Gill Moakes 0:00
Welcome, welcome to the heads to get the podcast. Slightly jazzy. Hello. Thanks for coming and being with me again this week. I'm excited because you're gonna get to meet one of my favourite people. Becky Benfield Humberstone is a brand artisan. And she's going to explain in this episode what that is, but I just love it because it really does sum up her approach to branding. Becky is someone who is absolutely multi passionate. So of course, I identify with her completely, because you know, I can never just have my finger in one pie, I am definitely a multi passionate person. And Becky does it effortlessly. And she also helps other multi passionates brand themselves and their businesses, because that's not an easy thing to do. Actually, if you are someone whose business has lots of different facets to it, and you have lots of different things that you're passionate about doing. It can be really difficult to get your branding really cohesive and singing from the same hymn sheet if you like. And Becky's real expertise is helping people to do that helping them create a brand that really reflects them as an individual as well as the multifaceted business that they have. So let's dive in. I think you're gonna love this episode this week, because it's got some really actionable stuff for those of you out there who struggle with this who struggle with getting their brand to really feel cohesive and aligned with what you're trying to do what you're trying to create with your business. So let's go. Let me introduce you to Becky.
Gill Moakes 1:56
Welcome, welcome to the heads together Podcast. I'm Gill Moakes. And I am obsessed with cutting through the noise when it comes to growing your business each week via intimate coaching conversations and inspirational stories. I share what it really takes to get the results you want, in a way that feels right to you. I am all about attracting higher ticket opportunities, building authentic relationships, and creating the abundant full fat version of your dream business. I mean, how many of us have beavering away creating a light version of what we really want? The thing is, I honestly believe when you're outstanding at what you do, there is no limit to what you can achieve. So are you ready to put our heads together and make it happen? Let's go.
Gill Moakes 2:58
Becky, Hi, thanks for joining me.
Becky Benfield-Humberstone 3:01
Hi, Gill. Thanks for having me on the podcast. I love what you've done with the place it looks great.
Gill Moakes 3:07
This is the worst piece of podcasting ever. But do like my little lights.
Becky Benfield-Humberstone 3:10
I do, looking very festive, you know, looking looking good.
Gill Moakes 3:13
Thanks.
Gill Moakes 3:16
I keep doing that recently on the podcast poor listeners. They're probably thinking, where's the bloody video then to go with this because I keep referencing things in my room. So I really should get my act together.
Becky Benfield-Humberstone 3:26
No thats half the fun. It's all about the imagination. You know what it's all what you conjure up. That's that's the magic.
Gill Moakes 3:32
Exactly, exactly. Thank you for justifying that for me. Also, if I did put it on video, I might be tempted to have to take down my don't be a dick sign from behind me and I don't ever want to have to do that.
Becky Benfield-Humberstone 3:42
Mandatory. That's non negotiable.
Gill Moakes 3:45
Exactly. Thank you. Well, I'm so happy to have you with me because there was just so many things that I want to talk to you about. But I wondered if we can kick off if you could just share a little bit about your business field and stone and about what is going on with you at the moment?
Becky Benfield-Humberstone 4:02
Well, you know Gill, that sort of question depends on a daily basis what I'm up to so many projects, so many pies, but no, yes. So in my day job, I call myself a brand artisan.
Gill Moakes 4:14
Is that a really posh brand.
Becky Benfield-Humberstone 4:15
It is a very posh brand.
Becky Benfield-Humberstone 4:18
I mean European No. So a brand artisan, which sounds unusual, but it's meant in the sense of you know, a sourdough versus white bloomer is the same sort of thing. So I help sort of clients. Multi passionate clients usually build sort of memorable brands created and crafted with passion and forged with attention to detail. So it's about sort of bringing that holistic approach really to building brands and everything that goes on inside that.
Gill Moakes 4:45
I love that and to be honest with you. This is one of the main reasons I wanted to have this conversation with you today because I know that one thing a lot of my listeners struggle with is being multi passionate when that comes to branding themselves and their business. Because of course, we're always told, aren't we that we've got to have this cohesive brand, and we've got a niche. And we've got to do this, we've got to do that. And for our poor, multi passionate people out there who don't just have one thing that they want to do in their business, or one audience they want to work with, I think they're left quite overwhelmed when it comes to branding themselves and branding their business. So I was really keen for you to come and talk and maybe just help us out with that. What is the best approach to take when you are multi passionate?
