ensuring that her logo had versatility and was recognisable. She loved the coral colour that she had in her previous brand, so we continued to use it to create that connection and introduced additional colours of Light Blue and Orchre (which she particularly loved). "We need more swoosh" was a theme in Helen's brand; to give that feeling for creativity and flow so we incorporated soft lines and shapes into the rest of her design elements. The Outcome With her new authentic brand identity, Helen regularly gets complimented on it and is busier than ever! Here is what Helen said about working with us: "Katie is so lovely and great at what she does. Our discovery call was a journey which really tested my vision for the business but it was a really useful exercise as Katie got everything she needed to go forth and create different brand designs that pushed my boundaries. I enjoyed the collaboration between us and I love the final product. I use my Brand Guidelines pack all of the time and it is especially handy now I am having a new website and marketing plan created. Thank you for your patience."
- Embracing Your Brand: A Pathway for ADHD Female Entrepreneurs to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
As an ADHD female entrepreneur, I have faced the inner critic of Imposter Syndrome. This experience began the moment I announced my business journey. I often heard harsh whispers in my mind saying, "You're not good enough," "Who are you to charge that much for your services?" and "Who do you think you are calling yourself an expert? ” These thoughts haunted me for the first two years of my business. Words carry significant weight. For someone with ADHD, the feelings associated with Imposter Syndrome intensify in a world not built for my brain. There is constant comparison to neurotypical standards and pressure to "fit in." As an entrepreneur, that is the last thing I want to do. To cope, I often discounted my services or offered them for free, despite others telling me I was being overly generous. That persistent inner voice convinced me I wasn't capable of charging more. However, over the years, the inner critic has quieted. Its voice no longer affects me in the same way. While I understand it may always linger, I have learned how to manage it. This transformation owes a lot to my brand identity. Understanding Your Brand Identity If you are new to my space, here's something important: your brand identity goes beyond just a logo, color scheme, and some fonts you think look “nice.” A brand plays a critical role in your business and is arguably your most valuable asset. It embodies who you are, what you do, why you do it, and how you do it. For ADHD female entrepreneurs, a strong brand identity serves as a grounding force, providing both clarity and confidence. Authenticity in Branding Authenticity is a buzzword in social media, yet it is rarely executed correctly. For ADHD female entrepreneurs, authenticity can be complex because our authentic selves are often labeled as “too weird” or “too much.” However, when done right—using your brand identity—authenticity can highlight your unique qualities. It can also empower you to protect areas of your life that you wish to keep private. Embracing ADHD traits such as creativity, resilience, hyper-focus, and big-picture thinking allows you to view them as assets, rather than liabilities. Clarity and Communication If you've ever struggled to articulate your business vision in a 30-second pitch, your brand identity can help. Your brand provides clarity about your business: where you are headed, where you've come from, how you will achieve your goals, and who you will serve. This clarity creates a consistent message and helps you articulate your value proposition effectively. By defining your brand identity, you reduce ambiguity in your communication. This makes it easier to express your ideas and services to clients and stakeholders. I have a straightforward way to assist you with this in my course: The Brand Balance Blueprint . Visual Elements of Your Brand The visual aspects of your brand—such as colors, typography, and imagery—serve as constant reminders of your professionalism and purpose. They communicate that you are indeed a business owner. Just as wearing your favorite clothes boosts your confidence, your brand's visuals can elevate your self-assurance. Setting Boundaries Another essential yet often overlooked aspect of your brand identity is boundary creation. The saying goes, “If you don’t define your brand, someone else will.” Establishing your brand identity allows you to take control of the information available about you. This is crucial in maintaining your focus and minimizing external noise that can influence your self-perception. Practical Steps for ADHD Female Entrepreneurs to Reduce Imposter Syndrome Using Your Branding Here are three actionable steps you can take to start diminishing that nagging feeling of Imposter Syndrome by leveraging your brand identity. 1. Share Your Vision You probably already know this—your vision is likely why you ventured into entrepreneurship. As individuals attuned to social justice, many of us start businesses to create change. Don’t hesitate to share your vision with others. Remember, no one embarks on a quest alone. 2. Embrace Your Unique Story No one has a story quite like yours. Your journey into entrepreneurship—how and why you started—is a unique narrative that can showcase your strengths. Sharing your story is an easy and effective way to communicate your value, especially for ADHD brains that thrive on personal connections. 3. Focus on Your Target Audience This is often where ADHD entrepreneurs, like myself, become a bit “wiggly.” We often want to help everyone. But to run a profitable business, we must concentrate on those who will benefit the most from our services. Establishing a clear target audience will help you focus your efforts effectively. Embrace Your Brilliance As an ADHD female entrepreneur, you possess exceptional and unique qualities that deserve recognition. By embracing these traits through your brand identity, you can start to diminish the impact of Imposter Syndrome on your life. Your journey is valid, and your brand is a reflection of your strengths. Own it and let your brilliance shine!
