It was a turning point in my writing career.

Something I did actually got the attention of a Forbes editor on LinkedIn.

My website, Run The Money, was my second main project.

I had been working on building my own websites and learning what I now know as content marketing since I left college in 2006. My first main project — Financial Bin — debuted in 2010.

What did this Forbes editor enjoy?

My brand.

Like Financial Bin, Run The Money was about personal finance and included my journey to paying off my student loan debt. However, there was also something different — I included my love of running.

• RUN for running, health, and fitness.
• MONEY for personal finance, debt management, real estate, and side businesses.
• I went with Run The Money as a play on words and to convey both meanings.

Why not, right? I just went with it and tried to be a little creative.

This Forbes editor appreciated the uniqueness of the topic blend — and I was in.

My first article covered my family’s move and going from two incomes to one. We relocated from the busy Philadelphia suburbs to central Pennsylvania. My wife also become a stay-at-home mother and homeschooled our children.

In the end, it was a short-lived contributor opportunity — but one that gave me so much confidence. It’s also something I can go back to and draw courage from. As I like to remind myself—I DID THAT!

—

2023 Summer of Story

Welcome to the 2023 Summer of Story.

For the next 90 days — June 1 to August 31 — I’ll share one story and one lesson with you. It might be a personal story, a famous story, or a lesson from an interesting person’s life.

The point of the stories will be to inspire, educate, entertain, and entice you. Then, I’ll share a lesson that relates to the story—one that you can use in your life and business.

I’d love to have you join me.

• Follow me on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for daily posts.
• Subscribe to my newsletter Copywriting Storyteller where I’ll share weekly recaps.

And don’t be shy.

• Email me back and tell me what you liked or hated.
• DM me and let’s have a chat.
• Grab a 30-minute slot and let’s discuss your dreams.
• Comment, like, and share the social media posts wherever you like (I like Twitter and LinkedIn best).

Let’s tell stories and grow together this summer.

I’m the one coordinating this, sure, but I want this to be about you.

So, let’s have some fun.

—

Get Your Branding Right

Your business is nothing without your customer avatar.

That avatar is the ideal person you want to reach.

That person is the most important aspect of your fledgling company. Even if it’s a company of one.

They mean everything to you—whether you know it or not yet.

Your brand needs to speak to that person.

It must resonate with them … on a deep level.

Why?

Because if it does, they tell others.

Who tell other people.

Then, your company grows.

And your brand matures—and becomes a household name.

So, find your tribe—and seek them out.

Give them what they want and need.

They’ll love you and your brand for it.