Brand Design Masters Podcast

Top 10 Branding Trends for Small Businesses in 2024

Podcast sponsor:

Wix Studio https://wixstudio.com

In this episode, the discussion centers on the top 10 branding trends that small businesses should focus on in 2024. The key trends highlighted include building a compelling digital presence, leveraging social media for branding, adopting sustainable and ethical branding practices, and personal branding for entrepreneurs. 

Other crucial points cover the significance of content marketing, targeting niche markets, investing in brand strategy and storytelling, understanding the limitations of DIY design tools, utilizing technology in branding, and the benefits of networking and collaboration. The episode also features mentions of services like brand consulting and a mastermind community called Bonfire.

#smallbusiness #branding #marketing #trends

___________________________________

BONFIRE MASTERMIND:

https://philipvandusen.com.com/bonfire

WEBSITE

https://www.philipvandusen.com

BRAND•MUSE NEWSLETTER  

https://www.philipvandusen.com/muse

CREATIVE PROFESSIONAL COACHING

https://philipvandusen.com/oneonone

BRAND CONSULTING

https://philipvandusen.com/brand-consulting

BRAND STRATEGY 101 COURSE

https://philipvandusen.com/bs101

YOUTUBE

https://www.youtube.com/c/philipvandusen 

LINKEDIN

https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipvandusen/

THREADS

https://www.threads.net/@philipvandusen 

FACEBOOK

https://www.facebook.com/philipvandusen.agency/

INSTAGRAM

https://www.instagram.com/philipvandusen/

____________________________________

Philip VanDusen is a branding consultant and the owner of a brand strategy and design agency based in New Jersey. Philip is a highly accomplished creative executive and expert in brand strategy, graphic design, marketing and creative management. Philip provides design, branding, marketing, career and business advice to creative professionals, entrepreneurs and companies on building successful brands for themselves and the clients and customers they serve.

Episode Sponsored by: 

Wix Studio: https://wixstudio.com

In this candid and informal rant, Philip shares nine crucial pieces of advice for creative professionals navigating today's challenging job market. Drawing from over 30 years of experience, Philip emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, understanding HR's role, building a personal brand, and maintaining a mindset of continual learning. 

He also discusses industry ageism, the significance of networking, having a versatile skill set, and the complexities surrounding non-compete agreements. Additionally, Philip introduces 'Bonfire, the mastermind community aimed at helping mid to late-career creative professionals build their personal brands and professional independence.

#creativecareers #graphicdesign #personalbranding #careeradvice

00:00 Introduction and Context

01:26 You Are Number One

02:13 HR is Not Your Friend

04:11 Career Insurance: Personal Brand

06:00 Ageism in Creative Industries

08:39 Networking: Who You Know Matters

10:58 Zen Beginner's Mind: Constant Learning

13:20 Skill Sets: T-Shaped vs. V-Shaped

14:48 Show Your Work: Navigating Non-Compete Agreements

18:28 Conclusion and Bonfire Community

________________________________________

BONFIRE MASTERMIND:

https://philipvandusen.com.com/bonfire

WEBSITE

https://www.philipvandusen.com

BRAND•MUSE NEWSLETTER  

https://www.philipvandusen.com/muse

CREATIVE PROFESSIONAL COACHING

https://philipvandusen.com/oneonone

BRAND CONSULTING

https://philipvandusen.com/brand-consulting

BRAND STRATEGY 101 COURSE

https://philipvandusen.com/bs101

YOUTUBE

https://www.youtube.com/c/philipvandusen 

LINKEDIN

https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipvandusen/

THREADS

https://www.threads.net/@philipvandusen 

FACEBOOK

https://www.facebook.com/philipvandusen.agency/

INSTAGRAM

https://www.instagram.com/philipvandusen/

____________________________________

Philip VanDusen is a branding consultant and the owner of a brand strategy and design agency based in New Jersey. Philip is a highly accomplished creative executive and expert in brand strategy, graphic design, marketing and creative management. Philip provides design, branding, marketing, career and business advice to creative professionals, entrepreneurs and companies on building successful brands for themselves and the clients and customers they serve.

In this episode of the Brand Design Masters podcast, host Phillip VanDusen welcomes Robert Smith, an internationally recognized branding expert, professor, and author. They discuss the importance of investing time in oneself rather than focusing on transient technical skills, emphasizing the value of creativity, peer interaction, and mental health. 

