Tag: Brand strategy

Brand strategy is an archives tag for Brand Communications and Optics Strategist Loren Weisman website.

Shop local shaming and small business messaging missteps.
Shop local shaming and small business messaging missteps is the topic and touch point for s8. E6. n129. of the Wait What Really OK brand communications and optics podcast.

If you are telling me how terrible I am for shopping somewhere else and how I need to shop local or shop at your place, where does that create a desire to do so?

Using guilt, shaming and passive aggressive behavior and tactics to try to attract customers tends to deliver the opposite results.

When we take a step back and look at the situation as well as the perceptions of others, it can allow for a more engaging messaging in the advertising that can invite and market that many more people to local shopping.

The Full Episode of this podcast can be found here on Castbox as well as on most sites, stations and apps where you may like to listen to podcasts.

Full transcription of this podcast

On the other side of it, focusing only shop local shaming style campaigns and using a yell, tell, sell and insulting vibe is not drawing people in, it is pushing them away.

Moving the methodology and strategy of small business messaging to a place of authenticity, humility and respectful engagement can bring greater results.

Aggressive and fear messaging tends to keep other people’s walls up and ears closed. So many of the campaigns tend to trash the corporate stores and big business, while making an obligation statement about what you need to do, what you have to do and why you have to help, by shopping local.

You can get your point across without being rude. At the same time, being honorable and do not be selfish.

And… Telling me I don’t care about my community because I didn’t buy a product locally can be taken as very offensive, very assuming as well as very judgmental.

“Invite by explaining about you and your store. Market by educating about what you have. Message by sharing why it can be an advantage to buy from you… And consider staying in an authentic, sympathetic and relatable tone.”

It might not be true for everyone.

And, even in all of it, there is truth, but it is not going to be true for everyone. It is contradicting where someone having a hard time with their local business is telling others they are supposed to shop with them.

Yet, they give no consideration that those people might not be able to afford the costs required or for that matter, the ease of shopping.

By flipping the switch and considering a different way to explain with small business messaging that honors everyone, the chances of opening up that many more minds can happen.

Moving from shop local shaming with aggressive and fear messaging to a place of love and engagement can do worlds of good.

A distribution image showing a series of podcast site icons as well as a graphic for this weeks podcast and a christmas tree and lights behind it.

“Invite by explaining about you and your store, market by educating about what you have, message by sharing why it can be an advantage to buy from you and stay in an authentic, sympathetic and relatable tone.”

Consider taking a more honorable, understanding and respectful approach to draw in customers over using tactics that tend to insult, shame and push people away.

is the topic and touch point for s8. E6. n129. of the Wait What Really OK brand communications and optics podcast.

Cover art for a podcast episode that has the Wait What Really OK logo with the title Shop Local Shaming with a christmas tree in the background as well as a patio and a few chairs.

Top 100 Loren Weisman Quotes: Considerations for Branding, Communication and Marketing

This brand communications and optics podcast is available here on Podbean as well as on most sites, stations and apps where you may like to listen to podcasts.

Episode Podcast Links: Pandora iHeartRadio Apple Podcasts Amazon Music Spotify Spreaker * Opening Theme Song Credit What Really Ok Theme Song” by RKVC. Copyright 2016 eMbloh Music (ASCAP)/ Cienzo Music (BMI). Administered by Ass Backwards Music (ASCAP)/Bass Ackwards Music (BMI) RKVC Website * Closing Theme Song Credit: “News and Information Podcast Percussion Outro” by Doug Hinrichs. Copyright 2016 Dig And Be Dug Music (BMI). Administered by Bass Ackwards Music (BMI). Doug Hinrichs Website

Loren Weisman is a Brand Communications and Optics Strategist who specializes in illuminating authoritative intelligence and amplifying authentic experts.

Weisman is the host of the brand communications and optics podcast Wait What Really OK.

© 2011 to 2026 Loren Weisman. All Rights Reserved ® ℗

Shop local shaming and small business messaging missteps.

