Personal Branding Podcast

Bernard Kelvin Clive
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Personal Branding Podcast

Personal and Corporate Branding Podcast. Interviewing Branding Experts. Key areas: Personal Branding, Corporate Branding, Social Media, Digital Publishing, Book Publishing

  1. 14 OCT

    Junior High School Debate – Lessons in Public Speaking

    "Masters today, were Starters Yesterday, so begin now."― Bernard Kelvin Clive Today, I want to share some thoughts on public speaking, drawing from my latest book co-authored with my friend, Samuel Agyeman-Prempeh, on the fundamentals of public speaking. In the book, we discuss the basics for anyone—entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, or professionals—looking to venture into public speaking or presentations, whether for business or sales. These foundational tips will help you kickstart your speaking career. We also share our personal experiences, including the challenges we've faced and how we've overcome them throughout our 15-year journey in the field. The Debate Recently, when I announced the release of the book on one of the platforms, a friend —Gilbert reminded me of something that happened about 25 years ago. We were in our teens, attending junior high school. The story he shared with me reflects how far things have changed and reminds us that, no matter where we start, we can always rise from our failures and work towards success—especially in public speaking. Let me take you back to that time, about 25 years ago, when I was a student at Calvary International School in Accra. One of our teachers, Mr. Nduom, often organized debates between the boys and the girls on Fridays. On one such occasion, I was selected to participate. At the time, I was a quiet, shy boy, and the thought of public speaking was intimidating. Our team consisted of three boys: Cyril, Gilbert, and me. Then there were the three girls: Vera, Theresa, and Irene. It was a classic showdown—three boys against three girls. But as boys, we loved to play. When the debate topic was given, we didn't prepare at all. During break time, we played. After school, we played some more. We simply didn't take it seriously. The Boys Played while the Girls Prepared! The girls, on the other hand, were well-prepared. They had organized everything—each speaker knew her role, from the first to the last. Their speeches and arguments were structured and rehearsed. Meanwhile, the boys? We scrambled at the last minute, jotting a few things down on scraps of paper just before the debate started. Cyril, our first speaker, stood up and spoke based on the little we had managed to write. But it wasn't much. Then it was the girls' turn. Theresa delivered her speech with confidence, and it was clear they had the upper hand. Next, Gilbert, our second speaker, did his best to fill in the gaps with what little was left on our paper and added some impromptu comments. Irene, the girls' second speaker, followed, delivering her part with the same level of preparedness and poise. Now it was my turn, as the last speaker for the boys. But by then, there was nothing left to say. Cyril and Gilbert had already used everything we had written. I stepped up to the podium, but my mind was blank, and my voice trembled. Tears began to roll down my cheeks as I stood there, overwhelmed by the moment. To my surprise, the audience applauded—not for what I said, but for simply showing up. It was both humorous and heartwarming, and we all laughed it off. To make matters worse, the entire class had gathered—a large crowd—and there I was, standing on stage with nothing to say, consumed by fear. It was a humbling experience. We lost, I learned! In the end, the boys lost, and the girls won. Looking back on that experience from such a young age, it was my first real attempt at public speaking, and it showed. We were completely unprepared, and our content was virtually nonexistent.

