The other day, while chatting with my husband, I showed him my to-do list for the next day. He was shocked to see how long it was and commented on how he was glad his to-do list ended on Thursdays. Before even thinking about what was about to come out of my mouth I replied, "It takes a special kind of crazy to be an entrepreneur." As soon as the words left my mouth, I laughed a bit under my breath. That sentence sums it up all too well. As entrepreneurs, it can feel as though the list of to-do’s is never ending and all consuming. We often have to juggle numerous tasks and responsibilities on a daily basis, and it can be a real challenge to stay organized and productive. But fear not, fellow entrepreneurs! In this post, I'll be sharing some of my top management tips for entrepreneurs that will help you maximize your efficiency and achieve your business goals. With these tips, you'll be able to better tackle your to-do list and take your business to the next level. Let's get started! 1 - Prioritize Your Tasks One of the most essential time management skills for entrepreneurs is the ability to prioritize tasks effectively. This means identifying the most critical tasks and tackling them first, rather than wasting time on less urgent or less important activities. For instance, let's say you run a nutrition practice and have a to-do list that includes meeting with clients, creating meal plans, and managing your website and social media accounts. By prioritizing your tasks, you would focus on the most urgent ones first, such as meeting with clients and creating meal plans, before moving on to less critical activities like managing your website or social media accounts. Effective prioritization allows you to create a new perspective on which items are most important as well as the possible delegation of other tasks, which we will dive into shortly. 2 - Use time blocking techniques Time blocking - the superhero of time management! This technique involves dividing your day into blocks of time dedicated to specific tasks or activities. By setting aside specific time slots for each task, you can ensure that you are focusing on the most important activities and making progress towards your goals. To unleash the power of time blocking, start by listing all of your tasks for the day or week, including both work-related and personal activities. Then, allocate a specific block of time for each task, based on its importance and urgency. Be sure to include breaks and downtime in your schedule as well, as taking breaks is essential for maintaining productivity and avoiding burnout (and let’s face it, adrenal fatigue). For example, you might allocate the first hour of your day to coffee and emails, the next two hours to working on specific projects, and the final hour to catching up on administrative tasks that always seem to sneak up on you. Time blocking can be an incredibly effective way to manage your time as an entrepreneur. By prioritizing your tasks and dedicating specific time slots to each one, you can ensure that you are making progress towards your goals and staying on track throughout the day. So give it a try and see how time blocking can help you maximize your efficiency and achieve your business objectives. 3 - Minimize Distractions Ah, distractions - the arch-nemesis of every entrepreneur! With the constant bombardment of social media notifications, email alerts, and other interruptions, it's no wonder our productivity takes a nosedive faster than a carb-crazed client diving into a bag of chips. So, how can you protect your precious time from these time-sucking vampires? Well, for starters, consider silencing those pesky notifications on your phone or computer during work hours. Trust me, Instagram will survive without you for a few hours. If you need an extra boost of protection, try using a distraction-blocking app like Freedom or StayFocusd. These apps will keep you focused on the task at hand, even if the latest cat video is calling your name. Another effective technique is setting designated times for checking email or social media. This way, you can enjoy some online scrolling guilt-free, without allowing them to interrupt your flow and your productivity. And hey, if you're feeling extra rebellious, you could always schedule in some time for a quick dance break or a power nap to recharge your batteries. Just make sure to set a timer so you don't lose track of time! 4 - Delegate Tasks I’ll be honest, this step took me years to learn… I was the DIY, drain-my-time-down-a-hole expert. We all know that we're used to doing it all by ourselves. We want to be in control of everything and make sure that things are done to perfection. But let's be real, sometimes we need to let go and delegate some tasks to others. And honestly there are some tasks that others are better suited to perform because honestly it’s highly inefficient to be a jack of all trades. By delegating tasks to employees or freelancers, you're not only freeing up your time, but you're also giving your team a chance to shine and develop new skills. Plus, it allows you to keep your focus in your zone of genius. So this is your permission to hire a marketing specialist to handle your social media, or a virtual assistant to take care of scheduling appointments and responding to emails. Trust me, your business will thank you for it. Delegation is the key to success, and the sooner you embrace it, the better off you and your business will be. 5 - Break down your to-do’s This is one of my favorites because I find it to be incredibly helpful! Large tasks can be overwhelming, and can lead to procrastination or lack of progress. When I don’t break down these larger, overwhelming tasks I tend to see that they get pushed from one day to the next, never to be completed. To avoid this, break large tasks down into smaller, more manageable steps. By doing this, you'll be able to focus on each step and make progress towards your goal more efficiently. For example, if you need to write a business plan, you might break it down into smaller tasks like conducting market research, defining your target audience, and outlining your financial projections. By breaking the task down into smaller, more manageable pieces, you'll be able to focus on each step and ultimately achieve your larger goal more efficiently. 