Robert shares insights from his latest book 'Stop Looking for Zebras', which guides creative professionals on achieving long-term career success. Key topics include the relevance of human-driven creativity in the face of AI advancements, the significance of networking and mentorship, and strategies for maintaining passion and confidence in the creative industry.

#branddesign #creativecareers #creativity #graphicdesign

Episode Sponsored by: 

WIX STUDIO: https://wixstudio.com

ROBERT SMITH 

Book: "Stop Looking for Zebras": https://a.co/d/54KQRlP

ThinkSmith Website: https://www.think-smith.com/

00:00 The Best Investment for Longevity in the Industry

00:25 Introduction to the Brand Design Masters Podcast

00:42 Meet Robert Smith: Branding Expert and Author

01:50 The Journey of Writing 'Stop Looking for Zebras'

03:49 Teaching Design: Beyond Technical Skills

08:33 Addressing Self-Confidence in Creative Careers

12:47 The Impact of AI and Automation on Design

17:58 Strategies for Creative Professionals to Stand Out

21:21 Marty Neumeier's Packaging Success

22:32 The Reality Behind Rockstar Designers

23:55 Investing in Yourself Post-COVID

26:35 The Power of Mastermind Groups

27:41 The Importance of Networking

35:45 Recognizing Career Transformations

37:06 Career Goals and Bear Traps

40:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

________________________________________

WEBSITE

https://www.philipvandusen.com

BRAND•MUSE NEWSLETTER  

https://www.philipvandusen.com/muse

CREATIVE PROFESSIONAL COACHING

https://philipvandusen.com/oneonone

BRAND CONSULTING

https://philipvandusen.com/brand-consulting

BRAND STRATEGY 101 COURSE

https://philipvandusen.com/bs101

YOUTUBE

https://www.youtube.com/c/philipvandusen 

LINKEDIN

https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipvandusen/

THREADS

https://www.threads.net/@philipvandusen 

FACEBOOK

https://www.facebook.com/philipvandusen.agency/

INSTAGRAM

https://www.instagram.com/philipvandusen/

____________________________________

Philip VanDusen is a branding consultant and the owner of a brand strategy and design agency based in New Jersey. Philip is a highly accomplished creative executive and expert in brand strategy, graphic design, marketing and creative management. Philip provides design, branding, marketing, career and business advice to creative professionals, entrepreneurs and companies on building successful brands for themselves and the clients and customers they serve.

In this episode, I sit down with Maureen Clough, a passionate advocate for age inclusion and the host of the popular podcast It Gets Late Early. 

Maureen is a former journalist and director of strategic partnerships for a variety of tech companies turned speaker, podcaster, and career strategist for professionals over 40. Her advocacy has been highlighted in outlets such as Wired, Business Insider, and Inside Edition. 

Maureen first caught my attention with a viral LinkedIn post reacting to the ageist language she discovered in Indeed’s Career Guide, a moment that ignited a broader conversation about the challenges facing seasoned professionals in today’s workforce.

During this insightful conversation, Maureen shares her personal journey, the origins of her podcast, and the inspiration behind her mission to fight ageism in the tech industry. We explore the parallels and differences in how age discrimination manifests in various industry sectors, and Maureen offers actionable advice for shifting societal mindsets, improving hiring practices, holding companies accountable for their actions and embracing the value of intergenerational teams. 

This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone navigating a career in their 40s and beyond, and those looking to create more inclusive work environments.

Episode Sponsored by: 

WIX STUDIO: https://wixstudio.com

Maureen Clough Podcast "It Gets Late Early":

https://www.itgetslateearly.com/podcast

Maureen Clough on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough/

#ageism #tech #personalbranding #careeradvice #careerdevelopment 

____________________________________

WEBSITE

https://www.philipvandusen.com

BRAND•MUSE NEWSLETTER  

https://www.philipvandusen.com/muse

CREATIVE PROFESSIONAL COACHING

https://philipvandusen.com/oneonone

BRAND CONSULTING

https://philipvandusen.com/brand-consulting

BRAND STRATEGY 101 COURSE

https://philipvandusen.com/bs101

BRAND DESIGN MASTERS PODCAST 

https://podcast.branddesignmasters.com/subscribe

YOUTUBE

https://www.youtube.com/c/philipvandusen 

LINKEDIN

https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipvandusen/

THREADS

https://www.threads.net/@philipvandusen 

FACEBOOK

https://www.facebook.com/philipvandusen.agency/

INSTAGRAM

https://www.instagram.com/philipvandusen/

BRAND DESIGN MASTERS FACEBOOK GROUP 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/branddesignmasters/ 

