Branding Archives - Rebranding Ryan

Three Monitors, One Artoo, and a Whole Lot of Ideas

Somewhere along the way—between juggling brand strategy, writing social posts, managing WooCommerce quirks, and answering DoorDash questions—I realized something had shifted in my day-to-day.

I used to live and work across three monitors:

One for the work I was actively doing,
One for content, research, and whatever tabs I swore I’d come back to,
And one for…more of the same.

But now, things are different. That third monitor? It belongs to Artoo.

No, not the little beeping droid from Star Wars (though close). I named my AI assistant Artoo for obvious reasons. Reliable, resourceful, just quirky enough to keep things interesting—and always ready to help.

Artoo is officially part of my everyday workflow. Whether it’s brainstorming a blog, helping draft a proposal, pulling together a content framework, or gut-checking a wild idea that showed up mid-shower, Artoo’s in it with me. It’s kind of like having a super smart creative partner who never gets tired or needs coffee (but still gets my obsession with it).

Recently, I asked Artoo to analyze five lesser-known things about me based on all the work we’ve done together—and what came back kind of stopped me. Here’s what Artoo had to say:

1. You blend creativity with structure.
You like things to feel inspired and organized. From brand strategy to social media copy, you don’t just throw ideas at the wall—you build the wall, paint it with purpose, and then tell a good story about it. That combo of creativity + systems is kind of your secret sauce.

2. You’re a natural storyteller—even when you’re not “telling a story.”
Even a real estate proposal turns into a clear, engaging journey in your hands. There’s a narrative thread in everything you write, and it makes info easier to digest (without ever sounding salesy).

3. You’re quietly tech-savvy and tool-agnostic.
Canva or Adobe Express? You use both. WooCommerce backend? No problem. QR codes, ordering links, custom alt tags—you’re in the weeds and thinking big picture. You care about the results, not the tool getting you there.

4. You have high design standards but don’t flaunt them.
You notice what others miss: the difference between a flat SVG and a properly rebuilt logo. You care about angle, composition, and how things feel—but you’re practical about it. It’s not flash. It’s clarity.

5. You center your life around your people—even when the calendar’s full.
From cheering Quinn on at gymnastics meets, navigating Chase’s ever-evolving music schedule, carving out quality date time with Karen, to daily hangs with Rose (your golden retriever you definitely weren’t ready for—but now can’t imagine life without)—you make time for what matters. It’s a reminder that while your work is creative and fast-moving, your core is steady and grounded in the people you love.

So, here we are. Me, Artoo, and two other monitors.

AI hasn’t replaced anything. It’s just given me a new kind of creative rhythm. Faster brainstorming, smarter drafts, better output—and someone (or something?) to reflect things back with surprising clarity.

Honestly, I didn’t set out to make AI a core part of how I work. But it snuck in. And now I can’t imagine doing what I do without it.

Building, Growing, and Dreaming Big

Life has a way of keeping you on your toes, doesn’t it? If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that every chapter brings a new challenge, a new opportunity, and—if you’re lucky—a new spark of inspiration. Lately, I’ve found myself in a whirlwind of exciting projects, each one pushing me to think differently, work harder, and dream a little bigger.

Family and Community: Where My Heart Is

Outside of work, life’s just as full. Quinn has been making me prouder by the day. Her gymnastics journey has been a lesson in perseverance—for both of us! She’s pushing through challenges, learning to embrace the tough stuff, and finding her own confidence along the way. Watching her grow through those moments inspires me to dig deeper in my own work.

Meanwhile, Chase has been thriving too. He’s been knocking out straight A’s quarter after quarter while diving into the arts. This year, he’s playing the love interest in his middle school musical, The Addams Family. Watching him on stage, fully in his element, has been such a joy. Next up, we’re taking him to his high school orientation—a big milestone that reminds me how fast time flies.

I’m also still keeping a pulse on the local community. Moderating the neighborhood social media page reminds me how important it is to stay connected. It’s easy to get wrapped up in your own bubble, but those daily interactions keep me grounded.