    8 min

  2. 26 JUN

    The Impact of Parenting, Modelling, and Mentoring on Kids

    The Impact of Parenting, Modelling, and Mentoring on Kids Bernard Kelvin Clive here. Today I want to share with you how pairings, careers, or passions influence us in diverse ways in terms of who we become, and even the career paths and decisions that impact our lives in the later years. Story 1: Kobby Blay and His Son I visited my friend Kobby Blay, who is a practicing nurse and also passionate about digital media and photography. He had a professional camera, and anytime I visited him, I noticed he would take some shots around. His son, observing his father, developed a desire to play with the camera. One day, the boy picked up the camera. Instead of shouting or screaming, Kobby used it as a teaching moment. He showed his son how to strap the camera around his neck and hold it properly. Although the camera wasn't meant for the boy, Kobby's consistent guidance helped nurture his son's interest. The boy began taking family pictures, developing his skills by mimicking his father. This hands-on experience allowed the boy to understand the basics of photography and potentially sparked a lifelong interest. Story 2: My Kids and Books My kids often wanted to play with the books I had at home. Despite my initial concern for the well-printed books, I noticed they would always find and play with them. Seeing me write and type on my laptop, they began mimicking these behaviors. My books, which were tools of my trade and passion, became objects of fascination for my children. They would try to write inside the books, play with them, and even pretend to read them. As an author, I realized that my children were naturally picking up my interests. Though they were young and just playing, they were beginning to develop a sense of what they might enjoy in the future. It wasn't about directing their future but giving them a path to explore their passions and talents. This playful engagement with books was laying a foundation for their appreciation of reading and writing. Story 3: The Charcoal Seller's Daughter So the other day, I visited my local charcoal seller and noticed that her young daughter was mimicking her. The girl would pick up a small cold pot and pretend to cook, just like her mother. This observation reinforced the idea that children often imitate their parents' actions, picking up their interests and skills indirectly. The daughter was not only learning about cooking but, also about the daily routines and responsibilities involved in her mother's work. This imitation game was a crucial part of her learning process, helping her understand and appreciate her mother's efforts and potentially guiding her toward similar interests in the future. Story 4: My Wife and Cleaning My wife does a lot of cleaning at home, especially on weekends. Our kids observed this and one day, I found them in the bathroom, sprinkling water and soap, attempting to mop the floor. They weren't told to do it, but they wanted to mimic what they had seen their mother do. This revealed how children internalize and replicate the behaviors they observe in their parents. These cleaning activities, though simple, were teaching them valuable life skills. They learned about maintaining cleanliness and the importance of taking care of their living environment. This also instilled a sense of responsibility and independence in them, as they were eager to contribute to household chores. Thinking about Parental Impact These legends show how our daily actions, interests, and professions affect the next generation. Parents, business owners,

    6 min

  3. 9 MAY

    Building Your Brand – Niche Power

    A little Story of Patience and Brand Recognition in this episode The power of a well-developed brand can't be overstated. Over time, focusing on a specific niche and consistently delivering value establishes you as a trusted expert. So let me share a story that exemplifies this principle. This happened just today Years ago, as a young speaker, I aspired to invite a renowned speaker to an event. The challenge? His high-profile status made him expensive, especially for an unknown organizer like myself. Plus so many gatekeepers that prevented me from getting access to him. Ultimately, we couldn't secure him. Sad but we moved on. Fast Forward! A decade later, I received an unexpected call. It was from the very same speaker I'd tried to invite a decade earlier! My consistent work and expertise in digital publishing had preceded me. They'd found me through an online search, impressed by my brand and books on Amazon. My brand opened the door. He needed some digital branding and publishing services from me. You see the importance of building your brand over time. Consistent effort in a specific niche allows your work to speak for itself.You gain leverage, access to valuable opportunities, and increased value perception, thereby translating into higher potential earnings. Chale it takes time to build a solid brand, let's begin today! So, what brand are you building? Don't underestimate its power. Be consistent, patience, and focus on building credibility. When the time comes to showcase your expertise, people will recognize your value and be willing to pay your worth. I'm Bernard Kelvin Cliveyour personal branding coach Recommend Books on Amazon 5 Minutes Habits (Audiobook) Retreat: Reflections for Busy Businessmen (Audiobook)

    8 min

  4. 15 APR

    The Designer and Uber Driver Experience: The Power of Exceptional Customer Experience