Becky Benfield-Humberstone 5:34
It's a really good question. And it is one that I think a lot of people do struggle with, you have to remember the common theme with somebody that's most passionate is the individual themselves. That's the that connects everything together. And also I always say to people is, you know, it's a benefit to have be multi passionate, because it's like a polymath approach, you know, you what you take from one area you can apply to another and it's a way of tackling problems differently is a very big strength. And I think for people that are about depression, that is something you shouldn't hide, and you should be sort of proud and loud to say it.
Gill Moakes 6:06
I 100%. Agree, I feel like we have been made to feel a bit guilty about being multi passionate, I've always said this, I've always said I've always had lots of things on the go and things that I'm interested in. And, you know, people will tend to say, Oh, I'm sorry, they kind of label you as a bit flaky. But I have always looked at it as a strength. I am not afraid to try new things. And I'm not afraid to experiment and fail if necessary. So I really love that you're kind of helping us reframe that multi passionate into a positive.
Becky Benfield-Humberstone 6:40
It is is a very big one. I think that's also the other thing that we sort of touched on, you know, I think some people possibly find it a little bit intimidating, because you have you had that experience of so many different things, and tried so many different things, you have a point of view, and then experience on that sometimes it can seem a bit overwhelming, in a way, especially to the outsiders. Yeah. But I think for somebody that is multi passionate, and how to get that across to your audience, especially in a business setting, it is just embracing it being honest. And talking about it was awesome authenticity and passion, really, you know, that's who you are at the end of the day. And that's what you need to remember, you've got to channel what you do, and don't be afraid to talk about it.
Gill Moakes 7:23
And you said something, just now that it's a bit of a, I guess it's something that is quite obvious. But the way you said it really hit a light bulb with me that when it comes to branding, and being multi passionate, having more than one thing on the go, the thing that is in common is you your personal brand doesn't change, does it?
Becky Benfield-Humberstone 7:45
No, that's the thread that ties everything together, it's you at the end of the day, that's where it all comes back to. So for example, if you're doing a LinkedIn profile that is about you, you as a person on a LinkedIn profile, for example, in the about section, you could showcase all of your love, you know, all your different what you're working on in that little about in that little about section in those 2600 characters. But then in the experience section, you can then go into each one in detail. And that's where you can bring in each of the individual brands and showcase that each one in a different way. But the thing that ties them all together is you as a person, so you as the individual. And that's, that's the key.
Gill Moakes 8:22
That makes so much sense. And that is a question I get asked a lot, which is around LinkedIn. LinkedIn profiles seem to be the one thing that really trip people up when they do more than one thing, you know, when they don't know, maybe they coach, but they also do consulting. So like I do, but then they also have courses on different topics that they're interested in. And maybe they also have a bit of a done for you service because they have an interested in creating journals or something like that, you know, that's a lot of different facets to represent, isn't it? But actually, you're right. It's that common thread is them as as an individual. That's where they start, right?
Becky Benfield-Humberstone 9:05
It is. And that's, that's what sort of ties get you if you look at each one individually, yes, through their own individual brands, but it's how you, as the person, bring all those together, and almost they all complement each other in a way. I have clients who have to have multiple businesses and have wild hobbies and passions of different things. But when you actually break it down, you can see how they like I don't know. I do taekwondo. So for example, so somebody does taekwondo. They are passionate, you know, they're dedicated, they're focused, they're keen to learning new things. And that also would apply in their business. You know, they transfer those skills are transferable. That's what the key is. And that's where if I would work with work with somebody that has multi passionates, you know, that they have an immense amount of experience and knowledge and expertise that can be applied in different sorts of situation. `So never negative, always a positive. So just think about multi passionate is positive, not the other way around.
