Women Inspiring Women

To Great Heights

BY JILLY MacDOWELL

Step out of your comfort zone,” says NAMB Past

President Linda McCoy, “and let Inspire mentor you all the way to the top of your profession.” Inspire is the women’s mentoring group she co-founded with marketing branding gurus Ginger Bell and Laura Brandao at CAMP 2021.

It evolved into a monthly virtual call hosted by McCoy with a special guest speaker, a swift 30 minutes of empowering, actionable ideas delivered by enthusiastic, experienced women in business.

November’s call featured the robust exuberance of Brandao, who delivered five critical points of brand-building in rapid-fire (it’s only 30 minutes, remember). I, for one, felt like running a marathon – OK, a mile – after her impassioned presentation. I asked her where she gets the energy.

“I think it all comes from my mindset,” Brandao replied. “I look at every day as a gift. I believe that it’s my obligation to make a positive impact on the world by sharing my knowledge, love and guidance.”

LAURA BRANDAO What Brandao offered during November’s call was a succinct list of the 5 steps to build your brand:

#1 Define your brand. Determine exactly who you are and what makes up your brand. “Everything you do should tie into how you want to be perceived.”

#2 Build an online presence through your own

website or blog. Purchase yourfullname.com as a domain name to own the first Google result.

#3 Generate brand awareness through networking

in-person and social. “Inspire itself shows the power of networking and collaboration!”

#4 The 3 C’s of branding: Clarity, Consistency,

Constancy. Know who you are, stay true to who you are, and project who you are across all mediums.

#5 Get feedback from those who know you best – at

work, at home, anywhere. “Ask them what your top attributes and core strengths are. If they can tell you, then you’ve succeeded in branding yourself.”

December’s Inspire call (Tues, Dec 13, 1pm ET) will feature top 1% originator Stacia Weishaar, who “enjoys helping originators to uncover their why, lead with foresight and develop their own delightful experiences in work and life.” And Inspire will host a breakfast at next month’s #NAMBFocus2023. Mark your calendar for 8am on Friday the 13th for quality time with mentors!

“You will meet women who can touch your lives forever and encourage you to be what you have always aspired to be,” promises Linda McCoy. NC

Inspire meets virtually every second Tuesday. Get on the list at namb.org/inspire or inspirewmg.com.

NAMB INSPIRE AT OCTOBER’S NAMB NATIONAL: CINDY ERTMAN, LINDA MCCOY, CHELSEA BALAK AND KRISTY DICKEY.