____________________________________

AFFILIATE PARTNERS:

BRING YOUR OWN LAPTOP - Adobe Training with Daniel Scott

https://www.byol.me/philip  

GO HIGHLEVEL:

https://www.gohighlevel.com/philipvandusen

TUBEBUDDY

https://www.tubebuddy.com/philipvandusen  

____________________________

Philip VanDusen is a branding consultant and the owner of a brand strategy and design agency based in New Jersey. Philip is a highly accomplished creative executive and expert in brand strategy, graphic design, marketing and creative management. Philip provides design, branding, marketing, career and business advice to creative professionals, entrepreneurs and companies on building successful brands for themselves and the clients and customers they serve.

Career Pivot Strategies for Creative Pros

If you're a seasoned creative professional ready for a career pivot this episode is for you. In it I share proven career transition strategies tailored for mid-late career designers, branding experts, and creative professionals. 

Learn how to navigate shifts in your career, diversify your income with freelancing or consulting, and pursue more fulfilling work by leveraging your years of experience. I discuss key topics like up-skilling in digital marketing and AI, building a personal brand for your new direction, and overcoming the fear of change. 

Whether you’re ready to make a bold career move or simply want to explore new opportunities, this episode will equip you with the tools to succeed. Plus, discover how my BONFIRE mastermind community can offer the critical support and guidance you need during a career transformation.

Episode Sponsored by: 

WIX STUDIO: https://wixstudio.com

Mentioned:

BONFIRE: The Mastermind Community for Established Creative Pros

https://philipvandusen.com/bonfire

#careeradvice #careerdevelopment #careercoaching #personalbranding #graphicdesign #graphicdesigner 

____________________________________

WEBSITE

https://www.philipvandusen.com

BRAND•MUSE NEWSLETTER  

https://www.philipvandusen.com/muse

CREATIVE PROFESSIONAL COACHING

https://philipvandusen.com/oneonone

BRAND CONSULTING

https://philipvandusen.com/brand-consulting

BRAND STRATEGY 101 COURSE

https://philipvandusen.com/bs101

BRAND DESIGN MASTERS PODCAST 

https://podcast.branddesignmasters.com/subscribe

YOUTUBE

https://www.youtube.com/c/philipvandusen 

LINKEDIN

https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipvandusen/

THREADS

https://www.threads.net/@philipvandusen 

FACEBOOK

https://www.facebook.com/philipvandusen.agency/

INSTAGRAM

https://www.instagram.com/philipvandusen/

BRAND DESIGN MASTERS FACEBOOK GROUP 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/branddesignmasters/ 

____________________________________

AFFILIATE PARTNERS:

BRING YOUR OWN LAPTOP - Adobe Training with Daniel Scott

https://www.byol.me/philip  

GO HIGHLEVEL:

https://www.gohighlevel.com/philipvandusen

TUBEBUDDY

https://www.tubebuddy.com/philipvandusen  

____________________________

Philip VanDusen is a branding consultant and the owner of a brand strategy and design agency based in New Jersey. Philip is a highly accomplished creative executive and expert in brand strategy, graphic design, marketing and creative management. Philip provides design, branding, marketing, career and business advice to creative professionals, entrepreneurs and companies on building successful brands for themselves and the clients and customers they serve.

Episode Sponsored by: 

WIX STUDIO: https://wixstudio.com

In this episode, I explore how to build confidence as a creative professional and why it’s crucial for success in the creative and entrepreneurial world. Confidence isn't just about constant success; it's about embracing failure, pushing beyond your comfort zone, and doing things that scare you. I'll share insights on how resilience, not perfection, is the true foundation of confidence, and why small, consistent risks can significantly boost your confidence over time.

I also discuss practical ways to expand your comfort zone, like incorporating new experiences and surrounding yourself with a supportive community. You'll learn how engaging in activities outside of your professional life and participating in a mastermind group, like BONFIRE, can rapidly accelerate your journey to confidence. If you're looking to overcome self-doubt and achieve greater success, this episode provides the tools and mindset shifts you need to start building real confidence today.

