Business

Here’s your September marketing check-in

HELLO, SEPTEMBER! ( which is also my birthday month)
Can you believe we are already stepping into the last four months of the year?
And before you start thinking about everything you haven’t done yet… I want you to think about what you can still accomplish.
Here’s your September marketing check-in:
Ask yourself these 4 questions…
1️⃣ What do I want to be known for by the end of this year?
Your content should consistently reinforce your expertise and positioning.
2️⃣ What offer am I intentionally putting in front of people?
Visibility is wonderful, but your audience also needs to know how they can WORK with you.
3️⃣ Who needs to hear from me again?
Past clients. Warm leads. Referral partners. People who said, “Circle back with me.” September is a great month to reconnect.
4️⃣ Where do I need to become more visible?
Maybe it’s social media. Maybe it’s speaking. Maybe it’s networking. Maybe it’s pitching podcasts or media. Maybe it’s simply showing up more consistently.
🌟YOUR SEPTEMBER CHALLENGE:
Pick ONE offer.
Pick ONE visibility goal.
Pick ONE group of people you need to reconnect with.
Then give those three things your attention this month.
Sharvette
THE PLATFORM BUILDER®

brandingBusiness

Top 6 “Must Haves” for Your Personal Brand

Personal branding for female entrepreneurs is so important. Take Sharvette Mitchell: She has 25 years of working experience in corporate America, but now works as an online marketing strategist and brand consultant helping others build their own personal brands to supercharge their businesses.  A good product or service without a strong personal brand won’t get noticed. If it doesn’t get noticed, your voice won’t be heard and no one will benefit from what you have to offer. 

Here are Sharvette’s top 6 “must-haves” for your business brand: 

‌1. A Clear Brand Offering

What do you have that nobody else does? That’s not always an easy question, but you have to be able to provide an answer to succeed. Your product or service might not be that different from others on the market at first glance, but there is something that makes it totally unique, no matter what it is…

You. There’s no one else like you, so no matter what you’re offering, you can without a doubt bring something to the table that no one else can. 

Find the unique flavor, the essence of your brand, that makes it your brand. What do you offer? What problems do you solve? Be specific. Know your value by heart and be ready to tell it to anybody, anywhere. 

2. Visual Branding That Shines

Visual branding is like the suit you wear to your first interview. Whether they know it or not, images always create a powerful emotional response in people. Images are processed 600 times faster than text, which means they’ve already made a snap judgement before they’ve even had time to realize it. 

‌

Take a good look at the images associated with your brand. That means: 

‌

  • Color palettes
  • Logos
  • Website layout
  • Photographs
  • Font style and text sizes
  • Social Media graphics
  • Signatures on emails and business cards
  • Company brochures 

‌

Every bit of it affects your customers’ emotional response, so leave nothing to chance. Powerful and consistent visual branding both online and offline shows attention to detail, which builds trust and recognition over time. 

‌

3. A Unique Brand Voice

There’s a pattern here that’s starting to emerge if you’re paying attention: Don’t be boring. Keep cookie cutters in the kitchen and far away from your business. That goes double for your brand voice. 

‌Brand voice is your opportunity to tell, not just show, others what makes you unique. Your content marketing will potentially take many different forms depending on your business. You might use:

  • Social media sites like Instagram or Tiktok 
  • Video marketing on YouTube or other sites
  • Live-streaming on platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, or Amazon Live
  • Email marketing‌

Essentially, wherever your customers spend their time, that’s where you need to be. One of the advantages of social media posts is that you can easily repurpose them into full-length blog posts that further illuminate your unique qualities. 

4. Public Speaking Events

People love doing business with those they know and respect, and cultivating your speaking acumen is one of the best ways to put yourself out there. Your speaking engagements can also be filmed and broadcast online, making it a spectacular source of networking and organic lead generation for your business. 

‌

How to get started? Do it yourself and create your own opportunities. You’re not limited to your physical surroundings in this day and age. Take full advantage of the internet by hosting your own webinars, virtual summits, and live conferences to become a thought leader and recognized expert in your industry. 

