photo: Lorenzo Agius
DUMP IT OUT.
Give it thanks, then give it up.
We slaughtered the lamb in March. Now spring is finally here, lighting a fire to get our đ© cleaned up. Using Marie Kondoâs Netflix-famed KonMari method, let's examine the clutter in all areas of your brand to see what makes the cut, what doesnât, and how to bring clarity to the chaos.
If itâs not sparking joy, give it thanks, and give it the boot.
KonMari Your Brand Closet
1. ENVISION
When we say âenvision,â we donât mean pasting a picture of Kit Harrington on a vision board (which isnât getting you any closer to that Game of Bones anyway.) We mean visualizing what your ideal brand looks, feels, and sounds like based on what sparks joy for you. Is your vision a little cloudy? Editorâs Edge will shine it right up for ya in a Toe Dip 75-minute long consult call.
2. COMMIT
Letâs be real, if you want to get something done, you have to set aside time to commit to it (unlike that New Yearâs Resolution.) Have specific days each month where you put the blinders on, avoid client calls, and work on your brand. If that involves leaving your dreary desk for a comfy coffee shop or a quiet bar with a cocktail, so be it. #TreatYoSelf
3. SPARK
Whether itâs giddy enthusiasm, or simply not wanting to throw up in your mouth, having something âspark joyâ means that itâs worth holding on to because deep down, it feels right. Play "which one of these things is not like the other" with your brand's images, written content, services, low engagement posts and decide whether it sparks (your version of) joy.
4. THANKS
You have to look back to look forward, so even if some of your brandâs content makes you cringe or LOL, take a quick minute to give it gratitude for helping you evolve to where you are now. Then, eliminate it while remembering that less is more! Although something is purged, it doesn't need to be immediately replaced. Youâll replenish your brand closet over time with content that more aligns with your new vision.
5. ORDER
Marie Kondo suggests tidying up in order of clothes, books, papers, miscellaneous, and sentimental to avoid being overwhelmed. To mirror her method, go through your branded content in the following order:
IMAGES: Just like clothes, images create the visual style of your brand, and yes, just like those MC Hammer pants, certain trends might not be so hot anymore. From your website to your social feeds, make a list of the different areas with imagery and compare them to your ideal brand style. Not quite sure whatâs serving the fierce look youâre going for? Editorâs Edge can curate your images to your vision, or do a no-nonsense âcapture, critique, and clarity consultâ of your work in a Deep Dive.
COPY: Just like a good book, your copy narrates your brandâs message. Go through your bio, web copy, inquiry response, services, and Instagram captions for a clarity check. Is your communication style clear and concise? While weâre not a panel of played-out pop stars, we do assist in finding âThe Voiceâ youâre searching for with our highly rated custom Brand Voice Guides.
MARKETING MATERIALS: Both hard and digital marketing materials are the âpapersâ of your brand. Gather all the brochures, promo pieces, business cards, etc. in one place and review the fonts, colors, signature images, and graphics. If something stands out that doesnât spark joy, send it to the shredder. Do your marketing materials seem to be a pile of mix-matched styles? Find your signature look with a customized Brand Style Guide by Editorâs Edge.
PRESS & ACCOLADES: âKimonoâ is the KonMari word for miscellaneous things weâve accumulated over time. Kinda like the dead batteries and broken rubber bands in your junk drawer. For your brand, itâs old press, testimonials, outdated reviews or other random content that no longer fits. Gather âem, go through âem, get rid of âem.
SENTIMENTAL: In our personal life, sentimental items are what we have a hard time getting rid of (the Madonna 1990 Blonde Ambition tour jacket.) In our work life, itâs the attachment to self-sabotage we have a tough time letting go of. Are there old processes or habits holding the evolution of your business back? If youâre ready to ditch them, our Brand Coaching will keep you rolling in the right direction (ahem, accountable) and be your personal cheerleader. (ahem, drill sergeant.)
By now youâre ready to kick some things to the curb. One way to do that is by donating old printed materials, client gifts, office supplies, etc. to organizations that repurpose them, such as Materials For The Arts (our fave.) You can't do much origami folding in the virtual world, so once you're left with a pile of joy-sparking brand content, reorganize it into well-labeled digital folders and bask in the shiny glow of your desktop.
Not sure where to start? Hit âPlay From Beginningâ to get your binge-worthy brand started with Editorâs Edge. Or, if you simply crave a few spoilers because youâre not sure where to go from here, hit âNext Episode.â
Dump It All Out.
Then, Letâs Netflix and Clean together
in a Complimentary Consult.
PS - Want sparkly clean extra content? Join the Red Rope V.I.P. list for secret insight on how to shine up your brand in the future. Do you know someone who could also use a little primp and polish? Pass along this monthâs feature.