Hey friends,

We’re back with Part Two of our branding series on The First Crack!

This week, Luke and I dig deeper into how to practically shape your brand — and more importantly, how to keep it simple, clear, and connected to your customers.

Branding Without the Buzzwords - What Actually Works

Some key takeaways from this episode:
✅ Why focusing on fewer things can actually help your brand grow faster
✅ The power of creating a “brand persona”
✅ The importance of empathy in refining your products and experience
✅ How to balance your personal passion with customer feedback
✅ Why you shouldn't fall in love with what you think your brand should be

This quote really shares the heart behind the episode:

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“Sometimes just focusing on a few things gives your team and yourself more time and energy to focus on the things that actually improve your brand and really resonate with your customers.”

We also share personal stories - including one about coffee syrups to websites that never launched, as well as lessons about learning what really resonates with the people you want to serve.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your brand, this episode is packed with insights to help you level up.

Here's a quick exercise to help you apply this:

Grab a notebook (or open a doc) and answer these three questions:
1️⃣ What’s ONE thing my brand does really well that customers love?
2️⃣ What’s ONE thing we’re doing that may be distracting us or adding unnecessary complexity?
3️⃣ Who does my brand “hang out” with -— what other brands, communities, or types of customers align with it?

Then: What could I simplify or double down on this month?

Start by listening to this episode.

🎧 Listen now — and don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

➡️ Click here to listen to the latest episode of The First Crack

Thanks again for being part of this community.

Remember — the best is always yet to come.

Talk soon,
James

P.S. Next week we’re back with our Book Review Club — we’ll be unpacking Rich Dad Poor Dad. Grab a copy and read along with us!!

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