6- Avoid Multitasking I know… I feel triggered as well lol. Multitasking may seem like a superpower, but it's actually more like a sneaky productivity thief in disguise. Sure, you can try to juggle multiple tasks at once, but the reality is that your brain is constantly switching back and forth between them, leading to a decrease in focus and an increase in errors. Believe me, I learned this lesson the hard way after countless hours wasted trying to do too many things at once. It's like trying to text and walk at the same time - sooner or later, you're going to trip and fall (and maybe even drop your phone in the process). So instead of trying to do it all at once, focus on one task at a time and give it your undivided attention until it's complete. Not only will you work more efficiently and effectively, but you'll also produce higher-quality results. Plus, you'll feel a sense of accomplishment each time you finish a task, which can help to motivate you to tackle the next one. 7- Take Breaks It's important to recognize the value of taking breaks throughout the day. While it might seem counterintuitive, taking short breaks can actually increase productivity by allowing you to recharge and refocus. From a psychological perspective, taking breaks is essential for maintaining productivity and avoiding burnout. Our brains are not designed to work continuously for hours on end without any rest. Without regular breaks, our focus and productivity levels can start to decline, making it difficult to perform at our best. Taking breaks can actually help to boost creativity and problem-solving abilities. When we step away from a task and engage in a different activity, our brains are able to relax and process information in a new way. This can lead to fresh insights and ideas that we might not have come up with otherwise. So, the next time you're feeling overwhelmed or stuck on a task, try taking a short 10-minute break every hour to stretch, walk around, or grab a snack. Or, you could schedule longer breaks throughout the day, such as a midday workout or a coffee break with a colleague. You might be surprised at how much more productive and creative you become as a result. 8 - Celebrate your wins Trust me I get it, the Cancer moon in me has a tendency to want to dwell on all the items on my to-do list that weren’t crossed off rather than acknowledging all the things I was able to cross off throughout the day! After years of beating myself down I decided to make a conscious effort to acknowledge and celebrate my wins on the daily. It’s important to take a moment to celebrate your victories, even the small ones. Give yourself a pat on the back for all you did accomplish that day rather than ruminating on the tasks still left to complete. Celebrating your wins keeps you motivated and positive, which is crucial for achieving long-term success. So don't be shy, acknowledge and appreciate all the hard work you put in. Keep the momentum going, and let's celebrate every win, big or small! To sum it all up, time management is a critical skill to master if you want to create a successful business without losing your head. By prioritizing tasks, using time-blocking techniques, minimizing distractions, delegating tasks, breaking down to-do’s, avoiding multitasking, taking breaks, and celebrating your wins you'll be able to maximize your productivity and achieve your goals in a timely and efficient manner. So go forth, fellow entrepreneurs, and conquer the world with your newfound time management skills - and don't forget to take a break (or two) along the way! P.S. If you're ready to scale your services and reclaim your time through passive income, make sure to grab 'The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Profitable Online Course' to get started using your expertise to make more impact, income and freedom! In this guide, you'll find step-by-step instructions on how to get started with an online course that aligns with your values and helps you scale your business while also helping you to gain back your time and freedom. With this resource, you'll be well on your way to creating passive income streams and achieving your entrepreneurial goals while also reclaiming your time. So don't wait - click here to grab your free guide today! More of a listener than a reader? Listen to this topic along with other weekly business drops on my podcast 'The Profitable Practitioner'

