Uncover the secrets of successful branding with Cover Brand!
Join host Ethan Decker as he delves into the science-backed principles of marketing, advertising, and brand growth. With insights drawn from a career working with industry giants like Nike and PepsiCo, Ethan translates complex strategies into actionable advice for businesses, nonprofits, and organizations of all sizes. Tune in to understand the commonalities that drive effective branding and learn how to wisely invest your precious time and resources. Get ready for a fun and informative journey that could transform your venture into a thriving success.
Subscribe now and expand your brand horizons!
appliedbrandscience.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Uncover the secrets of successful branding with Cover Brand!
Join host Ethan Decker as he delves into the science-backed principles of marketing, advertising, and brand growth. With insights drawn from a career working with industry giants like Nike and PepsiCo, Ethan translates complex strategies into actionable advice for businesses, nonprofits, and organizations of all sizes. Tune in to understand the commonalities that drive effective branding and learn how to wisely invest your precious time and resources. Get ready for a fun and informative journey that could transform your venture into a thriving success.
Subscribe now and expand your brand horizons!
appliedbrandscience.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What does it really mean to build a "personal brand" when you’re the business? On this episode of Cover Brand, Ethan Decker and Jeff Leitner dig into the sometimes-cringey world of personal branding and offer an empowering alternative: focus on your reputation. They break down why memorable individuals—like Steve Jobs, Anna Wintour, or even a local blacksmith—stand out not just for their skills, but for the simple, symbolic traits people associate with them.
Listeners will get practical advice on distinguishing between brand and reputation, how to embrace your individuality while staying authentic, and simple, actionable ways to help people remember you in a crowded marketplace. If you’re a solopreneur, freelancer, or just curious about how personalities and branding intersect, this episode is your roadmap to building a brand that truly feels like you.
Unlock practical branding tips, learn why reputation matters more than you realize, and discover clever ways to make sure you get remembered—for all the right reasons.
Main Topics Covered:
Refrain:
jeffleitner.com – Learn more about guest Jeff Leitner
The Brand You 50 by Tom Peters (Book)
Seth Godin’s Blog – On personal branding and standing out
Bob Ross Chia Pet – Because memorable "shtick" can come in funny forms!
Riff:
Ready to make your mark and stand out for all the right reasons? Start by rethinking your personal brand as your reputation, and use the insights in this episode to create your own memorable "hook"—big or small. Visit Applied Brand Science for tools to elevate your reputation and make every interaction count.
Castmagic and Descript used to create drafts and then edited with human eyes, ears and hands. Produced by BiCurean.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Are you struggling to define your brand’s voice in a competitive market? This episode is your roadmap. Nikki Nagy, founder of Las Olas Luxury Living, joins Ethan Decker to unpack her journey from frustrated shopper to innovative business owner—building a pool furniture brand that bridges the gap between luxury and affordability. Discover how Nikki leveraged clever design innovations (like a two-piece pool lounger!) and a smart shipping model to outmaneuver legacy brands. They discuss how to select and flex your brand archetype, blend personality traits for maximum stickiness, and tailor your messaging for different audience touchpoints without losing authenticity. Perfect for entrepreneurs, brand managers, or anyone looking to make their business stand out and connect with customers on a deeper level.
What You'll Learn:
Links to Additional Resources:
More about Las Olas Luxury Living (if available)
Podcast Host: Ethan Decker on LinkedIn
Ready to make your brand stand out in a crowded market? Listen now for actionable strategies and inspiration. If you found these insights helpful, share this episode with a fellow entrepreneur or marketing pro. For more branding breakthroughs, visit appliedbrandscience.com and explore other episodes of Cover Brand!
Subscribe to Cover Brand for more insights into the world of branding and marketing. Share this episode with a friend who could benefit from these strategies, and head over to appliedbrandscience.com to dive deeper into the principles of brand science. Your success starts here!
