Branding is crucial for your business, I can’t say this enough. It defines who you are to your customers and helps them identify you. 

Get a notebook and paper and let’s do quick exercise. 

1: What is your brand’s purpose?

First, we need to identify your brand identity. What is your brand’s purpose? Write it down. What do you want your brand to achieve? What is your brand personality?

2: Who is your brand consumer?

Once you’ve identified this, let’s start asking yourself WHO your ideal customers are. Who are you targeting with your brand? Who are you trying to reach. Write. It. Down. 

The important thing to remember here is not to go too broad or too narrow. Just think about your ideal client your selling your brand or service to. What do they look like? What age are they? What demographic? Where are they from?

Not only does this help guide you when you begin to design your brand, but eventually this will also come in handy when you need to start advertising towards key demographics. 

3: What brand elements will you use?

In other words, what messaging, colors, fonts will be used? 

Quick tip: If you don’t have a “designers touch” and need to brainstorm pallette, google or pinterest some already created branding kits to get inspiration. Then, when you hire a designer in the future, you can show them examples of what you’re looking for. 

The key to branding is consistency. You don’t want to use different logos, fonts and colors all the time. You want your consumer to see a post, ad or logo and easily be able to identify you. 

4: What tools will you use to communicate your brand?

A brand is not a brand unless you use it, right? Where are people going to see your brand unless you post on social media or your website. The next step here is to identify where you’re going to reach out using your brand. Do you have a website you can update with the new brand? Can you create a social media kit utilizing it?

5: GET HELP!

I can’t stress this enough. You don’t have to do this alone. 

I know how tough it is to feel like you have to figure out everything on your own in order to launch a successful business. But the truth is, you don’t have to do it alone. 

Welcome to my 12-Week Launch Your Own Business Academy.

This intensive online course will take your brand vision from scattered chaos to structured clarity. Through a unique and comprehensive mix of self-paced and live elements, you’ll learn:

The ins and outs of branding and running a business, from networking to content creation to closing—all presented in a way that makes sense.

Strategies for time management and repeatable processes that will let you run your business anytime and anywhere.

How to gain confidence and courage in your unique self and purpose through building and selling your brand.

All while growing and celebrating with a vibrant community of brilliant bosses like yourself.

Rediscover your passion and ignite your inner fire. Let’s chat to Sign up for the Launch Your Own Business Academy

It’s almost time for Halloween! Zachary and I are so excited. If you’re an autism parent like me you know that Halloween might be a little different for us than it is for neurotypical families. Our kids may not have the socialization skills to do traditional trick-or-treating, they might have sensory aversions or anxieties that pop up during the holiday. 

Now this is one of my favorite holidays, and I want to make sure you can enjoy it with your child just as much as I do with mine. So today I’m sharing how we can all be more inclusive to help create a more comfortable, inclusive Halloween environment!

 Tip #1: Cut back on the noises 

From creepy sounds to smoke machines, there’s a lot of noises coming from all over to contribute to the holiday’s magic. This is welcomed by many, but for those who are sensory sensitive this can cause a lot of disruption and irritation. To be more inclusive to those who are sensory sensitive try this: 

• Limit sensory triggers such as fog machines, strobe lights and loud sound effects.
• Keep in mind that a child may have sensory issues with wearing a costume. Be accepting of their choices.
• Be sensitive to children experiencing sensory overload. Halloween can be overwhelming for a typical child, but a child with sensory issues may not know she’s reached her limit until it’s too late. 
• Create multi-sensory games for children who are blind or visually impaired. If you are designing a haunted house, make sure to add objects to touch, like bubble wrap, slime, etc. For someone with little or no vision, this creates a fun and surprising experience.

For parents, it may be a good idea to bring along some ear plugs to help eliminate some of the unexpected noises. If your child doesn’t like the dark, bring along some flashlights or glow sticks to help or trick or treat a bit earlier.  

Don’t be afraid to take a sensory break, either. It might be a good idea to drive to trick or treat so you can take a little car break from all the activities around you. 

Tip #2: Make your food allergy/food issue free

It may be easy to buy a large bag of mixed  candies at the store and overlook the ingredients but did you know: 1 in 13 children are diagnosed with food allergies and many more experience issues with food, including diabetes, swallowing issues and oral motor challenges. That means 1 in 13 children on your doorstep trick or treating! Instead, consider offering non-food treats as an alternative to traditional Halloween candy.

Bonus for parents:The Food Allergy Research & Education organization launched the Teal Pumpkin Project to promote inclusion of all trick-or-treaters throughout the Halloween season. A teal pumpkin typically indicates non-food items are being offered.  Look out for the Teal Pumpkin! 

Tip #3: Make sure your home is accessible for children with disabilities

Is it easy to get to your doorstep? Is your driveway long and narrow? If the place you are passing out candy isn’t in an accessible area consider moving locations around your home or to a family member’s home to pass out candy. This makes it easier for children who need to use a wheelchair or other devices to access the door. Also, be sure that it’s in a well-lit area so that it’s not difficult to navigate to. 

If you are handing out candy to trick or treaters who are visually impaired or blind, make sure you describe what you are putting in their bag and try to go for candy and toys that are easily identifiable. Think: slime, rings, plastic animals, scented stickers etc! 

Tip #4: Have FUN!

The most important thing to remember is to have fun! If you’re a parent, prepare your child ahead of time to set expectations and alleviate their concerns. If you are passing out candy, consider having fun tactical non-food offerings in well-lit accessible areas to include everyone. 

Happy Trick or Treating- And be sure to take photos!