Too Legitimate to Quit: Growth Strategies with a Pop Culture Spin anniepreneur

Is your personal brand still important when you're scaling a business? How can your values and flair create a bedrock for company culture? And what the heck is the right balance between personal and professional content on social media? We'll answer all that and more in this week's jam-packed episode. 

This week, Annie P. Ruggles is joined by Caitlin Penny, the powerhouse behind Copper Theory Creative, and they dive deep into authenticity (yep, it's still "the thing"), hiring the right people, and fostering honest-to-goodness real relationships inside your sphere of influence. Plus, this episode is loaded to the gills with Parks and Rec insights and references. What can we learn about outbound marketing from Tom, Leslie, and Ron? You don't have to go to Pawnee to find out.

This one's for you, L'il Sebastian.

Parentpreneur Advisory: This episode contains some colorful language.

Resources:
*Connect with Caitlin through her website, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
*For a free 30 minute brand assessment by Copper Theory Creative, click here!
*Annie P's LinkedIn group, The Legitimati, is about to blow up. Claim your space in an upcoming zany collaboration here.

What's Inside:
04:12 - So how can you really, truly know your target market?!
08:44 - Parks and Rec characters have unique brands.
12:26 - Authenticity and personal branding can go awry.
17:11 - Embrace personal brand, expand reach, amplify.
22:25 - The Leslie Knope method of ecosystem growth
25:15 -  Demographics don't define individual wants and needs.
27:26 - Unexpected details in my hidden website bio.
30:49 - Workfam relationships provide critical relationships for solopreneurs and business owners.
37:19 - That could be Oprah!

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10: On Branding, Reinvention & Cafe Tropical (feat. Chelsie Tamms) - Schittsfest 2 of 2
64: On Brand Stories, Self-Talk & Curb Your Enthusiasm (feat. Dana Magnus)
66: On Authenticity, Brand Identity & Inventing Anna (feat. Ari Krzyzek)
111: On Audio Branding, Improvisation & Dungeons & Dragons (feat. Jodi Krangle)

Are you drowning in "shoulds?" Bogged down in the expectations of yourself, your clients, and even your paid advisors? And, to top it all, is one-size-fits-all marketing or the newest high-priced fad failing to bring in the right people? It's time to shake things up, y'all. This episode will help you do exactly that.

This week, Annie P. Ruggles is joined by the creative engine known as Megan Gersch. Megan is a branding and web design expert, specializing in "music industry disruptors who want to build an empire." Megan is the go-to for brands that want to stand out in crowded markets - without falling prey to the trends. Thanks to her savvy analysis, the conversation is a masterclass in differentiation, self-representation, and brand evolution. Then, the two focus on a mutual love for the pioneering, rule-breaking, ever-evolving sensation known as Radiohead. What lessons can be learned from their example of shaking off "shoulds" and doing things their way? Let's find out.

Resources:
Connect with Megan through her website, Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube
Don't forget to listen to her podcast, Your Sparkly Brand.
Download her Elevated Web Presence Checklist and other goodies at megangersch.com/resources
Annie P's LinkedIn group, The Legitimati, is about to blow up. Claim your space in an upcoming zany collaboration here.

What's Inside:
00:00 -  Embracing confidence online takes practice and time.
05:12 - Building a brand is an endurance sport, not a sprint.
10:05 -  Clarity in design attracts ideal clients, and repels others.
16:53 -  Drive, vision, systems, automation, repurpose, content, consistency
19:36  - Shift from perfect to real: Marketing transforms.
24:58  - Tracking content across platforms creates omnipresence online.
30:44  - Key role of style guide in business.
36:17  - Radiohead at Lollapalooza: a perfect experience.
40:31  - Radiohead is brilliant at creating fan experiences.
48:33  - Thank you for 3 years of support!
51:03  - Homework: Evolve your thinking to evolve your brand.
53:36 - Join us on LinkedIn!