Mentioned: BONFIRE Mastermind Community https://philipvandusen.com/bonfire

#confidence #mindset #personaldevelopment #professionaldevelopment

____________________________________

WEBSITE

https://www.philipvandusen.com

BRAND•MUSE NEWSLETTER  

https://www.philipvandusen.com/muse

BONFIRE: The Mastermind Community for Established Creative Pros

https://philipvandusen.com/bonfire

CREATIVE PROFESSIONAL COACHING

https://philipvandusen.com/oneonone

BRAND CONSULTING

https://philipvandusen.com/brand-consulting

BRAND STRATEGY 101 COURSE

https://philipvandusen.com/bs101

BRAND DESIGN MASTERS PODCAST 

https://podcast.branddesignmasters.com/subscribe

YOUTUBE

https://www.youtube.com/c/philipvandusen 

LINKEDIN

https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipvandusen/

THREADS

https://www.threads.net/@philipvandusen 

FACEBOOK

https://www.facebook.com/philipvandusen.agency/

INSTAGRAM

https://www.instagram.com/philipvandusen/

BRAND DESIGN MASTERS FACEBOOK GROUP 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/branddesignmasters/ 

____________________________________

AFFILIATE PARTNERS:

BRING YOUR OWN LAPTOP - Adobe Training with Daniel Scott

https://www.byol.me/philip  

GO HIGHLEVEL:

https://www.gohighlevel.com/philipvandusen

TUBEBUDDY

https://www.tubebuddy.com/philipvandusen  

____________________________

Philip VanDusen is a branding consultant and the owner of a brand strategy and design agency based in New Jersey. Philip is a highly accomplished creative executive and expert in brand strategy, graphic design, marketing and creative management. Philip provides design, branding, marketing, career and business advice to creative professionals, entrepreneurs and companies on building successful brands for themselves and the clients and customers they serve.

Mentioned: 
Wix Studio: https://wixstudio.com

BONFIRE Mastermind Community https://philipvandusen.com/bonfire

What are the top trends in social media marketing for 2024-2025 that are set to redefine how brands and creators connect with their audiences? 

Whether you're a freelancer, a small business owner, or managing social media for a company, these insights are essential for staying ahead in the fast-evolving digital landscape.

In this episode, you'll learn how YouTube has emerged as the top platform for brand engagement, and why lower video production value content is winning over audiences craving authenticity. I also discuss the staggering growth of the creator economy, where 1 in 5 people now consider themselves creators, and how this shift is reshaping consumer behavior. 

You'll also hear about the rise of social commerce, where consumers are increasingly shopping directly through social platforms.

These actionable strategies will help you thrive in this dynamic marketing environment and ensure your brand remains relevant and impactful in the years to come.

#socialmediamarketing #graphicdesign #marketing

____________________________________

WEBSITE

https://www.philipvandusen.com

BRAND•MUSE NEWSLETTER  

https://www.philipvandusen.com/muse

BONFIRE: The Mastermind Community for Established Creative Pros

https://philipvandusen.com/bonfire

CREATIVE PROFESSIONAL COACHING

https://philipvandusen.com/oneonone

BRAND CONSULTING

https://philipvandusen.com/brand-consulting

BRAND STRATEGY 101 COURSE

https://philipvandusen.com/bs101

BRAND DESIGN MASTERS PODCAST 

https://podcast.branddesignmasters.com/subscribe

YOUTUBE

https://www.youtube.com/c/philipvandusen 

LINKEDIN

https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipvandusen/

THREADS

https://www.threads.net/@philipvandusen 

FACEBOOK

https://www.facebook.com/philipvandusen.agency/

INSTAGRAM

https://www.instagram.com/philipvandusen/

BRAND DESIGN MASTERS FACEBOOK GROUP 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/branddesignmasters/ 

____________________________________

AFFILIATE PARTNERS:

BRING YOUR OWN LAPTOP - Adobe Training with Daniel Scott

https://www.byol.me/philip  

GO HIGHLEVEL:

https://www.gohighlevel.com/philipvandusen

TUBEBUDDY

https://www.tubebuddy.com/philipvandusen  

____________________________

Philip VanDusen is a branding consultant and the owner of a brand strategy and design agency based in New Jersey. Philip is a highly accomplished creative executive and expert in brand strategy, graphic design, marketing and creative management. Philip provides design, branding, marketing, career and business advice to creative professionals, entrepreneurs and companies on building successful brands for themselves and the clients and customers they serve.

Mentioned: BONFIRE Mastermind Community https://philipvandusen.com/bonfire

Let's dive into the state of the web design industry for 2024-2025. We'll discuss creative fulfillment, financial success, collaboration, and the impact of AI. You'll learn how small teams can earn more, why the highest paid web designers use project-based pricing, and how to overcome common industry challenges like finding more clients and burnout.