- Embracing Change How Female Entrepreneurs with ADHD Can Master Adaptable Branding
Are you a female Entrepreneur with ADHD who is regularly messing about with your branding? Changing fonts, changing colours, full rebrands every now and then? Yep, me too. That's why I created the Adaptable Branding Method. One of the most important parts of having a brand identity is to be consistent otherwise you'll reduce brand awareness. But, considering that in the 6 years I've been in business I've already rebranded 3 times and have changed my fonts uh-gain, I know how hard this actually is. Yet, I have continued to have some awesome opportunities: being part of the #Sheleads campaign with 365 Business Finance, winning #SBS this year, being a finalist in the Woman Who Solopreneur awards. And I've also worked with some amazing female entrepreneurs to create amazing brand identities for them. So my question is: How have I do it when I keep changing my brand? And that's why I'd love to introduce you to The Adaptable Branding Method. This method offers a refreshing alternative, allowing you to evolve your brand without losing its core essence. It's designed to help you stay engaged and recognised by your dream client, even when your brand elements change. Key Components of the Adaptable Branding Method The Adaptable Branding Method consists of three main components: Core Consistency: This is the foundation of your brand that remains unchanged. It includes your brand values, vision, and key messaging. By keeping these elements consistent, you ensure that your brand retains its identity and purpose. Evolving Elements: These are aspects of your brand that can change over time. It could be your visual style, your audience and what you talk about. The key is to evolve these elements gradually, allowing your brand to grow and adapt as you and your business do. Frequent Changes: These are the elements that you can change more frequently, such as social media content, promotional materials, or website design. By setting criteria for these changes, you can ensure that they align with your brand's overall identity and goals. Benefits for Female Entrepreneurs with ADHD The Adaptable Branding Method offers several benefits for female entrepreneurs with ADHD: Avoiding Boredom: One of the biggest challenges for ADHDers is getting bored with their brand. This method allows you to make changes without doing a full rebrand, keeping your brand fresh and engaging. Flexibility: When you're unsure how to present yourself, the Adaptable Branding Method provides the flexibility to experiment with different elements while maintaining your brand's core. Consistency and Recognition: Despite the changes, your brand's core remains consistent, ensuring that you continue to attract clients and gain recognition. Conclusion The Adaptable Branding Method is a game-changer for female entrepreneurs with ADHD. It offers a flexible approach to branding that embraces change while maintaining core consistency. If you're struggling with brand boredom or unsure how to present yourself, give this method a try. Embrace change, and watch your brand thrive!
- Are you a Female Entrepreneurs struggling to focus on one thing in your business? Then the Branding Blueprint is what you're looking for.
Keppel Leopard Creative 's branding blueprint is a free quiz that helps ambitious, passion-led female entrepreneurs focus their ideas and supercharge their branding. We've all been there right - you get an idea for your business, then another, then another and then suddenly you've got all these awesome ideas but you don't know which one to prioritise (or which one will be the right one!) I know this because I've spoken to countless female entrepreneurs like you: UH-MAZ-ING at what they do but are stuck going around in circles trying to get something out into the world. If you're nodding along then Keppel Leopard Creative's Branding Blueprint may just be the answer you're looking for. What is the Branding Blueprint Quiz? The Branding Blueprint is a free quiz that is made up of five questions created to find out exactly what areas you need to focus on based on where you are in your business journey. Whilst doing your entire brand identity is a good thing, when you're just starting out (and also realising that you wear all the hats) some parts of it you just don't need to deep-dive into (like learning colour psychology). When you've completed it, you will get your results instantly, and a link to your blueprint sent straight to your email for easy reference. Why THIS Branding Blueprint Quiz Okay, I know - there's lots of these things out on the big online space, what makes KLC's any different? Well apart from you only having to complete five questions, the Blueprint is based on hours of conversations with ambitious, passion-led female entrepreneurs like you. The blueprint is created so that you don't feel overwhelmed with your branding and you can start using it to boost your business. How does the Branding Blueprint it work Take the quiz (here's a cheeky link here! Go to the Branding Blueprint Quiz ) Get Instant results and a copy sent straight to your emails. That's it. So, What are you waiting for?! Ready to supercharge your branding? Take the Branding Blueprint quiz now, cut out the overwhelm and know EXACTLY what you need to focus on to move your business forward.
- From Physical to Digital: How to move your health and fitness brand online.