    Today we're diving headfirst into the power of exceptional customer experience.  I will share with you why prioritizing your clients, especially in the realm of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), is the secret weapon you've been overlooking. “Often times consumers, clients, and customers are not just buying a product or service, they are buying an experience, a feeling, a perception, a person(YOU)” – Bernard Kelvin Clive Let's face it, customer service in some parts of the world can be, well, let's just say lacking. And for many SMEs, the focus often lands on simply getting the job done. But what if I told you that by shifting your mindset and truly prioritizing the customer experience, you could unlock exponential growth for your business? Intrigued? Then buckle up, because we're about to explore real-world examples and practical strategies to make exceptional service your competitive edge. Here’s the first Story Two Designers and the Power of Going the Extra Mile Let me illustrate this concept with a recent experience I had. A few weeks back, I needed some new signage created for one of my clients. Knowing the importance of a visually appealing and functional design, I contacted two graphic designers specializing in sign-making and posters. Both were familiar faces, having worked with me on previous projects. To ensure a well-informed decision, I briefed them on the project's specifics and requested they visit the location to assess the space and gather inspiration. Both designers readily agreed and promptly scheduled site visits. Up to this point, everything seemed on par. However, the story takes a fascinating turn when we look at their follow-up approaches. The first designer, let's call him David, returned with a straightforward email containing an invoice outlining the estimated cost for the project. It was a clear and concise message, but it lacked something crucial—a spark of initiative. David had completed the bare minimum; he'd assessed the space, formulated a price, and presented it without further engagement. Now, don't get me wrong, a clear estimate is important. But in this competitive landscape, it just wasn't enough to stand out. The Art of Exceeding Expectations The second designer, Sarah, took a distinctly different approach. Following her site visit, Sarah not only sent a detailed quote, but she also went above and beyond by creating three unique design samples for the signage. These weren't just generic mockups; each sample showcased a distinct visual style and layout, catering to different aesthetic preferences. This thoughtful gesture demonstrated not just her design skills, but also her understanding of the importance of client input and collaboration. The impact was undeniable. When I presented both options to my client, their reaction was clear: Sarah's effort to personalize the experience by providing design choices instilled a sense of confidence and partnership. They felt valued and understood, not simply handed a price tag. In contrast, David's impersonal approach, while competent, failed to capture their imagination or create an emotional connection with the project. How Going the Extra Mile Benefits Everyone Now, Sarah's proactive approach wasn't just about winning this specific project. It's about understanding the ripple effect exceptional service can create. Think about it this way: * Happy clients become indirect brand ambassadors. When you exceed expectations, clients are more likely to sing your praises to their networks. Positive word-of-mouth marketing is an invaluable tool,

    9 min

  5. 26 FEB

    Encounter with a Vulcanizer: Branding Lessons for MSMEs

    Encounter with a Vulcanizer: Branding Lessons for MSMEs Every business has its ups and downs, but learning how to maximize each moment can help the business thrive and grow. You see, the ability to adapt and embrace new technologies is not just an advantage—it's essential for survival and growth. This realization came to me vividly during a seemingly mundane visit to a local vulcanizer because of a car tire issue. The vulcanizer, an expert in his field, impressed me with his knowledge and skill. I had learned that he has been doing this for the past decade and he is the go-to guy in the hood. However, despite his expertise, I noticed his reliance on outdated technology and traditional methods in his operations.  A critical lesson for small business owners can be learned from this experience: investing in modern tools and technology will enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and ultimately, business success. The vulcanizer, with nearly a decade of experience, was proficient in his work. His business was thriving, with a steady stream of customers benefiting from his expertise. Yet, his reliance on old systems and methods, such as a gas system for tire repair, reflected a broader issue many small businesses face. Despite having access to modern car tires and understanding current market needs, his equipment remained traditional, mirroring what many Ghanaian artisans use.  Considering this situation, I wonder why he hadn't invested in modern equipment such as hydraulic jacks or other advanced gadgets that could have created further revenue opportunities. This reluctance to embrace new technology is not unique to him but is a common trait among many small business owners who become complacent with their current success and expertise. Many fail to realize how technology can streamline traditional processes, increasing efficiency and competitiveness. In today's digital age, where advancements like artificial intelligence are revolutionizing various sectors, failing to keep up with technological trends can leave businesses at a significant disadvantage. The truth is that investing in new technologies and tools is more than just an upgrade; it's a strategic move that can dramatically enhance a business's operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Modern equipment can speed up service delivery, improve the quality of work, and attract a broader customer base looking for quicker, more reliable services. The thing is that adopting modern vulcanizing tools can significantly transform the vulcanizer's business by making tire repairs and changes faster and more efficient. Hydraulic jacks, for instance, speed up the process of lifting vehicles, allowing for quicker service, while impact wrenches make removing and tightening lug nuts much faster than manual methods.  This efficiency means a vulcanizer can serve more customers in a day, increasing business turnover. You see their tons of them, tools like modern tire changers and wheel balancers ensure that tires are fitted and balanced with precision, enhancing the quality of service. Such efficiency and accuracy not only boost customer satisfaction but also reduce the likelihood of errors, making the service more reliable. Here again, the use of advanced equipment like high-quality air compressors for inflating tires to the correct pressure and vulcanizing machines for effective puncture repairs ensures that the job is done right the first time. This level of professionalism and quality attracts customers who value their time and vehicle safety, potentially allowing the vulcanizer to charge a premium for superior service. Safety is another critical benefit,

