Lisa Haggis

Category: Focus & Direction

  • What is Branding, Really?

    The Best Definition is the Most Useful One. “Branding is a waste of time for small businesses.” …was the essence of the podcast my Twitter friend Brennen had sent my way, curious to hear my weigh-in. Ooh, was I ready to dig into this one! I was perplexed that anybody would even try to argue…

  • Blogger’s shame (and an air of change)

    This has been a bit of an elephant in the (virtual) room for me. In fact, I’ve started posts and emails on this topic a number of times, but usually find a great reason why the smart thing to do is chicken out and say nothing. Here goes: I’m what you might call an inconsistent…

  • The Right Time to Brand

    As we build a business, we’re creating a brand with every decision we make — whether we intend to or not. Yet, I still encounter too many business owners stuck at the starting line, waiting for the perfect time to begin. They’re waiting: … To get their ducks neatly in a row before working on…

  • Branding vs Marketing: What’s the Difference?

    I thought it’s about time I answer this question. I’m not going to say “once and for all” because some very smart people might disagree with me — and that’s fine. What you call these functions isn’t nearly as important as knowing the problems they solve. But here’s my take, stemming from a formal education…

  • What to Expect When You’re Branding

    Can you imagine what the Mona Lisa looked like after only a few strokes? You wouldn’t recognize it as the masterpiece you know today. Fact is, because we so often only see the end result, it can be easy to overlook an important truth about creating things: Everything goes through ugly stages. Branding is no…

  • Business: Get Up to Your Elbows in It

    After encountering some ultra-inspiring talks these past weeks, I’ve taken to using a new term for what I think will inevitably become our modern day “thought leaders.” I call these people “brand action heroes.” Forget thought leadership. Action is the new 5-year plan. Who are these heroes? I would wager that most awesome brands have…