Gill Moakes 10:08
I love that. I absolutely love that. And I know like, with your the work you do with your clients on branding is a very you take a really kind of holistic approach to branding, don't you? And I'd love it if you could kind of talk us through that a bit. I know that one thing you've always said to me is that there isn't a one size fits all. So I'd love to know a bit about how you work with your clients and why.
Becky Benfield-Humberstone 10:34
It's a very good question. The way I sort of work with my clients, it, it becomes part of me in a way, the way I work, I get very deep and very, I dive very deep down into what makes that brand special, unique, totally different to everybody else. But it's also looking at that brand from an overall point of view as well. For example, so if I'm, if I'm brought on to do social media or you know, an email sequence, instead of just working on that in in silo in isolation, I will either ask them to look at the rest of the business. Okay, so what's the strategy? What's the vision? Where are we going? What do you want this to do? Because the problem is, a lot of people will ask experts for help in the Pacific area, which is the right thing to do. But what a lot of people won't do is they won't look at the bigger picture, to see how it's gonna fit into the rest of everything else. The best email sequence in the world won't work. If the rest of the marketing is not singing from the same sheet and doing the same thing, it's not going to work as well. So where I come from, yes, I can help you on a certain part if you want me to. But I what I'll do is dig deeper and look and see how it's fitting in with the whole brand, the whole business, where do you want to go? And let's work it backwards.
Gill Moakes 11:49
Yeah, I can see how that must happen a lot where people are trying something in their business, and maybe one bit isn't working, or they try something new, it doesn't work. So they automatically think that they just didn't do that one bit well enough. But the problem is, the foundational work of building a brand is so important, isn't it that if that isn't actually right, it doesn't really matter what you lay on top of it. Nothing's ever going to work as well as it could do if you have those brand foundations. Right?
Becky Benfield-Humberstone 12:20
Correct. Yeah. So before our take on any projects, I will take the time to actually understand the brand will go backwards and right, well look at the brand. So what is it you stand for? What is it you want to do? Why did you know we answered all those key questions. And a lot of times it is those hard questions. You know, a lot of people fail to do that work, or they skip that step thinking I'll do it later. And you know, but if you you know, really understand what the brand is, what does it sound like? What does it feel like? What does it want people to feel when they interact with it, you know, it's all those little details, which then sort of create that base that foundation, you know, the building blocks from which you then build upon, it's like building a house, it's exactly the same if you haven't got those foundations, right, that you can build as higher as far as you want. But that is the foundations of their shaky, you know, that's the problem. A fixer in a way a fixer, from that point of view, you know, if I go into a brand and yes, we do discover It's shaky, then we will go back and fix it. You know, we will start again, you know, and that's the fun bit. That's the exciting bit, you know, it's that opportunity to you could create whatever you want. It's yours at the end of the day you could do to decide a bit like what you're saying. So no, Gill, what you're always saying about full fat businesses. It's about embracing and living that full fat version, and never certainly in for anything else.
Becky Benfield-Humberstone 13:38
Oh, yeah. No, it's very easy to play it safe. You know, just to say, or to sort of go with the light sort of framework, you know, is that, well, this is what I want to do. And this is, you know, just do it anyway, instead of taking time to think about okay, what's the real reason? What am I actually delivering? What am I what am i How am I changing people's worlds? And what how am I impacting them? You know, you need to answer those really, they are tough questions. They're really hard. Even on my own. It's really tough to sort of get those answers, but it's well worth it. Do you need to spend the time.
Gill Moakes 12:27
And well you know how I feel about that? I mean, oh, my goodness, oh, I was just actually. Now what was I listening to this morning? I think it was a podcast, I can't think whose podcast it was. Now. I'm so sorry. I will try and remember and credit them. But I was listening to someone saying this morning that actually building a brand. It's really difficult to be brave enough at the beginning.
Gill Moakes 14:35
Do you think people always get that? Do you think people get how important it is to? I do feel like sometimes people don't really listen to that message that understanding what the mission for your business is, what your brand values are all those foundational pieces. I think people hear it on the surface level until they work with someone like yourself, I'm not sure they ever really understand why is important? And what would you say to those people?
