In this episode, Mel calls out “survival branding”...that bland, play-it-safe, corporate-flavored personal branding so many Black women entrepreneurs drag with them from their 9-to-5 days.

She breaks down how code-switching, underpricing, and hiding your true self only keep you stuck and forgettable. With her signature mix of encouragement and sass, Mel urges listeners to ditch the corporate mask, own their stories, and let their authentic selves shine.

Links:

Book a Digital Brand Audit: mellynated.com/digitalbrandaudit

Subscribe to the Substack: substack.com/@mellynated

Subscribe to the YouTube channel: youtube.com/@melanieldenny

Statistic on emotional buying: https://www.inc.com/logan-chierotti/harvard-professor-says-95-of-purchasing-decisions-are-subconscious.html

Timestamps:

Introduction: Survival Branding and Corporate Conditioning (00:00:00)

Defining Survival Branding (00:01:13)

How Survival Branding Shows Up: Messaging (00:02:20)

Consequences of Bland Messaging (00:03:24)

Brand Audit Call-to-Action (00:03:46)

Impact on Client Experience & Sales (00:04:24)

Importance of Emotional Connection (00:06:40)

Attracting the Wrong Clients (00:07:55)

Authenticity and Industry Positioning (00:08:52)

Survival Branding in Pricing (00:09:53)

Personal Story: Underpricing and Boundaries (00:11:13)

Self-Worth and Pricing (00:13:23)

Personal Story: Raising Prices (00:14:25)

Boundaries and Client Respect (00:15:22)

Owning Expertise and Authority (00:16:27)

Identity as Strategy (00:18:14)

Survival Branding in Visuals & Aesthetics (00:19:27)

Authenticity in Visual Branding (00:20:34)

Credibility vs. Authenticity (00:21:39)

Memorability and Marketing Impact (00:22:43)

Consistency Between Online and Offline Presence (00:23:47)

Internal Policing and Self-Editing (00:25:09)

Managing Perceptions and Stalling Growth (00:26:31)

Lack of Storytelling (00:27:40)

Awareness and Taking Action (00:28:51)

Embracing Identity for Power (00:29:59)

Next Episode Teaser & Brand Audit Offer (00:31:06)

Episode Wrap-Up (00:31:17)