As online course creators, we pour our hearts and souls into crafting top-notch courses, creating irresistible sales pages, and promoting our offerings on social media. But what many of us often overlook is the critical importance of building an email list. Now, before we dive into why an email list is essential, let's define what it is. An email list is a treasure trove of email addresses that you've acquired through various methods such as opt-ins on your website, lead magnets, or through purchases. It's your ticket to communicate directly with your potential and current customers. So, why is having an email list essential to the success of your online course launch? Here are a few reasons that will make you want to hit the ground running. Reason #1: Your email list is the MVP of your digital marketing toolkit. It's no secret that online business revolves around customer relationships. Your email list is a collection of people who have already shown interest in what you have to offer. They've actively chosen to hear from you and potentially buy from you. It's like having a direct hotline to people who already want to hear from you. No cold calling required. And don’t overlook the important fact that you own your email list!! Which isn’t something you can say about your social media following. Reason #2: Your email list allows you to build meaningful relationships. Establishing rapport and trust with your potential and current customers is vital to the success of your online course launch. By communicating regularly with your email list, you can provide valuable content, answer questions, and keep them in the loop about your offerings. As a result, you'll be viewed as an authority figure in your field and become someone your subscribers turn to for guidance. Reason #3: Your email list is your ticket to a successful online course launch. Social media is great, but let's face it: it can be a noisy place. Your posts may get lost in the endless scroll of cat videos and memes. An email list, on the other hand, is a direct line to your subscribers' inboxes. By crafting targeted email campaigns, you can cut through the noise and increase your chances of converting your email subscribers into paying customers. So, if you're not already building an email list, you're leaving money on the table. It's a no-brainer. Before we dive into HOW to build your email list, let's chat email list hosts. Especially when it comes to hosting an email list for an online course. My personal favorite is Kartra! This is because not only does Kartra host your email list, it can also host your course and/or membership in addition to helping to schedule content, track ads and so much more! I love having an all in one system that can keep track of all the data in my business and communicate across the board to give me the ability to create a more targeted strategy for each of my launches. You can get started with a free 14-day trial here. So email lists are essential for Launching! Great, now that you understand that, you’re probably asking “but how do I grow my email list?!” Let’s jump into 5 of my favorite email list building techniques: 1- Offer a Lead Magnet: The first strategy to build your email list for your launch is by offering a lead magnet. A lead magnet is a valuable free resource that you offer to your audience in exchange for their email address. This could be a guide, ebook, template, or any other valuable resource that your audience would find useful. Make sure that your lead magnet is closely related to the product or service you'll be launching to attract the right audience. Using a lead magnet to build your email list is a win-win situation for both you and your potential subscribers. You get to grow your list of engaged subscribers, and they get to receive valuable information from you that can help them solve their problems or achieve their goals. Offering a lead magnet is a powerful way to attract the right people to your email list and keep them engaged throughout your course launch. Steps to Create a Lead Magnet: Step 1: Define Your Ideal Customer To create a lead magnet that appeals to your target audience, you need to understand who your ideal customer is. Ask yourself questions like: What problems are they struggling with? What are their goals and aspirations? What information or resources do they need to achieve them? Step 2: Identify the Problem You Can Solve Once you know who your ideal customer is, you need to identify the problem that your lead magnet can solve. It should be a problem that your target audience is actively seeking a solution to and one that your course can help solve. Step 3: Choose the Type of Lead Magnet There are many different types of lead magnets you can offer, depending on your target audience and course topic. Some popular types include e-books, cheat sheets, checklists, templates, video tutorials, and webinars. Step 4: Create Your Lead Magnet Now it's time to create your lead magnet. Your lead magnet should be high-quality and provide real value to your potential subscribers. It should be easy to consume, visually appealing, and offer a clear benefit to your audience. Step 5: Promote Your Lead Magnet Once you've created your lead magnet, it's time to promote it. Share it on social media, include it on your website, and mention it in your content. You can also use paid advertising to reach a wider audience. Using a lead magnet is the bread and butter for effectively building your email list and attracting the right people to your course launch. By creating a valuable resource that solves a specific problem for your target audience, you can grow your list of engaged subscribers and increase your chances of a successful course launch. 