Becky Benfield-Humberstone 15:07
Yeah, the problem is you can do business without them. In theory, you know, you can operate without actually having an understanding of what actually does matter. But the difference is, is when you do know what those values are, what is important, that's what sets you apart from everybody else. That's what creates the memorable brands, the standout brands, the ones that you are loyal to, until the day you're not here sort of thing, you know, that is what makes the difference. And it can be those tiny little things, thinking about your customer journey, and you know, how you look after them, and how you treat them? And do you bring them along on the journey. And it's all those little things. So for example, like, you know, I have clients that segments and cards and little cars of encouragement and gifts to people, you know, when they launch things, you know, and it's all those little details makes a difference is the small things that matter is, you know, as the saying goes, that all comes back to values. At the end of the day, it's about thinking what's important and how that translates into business and how you actually operate and do the things you do.
Gill Moakes 16:05
I do think that that's such a good example of that customer journey, that customer experience, the small things that can go into giving a client a really fantastic experience of working with a business. I do think that's a great example of how a brand is so much more than just that look and feel of the aesthetic, which is and when we've heard this, I think everyone's bored of hearing your brand is more than just a logo. But I think that's such a good demonstration of it. Because I don't think people ever think wide enough. When it comes to their brand. They might think about having a cohesive look and feel they might take it further and think okay, my messaging needs to be on point, I need to know what my you know, what are the themes that I'm going to keep talking about, so that I have this cohesive brand messaging, etc. But I think the businesses that are really successful, and the ones that go wide as well, they do take into account that whole client experience said branding doesn't stop once a client's enrolled, it carries right on through the experience of the client working with them.
Becky Benfield-Humberstone 17:13
Definitely.
Gill Moakes 17:13
Because I'm quite intrigued by your approach as like you say you refer to yourself as like a brand artisan. And I know that for you. That's because you really feel like there genuinely is no one size fits all. What are the things that you see as being very bespoke for each client that you work with? What are the things that tend to differ between different clients.
Becky Benfield-Humberstone 17:39
The difference between clients, it can be big and small, you know, it could be the the approach or what they're aiming to do it is such a unique thing, isn't it? You know, everybody's different. And it's the same for brands, there is no two that are identical. But that's also the magic, because that's what sets you apart, remembers one than the other. That's why work bespoke it's not out of the box, this is what works for one this has worked for you. It's not that it doesn't work, it's that individual approach that is makes the difference. Because that way also, you know, you pick up on the small details, the little things that matter, that's what makes the difference and how you can get that across, in in everything we do. Because so when I work with clients, so we start on the branding, but I'm also as a copywriter as well. So obviously we get that over in the words and the copy and the content and everything like that. So it all goes together.
Gill Moakes 18:29
The way you work with your clients is you could kind of I think you're quite unusual in where you where your clients because you can either offer just from a strategic standpoint, but you also offer some elements have done for you copy and things like that don't you.
Becky Benfield-Humberstone 18:46
I do I say I don't work like anybody else. And that's, that's the fun bit. So I'm a bit unusual in that I will tend to try and work always with one client at a time. So I will not juggle more than one. It's one client at one time, which is the bonuses, that means I can really sort of immerse myself in what your brand is, I get to understand everything about it, which is great.
Gill Moakes 19:10
That's pretty radical. it is but I love it. I don't think there are that many businesses nowadays where they will be brave enough to say you know what, I'm going to take on one client at a time and I'm going to absolutely do kind of cradle to grave for that client in terms of of what they need. And I just I really love that approach.
Becky Benfield-Humberstone 19:33
It is a little bit not so obviously say selfish, but it is in a way because I want to really give the top service I want to be able to answer any questions you know about your business and I will know the answer. That's how detailed I want to be. I know it sounds daft, but I've got a client that's a chain of coffee shops, independent British, flying the flag, high and proud. And you know, I've become a coffee expert. You know, I can tell you exactly what the mix is in the coffee and why it matters and things like that and that's what i want, are you a coffee? i am Official? I know, its amazing? But it's that sort of thing. You know, that's how level of detail is I want to know, I want to know where that coffee comes from. I want to know, you know how you roast it for how long what measure what grammes, what water you use, what cups you use, whether the cups from from, I'll be recyclable, either not all these details.
