Why Personal Branding Matters
In this edition of The Tea, we’re welcoming a guest voice from within the TeaCup community. This post is written by Elisa Heisman, founder of Red Pen Resources, whose focuses on working together with her clients to create content that is on brand, effectively communicated, and filled with impactful stories to attract your target audience and achieve your business goals. Written for TeaCup Entrepreneurs and curated by Stephanie Pellish, this The Tea feature is an invitation to be your authentic self when it comes to your personal branding.
Quick story: As a woman of a certain age, I rarely find clothes at the mall that I like because those stores cater to a younger generation. Instead, I support a small women’s boutique nearby that fits my budget, my body type, and my taste. But these aren’t the main reasons I buy my clothes there.
I am a loyal customer because I know, like, and trust the owner and her staff. They are friendly, knowledgeable, professional, helpful, and honest. These qualities shape their personal brand and are reflected in how they do business. It is no surprise that they have a large group of “regulars” who often bring their friends with them for the ideal shopping experience.
As a brand strategist and copywriter, I’ve come to understand that one’s personal brand is the beating heart behind any business.
Whether you own a women’s clothing boutique, a medical practice, a moving company, or any other business, your personal brand gives you credibility, visibility, and likeability. With the right messaging, you can be authentic and engaging, build trust, and stand out from competitors. Once you establish a personal brand, you can consistently create content on your website and across digital platforms that reflect your values, expertise, and stories.
Take me, for example.
I named my company Red Pen Resources after my father, a retired middle school teacher. He wore a red pen around his ear and used it with kindness and an innate desire to help his students put their best selves out into the world. I embrace his philosophy in my work, helping my clients develop their personal brand and applying it to their messaging, copywriting, and storytelling.
How do I do this?
As a former journalist, I approach your business with curiosity and wonder. I love learning about different industries from experts like you. I position myself as part of your target audience and ask you questions your ideal client would ask. Then, I will research your competitors to see how they market themselves. Once I know enough to start writing, I share your stories from a place of authenticity (not artificially).
Where to start?
If you are looking to rethink, refresh, or reimagine your brand and value an investigative and creative approach, I’d love to talk to you! To learn more about my services, please watch the TeaTime video below and follow me on LinkedIn.
Why I Joined TeaCup Entrepreneurs
When I launched my business two years ago, I joined the local chamber of commerce and signed up for as many networking events as possible, sometimes three times a week. As a people person, I had no fear of walking into a room full of strangers and striking up a conversation. I’ve always felt comfortable around new people and believe that everyone has an interesting story to tell.
At the event, I’d walk up to someone standing by themselves, introduce myself, and ask, “So, how did you hear about this event?” I suppose this line is the business world’s version of “Do you come here often?” But it works every time. After a pleasant conversation, we exchanged business cards, and I would consider the interaction a success.
Yet, after two years of networking events, I wanted something beyond the luncheons and happy hours. While these gatherings are always enjoyable and worthwhile, I needed to take my business to the next level if it was going to succeed. I knew I still wanted to be part of a community, but one that fostered deep conversations and learning opportunities that would help me grow as a solopreneur.
Enter Teacup Entrepreneurs
I met our fearless leader, Stephanie Pelish, about a year ago on a Zoom call where I first inquired about the group. The conversation lasted about half an hour, but I picked up on her personal brand instantly. Her insights as a female solopreneur, along with her friendly demeanor and supportive nature, made me realize that Teacup Entrepreneurs was a unique community I had to experience for myself.
At my first Connections meeting, I saw a few familiar faces and many people that I wanted to meet. After the introductions, Stephanie asked a thought-provoking question and then put us into small groups to discuss. While I can’t recall the topic, I do remember that the conversation flowed easily. People were eager to share, listen, and learn from each other. Encouragement and support were abundant, as were the laughs and a few tears.
At the end of our brief time together, I felt more than just belonging; I felt seen, validated, and empowered. Being part of this community made me confident in my ability to run my business, surrounded by women who are equally determined and supportive of each other’s journeys.
Teacup Entrepreneurs is the group I had been looking for all along—a place where I can celebrate wins, share challenges, find support and uplift other members, and feel confident about my business decisions. I can’t recommend it highly enough to women looking for more clarity and camaraderie in their business lives.
Ready to get the guidance you’ve been looking for?
Join TeaCup Entrepreneurs and discover the community that you need in order to move forward in a direction that feels right.
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