Related reading
April 5, 2025
Is your messaging clear when others are sharing it or promoting it?
Is your messaging clear when others are sharing it or promoting it? A podcast blog supplement for Brand Communications and Optics Strategist Loren Weisman’s Wait What Really Ok Podcast.

Is your messaging clear?

When others represent or present you, is your messaging clear and still coming through the way you want it to? Some of the best intentions can still lead your message, your brand and your reputation in a bad direction.

Consider taking the time to brand, clarify and align your message with how it should be shared, what should be said as well as what shouldn’t be said.

You might be able to be crystal clear with the presentation, but from your marketing to others you have representing you, they have to hold that same clarity for maximum rech.

It’s not about ignoring ideas and it is not about every one having the same speech, it’s about being on the same page and planning in advance.

Social Media is not toxic. Social media sites are not toxic. It might just be that you’ve allowed the toxic people you follow on social media to make it toxic for you.

The way you want?

When others are representing you, they can do so differently than you, but they still need to be aligned with you and your message.

While someone might have a more assertive approach, listen to it and make sure it fits you. It doesn’t have to be your voice or delivery, but it does need to be your brand for continuity.

It goes beyond how you communicate your brand on social media. The same concepts of personal brand communication, should also be set in place for your personnel.

Is your message still coming through?

If you are… saying the same things as everyone else… sharing the same links as everyone else… posting the same quotes as everyone else… and putting up the same pictures as everyone else… Why should anyone think you are any different than everyone else?

From how money is raised to how content is shared to the approaches and direction of promotion, marketing, and advertising, keep it uniform and keep it the way you want it. The stronger the brand messaging that considers more than just you as the messenger, the farther it will reach.

When your messaging strategy has the foundation that allows the message to be delivered in an array of ways that best represents your vision while allowing each person to have their own authenticity in sharing it, the reach expands.

Take the time to ensure your message is coming through from the intention to the perception and from your delivery to anyone else delivering it for you.

This means, not just writing a bio, a one sheet, a marketing pitch or sales materials. This is about a full deep dive in to the discovery of your brand and the strategy to make it clear from customers and media as well as others you want to have representing that brand.

Work on honing that message and not just buying into the sales templates to sell. Focus on the message that can be used by numerous people to engage for greater results in the long term.

Differentiate your opinions from facts. Honor your audience with messaging that clearly defines when you are sharing truth and when you are sharing an opinion.

Loren Weisman is a Brand Communications and Optics Strategist who specializes in illuminating authoritative intelligence and amplifying authentic experts.

Weisman is the host of the brand communications and optics podcast Wait What Really OK.

© 2011 to 2026 Loren Weisman. All Rights Reserved ® ℗

Is your messaging clear when others are sharing it or promoting it?

Related reading
April 4, 2025
Bible Messaging Quotes for Direction and Consideration
Bible Messaging quotes for direction and consideration that tie to business, life, and faith. Many of these verses many have a present application to them now just as they did back then.

These are a series of quotes from the bible that I believe are great references to messaging with authenticity and authority in business practices. I am adding different images and quotes here from the Bible and the point of reference where they can be found.

“If it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” From Romans 12:8, NIV

“By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established;”

“By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established;” Proverbs 24:3. NIV

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with very much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with very much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”

“Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.”

“Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.” Romans 12:10 NLT

“Do not be selfish; do not try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves”

“Do not be selfish; do not try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves”

More Bible Messaging Quotes for direction and consideration

“The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.”

“The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.”

“If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.”

“If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.”

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21 NIV

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21 NIV

“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”

“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” Proverbs 13:20 NIV

“All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”

“All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”- Proverbs 14:23

“Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.”

“Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.” Proverbs 23:12 NIV

“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.” Proverbs 19:20 NIV

“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.” Proverbs 19:20 NIV

And some messaging and optics quotes from Loren Weisman can be found here: Messaging and Optics Quotes

Loren Weisman is a Brand Communications and Optics Strategist who specializes in illuminating authoritative intelligence and amplifying authentic experts.