Gill Moakes 20:21
So what difference does that make? This is what I want to understand as a brand artisan. And I want to know, why is it important to you to go that deep? With a client that you're working with? What difference does that make to your client?
Becky Benfield-Humberstone 20:34
Because when I write any copy or content or plan any marketing or anything strategy wise? I see the businesses they you do. So I can then look at it from my point of view and say, right, we need to this is what we need to talk about. This is a story that needs to be highlighted. So for example, like with the coffee shops, they use recyclable takeaway cups, they have zero waste policy, they're little details, but they're actual stories that then you need to talk about on your marketing, you need to do this on social media, you know, you need to tell those stories,
Gill Moakes 21:07
Like you say, those little things and the things that set them apart.
Becky Benfield-Humberstone 21:10
It is and if you didn't know about them, what I'm saying is if you didn't dive deep enough to actually understand them, and know the reason why, you'd never know to highlight them, you'd never know, right? This is what people need to know about, you need to be speaking about this or getting this across in in on your social channels or on your website, or whatever form of marketing, you kind of fancy. And that's what it's about, you know, it's about getting those individuality across. That's, you know, that's the key. That's why is I go so deep to try and understand that. I want to bring that to the surface.
Gill Moakes 21:44
That makes complete sense. It makes complete sense. And so in terms of the service that you offer, where does that start? Where would a client coming to you? What is that first building block, if you like?
Becky Benfield-Humberstone 22:00
Usually the first block is sort of, it's something they think is a problem. So for example, it could be can you help me with a landing page? Or can you help me with a sales sequence or a website? And what usually discover is that yeah, of course, I'll help you on that. But as we because we dive so deep, and we go backwards and work on the brand, you'll then discover actually, well, actually, no, this is, it's not this, this is the problem. It's something else is the problem. It's an interesting sort of process, because you This is why I tend to try and work on everything is because you start on one thing and then realise Actually, no, no, that's not the that's not what's the problem is it's something else, and you need to fix it. How do I explain it to people is, in your house, if you have a problem with the electrics, and you get an electrician in, they don't come in and just change the light bulb, they come in and test the whole thing to make sure it's all working. And it's exactly the same. In this process. Yes, I might get called in because a light bulb is not working or whatever. But I will test the whole thing to make sure it all works together. And that's what it's about. It's about making sure everything cohesively works together towards the same goal, driving in the same direction. And everything's working as it should do, showcasing everything.
Gill Moakes 23:13
Becky I'm interested in what do you find is the most common thing that clients will come to you with that they think is their problem? That's actually the real problem is something else.
Becky Benfield-Humberstone 23:25
Oh, easy social media? Without a doubt, because, oh, well, they sort of come with me to sit with a social media saying, Oh, it's not working. I'm on four different platforms. Nobody's talking to me, you know, I'm not getting anything from it. Can you help? And obviously, the answer is yes, of course I can help. And what we once you start digging and finding is the problem is usually a it's about the brand name. So they haven't figured out who they are. They haven't figured out who their clients really are, how to talk to them about what and how they help. So it's going back to that bit. And also you'll find that social media is that people do stretch themselves too thin, you know, they take do platforms, because everybody else is doing them not because they want to do them or they like to do so I will usually go in and say right, these are the four platforms. Which ones do you actually like doing, you know, which ones do you prefer, and we will strip it back to the two, you know, two basic ones or even one. But then also with the social media, I'm a little bit radical in the sense that I will also help you drive people from social media to your own platforms. So I'm talking your newsletter, your website, your own blog, because the thing to also remember is you don't own social media, all the contents and all your everything that's on those platforms is not yours. So the key is also is to try and have something that you do own as in is always your closest community and that is your email list your the people on your blog or the people that visit your website. Those are your sort of inner circle of fans and followers. Those are the Ones you need to look after, that's what we will call it in today.
