Cheryl Hodgson

Everyone uses the words “brand” and “branding” and banters it about as if it's a term of art, as if we're all supposed to come out of the womb knowing exactly "What is a brand?" There are so many definitions, there are so many different interpretations. I began to ask myself, “What does this word really mean anyway?” And quite frankly, I was a bit embarrassed to admit, I didn't really know. So, it became my mission a few years ago to stop operating alone in my own silo of the brand protection world and venture out, and find out what's going on in the other silos in the world of branding.

Branding is a multi-disciplinary area of expertise that requires many different types of people to assist entrepreneurs and business owners who wish to build a brand. I decided it would be my mission to meet some of those people and learn from them and share them with you.

For those of you who don't know me, I'm Cheryl Hodgson. I'm an attorney and the host of the Brandaide Podcast. The Brandaide Podcast is about your Revolution, your evolution as an entrepreneur, a Marketing Director, a digital marketer.

“How do we communicate across all the multiple platforms it requires for a brand to be successful, and for a business to be seen and heard in today's noisy world?”

By background, I'm a music trademark and copyright attorney. And I've represented creators, entrepreneurs and business owners of all types. I've litigated cases in federal courts around the US and protected trademarks for dozens of brand owners. I've championed artists rights in the music industry for many years. In my early days, I was a talent agent, and even managed a rock band. That was an experience. Let me tell you.

Today, I'm about empowering my clients and entrepreneurs with access to knowledge and people that can help them launch and build their business with a strong foundation, one that avoids pitfalls minimizes risk and helps build a lasting legacy for your business.

I just love meeting and working with entrepreneurs and business owners who are leading the way to create their own revolution and evolution in the world, and for the clients and customers they serve. Having worked in one silo of the brand world, the protection side, I began to wonder what it would take to dismantle the silos so we could meet and learn from those in the other areas of expertise in the world of brands. So, I'm here, let's dismantle the silos. Let's help you create your revolution through evolution and understand what it really takes to build a brand that changes the lives of those who serve.

The Brandaide Podcast will introduce you to the real world of brands and branding. We will examine:

What is a brand?

How do you create, build and protect a brand that increases the bottom line and contributes to the lasting legacy?

How do you reach the hearts and minds of those who serve so that you build rabid fans and develop that word of mouth for your business, so that people want to do business with you?

Today's online brands must use a multitude of channels from which to connect with clients and prospective customers, managing messages across all those platforms. Building a team that connects to the hearts and minds of those who serve takes a village, that team of experts across a multitude of areas of expertise. Many of these didn't even exist a few short years ago-social media for example. We will meet some of those brands specialists- those who can help you on your journey when it comes to the meaning of the word "brand."

I think of Connection | Community| Contribution | Currency.

These come from creative people, those who help you build the consumer experience, team building, informational marketing, training and coaching, legal and protection, and innovation to name but a few. We'll look at ways you can reach your customers, and will look at alternatives to the traditional forms of advertising and marketing. And we'll examine some of those as well. We'll meet successful brands who are connecting to those they serve, and are changing lives and the world in which they live. We'll talk about some of the brand failures and what might have gone wrong.

The show is for entrepreneurs building a business or online brand and, what businesses are not online? Marketing Directors, Digital Marketing executives, and advertising executives will also learn from the experts who may help them and their mission to serve their clients.

I'll be interviewing guests weekly and on occasion. I'll also include “Cheryl Goes Solo”, an episode where I'll be sharing my take on current brand-centric topics. Or I may also provide useful practical information on how to Select | Secure | Sustain your brand, leverage your wealth, and build a lasting legacy for your business and your family. I look forward to speaking with you and hearing your thoughts and suggestions along the way.

I look forward to seeing you on the other side.