‌5. A Media Presence‌

As with public speaking, it’s necessary here to take some initiative and create media opportunities yourself. There are three kinds of traditional media: regional, national, and international. Difficulty of access scales with the size of the expected audience, but don’t let that discourage you. As long as you have a relevant message and a desirable offering, you can find ways to get on camera, get behind the microphone, or get featured. 

‌Audience size matters, but also look for niche outlets and new media that speak to your industry. It’s a great way to build your authority and establish yourself as an in-demand thought leader. 

‌There’s a specific form of media presence that’s easy to forget about: podcasts. There’ll be more than 132 million podcast users in the United States by 2022. Find podcasts relevant to your niche and make arrangements with their hosts to be interviewed or start your own podcast.

6. A Published Book ‌

Few things build authority quite as naturally as publishing a book. Most people say they have a book in them, but actually putting your intellectual property into writing and featuring it on your website and on store shelves puts you a cut above the rest. 

‌

While self-publishing, book collaborations and anthologies are an easier and more affordable book publishing option, make sure to hire a skilled editor to help you get the most out of your manuscript. If you can get yourself on high-trafficked platforms like Amazon or Barnes & Noble, it’ll increase your brand’s digital presence and give you well-earned bragging rights amid all your other marketing efforts. 

‌

Ready to Get Started?

Personal branding can feel overwhelming, but there’s no need to go it alone. Mitchell Productions offers Sharvette’s Platform Builder Program, an intensive 12-month program for growing and maximizing your very own personal brand. Take the Personal Brand Quiz and find out where you are with your personal brand and get a few tips to help your brand propel forward! 

Business

YouTube has entered the chat!

I saw a June 2025 Pew Research study showing that 84% of U.S. adults use YouTube …making it the most-used platform in the country. Facebook is next at 71%, Instagram at 50%, and TikTok at 37%.
Here’s the coaching moment:
If you’re not thinking about YouTube, you may be leaving visibility on the table.
And before you say, “Sharvette, I don’t have time for videos,” pause.
YouTube is not just long-form content anymore.
Here’s how to think about this strategically:
1. YouTube is a search engine.
People go there with intent. They are typing in problems and looking for answers. That means your expertise can live longer and work harder for you than a post that disappears in 24 hours.
2. You can repurpose what you’re already doing.
Your Facebook Lives.
Your Zoom trainings.
Your podcast episodes.
Your webinars.
Clip them. Upload them. Add searchable titles.
3. Authority grows faster on platforms where people “learn.”
Instagram is inspiration.
TikTok is discovery.
YouTube is education.
If you’re positioning yourself as an expert, coach, consultant, therapist, or speaker — education builds trust.
Now here’s your assignment (because you know I love action 😉):
👉 Go to YouTube and type in the main problem your ideal client has.
👉 Look at the videos that come up.
👉 Ask yourself: Could I teach this in my own voice?
Attention is on YouTube.

brandingMarketing

AI-Powered Personal Branding

Let’s be real, showing up consistently can feel like a full-time job. But guess what? With AI tools, you can create and brainstorm the elements that boost your personal brand…without burning out.

Here are five points to shift your mindset to an AI-Powered Personal Brand!

1️⃣Generate Endless Content Marketing Ideas That Align With Your Brand

Never stare at a blank screen again. AI can help you brainstorm content topics that match your expertise and audience needs. AI is also great at crafting hooks that stop the scroll.

Consistency is the #1 secret to building a strong personal brand, and if you are stuck on what content to create, that can hinder you. That is where AI comes in!

🔹 Fresh ideas = consistent visibility. The more relevant content you share, the more authority you build.

2️⃣Repurpose Content Like a Pro

One old video or blog post can become 10 pieces of content with the help of AI. Various AI tools can produce content for quotes, captions, carousels, reels, and even email newsletters from your videos or blogs.

🔹 Repurposing keeps you visible across platforms without creating content from scratch every time.

3️⃣Use AI to Prep for Speaking Engagements

AI can help you brainstorm signature talks, presentation outlines, create slide content, and even generate audience engagement questions for your next keynote or workshop.

🔹 Strong presentations position you as the expert and lead to more speaking invitations AND customers.

4️⃣Leverage AI to Attract Media Attention

From writing polished press releases to drafting pitch emails, AI can help you create professional, attention-grabbing content that gets you prepared for media outlets.