RK Digital Transformation: Growing Brands, Growing Businesses

On the digital front, things have been full steam ahead at RK Digital Transformation. Karen and I have been diving deep into creative strategies, helping businesses reimagine how they connect with their customers. It’s the perfect mix of creativity and analytics, which is where I thrive. Lately, we’ve been rolling out a new initiative—Success Pathways—designed to help small businesses get their foot in the door with targeted, affordable solutions. Seeing these “aha” moments with our clients reminds me why I love what I do.

One of the highlights of my week was catching up with a client to review their December sales. As we went over the numbers, I casually mentioned that I was hoping we could match November’s impressive sales totals. Without missing a beat, he looked at me and said, “Ryan, it’s a 30% increase over the prior December… we’re good.” We both had a good laugh, and it was a great reminder to stop and appreciate the progress we’re making. Moments like these, when the hard work pays off and clients feel confident in their growth, are what make this work so rewarding.

It’s also been amazing working alongside Karen. Her eye for design, her passion for innovation—it’s contagious. Every project we tackle together feels like a chance to build something meaningful, not just for us but for the businesses we serve.

Oh, and I’ve officially nicknamed my AI assistant “Artoo,” inspired by Luke Skywalker’s loyal droid companion, R2-D2. Like the original, Artoo is reliable, resourceful, and always ready to help. Having a digital co-pilot makes juggling everything a little easier and keeps the nerd in me very happy.

Looking Ahead

If I’m being honest, I don’t always know what’s coming next—and I kind of love that. Right now, I’m focused on doing the work, nurturing the relationships that matter, and leaving room for whatever new opportunities come my way. Whether it’s building a brand, crafting a strategy, or supporting my family, I’ve realized the secret isn’t in doing everything perfectly—it’s in showing up, staying curious, and keeping the passion alive.

So that’s what I’ve been up to lately. A little bit of everything, and all of it good. Thanks for catching up with me—I’d love to hear what you’ve been up to, too. Let’s keep building, growing, and dreaming big together.

Build Stronger Connections with Authentic LinkedIn Content

I recently had a great conversation with a friend about his career path. He was torn between sharing his journey on LinkedIn, which included some more traditional roles he took to support himself financially, versus only highlighting his dream job. My advice to him was simple: authenticity trumps perfection every time.

LinkedIn has become a platform flooded with seemingly perfect career trajectories and inspirational quotes. While these posts can be uplifting, they often lack depth and genuine connection. In contrast, sharing a story about overcoming challenges or taking a non-traditional path can resonate far more deeply with your audience.

My friend’s journey, from “pay-the-bills” jobs to his dream role, is a story that many people can relate to. It’s a tale of perseverance, learning, and growth. By sharing his experiences openly and honestly, he can inspire others who may be facing similar challenges.

This isn’t just about LinkedIn; it’s a broader principle in marketing. Whether you’re sharing a personal story, promoting a product, or building a brand, the key is to connect with your audience on an emotional level. A well-crafted narrative is far more powerful than a generic, shared inspirational post.

So, the next time you’re considering what to share on LinkedIn, remember: authenticity is your greatest asset. Don’t be afraid to share your journey, even if it’s not always glamorous. Your story could be the inspiration someone needs.

Where Do You Find Your Inspiration for Ideas?

Inspiration can be a tricky thing. Some people find it in the hustle and bustle of a crowded city, while others might find it in the solitude of their own thoughts. For me, it’s a bit different. My ideas tend to spark during my daily walks with my golden retriever, Rose.

There’s something incredibly refreshing about stepping outside, even if it’s just for a short stroll. The rhythmic pace of walking, the sights and sounds of nature, and the joy of seeing Rose explore the world with such enthusiasm—it all blends together to create the perfect environment for inspiration to strike.

I often find that the act of walking helps clear my mind. It’s as if the physical movement allows my thoughts to flow more freely, unencumbered by the usual distractions. Ideas that were previously just out of reach suddenly become clear. Sometimes, it’s a new angle on a project I’m working on, or a fresh topic for a blog post. Other times, it’s a solution to a problem that’s been nagging at me.