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17: On Boldness, Speaking Up & Lady Gaga (feat. Suz Chadwick)
40: On Kindness, Differentiation & Revenge of the Nerds (feat. Mike Michalowicz)
79: On Self-Promotion, Belonging & Pee-wee's Playhouse (feat. Deanna Seymour)
82: On Healing, Hustle Culture & Kesha (feat. Jessica Butts)
106: On Launches, Social Listening & Iron Man (feat. Jennifer Tamborski)

What the heck is "warrior energy" and how can it be harnessed in our personal and professional lives? How can we best balance head and heart during moments of stress and overwhelm? And how can we break ourselves of toxic self-sacrifice and really, truly practice self-compassion amid societal pressures and inner child tantrums?

This week, Annie P. is joined by the soulful and brilliant Jennifer Urezzio, founder of Soul Language. Her specialty is helping movers and shakers honor their own wisdom, connect with Divine support, and co-create with the energy of their businesses.

Together, they explore their mutual love for Peanuts, "The Lord of the Rings" and more before focusing on "Star Trek," drawing parallels between the emotional depth of iconic characters and their own experiences. They delve into the concept of purpose (and its myths), share personal anecdotes (AKA fangirl a little), and offer practical advice for self-compassion and self-awareness. It's an uplifting, empowering listen for Trekkies, the woo-woo, and all entrepreneurs, bravely and boldly going where no one has gone before. Engage!

Resources:
- Connect with Jennifer (JU) through her website and Instagram.
- Grab JU's jaw-droppingly good free guide, The Myths of Purpose.
- Don't forget to listen to her podcast, Ask & Answered By Soul.

What's Inside:
06:09 Acknowledging divine backup
13:57 Accepting change brings unexpected discoveries.
19:48 Head and heart balance
26:15 Warriors, inner children, and the Peanuts gang
29:50 Choice is essential for our well-being.
37:06 Embracing rebranding
40:15 Picard, Troi, and a reminder about Vulcans
45:43 LeVar Burton is a gift to the world. 
48:57 Homework: "Embrace self-awareness and compassion for success."

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42: On Impact, Inclusion & Pitch Perfect (feat. Melissa Marcelissen)
45: On Shame, Magnetism & The Rocky Horror Picture Show (feat. Michelle Clarke)
51: On Courses, New Customers & Star Trek: Voyager (feat. Melody Johnson)
80: On Expertise, Unlearning & The OC (feat. Rachel Kurzyp)
114: On Magnetism, Genius & Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist (feat. Mellissa Seaman)

Should tiny businesses be worried about the huge issues of inclusion and diversity? Why does allyship really matter - beyond just wanting to be (and be seen as) a good person? And how can we all go beyond performative acts into real, bottom-line shifting, glass ceiling shattering, stigma-debunking change-making?

Welcome back to another episode of "Too Legitimate to Quit" with your host Annie P. Ruggles. This week, Annie is joined by the inspirational force known as Dr. Raymona H. Lawrence. (She says, "Don't forget the "H" in Raymona." Annie says," Don't forget the 'Dr.'") This no-holds-barred, real and relatable, multi-racial discussion on representation, advocacy, "white tears," and more, is equal parts motivational, challenging, and actionable.

Then, Annie and Dr. Raymona conclude a two-part discussion on the reality phenomenon "Love is Blind" and its connections to identity, trust, cultural lenses, and deepening understanding! (Don't miss part 1 with the fabulous Emma Tessler!)

Resources:
- Connect with Dr. Raymona through her website, Instagram, and YouTube

What's Inside:
01:44 Helping businesses embrace DEI strategies and training.
08:25 Personal and professional allyship are intertwined.
12:18 Brands show support for specific causes conveniently.
22:44 Marketing and sales use assumptions to understand customers.
24:59 Know your lens to understand your beliefs.
30:55 Allyship can be scary. Do it anyway.
39:19 ROARing into Love Is Blind
45:21 Perspective shapes experiences, even in relationships.
51:16 Homework: Create lasting impressions, show trust, increase success.

