Paid, earned, shared, and owned media make up the core mix of modern brand marketing. When these four channels work together, they create visibility, credibility, and long-term growth—helping small businesses and solopreneurs build stronger brands.

This is your hub for everything I write—whether you’re growing a brand with The Creative Brief or navigating the business-of-one life with Solo(ish). Explore by topic or follow the content stream that fits where you are now. Both are here to help you work smarter, show up stronger, and stay aligned with what matters most.
Branding & Positioning, Marketing Strategy
Paid, earned, shared, and owned media make up the core mix of modern brand marketing. When these four channels work together, they create visibility, credibility, and long-term growth—helping small businesses and solopreneurs build stronger brands.
Branding & Positioning, Marketing Strategy
Want to know all the ways we can work together? From quick-start strategy sessions and in-depth research to ongoing advising, design, and free resources, here are seven ways we can help you build a smarter, more referable brand.
Productivity & Focus, Solopreneur Life
Reducing the workweek to four days or incorporating regular sabbaticals isn’t just a corporate trend—it’s a game-changer for freelancers and solopreneurs, too. Backed by research showing maintained productivity and improved well-being, shorter schedules can lead to better focus, reduced burnout, and a more sustainable creative life.
Branding & Positioning, Naming
Rolex and Kodak may seem worlds apart, but both names were deliberately invented to sound distinctive, memorable, and universally pronounceable. Their shared philosophy shows that a name doesn’t need a definition to be powerful; it needs clarity, simplicity, and room to grow into meaning. The right name can shape perception, spark emotion, and build lasting brand identity.
Mindset & Motivation, Solopreneur Life
When business feels quiet, it’s tempting to pull back. But staying visible — even in slow seasons — builds trust, brand equity, and future opportunities.
Getting referrals is about doing great work, asking clearly, and saying thank you. Be specific in your ask so people know exactly who to refer. Build trust through genuine relationships and consistent follow-through. The more intentional you are, the easier it is for others to help you grow.
Andy Brenits shares personal branding strategies in Under30CEO, emphasizing value alignment, authenticity, and consistent thought leadership to attract the right opportunities.
Andy Brenits shares expert branding advice on MarketingExecutive.io, highlighting the importance of defining brand purpose and using simple brand guidelines to ensure consistent messaging and identity across all platforms.
Branding & Positioning, Marketing Strategy
Redesigning your website or marketing materials might seem like the fix for slow sales or outdated visuals—but if your brand strategy is unclear, even the best-looking materials will fall flat. When brand positioning, strategy, and design are out of sync, your marketing won’t deliver results. Aligning your message, visuals, and marketing approach creates a strong foundation that helps your website and collateral attract and convert the right audience.
Branding & Positioning, Marketing Strategy
Pricing communicates more than cost—it signals value, shapes perception, and positions your brand in the marketplace. Whether it’s Evian vs. store-brand water or a consultant who’s “not cheap but worth it,” pricing influences how others talk about you. A strategic approach to pricing can elevate your brand, attract the right clients, and reinforce your reputation.
Running a business is like shaping a bonsai—small, intentional adjustments lead to sustainable growth. Instead of drastic changes, refine offerings, pricing, positioning, and processes over time. Prune what no longer serves you and cultivate a business that thrives. #entrepreneurship
Even the most underwhelming networking events can lead to meaningful business opportunities. Consistent outreach, follow-up, and simply showing up—especially when it’s inconvenient or awkward—are essential parts of building a sustainable solo business.
Mindset & Motivation, Networking & Referrals
Not every business deal is about immediate profit—some opportunities create long-term value that leads to greater success. Taking on strategically valuable projects, even at a lower rate, can refine services, build strong relationships, and open new doors. Knowing when to pursue an opportunity and when to say no helps balance profitability with sustainable business growth.
Mindset & Motivation, Operations & Tools
Stop letting overthinking, analysis paralysis, FOBO, hold your business back. You can make faster, more confident choices that drive progress…if you let yourself.
Referral marketing isn’t just a strategy—it’s the backbone of sustainable growth. Referrals harness the most powerful form of advertising: personal recommendations. Turning satisfied customers into enthusiastic advocates can build trust, attract new clients, and create lasting loyalty without stretching your budget.
Referral marketing is a powerful strategy for small businesses, using personal recommendations to build trust, attract new customers, and foster loyalty—all while keeping costs low. It reflects the quality of your business and the trust it inspires, turning happy customers into enthusiastic advocates
Here’s a little tale about why you’re always networking, even when you’re just grabbing a plate of free food.
The fear factor in marketing takes center stage. But is using scare tactics really the best strategy for building a brand? While fear can grab attention in the short term, it often leads to distrust and alienation among consumers. Brands that prioritize genuine connections and positive messaging are more likely to foster loyalty and long-lasting relationships.
Andy Brenits shares branding strategy advice in CMO Times, highlighting how a Brand Positioning and Messaging Guide ensures consistent, unified messaging across all platforms.
Andy Brenits shares expert insight on BhavikSarkhedi.com about how personal branding helps entrepreneurs and small businesses stand out, build trust, and grow.
In his latest interview with Bold Journey Andy Brenits shares insights on overcoming imposter syndrome, building a creative career, and empowering solopreneurs.
Andy Brenits shares a branding case study in ArtDirectors.io’s expert roundup, “What Branding Challenges Have You Faced?” He explains how a gamified, user-centered brand strategy for complex financial software helped elevate the user experience and contributed to the company’s acquisition by EY.
Andy Brenits was quoted in the article “How Do You Ensure Consistency in Brand Messaging Across Multiple Channels?” along with other experts on branding and messaging strategy.
I was interviewed by VoyagePhoenix about my professional journey from corporate employee to entrepreneur and independent strategy consultant. In the interview, I shared insights into my background and experience and my transition to consulting.
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