The Logos in a Logo

The word "logos" is typically used when describing philosophy, theology, or some form of explaining knowledge.  As a Brand Manager, I think that creating a "logo" requires more than just a cool graphic design or cool text.  You see, many times when people are starting businesses or revamping their business look, the logo is the first thing looked at but sometimes the last thing considered.  Many businesses or personal brands are not aware that sometimes the actual "Logo" says it all.  I am meticulous when it comes to developing a branding strategy and the first thing other than developing a sincere and solid mission statement, is making sure that the Logo has been completely thought through. I often design logos and when I do, it is imperative that I get information that is  relevant to the person and their entire make-up.  I interview people regarding things like favorite color, smells, childhood pastimes, foods, books, philosophies, and even astrological sign.  There are so many other factors that matter, and I do not let anything limit the interpretation of the person thus their LOGOS.  Every principle, every reason of existence and every facet of a person or business must be wrapped up in their creative brand.  Its these factors that separate the big dogs from the puppies.  So when you are thinking about how to create a logo or if you are having one created for you, make sure that your logos is reflected in your logo.

Hand Me Downs Please!!

While going through my summer clothing as I usually do, I noticed that my favorite outfits were clothes that I have gotten from friends and family members.  Now, I am too much of a fashionista to let anyone buy me clothes, but it seems that the pieces that I hold dearest are always items that I may have received from a friend or family member.

Growing up in a family where money was always tight, I have an enormous ability to live within a simple wardrobe and I am no stranger to "Hand Me Downs".  My grandmother has the best clothes and I recall being so excited when she would clean her closet bc I had a chance to get something cool or as some may call "vintage" when she sorted through her 4 closets.  Not only was it enjoyable to see all of the wonderful clothes she had, it was the feeling of having something of my grandma's  that made the experience of receiving a "hand me down" in many ways very special to me.

When my mom would go through her clothing, she would offer me some of her "favorite" pieces and every time I wore her clothes, I felt confident, beautiful, and even more connected to her.  It was this sense of love and gratitude that kept me when I would get bullied or criticized for not having "new clothes" like my friends who thought that having new clothes made you a better person.

My thirteen year old niece now shares my love for thrifting in "my closet".  She likes my clothes better than her own, and it tickles me every time I notice something missing and she smiles and says, "you remember that you gave me that a long time ago". Whether I did or not, I know that once its on her body, it no longer belongs to me, because at that point it has been handed up and over to her.

I believe in giving and when someone is in need, I would rather buy them something new, but  if I do give out of my closet, I give of my best.  The cost of the item is no matter, and hopefully the heart in which I handed something down is received with love and an understanding that the clothes I wear are shared in love.

new creative design reel by J.E. Nix

Why a Personal "Brand"!

I am asked quite often the question of why a personal brand is so necessary in today's business environment.  My response to this is simple, nowadays you absolutely have to have a personal brand concept because in our current individualistic society, it is better to show who you are as a Creative through your expression of yourself, which having a brand is the best way to do this.  For some, this is not important, and of course having a brand is not for everyone, but for people who want to be noticed and are offering a particular service and or product, your brand is what sets you apart and gives a visual to who you are without you ever being present.  As a brand manager and designer, I think it is so important for your brand to reflect your character, what you stand for, and also tell the nature of your business.  My brand is Life Marketing Concepts.  I believe that I can help people create their vision and give new meaning to their lives by simply having concepts that they believe will allow themselves and their businesses to grow!

3-F's for Entrepenuers

I am fortunate to meet awesome people all the time, and typically I enjoy talking with people who are successful in their fields and interests.  I have three mentors.  I know that to some three is alot, but for me, I need direction in many areas and I am fortunate enough to have awesome people who are leaders in their fields and wonderful enough to be my mentors and friends. The one I am speaking of in this instance I will reference as "Mr. A".  Mr. A is very influential in his community and has been super successful over 60 years as an entrepreneur.  I often ask him questions and lean on his for advice because he has been where I am going and his insights are genius.  It amazes me that he is always 10 steps ahead and I find that he gets better with age.  One day I asked him, "Mr. A, what is your personal business philosophy for true success?".  He took a second, then stated..."In business you have to be FAIR, FIRM, and FLEXIBLE".