🔹 The right media feature builds instant credibility and visibility for your brand.

5️⃣ Personalize Without Losing Your Voice

AI isn’t here to replace your voice…it’s here to support it. Use AI for the draft, then add your unique style, stories, and personality. On the flipside, you can create your own content, such as blogs, emails, social media posts, and speaking notes, and let AI serve as the proofreader or editor. It is up to you!

🔹 Authenticity is still key, and your audience wants the authentic you. AI should help you… not erase you.

Sharvette Mitchell
Marketing

How your fear of the spotlight is keeping your business invisible.

In the world of entrepreneurship, the fear of the spotlight can often hold us back from achieving our full potential. This fear can manifest in various ways, from hesitating to put ourselves out there to shying away from opportunities that could propel our businesses forward. However, as I shared in a past live stream, overcoming this fear is crucial for making our businesses visible and successful.

My journey began over a decade ago, sitting at a friend’s kitchen table, offering to help with marketing for her new business. Little did I know that this simple gesture would spark the beginning of my own entrepreneurial path. From starting a web design business to transitioning into coaching high-achieving women entrepreneurs, my story is a testament to the power of stepping out of our comfort zones.

Pivotal moment

One pivotal moment in my journey was hosting my first event, where only two people showed up. Despite feelings of shame and fear, I pushed through and was rewarded with unexpected opportunities. This experience taught me the importance of facing our fears head-on and not letting setbacks define our path. It’s a reminder that sometimes, our biggest breakthroughs come after our most challenging moments.

As I navigated through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, I realized the significance of having a cohesive brand and a strong community. By aligning my marketing efforts with my brand and creating a supportive community, I was able to establish myself as a leader in my industry. This underscores the importance of clarity and consistency in building a successful business presence.

In conclusion, my journey (which continues to unfold) serves as a valuable lesson on overcoming the fear of the spotlight in business. By embracing clarity, confidence, and consistency, we can step out in front of our brands and make them visible to the world. As entrepreneurs, it’s essential to remember that the spotlight is not something to be feared but embraced as a tool for growth and success. So, take a cue from my story and shine brightly in our entrepreneurial endeavors!

Sharvette Mitchell
Conference

10 Things to Prepare Before Attending a Conference

By Deborah Shane: I’m starting a time of year when I will be travelling to key conferences that I’m really looking forward to attending. I have learned over the years that preparation, organization and flexibility greatly enhance my conference time and experience.

Conferences can be very productive and fun or totally overwhelming and a drain depending on those factors. The investment of time, travel and energy required to go to conferences, makes it more important to be prepared before you go so that you’re not scrambling at the last minute or worse yet – while you are there.

The 21st century conference attendee has a lot more technology, social media and content options that can be used to share and highlight their experience and their takeaways. The rule of thumb is

  • Prepare
  • Be flexible
  • Enjoy
  • Follow up

Below are 10 things to prepare before attending a conference that can help you get the most out of your commitment and experience.

What to do Before Attending a Conference

1) Mindset, Attitude, Energy

It’s important to tie up loose ends, finish tasks, projects and deadlines so that you can go away clear minded and caught up. Whatever can wait until you return, let it wait.

Focus on looking forward to the event, meeting people and being positive and accessible. Read some positive and motivational content and download an app or take some with you.

Your frame of mind and heart can set you up to have an awesome time and be someone awesome to meet. Smile, be pleasant, be polite and show your enjoyment.

2) Documents, Schedule, Sessions

Gather all your travel documents, airline confirmation numbers and flight itinerary and have it all accessible. Get a good picture of your overall travel needs and experience. There are several travel apps that help you organize this on your smart phone including Tripit, TripCase and GateGuru.

In addition, there are apps that offer city guides, things to do and see, restaurants, special events, and connectivity apps to connect you with people and sessions at the conference. These are all very helpful and fairly simple.

3) Meeting Specific People

The whole point of going to certain conferences is the chance to meet colleagues, speakers or presenters you follow, engage with and that influence you. Don’t forget why they should want to meet you, too.