Gill Moakes 25:03
I know It's really interesting. I've heard a couple of real horror stories recently of people who have had a massive reliance on a large social media following. And I've seen a lot of influencer marketing where you're hearing people say you don't need a website anymore, do direct sell from social media. And I just think it's incredibly shaky ground to do that, like you say you don't own it, you have no control over it, the algorithms dictate who sees what it's just, it's a strange strategy to me to build a business on that basis. So I'm really glad you said that, because I couldn't agree more, I think it's really important to drive that traffic. And I think that comes down to really knowing why you're using social media. Because I think a lot of people actually kind of blindly or on social media, and they're reading tips and top strategies for you to this platform or that platform without really knowing what they're trying to achieve.
Becky Benfield-Humberstone 26:04
And that's, that's what comes back to the brand, you know, come back to the beginning. Okay, what are you doing, you know, where do you want to go? And then why did you say why are using social media, but some of them will only use one platform or some which are trying to get away from it altogether. And at the end of the day, I help build the brands that are future proofed, the ones that will stand up to the test of time and will be here, and not ones that do rely on social platforms. And as you say, shaky ground.
Gill Moakes 26:31
I love that concept of having a future proofed brand. What does that look like? What does that mean? When you say that?
Becky Benfield-Humberstone 26:37
Furture proof, so it's adaptable. And it's it can adapt to whatever it comes its way basically, it's like water, so it can adapt and flow round the road blocks and the rocks in the way, And it's also a brand that is timeless in a way because it knows what it wants to do. And it knows where it's going. And it's really just it knows, in its heart what it wants to do. It's just It understands where it's going. And when a brand has that it really just can sort of weather, anything that comes its way, you know, whatever was in that unknown crystal ball sort of thing. It can it can navigate that.
Gill Moakes 27:16
Oh, I love that something, a word you just said really resonated with it, it's timeless is a good solid brand is timeless, and isn't a pale imitation of someone else's brand. It isn't a kind of regurgitated bland copy of what a popular trend at the moment in terms of branding, messaging, all of that kind of thing. Because I think that's the danger, isn't it that it feels safe to copy the exact way someone else does it, especially if it's someone in your industry, who's further ahead than you the temptation to look at what they're doing and try and somehow cobble together, a replicated version of that business is tempting. But you're so right, timeless brands are the ones that take the time to figure out who they really are, and build a brand around that. That's never going to look the same as someone else.
Becky Benfield-Humberstone 28:17
No, exactly. And the thing is, the key is, it takes a lot of time in the beginning. But it's like a snowball, you know, so once that brand knows who it is and gets up and going. That's it. They're on that track, and there's no stopping them. Whereas as you say, if you copy someone else, yes, it could be trendy for a little bit, but then it's it goes out and then you always have to stop, start, stop, start until you do get in that groove. The other way? Yes, it's like a crescendo, it starts the slow. But once it gets up to that full volume, that's is often often running.
Gill Moakes 28:52
Yes. Oh, I like the thought of brand building.
Becky Benfield-Humberstone 28:56
It's a cool sort of visual, but it kind of it makes sense. You know, is that its like orchestra, isn't it? You know, you've got to have them all playing in the right suit of music, the right chords, the right sounds, but together, it is that sort of they start and it just becomes magical, isn't it? You know, they're all together.
Gill Moakes 29:14
And that's such a good analogy for your way of doing things as well, because I know you're always saying that it is bringing everything together. It is not one thing. You cannot have a successful business where your messaging for example, is absolutely on point perhaps but you look like an absolute pound land or budget. Do you know what I mean? Like that is never going to be a premium brand. Similarly, you can have the most sophisticated aesthetic and then if your copy is just amateurish, and doesn't speak to your ideal audience. Again, it's not going to work. It's pulling it all together for it all to work in unison like an orchestra. Correct. I like that analogy.
Becky Benfield-Humberstone 29:59
No, it is I I think also what comes back to at the end of the day, is how you want it to be, if you want it to look luxury, but sound, High Street, that's fine, if that's what you want, that is what you can have. But I would work with you to sort of see whether that is the right thing you wanted to do. Is that how you want to be seen?
Gill Moakes 30:18
And who is that going to appeal to? Because at the end of the day, that's the entire raison d'etre of a brand is to resonate positively with the people who you want to actually give you money and buy from you. So I think that yes, it has to, you have to love the look, feel and sound of your brand. But your customer has to too.