2 - Host a Giveaway: Hosting a giveaway is another effective way to build your email list and increase your chances of a successful course launch. Here’s how to go about doing this: The first step is to determine your prize. Your prize should be related to your course topic and appeal to your ideal audience. For example, if you're launching a course on gut health, you could give away a free consultation to assess gut health or a free gut health supplement set. Then outline the terms for someone to enter to win. You’ll often see people say like this and tag 3 friends but the most important part here is to make sure they are opting into your email list. So make sure to clarify this in the parameters. One great way that I and my clients have done this is by telling the audience to grab their free guide (by opting in) and then share their top 2 takeaways from the guide in the caption. You can get creative with this but something along these lines tends to work great! Next step is obviously to promote this giveaway because if no one knows about it then no one is going to opt-in. Of course you will want to promote it on your social media platforms but to really take it to the next level consider doing a joint giveaway with another account so you are able to get in front of their audience as well or if you are really in the email list building phase, consider running ads for the giveaway. 3 - Create a Quiz or Survey: The third strategy is a bit of an offshoot from the lead magnet. This is to create a quiz or survey. This is a great option because we all love to learn more about ourselves! We love personality quizzes and knowing which Disney princess we are or what color we are. The important part here when creating your quiz is to make sure the topic is both appealing to your ideal audience and ties into your course or program topic to ensure the people you pull onto your email list are appropriate candidates for your offer. Make sure to offer the quiz or survey results in exchange for their email address. This will help you to understand your audience better while also creating targeted content for your launch. 4 - Use a Content Upgrade: The fourth strategy is to use a content upgrade. A content upgrade is a piece of content (like a blog, podcast, Youtube video, etc.) that offers a bonus piece of content that is directly related to the content the reader is currently consuming. For example, if you have a blog post on "10 Tips for Better Time Management," your content upgrade could be a printable worksheet or checklist that helps readers put those tips into action. Content upgrades are effective because they offer additional value to your audience beyond the blog post or article they are reading. By offering a relevant bonus resource, you increase the perceived value of your content, making readers more likely to give you their email address in exchange for the content upgrade. Here are some tips for creating effective content upgrades: Offer something that complements your content: Your content upgrade should be directly related to the content your reader is consuming. It should offer additional value and help your reader take action on the information you've provided. Keep it simple: Your content upgrade should be easy to consume and implement. Checklists, cheat sheets, and templates are great options because they are simple and actionable. Make it visually appealing: Your content upgrade should look professional and visually appealing. Use design elements such as images, icons, and colors to make it visually interesting and engaging. Create a clear call-to-action: Make it clear what your reader needs to do to access the content upgrade. Use language that encourages action, such as "Download Now" or "Get Your Free Checklist." Deliver the content upgrade immediately: When someone signs up for your email list in exchange for a content upgrade, deliver the content upgrade immediately. This will help you build trust with your audience and ensure that they are getting the value they were promised. Overall, content upgrades are a great strategy for building your email list because they provide additional value to your audience and increase the perceived value of your content. By offering a relevant and valuable bonus resource, you can encourage more people to sign up for your email list and ultimately, your online course or program. 5 - Use a Pop-up or Slide-in Form: The final strategy is to use a pop-up or slide-in form. A pop-up or slide-in form is a form that appears on your website when a user takes a specific action, such as scrolling down a certain amount of the page or spending a certain amount of time on the site. You can use these forms to ask users to join your email list. Make sure that the pop-up or slide-in form is well-designed and doesn't disrupt the user experience. So there you have it - five effective ways to build your email list for your launch. Remember to offer a valuable lead magnet, host a giveaway, create a quiz or survey, use a content upgrade, and use a pop-up or slide-in form. By using these strategies, you'll be able to grow your email list, reach a wider audience, and generate more sales for your launch. If you're ready to scale your services and create passive income, make sure to grab 'The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Profitable Online Course' to get start using your expertise to make more impact, income and freedom! In this guide, you'll find step-by-step instructions on how to get started with an online course that aligns with your values and helps you scale your business while also helping you to gain back your time and freedom. With this resource, you'll be well on your way to creating passive income streams and achieving your entrepreneurial goals. So don't wait - click here to grab your free guide today! More of a listener than a reader? Listen to this topic along with other weekly business drops on my podcast 'The Profitable Practitioner'