Be confident in your expertise, know their background, current activity, books, so that you can create good conversations. Google people you want to meet, visit their blogs, websites, social media and learn as much as you can about them.

4) Cards, Handouts, Branding Statement

Have a current simple, but branded, card with your contact info and logo and make use of both sides. When we make impressions with people, a business card will have more meaning after. It’s a marketing tool.

Make sure you prepare your “professional branding statement” when someone asks, “What do you do?” One sentence that opens the door and offers them something they can remember about you.

5) Opening Questions, Conversation Starters, Chit Chat

Prepare some ice breaker questions, or statements that can establish commonality or a personal connection. Is this your first time at this conference? What was your favorite takeaway last year? What’s your biggest accomplishment so far this year?

6) Random Time

Build in some random, free, unexpected meeting people time. Truthfully, I have met some really cool people in bathrooms, airports, lines and lobby’s.

7) Social Media Strategy

Whatever the focus of the conference is should play into your social media strategy. Use LinkedIn to connect to people you meet. Use Twitter and Google+ to tell people who you have met and share a link to their work or website. Use Facebook to post great pictures and videos of you in action and the experience you are having.

8) Content Marketing Plan

What are the content marketing platforms and tools that you are known for and have the most activity on and results with?

Use your website to highlight people, sessions and ideas that resonated with you. Take lots of pictures of some of those “specific people” that you got to meet and some short form videos and put them up on Google+, YouTube and Facebook.

Use your social media strategically around the platforms used by the attendees and presenters.

9) Technology, Cords, Batteries

Do a full check list for all your technology, chargers, cords and batteries and make sure you have everything with you that you need to capture the moment and share it.

Pay attention to battery life on different devices that you use and be sure to recharge them when you see them getting low so you don’t miss capturing anything when the moment arrives. Most conferences have charging and power stations now.

10) Follow Up Plan

Sort out your cards and the connections you have made. I usually plan about 4 days after a conference to follow up with specific people I have met and include some specific things we talked about via email and phone.

Connect with them immediately on LinkedIn with a note about meeting them and any other primary social media they use. If people are in proximity, take the initiative to invite them to meet in person.

SOURCE: https://smallbiztrends.com/2014/04/what-to-do-before-attending-a-conference.html

Deborah Shane has been recognized as a Top 100 Small Business Champion, Top Small Business Podcast, Top 50 SMB Influencer on Twitter 2015 (Dunn and Bradstreet), personal branding strategist and a social media specialist. Deborah’s book “Career Transition: Make the Shift” is available through all major book sellers.

The opportunity to meet people in person at major industry conferences is golden. Be prepared, have fun and make the very most of it to make an impression, enhance relationships and create new ones.

Marketing

Your Visual Branding Speaks Before You Do

Your visual branding is speaking—even before you say a word. In this podcast, I’m sharing 6 powerful talking points to help you understand the impact of your visual brand and how to make sure it aligns with the quality of your services.

From your brand colors and professional photography to your social media graphics and video content—every visual element tells a story.

Are yours attracting or confusing your ideal clients?

1️⃣ First Impressions Happen Before the First Word

🔹 Before anyone clicks, listens, or buys, they see. Your visual branding is already making a statement about your professionalism, confidence, and expertise.
Why it matters: Whether it’s your website, IG grid, or Zoom background, people are judging your brand presence instantly.


2️⃣ Your Brand Photos Are Your Stage

🔹 Stock photos don’t tell your story. Professional brand photography shows the real, polished YOU, and that builds trust faster. This is exactly why we do full brand photoshoots for clients in The Platform Builder® Program.
Why it matters: Personal photos convert higher than generic stock images.

People want to see the expert behind the message.


3️⃣Brand Colors influence perception

🔹 Your brand colors aren’t just cute—they communicate mood, tone, and vibe. Are yours attracting or confusing your ideal clients?
Why it matters: Colors influence perception. Your audience might feel drawn in or repelled, based on your brand color palette alone.


4️⃣ Consistency Builds Credibility

🔹 Whether someone sees your Reel, flyer, business card, or email signature, it should all feel like YOU. It should all feel like the same company.
Why it matters: Visual consistency makes you recognizable. The more consistent your brand looks, the more legit it feels.