Weisman is the host of the brand communications and optics podcast Wait What Really OK.

© 2011 to 2026 Loren Weisman. All Rights Reserved ® ℗

Bible Messaging quotes for direction and consideration

Related reading
April 3, 2025
Twelve One Minute Messages from Loren Weisman
Twelve One Minute Messages from Loren Weisman. 1 minute videos on communication, messaging, optics and trending topics.

Twelve One Minute Messages

1. Give credit where credit is due.

If you choose to use someone else’s authority, knowledge or expertise to amplify your popularity, likes and views, give credit where credit is due.

In the end, consider sharing other peoples content the way you would want your content shared by other people.

2. Consider digging deeper into the claims.

Consider digging deeper into the claims and those claiming to have the solution.

In the end, consider taking the time to search out the facts instead of quickly settling for the fiction when it comes to the claims that are being shared with you.

3. Pricing.

Consider this, what if the lack of prices on a website, truly shows an abundance of authority, transparency and honesty?

In the end, our authoritative pricing with a stewarding approach considers every business not as a template but strictly as an individual business.

4. Holding yourself liable for your content.

Consider sharing your message as if you were being held liable for it in a court of law.

In the end, while many businesses may choose to exaggerate, or flat out lie simply because they can, show an accuracy and an authority by holding yourself, your content and your business liable for everything you say.

Top 100 Loren Weisman Quotes: Considerations for Branding, Communication and Marketing

5. Avoid Engagement Farming

Consider posting content that plants authentic seeds for an enduring harvest instead of posting empty hype that lasts only for a moment.

In the end, sharing your knowledge and expertise authentically to connect can do more for the long run now over using, penalizing click bait tactics and engagement farming to gain a false popularity for a moment.

6. Assessing with objectivity

Consider that assessing truth based on authority not popularity may help to avoid catastrophe.

In the end, since it has become easier than ever to make anything popular and appear to be more than it truly is, the time you take to prove and research that popularity may help you avoid mistakes and missteps while keeping you from being fooled by the fools.

7. Don’t force… Consider.

Consider the perceptions, views and assumptions of your message instead of only sharing in a linear way to force your brand and marketing with only your intention.

In the end, crafting your message to consider an exhausted and assuming audience that may have heard it all before, could allow you to disarm their presuppositions and breakthrough to that audience in a refreshing way.

How My Daughter Changed My Approach Podcast Transcription

8. Transparency and honesty with AI.

Consider that With AI being used more and more to create everything from online content to books, courses, services, responses, pictures, videos and bios for many peoples marketing and advertising, lines seem to be blurred on what was created and by who.

In the end, to stand out with transparency and honesty in an AI world, consider that if you can not, will not or are afraid to share exactly how you use AI on your products and content, maybe it is time to dial back the ai prompting that helps to present you as more than you are and focus more on what you can create to prove your authentic self.

9. Are they only treating the symptoms?

Consider this question, Are they only addressing your symptoms or are they working with you to find a cure? And, do they have the knowledge and ability to assist you in the healing with a plan for the long run?

In the end, consider thinking about the long term cure over the quick momentary fix that might just end up creating more work or health problems down the line anyways.

10. I read it in a book argument.

Consider that claiming “I read it in a book” can be a very weak, unsubstantiated and an unstable argument for backing up your point of view.

In the end, consider that anyone, at any level of knowledge can easily publish a book in hours these days. With that in mind, please choose a wiser approach to your references and how you back up your arguments.

11. Give your audience a chance to choose what they like.

Consider giving your audience a chance to experience the content first before you ask them to like, share and subscribe. Honor your audience with the connection of your content over focusing on going after clicks before they have even experienced it.

In the end, many others may choose the more brash promoting and hype approach, but it might just help you stand out with honor and respect, if you let some one have an experience before you tell them how much they liked something they haven’t experienced yet.

12. Email frequency option for your mailing list.

Consider providing an emailing frequency option when it comes to signing up for your mailing list. This may just help to grow, maintain and sustain your subscribers even more.