Becky Benfield-Humberstone 30:42
People do business with people at the end of the day, and that's what it's about, you know, is about a brand has to be personable, it has to be, it has to be a person in a funny way. I always explain people a brand is a person, you have to understand how it looks, how it feels, how it acts, how it dresses like, what words does it use? What does it like to say? How does it walk, you can be described as a person, because you do have to understand it to that level, to be able to then bring out the best of it. Really?
Gill Moakes 31:12
Yes, exactly. I'm just thinking. So if we've got people listening in, who are either just starting out on their business journey, or as they're listening, they're kind of identifying with, perhaps they haven't got the most cohesive brand for their business, where should they start?
Becky Benfield-Humberstone 31:34
Firstly, that's a very good place to be because it means that you're, there's a chance to start again, not start again. But it's a great place to be because it means the dream means back on.
Gill Moakes 31:45
Yeah, and it means that you've recognised where the issue is.
Becky Benfield-Humberstone 31:49
Where you've recognised, but also that means that there's ability to change it is when you don't recognise it and you charge straight onwards. That's, that's the little bit of the danger, because you just sort of veer off. And and one thing I would recommend for anybody is to go back to the basics, look at your brand. What are you doing, basically, what do you want to achieve? Who's it for? How do you help them? Do you actually help them? You know, it's all these little questions.
Gill Moakes 32:11
A lot of it is coming back to the positioning as well for your brand, isn't it?
Becky Benfield-Humberstone 32:16
That's the the front end, isn't it? The positioning? It's the who, where, what, why? And then the how isn't it you know, who do you serve and why. And then that's when you build on top of that, you start to build, build, rebuild it. But if you are going in the wrong direction, and you feel like you are going the wrong way. You know, the key is to not panic, the key is to just stop and think, right, let's have a assess the situation, reposition, pivot, juggle, whichever the nice thing is, it's yours, you can do that.
Gill Moakes 32:43
And you could do that as many times as you want to, until you get it right. Yes, one thing I see a lot of people making the mistake of is that they'll think, well, I've already changed X, Y, and Zed. So I'm stuck with that now, because I can't possibly change it again, because that would be awful. But it's never better to stick with something that isn't working. It's always better to change it even if you're changing something more than you would want to do not live with something that you know, isn't working.
Becky Benfield-Humberstone 33:13
No, yeah, don't put up with it. If you don't like it, change it, you know, and I think that's also a hard one to learn is that you are responsible for your success. At the end of the day, you know, you are the one that it it has the ability to change it and control it. And I think sometimes that's a hard thing to do. Which is why is I suppose why people work with me because it is that shared responsibility in a way you know, you you have got their second pair of eyes, a perspective, looking at it, which does sometimes make it easier to do you know, I think that's the other thing probably to add into the mix. You know, if you do you are in that position, do ask for help, do ask for other people's opinions. Go and yeah, just connect with somebody else talking about LinkedIn or whatever. But you asked an opinion, what do you think about this? What do you think about my brand? Or somebody that's never even seen your brand before? What do you think I do? And then listen to the response?
Gill Moakes 34:05
Oh, that's such good advice. Because we don't tend to do that.
Becky Benfield-Humberstone 34:08
No, because we're afraid of the answer. Half the time we don't want that feedback sometimes because it's out of business is a very personal thing. That brand is a personal thing. It's very, especially when you create one is yours, you want to protect it from anything positive, negative, or everything in between. And when we asked for that feedback, we are opening ourselves up to that criticism. But you do have to remember that that criticism could be the key to taking you to where you want to go. That is a hard, hard lesson that I think everybody would agree that they probably struggle with.
Gill Moakes 34:42
I love that advice. Seek out some feedback and that question you said ask people what do you think I do? You know what a powerful question that is.
Becky Benfield-Humberstone 34:53
Well because you'll find the answer for example, you know, if you are like, I don't know even like a health coach or something, you know, something like that and you Somebody that's completely not connected what you think I do, and they turn out say, Oh, I think you're a painter or decorator or something, you know, you know that you're completely wrong, then, ya know. But it's that value, you know that question, you know, but if they come back with a straight answer, which is near enough, what you do, you know that your messaging, and what you're putting out into the world is the right stuff, which could then mean that if there is a problem, or you feel there's a problem, then it's somewhere else.