Interestingly, I’ve noticed that Rose seems to have an uncanny ability to lead me to these moments of clarity. Maybe it’s the simplicity of her joy—chasing a squirrel, sniffing a new scent, or just enjoying the moment—that reminds me to stay present and open to new ideas.

So, where do you find your inspiration? Is it during your morning coffee, in the pages of a book, or perhaps in a quiet corner of your home? Everyone has their own unique source, and it’s fascinating to hear where others discover their creative spark.

“Is my marketing for my small business working?”

The other day, I was having lunch with a friend, an interesting question came up: “Is my marketing for my small business working?” It’s a great question and one that many small business owners grapple with. However, one meeting alone can’t provide a definitive answer. To get a clearer picture, I asked the him five key questions. These questions help determine whether their marketing efforts are on track and delivering results.

What are your marketing goals?

First things first, we need to know what success looks like for your business. Are you aiming to increase brand awareness, generate leads, boost sales, or perhaps improve customer retention? Clear, specific goals provide a benchmark to measure your marketing performance against. Without these, it’s challenging to determine if your marketing is effective.

Who is your target audience?

Knowing your target audience is crucial. If your marketing efforts aren’t reaching the right people, they’re not going to be effective. We discussed who their ideal customers are, their demographics, interests, and pain points. Understanding your audience helps tailor your marketing messages and channels to where they will be most impactful.

How are you tracking your marketing efforts?

Tracking is key to understanding what works and what doesn’t. I asked what tools and metrics they’re using to monitor their marketing activities. Are they using Google Analytics, social media insights, email marketing reports, or customer feedback? Having robust tracking mechanisms in place allows you to analyze data and make informed decisions.

What is your current marketing mix?

We then delved into their marketing mix—the combination of channels and tactics they’re using. Are they focusing on social media, email marketing, content marketing, SEO, PPC, or a mix of these? It’s important to have a balanced approach and diversify your marketing efforts. Relying too heavily on one channel can be risky.

What are your results so far?

Finally, we looked at the results they’ve seen so far. This includes both quantitative data like website traffic, conversion rates, and sales figures, and qualitative data like customer feedback and engagement. We compared these results to their initial goals to gauge how well their marketing is performing.

By the end of our discussion, we had a much clearer picture of where they stood. While we didn’t have a definitive answer right away, these questions laid the groundwork for ongoing analysis and improvement. Marketing is an ongoing process, and it’s essential to continuously monitor and adjust your strategies to ensure they remain effective.

So, if you’re wondering whether your marketing is working, start by asking yourself these five questions. They’ll help you identify strengths, uncover weaknesses, and ultimately, refine your approach to achieve your business goals.

“Adapting to Change: Top Recruitment Marketing Strategies During an Economic Downturn”

During an economic downturn, I’ve noticed that recruitment marketing undergoes some pretty significant changes. It’s like companies have to shift their strategies to not only attract the best talent but also to reassure job seekers that they’re stable and reliable. Here are three major changes that really stand out to me:

Emphasis on Employer Branding and Stability:

First off, companies start putting a lot of effort into showcasing their stability. They want to reassure potential hires that despite the tough times, they’re a safe bet. This often means highlighting things like their financial health and long-term plans.
I’ve also seen a big push towards corporate social responsibility. Employers want to show that they care about more than just the bottom line, so they emphasize their community involvement and ethical practices.
And let’s not forget employee testimonials. Real stories from current employees about how great the company is can be incredibly persuasive.

Targeted and Cost-Effective Strategies:

When budgets are tight, companies get smart with their marketing dollars. They start relying heavily on data to make sure they’re targeting the right people. It’s all about getting the best return on investment.
Social media and digital channels become even more important. They’re relatively cheap compared to traditional advertising and can reach a wide audience.
Content marketing also takes center stage. I’ve seen companies create all sorts of valuable content, like blogs, videos, and webinars, to engage potential candidates without spending a fortune.