Castmagic and Descript used to create drafts and then edited with human eyes, ears and hands. Produced by BiCurean.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Confused about branding or think it’s only for consumer giants? In this episode of Cover Brand, Ethan Decker welcomes Perry Maughmer, an experienced Vistage chair, to break down the real-world impact of brand science for leaders of growing organizations. Discover why your first brand campaign should always be internal, how to translate your company’s core beliefs into concrete behaviors, and why even B2B businesses can’t overlook the power of clear, consistent branding. Perry and Ethan share stories, actionable strategies, and a few surprising insights—for example, why the kind of coffee you serve can reinforce your reputation, and how branded experiences go far beyond marketing materials.
If you're a business owner, team leader, or marketer wanting to reduce organizational friction, attract top talent, and fuel growth with more intentional branding, this episode is your roadmap to measurable results.
Main Topics Covered:
Vistage: Learn about peer advisory groups for business leaders
Listen to the Potential Leader Lab Podcast by Perry and explore his website.
Ready to turn your company’s DNA into a powerful growth tool? Start by clarifying your internal brand. Audit your current behaviors—what’s aligned, what needs work, and where are you missing out on simple ways to reinforce your reputation? If you need a sounding board, brands like yours can benefit tremendously from outside perspective—don’t hesitate to consult an expert and set your business up for measurable growth.
Subscribe to Cover Brand for more insights into the world of branding and marketing. Share this episode with a friend who could benefit from these strategies, and head over to appliedbrandscience.com to dive deeper into the principles of brand science. Your success starts here!
Castmagic and Descript used to create drafts and then edited with human eyes, ears and hands. Produced by BiCurean.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
If you’ve ever wondered how to differentiate your brand in a crowded (or even overlooked) market, this episode of Cover Brand is a must-listen. Ethan Decker sits down with Lili Siegelson, founder of Gelt+Glow, a bold new brand shaking up the Hanukkah gift-giving scene. Lili shares how spotting a gap in the market—lackluster Hanukkah wrapping paper—sparked her entrepreneurial journey, as well as the realities and rewards of launching a seasonal business.
Ethan offers actionable advice on how and when to market seasonal products, the importance of distribution and retailer partnerships, and why “being top-of-mind” trumps any elaborate customer relationship during the busy season. Whether you’re building a holiday-only product or want to understand the psychology behind why customers choose brands they simply know, this episode delivers tangible tips to help you stand out and boost your brand visibility when it matters most.
Main Topics Covered:
Gelt and Glow - Shop Hanukkah Wrapping
Ready to make your brand breakthrough during the holiday rush? Don’t miss the actionable insights from Lili Siegelson’s journey with Gelt+Glow—perfect for entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in ANY seasonal market. For more branding wisdom and marketing tactics, listen now and equip yourself for standout success.
Subscribe to Cover Brand for more insights into the world of branding and marketing. Share this episode with a friend who could benefit from these strategies, and head over to appliedbrandscience.com to dive deeper into the principles of brand science. Your success starts here!
Castmagic and Descript used to create drafts and then editing with human eyes, ears and hands. Produced by BiCurean.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Are you a small business or startup fighting for visibility against big, established brands with deep pockets? In this inspiring episode of Cover Brand, host Ethan Decker sits down with branding pro T Strickland of Zocco Print and Promo to dig into three powerful strategies every challenger brand can use to win. T shares her journey from agency life to launching a family-run merch business, as she and Ethan explore how to amplify word-of-mouth, focus on micro-markets, and create memorable personal touches that set your brand apart—strategies big companies simply can't replicate. Whether you’re looking to boost your brand awareness or attract loyal customer advocates, this episode is packed with real talk and practical advice to help you punch above your weight and claim your own corner of the market. Perfect for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and anyone interested in effective grassroots marketing and authentic brand building.
Main Topics Covered:
Zocco Print and Promo – Explore T’s print and promo offerings (for inspiration and services)
Ready to make your small brand the talk of your market? Start by narrowing your focus, building authentic relationships, and playing to your unique strengths. Try one of Tanya’s “unfair” strategies to stand out in your industry. Then share your wins with us—let’s grow together!
Subscribe to Cover Brand for more insights into the world of branding and marketing. Share this episode with a friend who could benefit from these strategies, and head over to appliedbrandscience.com to dive deeper into the principles of brand science. Your success starts here!