5️⃣ Your Graphics Are Mini-Billboards

🔹 Each post, slide, or promo graphic is a chance to elevate your brand or distract from it. Sloppy and amateur graphics send the wrong message.
Why it matters: Clear, cohesive, and branded graphics position you and your service as a premium option, even before they read the caption.


6️⃣ Video Branding = Instant Connection

🔹 Video content lets people see you, hear you, and feel your energy. Pair it with strong visual branding and it becomes unforgettable.
Why it matters: Video builds trust 5x faster than static content. Add branding overlays, intro screens, and branded backgrounds to your videos for a polished touch.

What does your current visual brand say about your business?

The Platform Builder® Program is my signature 12 month group coaching program built for women entrepreneurs & leaders who are ready to position their expertise & services with a polished visual brand, increase visibility with speaking opportunities, build authority with a published book and convert more customers with content marketing. Learn more at https://myacademy.biz/platform/

brandingMarketing

6 Steps to Building a Personal Brand

If you want to attract more clients, land bigger opportunities, and position yourself as the go-to expert… you need a personal brand that stands out.

But where do you start? What actually matters?

Let’s break it all down:

1️⃣ Get Clear on Your Unique Brand Identity

🔹 Step: Define who you are, what you do, and who you serve.
🔹 Why? You can’t build a strong personal brand if you’re unclear about your message. Ask yourself:

  • What do I want to be known for?
  • What transformation do I provide for my audience?
  • What’s my unique approach or signature style?
    🔹 Pro Tip: Your personal brand is an amplification of YOU, not a copy of someone else!

2️⃣ Craft a Compelling Brand Story

🔹 Step: Share why you do what you do in a way that connects with your audience.
🔹 Why? People relate to stories, not just services. Your journey, challenges, experiences and breakthroughs make you relatable and memorable.
🔹 Pro Tip: Your audience should see themselves in your story—make it about them, not just you.

3️⃣ Establish Your Visual Brand Presence

🔹 Step: Create a consistent look and feel across platforms.
🔹 Why? Branding is about consistency in fonts, colors, imagery, and messaging so people recognize you instantly.
🔹 Pro Tip: Your face is your brand. Use high-quality brand photography (this is why we provide brand photoshoots for our Platform Builder clients) and video content to reinforce your presence.

4️⃣ Own Your Online Real Estate

🔹 Step: Build a strong digital footprint with a website, social media, media attention and professional profiles.
🔹 Why? If you’re serious about building a brand, you need a home base (website) and visibility across key platforms so that when people Google you, they find you.
🔹 Pro Tip: Optimize your bios and make sure people understand what you do and where to go to engage with you on your online real estate.

5️⃣ Show Up and Share Valuable Content

🔹 Step: Post content that educates, inspires, and engages your audience.
🔹 Why? A personal brand is about being known for something valuable.
🔹 Pro Tip: Focus on these three types of content:

  • Authority Content (tips, insights, industry expertise)
  • Engagement Content (behind the scenes, opinions, lifestyle)
  • Storytelling Content (client success, personal experiences)

6️⃣ Monetize and Leverage Your Brand

🔹 Step: Turn your visibility into opportunities, clients, and income.
🔹 Why? A strong personal brand attracts collaborations, speaking gigs, media features, and high-ticket clients.
🔹 Pro Tip: Leverage your brand to sell services, digital products, courses, coaching, or partnerships.


Which of these 6 steps do you need to focus on the most right now?

What’s holding you back from fully stepping into your personal brand?

Sharvette Mitchell
brandingMarketing

6 Mindset Shifts for Business Visibility

Here are six powerful mindset shifts for business visibility. We hope they resonate with you and help you step up your game in marketing and branding.

6 Mindset Shifts for Business Visibility

1️⃣ Visibility is a Responsibility, Not a Choice

🔹 Shift: Instead of thinking, “I don’t like putting myself out there,” embrace “It’s my duty to be seen so I can serve.”
🔹 Why? Your audience can’t buy from you if they don’t know you exist. You are the solution to someone’s problem—hiding doesn’t serve them.