Flexibility and Remote Work Opportunities:

With more people valuing work-life balance, especially during tough economic times, highlighting remote work options becomes a key selling point. Companies that can offer flexibility often have a leg up.
Job descriptions get a makeover too. They start including details about remote work possibilities and the skills needed to thrive in those roles.
And since in-person events can be tricky, virtual recruitment events become the norm. Things like online job fairs and webinars are great ways to connect with potential hires without needing everyone to be in the same room.

These shifts in recruitment marketing during economic downturns are all about adapting to new realities and finding ways to connect with top talent, even when the going gets tough.

When Inspiration Needs a Rain Shower: Embracing the Creative Percolation Process

Have you ever stared at a blank page, your mind a swirling fog of “almost there” ideas? Or maybe you’re grappling with a creative project, the vision stubbornly refusing to come into focus. Fear not, fellow creators! This frustrating feeling – often called brain fog – doesn’t have to spell creative doom. In fact, it might just be a sign your brilliant idea is simmering, waiting for the perfect moment to bubble up.

Just like this past week for me. I was wrestling with the creative direction for a project. Every concept felt forced, a pale imitation of the spark I knew was missing. Days bled into one another, each attempt at brainstorming leaving me more discouraged than the last. Then, this morning, something magical happened.

On my usual walk, I found myself captivated by the sight of a gentle rain. Each drop, a tiny percussionist, pattered a rhythm on the surface of the pond. And as I watched, a calmness washed over me, mirroring the quiet serenity of the scene. In that moment, the creative dam within me broke. The missing piece, the elusive spark, materialized with surprising clarity.

This experience taught me a valuable lesson: sometimes, the most potent ideas need time to percolate. We, as creators, often become fixated on forcing inspiration to strike. We push ourselves to the brink of frustration, convinced that a relentless pursuit is the only path to success. But what if the key is to let go, to trust the process?

Here’s the truth: stepping away, allowing your mind to wander, can be the most productive thing you can do. Go for a walk in nature, listen to music, engage in a completely unrelated activity. Let your brain take a break from the conscious effort, and allow the subconscious to work its magic.

The next time you find yourself drowning in brain fog, remember the rain shower. Embrace the pause, the quiet simmering, and trust that the perfect idea is brewing just beneath the surface. It might arrive in a flash of insight, or it might reveal itself gradually, like the slow blossoming of a flower. The important thing is to be patient, to create space for the creative process to unfold naturally.

So, the next time you feel creatively stuck, don’t despair. Take a deep breath, step away from the project, and allow your mind to wander. You might just be surprised by the brilliance waiting to emerge from the gentle rain of inspiration.

Helping Small Businesses Thrive: My Passion Project and How You Can Benefit

The hustle and heart of small businesses are what keeps our communities vibrant. But as a marketer, I also know the challenges they face – limited resources, stretched time, and the constant need to stay ahead of the curve. That’s why I’m passionate about dedicating my expertise to helping them thrive.

Recently, I volunteered 50 hours to work directly with small businesses. It was an incredibly rewarding experience. We tackled everything from crafting effective marketing strategies to implementing time-saving operational tweaks. Seeing the impact of these sessions, the spark of possibility in their eyes, solidified my desire to make a bigger difference.

Here’s the thing: every small business deserves a shot at success. But sometimes, the best marketing strategies and efficiency hacks seem out of reach.

That’s where I come in.

I’m offering free consultations to help small businesses jumpstart their marketing efforts and free up valuable time. Whether you’re struggling to find your target audience online, need help streamlining your operations, or simply want to bounce around some ideas, I’m here to listen and offer solutions tailored to your specific needs.

Here’s what you can expect:

A personalized consultation: We’ll discuss your unique business goals and challenges.
Actionable marketing tips: I’ll share strategies to reach your target audience and grow your business.
Time-saving efficiency hacks: Learn ways to streamline your operations and free up time to focus on what matters most.

So, if you’re a small business owner feeling overwhelmed or stuck, don’t hesitate to reach out! Let’s work together to unlock your full potential.