Gill Moakes 35:28
So on that note, I would love to know if you're happy to share how our audience can contact you. If this is resonating with them, and they would like some advice and some feedback, you know, do you offer a chance for people to maybe have a chat with you? Or, you know, what's the best way for them to reach out.
Becky Benfield-Humberstone 35:47
Gill I will chat to anybody you know that I will help out? Anybody? Anybody you want.
Gill Moakes 35:51
Do you know, Becky, can I just say, Becky, you are one of the most generous entrepreneurs I think I've ever known. You are incredibly generous with your time. And I love that, you know, that True, true, abundant mindset for you and your business, which is just lovely.
Becky Benfield-Humberstone 36:08
My thought is that we're all in it together. And we all we all help each other and have the brands and things we want. We've always wanted. So if I can help you, that's the cool thing. So you only find me on Instagram and LinkedIn. Those are my two things.
Gill Moakes 36:21
I'll link to both of those in the show notes. Can people shoot you a direct message?
Becky Benfield-Humberstone 36:26
Send me a message, smoke signal, pigeon, whatever you fancy, I will usually answer most things, on my Instagram. If you have a look, it's completely different to everybody else's, you can see how I've decided to do something different on my online as well, which is the fun stuff.
Gill Moakes 36:43
Ooh, check it out. Yeah, because it really is quite different. So have a look, I would urge you to check out and honestly, seriously, if you're listening, take Becky up on that reach out to her send her a message because I know she'll reply your you are very true to your word person. So I know she'll reply, do take advantage of that.
Becky Benfield-Humberstone 37:00
Any questions, you know, you want me to have a look over your copy or you know, look over your branding, just ping me honestly just bring me a message and I will just look at it. Because the thing is, sometimes it's just literally a second perspective, a second set of eyes, you know, that make the difference? And also, you never know, even if I can't help you, I probably know somebody that does or you know, it's one of those things, isn't it? Like all the multi passionate, so you know, I have a few skills in things, obviously. So you never know where we can help.
Gill Moakes 37:30
For Anyone Becky is also a phenomenal writer. And she's a published author as well. And yeah, so she has she's very modest. But she is someone who I find really inspiring for writing and we will often write together in companionable silence.
Becky Benfield-Humberstone 37:46
Yeah we are Yeah, we're getting we're getting there. You know, those books are coming together, which is great. Yeah,
Gill Moakes 37:51
They are. They are taking shape, really, really good. Becky, thank you so much for being on the podcast today. I really enjoyed talking and think this has been a really interesting episode. And I really want people to take you up on your very kind offer to reach out to you because I think branding is something where you cannot get too much help. It's something that fresh eyes looking at your messaging, for example, could be so valuable. That question that Becky said about asking people, you know, what do you think I do? Another really good question like that is asking people so when you read my copy my messaging, who do you think I'm trying to attract?
Becky Benfield-Humberstone 38:34
It's a brilliant question is a brave thing to do, because you are opening yourself up? Yeah, but it's a thing of of a positive. You know, this could be the moment that you figure out how to take it to the next level, or how to sort of open up that sort of different customer you're trying to reach or something like that. Think of it as opportunity. All right, just always an opportunity. You never know what's around the corner. You never know what that other person will say or where that might lead. And that's the fun thing. That's the fun thing. Love it wherever you want to go. But no, honestly, anything I can do to help everybody you just give me a shout. And you know what?
Gill Moakes 39:09
That's so brilliant. Thank you so much. And thank you again for being on podcast today. And I will speak to you again very soon.
Becky Benfield-Humberstone 39:15
Thank you lovely speaking to you,
Gill Moakes 39:17
And do come on again soon. Bye for now. Bye.
Gill Moakes 39:21
I hope you enjoyed this episode, and that getting our heads together this week has filled your mind with what's possible. If you love the show, would you do me a massive favour please? Would you leave a five star rating on Apple podcasts? It would really help me put more heads together, reach more ears and expand more minds. Until next week. Bye for now.
Transcribed by https://otter.ai
