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Move over, Word Of The Year!

I have something MUCH sexier in my Gucci bag of branding tricks.

Something easy and fun to create.

And that makes you UNFORGETTABLE.

Let’s get to work.

One of the EASIEST ways to align with your vibe is to create a lexicon packed with words and phrases that, like you, are undeniably unique.

Think about this …

Why be intentional, when you can be:

Mindful
Deliberate
Purposeful
Conscious
Considered

Why be spiritual when you can be

Divine
Sacred
Unearthly
Intangible
Ethereal

Why be driven when you can be

Enthusiastic
Compelled
Determined
Energized
Obsessed

The brilliance of a lexicon is baked right into the word itself.

I mean … doesn’t ‘lexicon’ sound so much more enticing than ‘vocabulary list?’

‘Vocabulary list’ sounds like something you study in third grade for Friday’s test.

While ‘lexicon’ sounds like a supermodel-turned-entrepreneur who just closed a $30MM licensing deal on her clothing line.

Having a distinct lexicon for your brand will give you a distinct je ne sais quoi at zero cost.

It’s super fun to create, too!

Here are a few ways:

• Browse magazine headlines
• Study photo captions in said magazines
• Look up the lyrics to your most-loved songs
• Flip through poetry collections
• Grab eloquent turns-of-phrase from your favorite writers

And, of course, take advantage of ChatGPT to help you out.

Use it regularly to identify words you fall back on (like soft, comfy pajamas) and find some sparkling substitutes that fit AND make you look and feel amazing. 

Once you start, you could find it as addictive as watching @tikatheiggy on TikTok!

Create a lexicon and add to it often.

And make the “Word Of The Year” positively green with envy.

Oh, and yes, I do have a word of the year.

It’s SPECIFIC.

Why? Because in 2024 I’m not letting my clients get away with one ounce of clutter in their businesses.

Everything is getting stripped-down. And styled up!

XXXO

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You may love your business, but even the phrase ‘business goal’ feels so very yawn-inducing.

Creative goals? Now that has some juice!

This turns “I want 50 new followers” into “What can I create that will have at least 50 new people falling at my feet?”

It turns “I need an editorial calendar” into “What story do I most want to tell?”

One is passive and dull. The other is exciting and motivating. And I know which one you want.

XXXO

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We closed on our house 2 weeks ago. And that morning I was clinging to our house like a tree hugger clings to trees.

How could I not?

It was our home for the last 12 years.

Chad and I fell in love in that house – we even got married here.

We shared our home with pets & people – some staying on as lodgers for several years.

Our house was often called Hotel Erika & Chad!

So as I was getting myself all spiffed up for the closing––I was a hot mess.

Tears poured down my face as my new reality was sinking in.

I was officially saying goodbye to our home and moving on to the next chapter in our lives.

(What exactly that is? We’re not sure yet. Stay tuned … )

As I put on my big girl boots—black suede Cole Haan over the knee stilettos—cleaned up my smeared mascara, dabbed on some fresh lip gloss, I remembered a tip I’m constantly sharing with my clients whenever they need to face their fears. 

Something that’s so powerful it INSTANTLY shifts my energy.

Oh, you should know that I snagged this method from Matt Damon’s family-friendly movie, We Bought A Zoo …

Remember the part where Matt’s son is bummed because he desperately wants to tell his crush he loves her BUT he doesn’t want to make a fool out of himself?

Matt’s character has the best response.

‘Sometimes all you need is 20 seconds of insane courage. Just literally 20 seconds of embarrassing bravery. And I promise you––something will come of it.’

Nailed it!

Read those words over and over and over again until it sinks in.

And then apply THE INSANE COURAGE FORMULA whenever you need a boost.

20 SECONDS + INSANE COURAGE = YOUR PRIZE 

To be bold and brave, you only need 20 seconds.

XXXO