As an entrepreneur, when it comes to creating and sustaining a successful business, boundaries are a vital asset. Let's chat about an important yet often overlooked topic in the business world: creating boundaries. As entrepreneurs, it can be easy to blur the lines between work and personal life, but setting boundaries is crucial for avoiding burnout and ensuring long-term success. Why are boundaries important for entrepreneurs? First and foremost, they help you maintain your mental and physical health. Running a business can be incredibly stressful, and without boundaries, you risk burning out. As a health and wellness entrepreneur, you know how important it is to take care of yourself, and setting boundaries is one of the best ways to do that. Additionally, boundaries can help you maintain healthy relationships with friends and family, which can provide a much-needed support system during challenging times. By creating a clear separation between your work and personal life, you can avoid bringing work stress into your personal relationships and vice versa. So, how can you create boundaries in your business? Let's dive into some practical tips. Set Clear Working Hours: One of the most effective ways to create boundaries is to establish clear working hours. This means defining when you'll be working and when you won't be. By doing this, you're telling yourself and your clients or customers when you're available and when you're not. This can help you maintain a healthy work-life balance and avoid working around the clock. Learn to Say "No": Another important aspect of boundary-setting is learning to say "no" when necessary. As an entrepreneur, you may feel pressure to take on every project or client that comes your way, but sometimes, it's okay to decline. Saying "no" can help you avoid overcommitting and ensure that you have enough time and energy to focus on your most important projects. Delegate Tasks: As your business grows, it's essential to delegate tasks to others. Not only does this help you scale your business, but it also allows you to create more boundaries for yourself. By delegating tasks, you're empowering others to take on responsibilities, which can help you avoid becoming overwhelmed and overworked. Set Technology Boundaries: In today's digital age, it's easy to feel like you're always connected to your business. However, it's crucial to set technology boundaries to avoid burnout. This could mean turning off your phone after a certain time, avoiding checking email outside of working hours or using my all time favorite invention, the “do not disturb” button. I use this button liberally throughout both my work and off days. Doing this provides a break from the constant demands of your business and a clear message to others of “Hey sorry to throw off your flow but I am NOT available right now” Take Breaks: Finally, taking breaks is essential for creating boundaries. This could mean taking a vacation, scheduling regular days off, or simply taking short breaks throughout the day. By taking breaks, you're giving yourself time to recharge and come back to your work with fresh energy and perspective. It's crucial to understand that if you don't respect your own boundaries, then you can't expect other people to respect them either. If you don't take the time to set and enforce boundaries for yourself, then others may not see them as important. For example, if you're constantly answering emails or taking calls outside of your working hours, then clients or customers may assume that it's okay to contact you at any time. However, if you set clear boundaries and stick to them, then others are more likely to respect them as well. It's important to prioritize your own boundaries and communicate them clearly to others. This can be challenging, especially (Trigger warning to all my enneagram 2’s out there) if you're used to putting others' needs ahead of your own. However, by setting and respecting your own boundaries, you're setting a standard for how you expect to be treated in your business and personal life. This sets a precedence of mutual respect and gives the ground for deeper more meaningful relationships in every area of your life. One of my favorite ways to continue to scale my business and make more money while staying true to my boundaries is through passive income streams. This is because passive income allows you to make money without actively working on a task or project (I’m talking no more trading dollars for hours!). Some forms of passive income include selling digital products, affiliate marketing, and creating online courses. By creating an online course, for example, you can share your expertise with a wider audience and generate revenue while maintaining your work-life balance. To get started with creating your own profitable online course, I invite you to grab my free 'Ultimate Guide to Creating a Profitable Online Course.' In this guide, you'll find step-by-step instructions on how to get started with an online course that aligns with your values and helps you scale your business while also helping you to gain back your time and freedom. With this resource, you'll be well on your way to creating passive income streams and achieving your entrepreneurial goals. So don't wait - click here to grab your free guide today! More of a listener than a reader? Listen to this topic along with other weekly business drops on my podcast 'The Profitable Practitioner'