Castmagic and Descript used to create drafts and then edited with human eyes, ears and hands. Produced by BiCurean.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Are you struggling to set yourself apart in a world where fitting in feels like the safest bet? This episode of Cover Brand is your guide to breaking free from blandness and forging a personal brand that truly reflects who you are. Ethan Decker is joined by Anne Macomber, who shares her experience coaching students on how to lean into what makes them unique, even as they navigate the traditional expectations of the corporate world.
You’ll discover why “being more you” is your superpower, learn how to consciously shape your professional image, and get tips on committing fully to your personal “bit”—the traits and quirks that set you apart. Whether you’re a student, a young professional, or rethinking your brand at any stage of your career, this conversation will help you build a career (and a life) that feels authentic and exciting.
Listen now and start building a reputation that does the talking for you!
Main Topics Covered:
Links to Additional Resources:
Ready to discover and commit to your bit? Start by identifying your unique strengths using a self-assessment tool or by asking close friends what makes you stand out. Remember: authenticity wins in the long run. Need support? Visit appliedbrandscience.com for more science-backed insights on branding!
Subscribe to Cover Brand for more insights into the world of branding and marketing. Share this episode with a friend who could benefit from these strategies.
Castmagic and Descript used to create drafts and then edited with human eyes, ears and hands. Produced by BiCurean.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Are your brand values more than just words on a wall? In this episode of Cover Brand, host Ethan Decker sits down with expert Steve Morris to discuss the significance of brand values in cultivating an authentic business identity. Discover the techniques that Steve employs to guide clients toward defining and living their core values, turning abstract concepts into powerful, tangible actions. From hiring practices to recognizing employee achievements, learn how to weave your brand's core principles into every facet of your business. If you're striving to align your company's culture with its public image for greater impact, this episode is your roadmap.
Bullet Points of Main Topics:
Links to Additional Resources:
Elevate your brand's authenticity today. Consider how the ladder of abstraction and concrete examples can transform your abstract values into tangible behaviors. Engage your team in identifying stories and actions that embody your brand's essence, and redefine your business identity from the inside out.
Subscribe to Cover Brand for more insights into the world of branding and marketing. Share this episode with a friend who could benefit from these strategies, and head over to appliedbrandscience.com to dive deeper into the principles of brand science. Your success starts here!
Castmagic and Descript used to create drafts and then editing with human eyes, ears and hands. Produced by BiCurean.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In the world of branding and marketing, staying top of mind is crucial, especially with lengthy sales cycles. Join Ethan Decker and Steven Bell on this episode of Cover Brand to explore an unexpected yet effective strategy: using high-quality merch to maintain a delightful presence with your prospects. Delve into real-life examples from branding giants like Coca-Cola and insightful tips on how to create merch that people love, not just accept. This episode is your guide to building innovative and lasting connections without irritating your clients. Discover how memorability and charm can transform your business relationships and lead you towards successful engagement.
Main Topics:
Links to Additional Resources:
Elevate your brand's memorability and avoid the digital noise by investing in quality, creative merchandise. Follow the expert insights from Ethan Decker and Steven Bell to transform your marketing strategy and foster client connections that last.
Subscribe to Cover Brand for more insights into the world of branding and marketing. Share this episode with a friend who could benefit from these strategies, and head over to appliedbrandscience.com to dive deeper into the principles of brand science. Your success starts here!
Castmagic and Descript used to create drafts and then editing with human eyes, ears and hands. Produced by BiCurean.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Join Ethan Decker and guest Chelle Johnson as they unravel the importance of defining your Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) and its impact on successful branding and marketing. With five years of business experience, Chelle shares the increasing trend of honing in on a focused customer base. Ethan and Chelle delve into how focusing on a niche can streamline your efforts, enhance your marketing strategies, and make your brand resonate better with prospective clients. Whether you're a small or mid-sized business, learn to define the core needs of your customers and avoid common pitfalls in hyper-detailing your personas. Listen in to gain valuable insights that could transform your approach to defining your customer base and refining your brand.