    6 min

  6. 12 FEB

    Personal Branding: Overlooked Feet, Unreached Feat

    “Where you plant your feet determines your feats.” --- Bernard Kelvin Clive Let me share this with you.  One morning, while I was cleaning my car, I noticed something interesting. I had worked hard to make the car's body look shiny and clean, even though there was a lot of dust around because of the Harmattan season. But when I stepped back to look at my work, I saw that the tires were still dirty. This made the whole car not look as nice as I thought. This situation reminded me of a lesson from my childhood. When we were kids, my uncles would tell us to make sure we washed the tires of the car really well, not just the body. They said that a car doesn't look completely clean if its tires are dirty, even if the rest of it is spotless. They kept reminding us that this was important, showing us that we often focused on the parts that were easy to see and forgot about the rest. This lesson is not just about cars; it's also about life. A car needs good, clean tires to move properly, just like we need to take care of all parts of our lives to succeed. It doesn't matter how good something looks on the outside; if the parts that really matter, like the tires on a car and the engine, aren't in good shape, then it won't work well. So, washing my car and seeing the difference after cleaning the tires made me think about how important it is to pay attention to everything, not just what people see first. Just like the car, we need to make sure we're taking care of the important parts of our lives, not just the ones that look good to others. This teaches us to be thorough and to remember that every part, no matter how small or hidden, counts in making something complete and ready to go. Just like people spend a lot of money on nice rims for their car tires to make their cars look great, we should also take care of our feet because they carry us around. This is kind of like saying that in life, our feet are super important because they help us stand and move. If you're into bodybuilding, you know that every part of your body needs to be strong to carry yourself, especially your feet/legs. It's the same with our feet in real life. Our feet are like the base or foundation of everything we do. When we're doing anything in life, having strong feet (or a strong foundation) means we can handle tough times, carry heavy loads, and go to amazing places. So, it's really important to think about how we take care of our feet and what we're asking them to do. It's like asking, "Have I made myself strong enough to take on new challenges in my work, my personal goals, or whatever I'm trying to build?" Think about what you wear on your feet and what kind of load you're expecting them to carry. Building a strong foundation, or making sure our feet are ready, is super important. It helps us be ready for the next step in whatever we're doing, like moving up in our jobs, growing a business, or making our brand better. Investing time and effort into making our foundation strong means we're ready to take on what we dream of doing. So, it's all about making sure we're ready and strong from the ground up. Just like a car with fancy rims stands out, making sure our foundation (our feet) is strong can help us stand out and succeed in what we're aiming for. Our feet play a central role in how we present ourselves, both as individuals and as brands. When people see us, one of the first things they notice is our feet. This makes our feet a key part of our foundation, something that supports and holds us up. It's really important to wear good shoes, as they say a lot about our appearance.  You might be dressed really nicely,

    8 min

  7. 25/12/2023

    2024 Unlocking your Personal Brand to Soar

    How to Grow Your Personal Brand in 2024 It’s to take your brand to the next level. Whether you're a new brand or an established one, you need to achieve at least one of these milestones/goals in the upcoming year to remain relevant and competitive. 1. Raise the bar on yourself It is all about having a growth mindset to place a demand on yourself to go higher and do better. Let me draw your attention to this simple observation: I know several brands in my circle that offer the same services and products of high quality and standard, yet they are underpaid by their clients. Why? Well, my survey revealed one major setback: a lack of confidence in their expertise. They lack the boldness to price their products and services as they deserve. Let me break it down this way. The Psychology of Pricing with Confidence: * Imposter Syndrome: Many people, regardless of their abilities and accomplishments, suffer from imposter syndrome. They believe they are unworthy of charging what their services are worth. Improving pricing confidence requires overcoming imposter syndrome. * Underestimating Expertise: Professionals frequently underestimate the expertise they bring to the table. This could be due to a lack of understanding of the particular value they offer or a concern about pricing themselves out of the market. * Fear of Rejection: There is widespread anxiety that clients may reject higher costs. Because of this anxiety, people may underprice their services to secure business, even if it means they are not fairly compensated for their abilities and efforts. Listen, if you don’t place a premium price on yourself, others will treat you like a commodity. Truth be told, you are powerful, gifted, talented, and skilled. Yes, you, you have to believe that. It all begins with self-belief and confidence in one’s abilities. Perhaps, you have settled for crumbs for your brand and business. No! Yours is the gold, gear up and go for it. Until you raise the bar on yourself and work toward becoming a better version of yourself, you will only have the leftovers of those who dare and do mightier things. Building confidence in yourself is building confidence in your brand. If you’ve been doing well, great! It’s time to step up your game and go up the notch. Stretch for a higher and greater opportunity. You can do more. In the coming weeks, months, and years, lift your game, pursue excellence, and master your craft. 2. Build Capacity for Growth Any brand that does not grow fades away. The competition is fierce, and the noise out there is loud. If you don’t build yourself up and create significant capacity for growth and expansion, you will fade out faster than you think. This demands consistent improvement, exploration, charting new terrains, and pursuing bigger goals. Over the past year, many interesting things happened, and some went viral on social media – from Nigeria's Hilda Baci breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking time to Afua Asantewaa Aduonum of Ghana attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the longest singing marathon by an individual. A few things stand out. Firstly, the desire to break a record – that audacious attempt is worth commending. The second thing is that these records were way beyond their capacity, but they had to build the capacity to get it done. It stretches them, it challenges them, and it also gives reason for others to attempt breaki...