We always here the phrase 'nature vs nurture', so which on is it? What makes us the person we are with the thought, beliefs and desires that we carry? The truth is, our similarities as differences are much further reaching than our environment or our experiences. People with the same background and experiences can still feel like they have nothing in common. We are each unique and what defines us is made up of many different things. According to psychologist Carl Jung, there are 12 primary 'archetypes' that dictate our innate motivations and behaviors. These are the unconscious parts of our personality that have been with us since the beginning. This is where using archetypes in branding and community profiling can be so powerful as it acknowledges that we as humans are unique despite our surroundings. In many ways we are simply who we were born as. Using archetypes is also a very powerful marketing tool as the decision-making part of our brains holds no capacity for language. Rather it functions off subconscious emotion. This means correctly typing your community allows you to really tap into and understand their feelings around a certain issue so you can communicate with them through cues and emotions rather than just words. This approach can be wildly powerful in your business. Let's take a look at the 12 different Archetypes and what makes up each. The Archetypes Outlaw Magician Hero Lover Jester Everyman Caregiver Ruler Creator Innocent Sage Explorer The Outlaw The Rebel archetype is most commonly identified as a disruptor, someone whose goal is to shake up the day-to-day. This may be for selfish reasons or to improve the lives of others. When out of alignment, rebels easily take offense, can be quick to anger and find empowerment in others fearing them. When in alignment, rebels can inspire people to change! Any brand that's goals are to disrupt the system, produce radical new ideas, or distance themselves from the norms of society would be considered a rebel. If you are familiar with the Enneagram, this archetype aligns with the 8. Seeking: To leave a mark through liberty, to destroy what doesn't work, radical freedom Driven by: Revolution, liberation, change, independence, righteousness, retaliation, rebellion Fearful of: Being powerless, conforming, complacency, dependence, traditionalism Believes in: Changing the status quo, disrupting establishment, fighting back Strategy: Disrupt, destroy or shock Voice: Disruptive, combative, rebellious Messages: "I'm doing it my way" "Demand more and go and get it" "Freedom for all" "Rules were meant to be broken" Rebel brand examples Harley Davidson Red Bull MTV The Magician The Magician Archetype is known to be dynamic, influential, charismatic and clever. This archetype makes dreams come true through its knowledge of the laws of the universe. Brands that embody a magician archetype promise to bring some kind of transformation and/or 'dream come true' to their audience. This brand, when out of alignment, can struggle to promise more than what is actually possible and can be dishonest, manipulative and distant. When in alignment the magician can be a great healer, very charismatic, driven and successful. Seeking: Transformation, to leave a mark through power, to turn dreams into reality Driven by: Vision, discovery, enchantment, invention Fearful of: Ignorance, stagnation, uncertainty, repercussions, monotony Believes in: Magic and possibility, the mysteries of the universe Strategy: Create a unique vision and bring it to life Voice: Informed, moving and reassuring Messages: "I've got the world on a string" "Dreams do come true" "Just believe" "Through the magic and power of the universe" Magician brand examples Disney TED The Hero The hero archetype is a natural born leader, often seen in athletes, politicians and military leaders. Typically businesses with strong social obligations and who seek to provide guidance for developing strength and discipline embody this archetype. Those who have overcome adversity and "pulled themselves up by their bootstraps" to become a leader in their field also take on this archetype. The Hero is a continuous learner and seeks to understand the life and the fullest expression of self while coping while overcoming challenges and difficulty. This archetype lies in the sacrifice required to achieve the goal of transformation. When out of alignment, the hero archetype can be arrogant, aggressive and unrelenting. However when in alignment this archetype is strong, brave and competent. If you are familiar with the Enneagram, this archetype aligns with the 1. Seeking: To leave a mark through mastery, to prove worth through difficult action Driven by: Mastery, courage, determination, persistence, discipline Fearful of: Incompetence, weakness, letting people down, idleness, timidity Believes in: Magic and possibility, the mysteries of the universe Strategy: Become as competent as possible Voice: Brave, direct, daring Messages: "You can do anything" "Where there's a will there's a way" "Never stop pushing" "Nothing is impossible" Hero brand examples Nike American Red Cross Land Rover The Lover The Lover archetype wants to achieve intimacy through