Main Topics:
Subscribe to Cover Brand for more insights into the world of branding and marketing. Share this episode with a friend who could benefit from these strategies, and head over to appliedbrandscience.com to dive deeper into the principles of brand science. Your success starts here!
Castmagic and Descript used to create drafts and then edited with human eyes, ears and hands. Produced by BiCurean.com.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Cover Brand, Ethan Decker and Rajev Sivarasa explore the challenge of maintaining brand uniqueness as businesses expand, particularly emphasizing the role of brand behaviors and authenticity. Rajev shares insights from his journey in the IT services industry, spotlighting how personal touches and a distinct company culture can set a business apart. Discover how Rajev uses unique selling propositions like the catchphrase "not assholes" to create a memorable brand identity. Learn about the pitfalls of mimicking larger corporations and why small businesses should embrace their personality to stand out. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned business leader, this episode offers valuable strategies to help your brand shine.
Main Topics Covered:
Links to Additional Resources:
Discover how to transform your brand identity by listening to this insightful episode. Learn to convey your brand's true essence and distinguish yourself from the competition. Apply these strategies to grow your business while maintaining authenticity and originality.
Subscribe to Cover Brand for more insights into the world of branding and marketing. Share this episode with a friend who could benefit from these strategies, and head over to appliedbrandscience.com to dive deeper into the principles of brand science. Your success starts here!
Castmagic and Descript used to create drafts and then edited with human eyes, ears and hands. Produced by BiCurean.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Join Ethan Decker and guest Dan Smink on this episode of Cover Brand as they delve into the nuances of branding within the manufacturing sector. Highlighting the difference between big B and little b branding, they discuss how even the smallest brand details can significantly impact a company's market reputation and sales. From the importance of premium perceptions to ensuring brand consistency, Dan and Ethan share practical insights and anecdotes, including real-life examples from the automotive and IT industries. Discover how to overcome industry barriers and position your brand in the neighborhood it aspires to be. Whether you're a branding novice or a seasoned pro, this episode offers essential takeaways to enhance your branding strategy and ensure your business stands out.
Main Topics:
Want to take your brand to the next level? Consider the brand details that reflect your market aspirations and align with your company's values. Need help? Reach out to our team for expert branding strategies and advice.
Subscribe to Cover Brand for more insights into the world of branding and marketing. Share this episode with a friend who could benefit from these strategies, and head over to appliedbrandscience.com to dive deeper into the principles of brand science. Your success starts here!
Castmagic and Descript used to create drafts and then edited with human eyes, ears, and hands. Produced by BiCurean.com.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Are you struggling with the age-old challenge of aligning sales and marketing efforts? In today's episode, Ethan Decker dives into this common corporate conundrum with sales veteran Andy Wilson. They explore the concept of "brand body language," a transformative perspective that equates your brand's image to the non-verbal cues in a personal interaction. Discover why these subtle signals are vital to gaining customer trust and how they impact the sales process. Understand the necessity of a cohesive brand message and the role of sales and marketing collaboration in creating an effective brand embodiment. Tune in to learn strategies that refine your brand presence and avoid the dreaded "lipstick on a pig" scenario.
Main Topics:
Call to Action: Ready to transform your brand's body language? Engage with the principles discussed in this episode and work towards a seamless integration between your sales and marketing departments. Review your company's branding cues today to ensure they align with your sales strategy and leave a powerful impression on your audience.
Subscribe to Cover Brand for more insights into the world of branding and marketing. Share this episode with a friend who could benefit from these strategies, and head over to appliedbrandscience.com to dive deeper into the principles of brand science.
Castmagic and Descript used to create drafts and then edited with human eyes, ears and hands. Produced by BiCurean.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Join Ethan Decker on Cover Brand as he chats with Sima Ali, founder of the Ali Law Group and HRtelligence. This episode covers the killer concept of your “brand neighborhood,” a method to define where your brand stands in the market (aka your ideal brand position). Whether you’re a business owner launching a new product or revisiting your company's image, this episode provides a clear, simple tool to help you effectively position your brand. Sima shares her journey and the challenges she's encountered, while Ethan offers expert guidance on positioning theory and practical branding exercises. Transform your brand strategy with this engaging discussion!