Now at first I thought hmmm, ok I get it, but really it was not until two years after he told me this that I really understood what he was saying.  I had attempted to start a business and I did not realize what working with clients was going to entail.  Many people say, "Get your money first", or "Send them a paypal link before you say anything"!  The funny thing to me was that although I had received advice from many people who owned businesses, I found that they were not what I considered to be a success.  You see, Mr. A's philosophy works and is so simple because when I learned to first be fair, I realized that I have to first be fair to myself, and then my client.  One thing I found was that I was always meeting people who needed my help, but they really could not afford to hire me.  Now being that I wanted the business I often agreed to do the work, and it would often end up being for free because the people would talk a good game upfront, I would produce all of these ideas and work, but they knew they weren't able to pay and  would essentially create a negative atmosphere in order to avoid the invoice.  I would chalk it up to experience and simply move on.  I have found that being fair to me is sometimes saying NO to people even if I see the potential in their product regardless of how much money they may or may not have.  So a quick interview rather than a consultation tends to help me weed out any potential time wasters.

This brings me to the being FIRM, aspect.  The funny thing about my life is that I am usually put in situations that require me to be super honest, give my personal opinion(which can sometimes be a bit critical), and I have to always approach what I say to a potential client with finesse while offering an honest assessment.  I find that when you are in a position where you have to give your opinion regarding someone else's business, you must be firm in your position, otherwise you may end up taking a client and allowing their fears to blur your abilities specifically when they have come to you for advice on how to help them improve.

Which brings me to his final piece of advice, be FLEXIBLE.  If I had a dollar for every time I have had to make changes, or redirect, I would be a multi-millionaire.  Flexibility requires that you are able to not only go with the flow, but move strategically so that you are able to accomplish the overall goal without losing focus.  For some, being flexible is a task because you can become easily distracted if you are not keeping the entire picture in mind.  I often will listen to ideas and strategies knowing that the suggestions may be good, but the question is whether or not the idea or suggestion is relevant in accomplishing the overall goal.

Luxury chartered travel is definitely the way to roll...

I had the wonderful experience of working with a company that I love here in Spartanburg, SC named Atchison Transportation Services.  They along with the Spartanburg chapter of the NAACP had a trip to Washington, D.C for the 50th year Anniversary celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King's "I Have A Dream Speech" and the "March On Washington".  Now usually when working with an established company I find it difficult to add much more to their company unless they are undergoing a brand change or upgrade.  In this case it was an opportunity for me to help them show a different side which focused more on what they believe in the most for their business...Great Service. I think that alot of times chartered buses are used and not thought of in a luxurious sense, but with modern technology, such as wi-fi, outlets, tv screens and more, taking a longer ride is definitely worth the trip especially when its with a large group and for a great cause.  I will admit that ATS rolled out the red carpet and I was fortunate to be able to assist with little things like designing their custom program for their guests, and offering each guest branded ATS bottles of water.  From start to finish the trip to Washington was a success because we worked diligently to make sure that ever possible means of convenience was available.  There were so many wonderful things that happened on the trip that the video compilation that I created is the only way I can express the trip.  Please view and enjoy!


http://youtu.be/IiHWRlCt_Io

My "BUTTERFLY AFFECT"...

It's been said that a social "Butterfly",  tends to primarily focused on doing nothing other than pretentious things and usually just for a moment. While in some cases this may be true, I believe that to the core of anyone's existence there is a need to "meet and greet only and this should be an ok thing to do.   I think what is most important in being social is a person's ability to mingle and care for the needs of the people that they are responsible for affecting whether for just a moment of for a lifetime.  I meet many people on a daily basis,  and I find it a joy to strike up a conversation with someone new, especially when the person is also happy to be social in the moment.  I think that the time I spend being quiet has to be balanced out, and so I tend to enjoy every moment of meeting.

Welcome

Welcome to my official Blog!

I blog about the things that are important to me whether it is business, the weather, new shoes, serious politics, fine wine, great music, or what I think is hot in fashion. I appreciate you for taking the time to read my blog and if there is anything that I share in my opinion, please charge it to my head and heart.  It is important for me to leave my mark in this world and if my blogger does me any justice, I will also have the beautiful experience of interacting with others like me who live to love and promote life.  With the biggest smile and openest heart, I welcome you and look forward to sharing my opinion.  BTW, I am a libra, so I will talk about everything and none if it is going to really match but it will all be in balance with my little world!!

I encourage people to 

"LIVE 

IN 

FREEDOM

EVERYDAY!!!!"

MANAGE YOUR BRAND!