2️⃣ Consistency Over Perfection

🔹 Shift: Instead of “I have to get everything perfect before I show up,” embrace “Showing up consistently is more important than showing up perfectly.”
🔹 Why? People trust brands that show up regularly. Perfection causes procrastination. Done is better than perfect!

3️⃣ Your Personal Brand is More Powerful than the Asthetics

🔹 Shift: Instead of “I need the perfect logo and website before I promote myself,” embrace “My face, voice, and story are my brand.”
🔹 Why? People connect with people, not just logos. Your audience wants to see and hear from YOU.

4️⃣ Selling is Serving

🔹 Shift: Instead of “I don’t want to feel pushy or salesy,” embrace “Selling is how I help more people.”
🔹 Why? If you believe in your product/service, you should feel excited to tell others about it! Sales = Solving Problems.

5️⃣ Visibility Brings Opportunities

🔹 Shift: Instead of “What if people judge me?” embrace “The right people will find me when I show up.”
🔹 Why? The more visible you are, the more doors open—media features, speaking gigs, brand collaborations, and clients!

6️⃣ Fear is a Sign You’re Playing Bigger

🔹 Shift: Instead of “I’m nervous to go live, post, or promote myself,” embrace “Feeling fear means I’m leveling up.”
🔹 Why? Growth happens outside your comfort zone. Every expert you admire started out scared!

 

Here is the video version of this blog post: https://youtu.be/I0th5feeeE8

We will have more conversations like this at The Platform Builder Summit! Register- CLICK HERE

Events

Reflecting on the 8th Annual Platform Builder® Summit: Collaborations, Pivots, and New Horizons

On November 8th and 9th, I had the pleasure of hosting our 8th annual Platform Builder® Summit – an all-VIP, exclusive gathering that, once again, proved the power of women entrepreneurs coming together. This year’s theme, “Collaborations and Pivots,” resonated with our audience, as we explored how strategic partnerships and adaptive thinking can fuel marketing, growth and revenue.

Held over two days at the Drury Plaza Hotel in Richmond, Virginia, our summit brought together a dynamic mix of small business owners, nonprofit leaders, and visionaries ready to elevate their impact and platform. From strategic marketing insights to personal branding and the nuances of government contracting or non-profit success secrets, each session and speaker inspired action and meaningful mindset shifts.

Setting the Stage for Impactful Connections

From the moment attendees stepped into the venue, there was an undeniable vibe. We kicked off with a Millionaire Mindset session with Euronda Travis and transitioned to the Marketing State of the Union, where I shared the current consumer climate, the latest trends, and insights shaping marketing. This session set the tone for our summit, emphasizing the importance of staying attuned to market shifts while staying true to our unique brand values.

The rest of Day One was filled with empowering talks and workshops, including sessions on creating a powerful personal brand with Holly Byrd Miller and doing a dream storm with Jean Tillery. One key takeaway from Day One? Collaboration will boost your profits.

Day Two: Diving Deeper into Strategy and Growth

Day Two continued with a powerful lineup, including topics like scaling businesses with government contracts by Latasha Brooks, Power Dressing with Tanya Russell and nonprofit success strategies from Dr. Shantell Chambliss. The day continued with business spotlights on DeLinda Carter & Marcea Marsh. The Money Panel, featuring financial experts Shan-Nel D. Simmons, Dr. Tamara W. Dias, and Charese Chambers, brought practical advice on financial planning, money mindset, and tax planning.

The summit closed with reflections, takeaways, and a commitment to action. Every attendee left with a renewed vision for their business.

Our theme: Collaborations and Pivots

This year’s theme reflected our shared journey as entrepreneurs. Collaboration opens doors and expands our reach, while the ability to pivot allows us to adapt and thrive in change. Throughout the weekend, we heard stories of proof that building your platform works—testaments to what’s possible when business owners partner and remain open to new directions.

Thank You to Our Incredible Speakers and Guests

This summit was made extraordinary by each speaker and participant. The knowledge, experiences, and shared wisdom left an impact on everyone in attendance, myself included. Thank you to every guest who came ready to lean in, engage, and transform. And to my fantastic event team and all those who helped bring this summit to life—thank you for your excellence and dedication.

I am grateful for the journey of hosting The Platform Builder® Summit and look forward to the next steps to make more money.