Main Topics:
Links to Additional Resources:
Call to Action: Take the first step towards refining your brand’s position by exploring the brand neighborhood exercise discussed in this episode. Identify and align your brand with its ideal counterparts in and outside of your industry!
Subscribe to Cover Brand for more insights into the world of branding and marketing. Share this episode with a friend who could benefit from these strategies, and head over to appliedbrandscience.com to dive deeper into the principles of brand science. Your success starts here!
Castmagic and Descript used to create drafts and then edited with human eyes, ears and hands. Produced by BiCurean.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Cover Brand, Ethan Decker sits down with Marc Wallace, a Vistage master chair and seasoned executive coach, to discuss the multifaceted world of branding. What is a brand? How is it defined? How do different elements like logos and reputation play into a company's overall image? Listeners will gain insights into the importance of both "Big B" branding, which encompasses a company's entire reputation, and "Little b" branding, which involves the tangible elements like logos and colors. Through engaging anecdotes and examples from industry giants like Starbucks and Apple, discover how these two sides of branding can work together to create a robust brand identity. Whether you're a seasoned marketer or a small business owner, this episode will equip you with the knowledge to enhance your brand's presence in the market.
Main Topics:
Don't just listen—apply these insights to make your brand stand out in a crowded market. Recognize the power of both your visible brand elements and your reputation to create a holistic brand strategy.
Subscribe to Cover Brand for more insights into the world of branding and marketing. Share this episode with a friend who could benefit from these strategies, and head over to appliedbrandscience.com to dive deeper into the principles of brand science. Your success starts here!
Castmagic and Descript used to create drafts and then edited with human eyes, ears, and hands. Produced by BiCurean.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Join Ethan Decker and his guest, Peggy McCartha, as they explore the intricacies of brand architecture in the latest episode of Cover Brand. Peggy, with over 36 years of experience in photography and business strategy, shares her journey of managing multiple business brands, including Headshots by Peggy, Quintesphere, TimeBenders, and Global Business Plaza. They tackle the challenges of creating a cohesive identity when multiple offerings intersect and provide actionable strategies to decide between a "branded house" and a "house of brands". This episode is packed with insightful advice to help you streamline your brand strategy, ensure consistent messaging, and reach your target audience effectively.
Key Topics Covered:
Links to Additional Resources:
Subscribe to Cover Brand for more insights into the world of branding and marketing. Share this episode with a friend who could benefit from these strategies, and head over to appliedbrandscience.com to dive deeper into the principles of brand science. Your success starts here!
Castmagic and Descript used to create drafts and then edited with human eyes, ears and hands. Produced by BiCurean.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this kickoff episode of Cover Brand, Ethan Decker reveals his unique approach to branding and marketing, steering through scientific insights and practical applications. With a solid background in both advertising and ecology (yes, he has a PhD!), Ethan seamlessly blends science and commerce, offering a fresh perspective on brand growth.
Listeners will learn how to harness the power of branding and marketing using evidence-based principles from Ethan's vast experience with renowned companies like Procter and Gamble, Nike, and PepsiCo. Are you overwhelmed by conflicting marketing advice? Get ready to cut through the noise and simplify your strategies for success. Whether you're a seasoned marketer or a business newcomer, this episode equips you with the knowledge needed to optimize your resources without wasting time or money. Listen in to begin mastering the art of effective advertising.
Main topics covered:
Links to Additional Resources:
If you found value in this episode, help us spread the knowledge! Share it with one person who might benefit from understanding brand science and send them a thoughtful reminder that you're thinking of them. Your journey toward a successful brand begins here.
Subscribe to Cover Brand for more insights into the world of branding and marketing. Share this episode with a friend who could benefit from these strategies, and head over to appliedbrandscience.com to dive deeper into the principles of brand science. Your success starts here!
Produced by BiCurean.com, with drafts created using Castmagic and Descript, and refined by humans.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