relationships, particularly close and one-on-one relationships. They strive to create a special feeling in those they associate with and are unashamed to express appreciation. They prioritize love and friendship and do so through communication, beauty and closeness. When the Lover archetype is out of alignment, they can become obsessive, dramatic and shallow. However when in alignment, the Lover archetype is passionate, magnetic and strives for self improvement. Seeking: Connection through intimacy, to build loving and committed relationships with others Driven by: passion, affection, sensuality, devotion, tenderness Fearful of: Being unloved or rejected Believes in: luxurious living, standing out from the crowd, feeling special Strategy: To be desired and attract others Voice: Sensual, soothing, soft Messages: "It feels amazing" "The diamond in the rough" "You are worth it" "Classic never goes out of style" Lover brand examples Victoria Secret Chanel Hallmark The Jester The Jester Archetype is akin to the class clown from high school. They joyfully live in the moment and seek to lighten up the world. This archetype is able to twist meanings and perspectives and portray people and events in unique ways. The Jester pushes against tradition and societal norms and has a deep appreciation for intellect. This archetype takes its irreverent and mischievous personality and uses it to approach life as a playground. If you are familiar with the Enneagram, this archetype aligns with the 7. Seeking: Connection through joy, to enjoy life while having fun Driven by: Bringing fun, joy and laughter to the world, positivity, humor, light-heartedness Fearful of: Boredom, negativity, isolation Believes in: luxurious living, standing out from the crowd, feeling special Strategy: Being curious, not taking things too seriously, having a good time, keeping it light-hearted Voice: Playful, light, cheeky Messages: "Life is short, but these pants are long" "Peace, Love, and Happiness" "You're about to get a whole lot cooler" Jester brand examples Old Spice Ben & Jerry's Geico The Everyman The Everyman archetype believes that everyone matters equally, regardless of status, age, ethnicity, etc. The Everyman has a casual approach to life, seeks to do the right thing and is nonthreatening and helpful to all. The everyman is great at getting along with all groups but must tread caution as they can easily blend into a group and be forgotten. If you are familiar with the Enneagram, this archetype shares many characteristics with the 9. Seeking: Connection through belonging Driven by: equality, inclusion, acceptance, camaraderie, kinship Fearful of: exclusion, attention, hostility, contention Believes in: treating people kindly, living harmoniously, not rocking the boat Strategy: Creating a sense of belonging and blending in Voice: Friendly, humble, genuine Messages: "Create a better day everyday for everyone" "Feel-good moments for everyone " "Make everyday living a little brighter" Everyman brand examples Ikea Coors The Home Depot The Caregiver The Caregiver Archetype has a deep desire to serve others and goes out of their own way for the greater good. This archetype displays parental tendencies and strives to make sure that people are taken care of in the best way possible. The caregiver is selfless and lives to serve. This archetype is compassionate, generous, patient, self-sacrificing, and excellent multitasker and can see the positive in any situation. If you are familiar with the Enneagram, this archetype aligns with the 2. Seeking: To provide structure through service Driven by: gratitude, recognition, support, appreciation, sacrifice Fearful of: not being needed, selfishness, ingratitude, neglect, inconsideration, blame, sorrow, disloyalty Believes in: being responsible for others, taking care of each other, being thankful Strategy: Caring for others Voice: Caring, empathetic, reassuring Messages: "How can I help?" "Love thy neighbor" "Do something that matters" "Go where you're needed" Caregiver brand examples Unicef The Salvation Army Johnson & Johnson The Ruler The Ruler Archetype is a natural leader. In contrast to the Outlaw, the Ruler seeks to prevent chaos by taking power and control. The position of the Ruler is one that is earned or created rather than inherited and must display expertise, a proven track record and competence to get there. Rulers are realists and find meaning in creating structures, organizations and environments that are lucrative, harmonious and effective. This archetype follows the rules and sees itself as a role model for leadership. When out of alignment, the Ruler is power-hungry and seeks to gain control by any means. When in alignment, Rulers seek to provide for those in need and lead them. If you are familiar with the Enneagram, this archetype has similarities with both the 3 and 8. Seeking: Create prosperity and success, to provide structure through control Driven by: Stability, power, control, status, prosperity, success, wealth, respect Fearful of: Chaos, being dethroned, insignificance, failure, weakness, irrelevance, fragility Believes in: rewarding excellence, greatness, success, achieving status Strategy: Exert leadership Voice: Refined, commanding, articulate Messages: "Live for greatness" "The best or nothing at all" "The power of rigor" "Let us take it from here" Ruler brand examples Mercedes Benz Rolex The Creator The Creator Archetype is driven by creativity, imagination, invention and innovation. They are out of