You'll also discover how creatively fulfilled web designers tend to be more productive and financially successful, and why collaboration with other creatives is key. I also break down income levels among designers, give you insights into productivity patterns, and explore the growing influence of AI in web design and how it enhances productivity and creativity.

Whether you're just starting out as a wed designer, or looking to take your web design business to the next level, these trends can serve as a roadmap to building a fulfilling and profitable career.

#webdesign #graphicdesign #creativecareers

____________________________________

WEBSITE

https://www.philipvandusen.com

BRAND•MUSE NEWSLETTER  

https://www.philipvandusen.com/muse

BONFIRE: The Mastermind Community for Established Creative Pros

https://philipvandusen.com/bonfire

CREATIVE PROFESSIONAL COACHING

https://philipvandusen.com/oneonone

BRAND CONSULTING

https://philipvandusen.com/brand-consulting

BRAND STRATEGY 101 COURSE

https://philipvandusen.com/bs101

BRAND DESIGN MASTERS PODCAST 

https://podcast.branddesignmasters.com/subscribe

YOUTUBE

https://www.youtube.com/c/philipvandusen 

LINKEDIN

https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipvandusen/

THREADS

https://www.threads.net/@philipvandusen 

FACEBOOK

https://www.facebook.com/philipvandusen.agency/

INSTAGRAM

https://www.instagram.com/philipvandusen/

BRAND DESIGN MASTERS FACEBOOK GROUP 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/branddesignmasters/ 

____________________________________

AFFILIATE PARTNERS:

BRING YOUR OWN LAPTOP - Adobe Training with Daniel Scott

https://www.byol.me/philip  

GO HIGHLEVEL:

https://www.gohighlevel.com/philipvandusen

TUBEBUDDY

https://www.tubebuddy.com/philipvandusen  

____________________________

Philip VanDusen is a branding consultant and the owner of a brand strategy and design agency based in New Jersey. Philip is a highly accomplished creative executive and expert in brand strategy, graphic design, marketing and creative management. Philip provides design, branding, marketing, career and business advice to creative professionals, entrepreneurs and companies on building successful brands for themselves and the clients and customers they serve.

Mentioned in this episode:
BONFIRE: The Mastermind Community for Established Creative Pros

https://philipvandusen.com/bonfire

Building a meaningful and profitable network is crucial for small business and agency success. In this episode, I reveal 10 powerful strategies that will elevate your networking game and help you create valuable connections.

You'll learn how to leverage social media platforms, attend industry events, and join professional groups to expand your reach and make lasting connections. Discover the importance of providing value first, consistently following up with contacts, and investing in personal branding to attract new opportunities.

I'll also share insights on hosting your own events, collaborating with other businesses, and using networking apps and tools to streamline your efforts. These tips are designed to help you build a strong, supportive network that drives real growth and success for your business.

Don't miss out on these actionable strategies to enhance your network and boost your business.

#smallbusiness #networking #marketing

____________________________________

WEBSITE

https://www.philipvandusen.com

BRAND•MUSE NEWSLETTER  

https://www.philipvandusen.com/muse

BONFIRE: The Mastermind Community for Established Creative Pros

https://philipvandusen.com/bonfire

CREATIVE PROFESSIONAL COACHING

https://philipvandusen.com/oneonone

BRAND CONSULTING

https://philipvandusen.com/brand-consulting

BRAND STRATEGY 101 COURSE

https://philipvandusen.com/bs101

BRAND DESIGN MASTERS PODCAST 

https://podcast.branddesignmasters.com/subscribe

YOUTUBE

https://www.youtube.com/c/philipvandusen 

LINKEDIN

https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipvandusen/

THREADS

https://www.threads.net/@philipvandusen 

FACEBOOK

https://www.facebook.com/philipvandusen.agency/

INSTAGRAM

https://www.instagram.com/philipvandusen/

BRAND DESIGN MASTERS FACEBOOK GROUP 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/branddesignmasters/ 

____________________________________

AFFILIATE PARTNERS:

BRING YOUR OWN LAPTOP - Adobe Training with Daniel Scott

https://www.byol.me/philip  

GO HIGHLEVEL:

https://www.gohighlevel.com/philipvandusen

TUBEBUDDY

https://www.tubebuddy.com/philipvandusen  

____________________________

Philip VanDusen is a branding consultant and the owner of a brand strategy and design agency based in New Jersey. Philip is a highly accomplished creative executive and expert in brand strategy, graphic design, marketing and creative management. Philip provides design, branding, marketing, career and business advice to creative professionals, entrepreneurs and companies on building successful brands for themselves and the clients and customers they serve.