The Los Alamitos Varsity Song are on their way to the UDA Nationals, February 6-7 in Orlando, FL!

“My Aunt Does the Best T-shirts”
Ah, the coveted 18-24 demographic. What if I told you that I have a lock on this slice of heaven on a micro-level, nationally! Shocked? Don’t be. I have honed these connections since their birth and now my notoriety is viral. I’m talking t-shirt designs! Sure, I’d like to be the go-to in brand marketing on the web, but in the 18-24 demo in my family, this is my rep. My nieces or nephews can’t resist to raise their hand and say: “My Aunt does the best t-shirts!” Hey, I’m not putting this all on them: give me a Peer Leader Group with the theme of super heroes and I’m all in!  We begin with a bit of brainstorming. As we sit around the table, we talk about their group and get to the heart of the look. I’ve been told this is considered a form of torture at times, but it produces great results.

Here’s how it usually rolls out:

• What’s their message,
• Why did they join,
• What type of members are there,
• Who is their audience,
• What is the outcome they would like from the new look.

Does this list look familiar to any of my clients?
That’s right. It’s my tried and true interview style to get to the answers I need to be effective in marketing. It’s such a simple list but so many will lunge into a project without answering these simple questions. People can envision their business thriving and successful, but they all too often forget to create and execute a plan to get themselves to the goal. With just a little brainstorming, planning and project management, the successful result will be all you hoped for!

Back to my thriving t-shirt business.
Last month, I undertook a long distance assignment for my niece in California. Her group is the Los Alamitos Varsity Song group. As I went through the paces, I could tell there was great passion to  creating this shirt. As a senior, she and her co-captain got to decide the look for this years shirt. Big doings. I could hear in her voice the excitement of how extra touches would be impact-ful, but most importantly, the group’s name needed to scream out. I thoroughly enjoyed the back and forth and, in the end, the look was connected and fun. The best part is I got a shirt! Go LOS AL!

Happy 2010 everyone!

LET THE HOLIDAYS BEGIN!

What is the beginning of the Holiday season for you? Is it the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC? Is it the smell of a special recipe that changes your whole spirit? For me, it’s the sight of our very own, The Whitney Shop’s Holiday windows. What a surprise I got when I came into work yesterday with our new view of Elm Street. There, decked in full glory, was the most beautiful Whitney windows. I’m officially in the spirit! I am thankful for this view that will be with me for the next month.

This shot also holds a branding note, can’t resist. Check out how The Whitney Shop handles their children’s department: Little Whitney, or LW. So tasteful and so loyal to the original brand. Many comment that this is the epitome of New Canaan charm. Yes, I agree!

As I get ready to pack up the fresh banana bread, my contribution to Thanksgiving in Vinalhaven, Maine, I do want to offer thanks to all the amazing clients, friends and vendors who have been so supportive of our group this year. We are so blessed to work for some of the most passionate and exciting entrepreneurs. With a grateful heart I wish everyone the happiest of Thanksgivings!

Peace, BJ

On a recent trip to Ocean City, New Jersey I was taking an early morning walk on the boardwalk with a close friend. What a view and the people watching is top notch. If I walk the whole boardwalk and back (5 miles) I treat myself to some of the best fresh donuts I have ever tasted. As I waited in line for my favorite cinnamon sugar donuts, I took in their sign. “Browns Almost Famous Donuts. The Original Since 1976.” Hum,  I thought. We have a branding issue.

1. Brown: The Brown family is the skilled provider of these fabulous donuts so let’s make that “Brown’s.”
2. Almost Famous: Hello, I’ve been coming forever and you have always been here. You have arrived, you ARE famous!
3. The Original: Was or is there a fake donut maker I should be aware of? Do you think after this long we can bury the powdered sugar-laden hatchet and just say: Since 1976?

I realize that my changes would run about $1000 and make no friends. But folks, brand strength comes down to how you say everything. This sign is saying, “I’m not sure I own these donuts, not sure if everyone knows about us and I have a long-standing twist with another donut maker.

It’s time to make the sign read what is really going on here:
Brown’s Famous Donuts Since 1976. Thanks for being there!

* For more guidance on all things nutrition, go to LisaCorradoNutrition.com