In the end, the offering of frequency can help to grow a greater connection to those that may be hesitant to sign up. So honor your audience by giving them a choice of how much they want to see from you.

Loren Weisman is a Brand Communications and Optics Strategist who specializes in illuminating authoritative intelligence and amplifying authentic experts.

Weisman is the host of the brand communications and optics podcast Wait What Really OK.

© 2011 to 2026 Loren Weisman. All Rights Reserved ® ℗

Twelve One Minute Messages from Loren Weisman

Related reading
March 29, 2025
Musical Influences and Inspirations that impacted me.
Musical Influences and Inspirations that impacted me before, through out and after my career in the music industry. These people have meant a great deal to me.

Musical Influences and Inspirations

From the people that inspired me as a drummer, as a music producer and as a writer, these are the people that made the biggest difference.

These are the people that made me listen in a different way and helped me grow as a musician, as a business person and as a creative. These were the people that inspired me to write my books and to take the approach I have to messaging, communications and optics outside of music.

My Musical Influences and inspirations

Music Producer Musical Influences and Inspirations Daniel Lanois, Brian Eno, Jerry Wexler, Rick Rubin, Hugh Padgham, Phil Spector, George Martin, Peter Asher, Rudy Van Gelder, Quincy Jones, Chris Thomas, Val Garay, Dr Dre, Butch Vig, Ed Stasium, Tony Visconti, Glenn Ballard, Brian Wilson, Jimmy Miller, Desmond Child, T-Bone Burnett

One of my biggest musical influences as a producer: Brian Eno

Recording Engineer Musical Influences and Inspirations Scott Ross, Leslie Ann Jones, Billy Anderson, Fred Catero, David Bottrill, Alan Parsons, Geoff Emerick, Phil Ramone, Andy Sneap, Tony Maserati, Bill Porter, Andrew Jackson, Tom Dowd, Al Schmitt, Andy Johns, Nick Davis, Paul “P Dub” Walton, Roy Cicala, Les Paul, Ken Townsend, Andy Wallace.

Geoff Emerick, One of my greatest musical influences as an engineer. His work with the Beatles was groundbreaking to me.

My Favorite and Most Influential Recording Studios

From the music that came from many of these and from the experience of working in many of them as either a drummer or producer, these are my favorite studios.

Elliott Bay Recording Company (EBRC Studios), Seattle, WA., Avatar studios, New York City, NY., Skywalker Sound, Marin County, CA., Little Mountain Sound, Vancouver, BC., Fort Apache Studios, Roxbury, MA., The Village, West Los Angeles, CA., Real World Studios, Box, UK., Ocean Way, Hollywood, CA., Henson Recording Studios, Hollywood, CA., The Sound Kitchen, Franklin, TN., Hitsville USA, Detroit, MI., Abbey Road Studios, London, UK., Sun Studio, Memphis, TN., Bearsville Studio, Bearsville, NY., The Record Plant, Los Angeles, CA.

The magic is not always in million dollar equipment. What Happened in Hitsville set a standard!

Songwriter Musical Influences and Inspirations

David Foster, Sting, Duke Ellington, Leonard Bernstein, Irving Berlin, Steve Dorff, Smokey Robinson, Van Morrison, Marvin Gaye, David Bowie, Otis Redding, John Lennon, Mike Doughty, John Gorka, Elvis Costello, Jackson Browne, Bill Withers, Frank Zappa, Eric Clapton, John Hiatt, Jim Croce.

One of my biggest Musical Influences as a songwriter and a music producer.

Drumming Musical Influences and Inspirations

Vinnie Colaiuta, Max Roach, Keith Moon, Simon Phillips, Papa Jo Jones, Russ Kunkel, Kenny Aronoff, Jim Keltner, Charlie Watts, Jeff Porcaro, Buddy Rich, Bernard Purdie, Hal Blaine, Jim Keltner, Ash Soan, Mel Taylor, Stewart Copeland, Steve Gadd, Manu Katche, Jeff “Tain” Watts, Jerry Marotta, John “Jabo” Starks, Omar Hakim, Aaron Comess, Joe Morello, Jon Farris, Gary Chaffee.