the box thinkers and value self-expression, good taste, hard work and achievement. They create as a means to bring more control to the world. Any brand that strives to create something new, from nothing or from something out-of-date, would be classified as a Creator. This archetype typically is in the field of art, design, technology and marketing. When out of alignment, this archetype can be narcissistic, melodramatic and a perfectionist. When in alignment, the Creator is expressive, imaginative and creative. If you are familiar with the Enneagram, this archetype would correlate with a 4. Seeking: To create something of everlasting value, to provide structure through novelty, to give form to a vision / idea Driven by: originality, imagination, self-expression, ingenious, articulation Fearful of: Having a mediocre vision or execution, duplication, stagnation, indifference, dullness Believes in: liberating the mind, being original, creation and change Strategy: Develop an artistic or technical skillset Voice: Inspirational, provoking, bold Messages: "Think different" "Create and shape" "The box is no place for thought" Creator brand examples Adobe Lego Pinterest The Innocent The Innocent Archetype values simplicity and optimism. This archetype seeks to do the right thing and bring harmony to not only their lives but also the lives of those around them. They have positive outlooks and avoid conflict and their overall goal is happiness. This Innocent is dependable and honest but usually predictable. When out of alignment, the Innocent can be irritating, boring and childish. When in alignment, they can be optimistic, moral and honest. If you are familiar with the Enneagram, this archetype embodies the 9. Seeking: Spiritual journey through safety, To experience paradise Driven by: morality, simplicity, honesty, comfort, peace, faith, optimism Fearful of: Upsetting other, doing something wrong to require punishment, deceit, negativity, convolution, depravity, corruption Believes in: purity of being, staying within the lines, being protected Strategy: Do things right Voice: Optimistic, honest, reserved, moral Messages: "True and pure" "The glass is half full" "Simple is beautiful and beautiful is simple" "For the wholesome being" Innocent brand examples Dove Coca-Cola Aveeno The Sage The Sage Archetype is a seeker of knowledge, truth and wisdom. This archetype spends much time gathering information on all the mysteries of the world and introspecting. They are not satisfied with superficial answers or opinions, instead they work to gather information on the principles and facts behind everything. The Sage finds value through gathering reliable and factual information and sharing it with others to make the world a better place. This is normally a positive attribute, however when out of alignment the Sage can get caught up in gathering ALL the information around something before acting and can result in "analysis paralysis". Seeking: The truth, Spiritual journey through understanding Driven by: wisdom, intelligence, depth, expertise, enlightenment Fearful of: ignorance, inaccuracy, idiocy, misinformation, insanity Believes in: the truth will set us free, education as the answer, depth of knowledge Strategy: Seek out information, understand processes Voice: Dependable, knowledgeable, informed, dignified Messages: "Everything is a learning experience" "Most watched, most trusted" "Truth beyond all else" "For the wise" Sage brand examples Harvard Mayo Clinic New York Times The Explorer The Explorer Archetype strives to live an inspiring and fulfilling life, full of new experiences. This archetype is curious, independent and authentic and uses these qualities to forge a unique path in life and focus on self-discovery and the meaning of life. The Explorer is a pioneer who forges their own path and offers products or services that are rugged, unique and help to provide their audience freedom. While the Explorer values autonomy and desires to be free of the establishment, they differ from the Rebel or Ruler in the fact that they strive to do so in a way that doesn't cause challenge or contention with it. They also will do just about anything to avoid boredom or feeling "trapped", despite having to take risks to do so. They push boundaries, love the unexpected and have a "no limit" mentality. Seeking: To live an exciting and fulfilling life, A spiritual journey through freedom Driven by: Freedom, adventure, liberation, the unknown, discovery, sovereignty Fearful of: Boredom, confinement, immobility, restraint, restriction, incuriousness, monotony Believes in: Having the freedom to explore and discover, going on a journey, breaking the shackles of the day to day Strategy: To take the road less traveled Voice: Curious, independent, adventurous Messages: "The path less travelled " "You only get one life" "Let's go anywhere" "Forge your own path" Explorer brand examples Patagonia National Geographic Jeep Now that you have a better understanding of the 12 brand archetypes, hopefully you have an idea of where your brand falls and how you can use this insight to leverage your messaging. Which is crucial for the success of your business as defining your brand message is essential to bridging the gap between your business, the consumer and their wants/needs. The ultimate key to selling and growing! If you are interested in getting clear on your brand archetype, messaging and identity, reach out to Madi Miller Creative to see how we can best serve you and your business.