Julia was moving her services online. As she offered a unique health and fitness class, she wanted to create an online brand that would be recognisable and professional. Brand Strategy| Logo Design | Colour Palette | Font Choice | Branding Guidelines. As I walked into the Physiopilates studio in Wilmslow, Manchester, I felt instantly calm. Julia, the owner of Physiopilates - a unique health and fitness class that combines physiotherapy with Pilates - welcomed me in, and gently guided me and the rest of her class through an hour Physiopilates session. And this is the exact experience that I needed to recreate in Julia's digital brand. The Branding Brief For Julia, she has never had to focus on her branding before. She had a logo, but because she had no competition locally she didn't need to prioritise it. But now with an opportunity to move her business online, she realised that she needed a brand that was going to increase her visibility online, but still retain the same feeling and experience that she delivered in her studio. With her brand, Julia wanted to ensure that her current clients could find her and recognise her, and also attract new clients to her business. The Solution Through our brand strategy session, I was able to identify four different markets that Julia wanted to target, but all had the same need: to stay moving and stay flexible. So when it came to the visual side of the brand I wanted to ensure that movement was a big focal point. I used organic shapes that create the idea of movement and flexibility. These are designed in soft, natural colours that Julia could use interchangeably through her brand. Her logo is a refresh of her previous logo of a person with their hands behind their head. Again, we kept the design more fluid and abstract. We identified imagery that would appeal to her target market's aspirations: playing with grandchildren, spending time outdoors, and entering sporting competitions but all with a softer colour palette to go with the overall brand design. The Outcome With her new brand identity, Julia was able to move her business entirely online. She now regularly runs live classes and online courses that her clients can engage with. Her brand has ensured that Julia continues to stand out from any similar businesses online. Are you an ambitious female entrepreneur wanting an original brand for your business? Check out our services !
- Leopard Logic: Psychologically Speaking Podcast
I chat to Leila Ainge on a new episode of Psychologically Speaking. I first met Leila at a Doing It for the Kids Mega Meetup event in Manchester. The week before I had casually decided that I needed to create a skirt for the occasion and then, just to keep myself accountable, told everyone in the DIFTKs community. I'd never made a skirt before. But it definitely impressed Leila who, after chatting further (and realising we had a mutual love of MAFs Australia) ask me this year to be a guest on her wonderful podcast Psychologically Speaking. During our conversation we went all over: the psychological side of branding, the pressures women face in professional spaces, my "change gear" career path and how creative problem solving has shaped me approach to branding. The Key topics include: The power of brand storytelling and personal identity. Challenges women entrepreneurs face in professional branding. The balance between authenticity and professionalism in online spaces. How Katie’s diverse cultural and career experiences inform her work. If you love this episode then I'd love for you to go subscribe to her newsletter too! And here is a picture of said skirt that I made below.
- 3 Key Areas to Effective Networking for Female Entrepreneurs Using Branding
Networking - online or in person - is necessary to run your business. But for Female Entrepreneurs our brands play a bigger role in engaging potential clients. Do you know what's really interesting about mixed networking events? The way men and women talk about business. A few weeks ago I went to a Tameside Means Business Event. The first of 2025 and, even though it had been snowing a few days prior it was well attended. Now usually I frequent all-female networking events (as that's where my target market is) but this event was mixed. And, as I stood in the queue for a brew I realised how different men and women network. For the businessmen in the room, it's a much more direct route: there are a few pleasantries, followed by the "What do you do?" and "What is your business?" questions, a potential change in details (if it is mutually beneficial) and then moving on to the next person. But the women (me included) take a softer approach. Our pleasantries last longer - my usual gambit is about the weather (a hot topic in Manchester), or the length of the refreshments queue/toilet. We make a connection first. And then, and only then, will we talk about our businesses (usually after we've been invited to discuss it.) It's not a criticism of networking. Either way is fine. But, for women, it will take longer to get clients. This is why a brand identity for Female Founders is much more important. 3 Key Areas your Brand needs as a Female Entrepreneur Between the networking events and conversations, the person that we've been talking to needs to remember who we are. We can of course connect with them on LinkedIn, follow them on Instagram, and drop them an email after the event but there is nothing better than walking into a room and them remembering you instantly. And this is where your brand starts to work. Your brand needs to leave a lasting impression on that person so that they remember you until the next time (or even remember who you are when you email them!) I've distilled it down to 3 key areas that your brand needs to do: One: Memorable (obviously!) so that people recognise you as soon as you approach them. Two: Professional, that doesn't mean suits and ties, it just means consistent and easy to understand. Three: Focused, so you're not stumbling over your words to explain what your business does (been there, done that, don't want to do it again!) How do these 3 Key Areas work in Practice? Of course, this is all good in a blog. But how does this work in real life? Here are some of the ways I ensure that at networking events I ensure these Key Areas are covered. At any networking event somewhere I will be wearing leopard print. That way people visually know who I am and that I'm representing my business. (Memorable). When I swap people's business cards, I make it a point of emailing them straight after to say that I liked connecting with them and to offer my assistance if necessary (Professional) I know EXACTLY what my business does and can simply tell someone if they ask. I use the same information for every networking event that I go to. (Focused) What do you need to improve in your Brand? If you want this kind of recognition for you and your business there are a few areas that you need to work on improving: One: Your Story, Values and Vision - This will help you give a consistent and focused response of who you are, what you do and how you do it. Two: Your Content Pillars and Tone of Voice - This will help you understand how you're going to present yourself at networking events. Three: Your Style and Personality - This will help you know how to present yourself at networking events so you're recognisable everywhere you go. Katie is the CEO and Founder of Keppel Leopard Creative, a Manchester-based branding agency specialising in brand strategies and designs for Female Entrepreneurs. Check out our Services .