Wanna binge? Check out these related episodes!
120: On Vision, Authenticity & Love is Blind (feat Emma Tessler)
37: On Connection, Curiosity & Murder She Wrote (feat. Nikki Nash)
42: On Impact, Inclusion & Pitch Perfect (feat. Melissa Marcelissen)
81: On Closers, Compassion & Attack on Titan (feat. Jason Marc Campbell)
106: On Launches, Social Listening & Iron Man (feat. Jennifer Tamborski)
118: Live-ish from FAN EXPO Chicago! On Inclusion, Intentions & The Mandalorian (feat. Iris Goldfeder)

Is "vision" really all that important or is it a distraction? How can we act as if our goals are already happening, rather than just waiting for them to happen? And, how do we balance entertainment and educational content on social media?

Welcome back to another episode of "Too Legitimate to Quit" with your host Annie P. Ruggles and very special guest, Emma Tessler, founder and CEO of 95 Media. This episode runs the glorious gamut of topics, from the importance of authenticity in business and personal branding, why video still reigns supreme, and how to commit to your 5-year vision every single day.

Then, Annie and Emma kick off a two-part discussion on the reality phenomenon "Love is Blind" and its connections to authenticity, representation, and self-presentation! (Be sure to head back next week for round 2, with the incomparable Dr. Raymona H. Lawrence!)

Resources:
- Connect with Emma through her website, Instagram, and LinkedIn
- Access her free course, Master Your Marketing, to create content that converts in less than 30 minutes each day: masteryourmarketingcourse.co
- Don't forget to check out Emma's own podcast, Stop Scrolling, Start Scaling

What's Inside:
[00:02:42] Authenticity drives successful video content creation.
[00:05:21] Creating content doesn't have to be hard.
[00:11:30] Balancing fun and growth in business journey
[00:16:46] Commitment to evolving vision drives team success
[00:18:16] Recognizing exhaustion, workaholism, and business growth
[00:32:33] Abundance of role models, authenticity, opportunity
[00:39:03] Respond to important issues, not trivial comments
[00:47:32] Reality TV thoughts: love it or hate it
[00:48:44] Homework: Promote your cause, be authentic, and attract attention.

Wanna binge? Check out these related episodes!
1: On Authenticity, Drive & Ren & Stimpy (feat. Diann Wingert)
40: On Kindness, Differentiation & Revenge of the Nerds (feat. Mike Michalowicz)
75: On Relationship Marketing, Visibility & Survivor (feat. Angie Trueblood)
90: On Honesty, Web3 & 90 Day Fiancé (feat. Derek Gorthy)
114: On Magnetism, Genius & Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist (feat. Mellissa Seaman)

Are self-care and productivity opposing forces? Must you choose one or the other? Absolutely not! This episode seeks to prove that self-advocacy and self-preservation are among the most efficient, effective choices you can make - if only you allow yourselves the space, and learn to work with your fears.

This week, Annie is joined by the incomparable Sacred Walker - therapist, minister, and force for good. Together, they unpack the complex role fear and doubt play in business growth, deep dive into self-awareness, self-validation, and ultimately self-fulfillment and share their personal practices for creating sacred space within. Then, they pull inspiration from one of the greatest divas of all time, Whitney Houston.

Resources:
- Connect with Sacred through her website, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
- Don't forget to listen to her own podcast, Self Love Letters for Everyday Superheroes!
- Annie's award-winning sales course, Sales for Empaths, is now available as a Pay What Feels Right! Grab your seat at http://www.anniepruggles.com/NSSA

What's Inside:
• Self-care IS productive (3:13)
• Recovering from negativity (16:23)
• The Everyday Epiphany (18:55)
• Bobby Brown on Your Shoulder (30:41)
• Cultivating Sacred Space Within (37:21)
• Reimagining Personal Stories (51:23)

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45: On Shame, Magnetism & The Rocky Horror Picture Show (feat. Michelle Clarke)
62: On Traction, Patience & Ted Lasso (feat. Sara Dean)
74: On Productivity, Reliability & Moneyball (feat. Kris Ward)
80: On Expertise, Unlearning & The OC (feat. Rachel Kurzyp)