    13 min

  8. 12/12/2023

    Top 5 AI-Powered Tools for Content Generation & Brand Promotion

    How can you enhance your content creation and branding with these five productivity tools? Enhancing Productivity in Content Creation and Branding In today's podcast, I discuss five productivity tools that can significantly enhance content creation and branding. So, I'll share some insights from that episode, focusing on the importance of finding the right tools to boost productivity and maintain your unique voice while creating content and building your personal brand. 1 The Power of Audio-to-Text Tools The first tool I discussed was Swellai.com, a powerful tool for recording and transcribing audio. What sets Swell Icon apart is its ability to generate titles, summaries, article formats, and even social media shareable content based on the audio message. This feature is particularly useful for podcasters, as it allows us to maintain our unique voice while using AI content-generating tools. 2 Proofreading and Editing with Grammarly Next, I delved into the world of proofreading and editing with Grammarly. This tool quickly spots grammatical errors and provides corrections, making it an invaluable asset for content creators. Other tools like Quillbot and ChatGPT can also be used for proofreading, but Grammarly stands out for its ease of use and accuracy. 3 Simplified.com: A One-Stop Content Creation Platform I also discussed Simplified.com, a platform that offers various features like graphic designing, image generation, video editing, and social media content creation. It's a one-stop platform for generating extra content in different formats and also allows for sharing and promotion on social media. 4 The Versatility of Canva Canva, a popular platform for creating graphics and text, was another tool I highlighted. Canva is an AI-integrated tool that allows users to create various types of content, such as infographics, social media posts, and document formats. The free version of Canva is highly versatile and can be used for writing content, designing book covers, and creating social media posts. Canva provides a wide range of templates to assist users in their content creation process, saving them time and energy. 5 Selling Digital Products with Gumroad Finally, I discussed Gumroad, a platform that helps users market and sell their digital products. After going through the content creation process, users may have something they want to sell, such as a digital product or a recording. Gumroad provides an easy-to-use platform for selling various types of products, including courses. The Importance of AI-Powered Tools In today's digital age, using AI-powered tools to work faster and more efficiently is crucial. By combining these tools effectively and positioning oneself in the market, users can achieve significant productivity gains. Whether you're a podcaster, a blogger, or a digital marketer, these tools can help you streamline your content creation process and build a stronger personal brand. The right tools can significantly enhance your productivity and help you maintain your unique voice while creating content and building your personal brand. Whether it's Swell Icon, Grammarly, Simplified.com, Canva, or Gumroad, each tool offers unique features that can help you work faster and more efficiently. So why not give them a try and see how they can transform your content creation and branding process? Recommended Reading Market-in-g!: Conversation with a Marketing Guru – Seth Godin

    15 min
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4.5
out of 5
42 Ratings

About

Personal and Corporate Branding Podcast. Interviewing Branding Experts. Key areas: Personal Branding, Corporate Branding, Social Media, Digital Publishing, Book Publishing

Information

  • Creator
    Bernard Kelvin Clive
  • Years Active
    2012 - 2024
  • Episodes
    122
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Bernard Kelvin Clive (C) 2010 - 2021
  • Show Website
    Personal Branding Podcast

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