As a drummer and a producer, Vinnie has been a major musical influence to my playing and productions.

Bass Player Musical Influences and Inspirations

James Jamerson, Victor Wooten, Jaco Pastorius, Mark White, Tony Levin, Bootsy Collins, Jeff Berlin, Stanley Clarke, Abe Laboriel, Michael Manring, Ron Carter, Bunny Brunel, Nathan East, Richard Bona, John Entwistle, Steve Swallow, Oteil Burbridge, Charles Mingus, Marcus Miller, Paul Chambers.

One of my biggest musical influences on the Bass. He hears and lives in motion and awareness.

Guitarist Musical Influences and Inspirations Frank Gambale, Bill Frisell, Elliott Randall, Buddy Guy, Steve Morse, George Benson, David Gilmour, Scotty Moore, Steve Lukather, Pete Townshend, Steve Cropper, Jeff Pevar, Eric Clapton, Neal Schon, John Scofield, Pat Metheny, Jimi Hendrix, Lionel Loueke, Stanley Jordan, Vernon Reid, Lowell George.

For Guitarists, Elliott Randall is one of my biggest musical influences when it comes to the guitar.

Musician/Band Musical Influences and Inspirations

Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, Miles Davis, U2, Fishbone, Steely Dan, Spin Doctors, Little Feat, Pink Floyd, The Who, The Beach Boys, James Brown, Paul Simon, Johnny Cash, James Taylor, Parliment Funkadelic, Otis Redding, Led Zepplin, INXS, Barry Manilow, Rolling Stones, Metallica, Tower of Power.

There are so many more, but these groups and artists had some of the biggest impact on me.

As a band, they are one of my biggest musical influences. Pet Sounds was a life-changing recording for me.

Percussionist Influences and Inspirations Mino Cinelu, Dave Samuels, Ed Mann, Tito Puente, Pete Escovedo, Alex Acuna, Evelyn Glennie, Giovanni Hildalgo, Cryo Baptista, Trilok Gurtu, Jamey Haddad, Ray Cooper, Airto Moreira, Luis Conte, Don Alias, Pete Lockett, Johnny Conga, Lenny Castro, M.B. Gordy, Robert Juan Rodriguez, Noel “Toca” Rivera

As far as Percussionists go, Lenny is one of my biggest musical influences.

Pianist/ Keyboard Musical Influences and Inspirations Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Oscar Peterson, Thelonious Monk, Art Tatum, Ray Charles, Bill Evans, Herbie Hancock, Keith Emerson, Kenny Kirkland, Billy Preston, Danilo Perez, Dave Brubeck, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Elton John, Jan Hammer, David Sancious, Billy Powell, Jonathan Cain.

Oscar Peterson has been one of my musical influences on Piano for years. His touch is so recognizable.

Comedy is like music to me in many ways and that is why I add these comedians too.

Comedy Influences and Inspirations Steve Martin, Robin Williams, Bill Cosby, Kevin Pollak, Billy Crystal, Bert Kreischer, John Leguizamo, Richard Pryor, George Carlin, Lewis Black, Steven Wright, George Burns, Tom Segura, Dave Chappelle, Dana Carvey, Jeff Dunham, Jim Gaffigan, Howie Mandel, Dennis Miller, Greg Proops

And my greatest inspiration across the board is my daughter. How My Daughter Changed My Approach Podcast Transcription

Even though he is a comedian, I credit Robin Williams as being one of my musical influences. His timing, delivery, tempo, and dynamics were very musical….and funny too

Loren Weisman is a Brand Communications and Optics Strategist who specializes in illuminating authoritative intelligence and amplifying authentic experts.

Weisman is the host of the brand communications and optics podcast Wait What Really OK.

© 2011 to 2026 Loren Weisman. All Rights Reserved ® ℗

Musical Influences and Inspirations that impacted me

Related reading
March 27, 2025