Why do most goals fail by February? Because they're disconnected from who you're becoming.

In this episode, we're flipping traditional goal setting on its head. Instead of starting with WHAT you want to achieve, we're starting with WHO you need to become. When your goals align with your identity, they stop feeling forced and start feeling inevitable.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why traditional goal setting fails for entrepreneurs

• The identity-first approach to planning

• How to reflect on 2025 and extract the lessons

• What to release from your previous identity

• How to choose your word or theme for 2026

Ready to set goals that actually feel like yours? This is where it starts.

Get the complete planning workbook: https://brandmerry.com/newplan

Traditional goal setting doesn't work for creative entrepreneurs, and it's not because you lack discipline. It's because the system is broken.

Welcome to "Your Most Aligned Year," a 4-week planning series that will completely change how you approach business planning. Instead of rigid goals that break the moment life happens, you'll learn how to create a flexible planning system that evolves with you.

In this series, you'll:

• Start with identity instead of just setting arbitrary revenue goals

• Create an adaptable roadmap that works with your real life

• Build habits that actually stick

• Learn how to recalibrate quarterly without starting from scratch

This isn't about listening and nodding along, you're going to take action each week. By mid-January, you'll have your complete 2026 plan mapped out.

Ready to plan differently? Let's go.

Want the complete system? Get all the deep dive questions, templates, business audit frameworks, and habit trackers inside Brand New Plan: https://brandmerry.com/newplan

It's the final episode of the season, and I'm pulling back the curtain on what's been shifting behind the scenes at Brandmerry. From simplifying my offers to leaning into more sustainable content (hello SEO and YouTube!), I'm sharing the real reasons behind these changes and what's coming next. If you've ever felt the pull to pivot or redefine your version of success—this episode is for you.

Welcome back, friend, to another episode of the Authentic Brand Builders Podcast!
Today, we're diving into a topic that often gets overlooked in branding and marketing conversations: sales conversations.

While branding, content creation, and marketing are crucial for getting your business seen and building an authentic brand, at some point, you also have to do the one thing many business owners resist…selling.

Let's talk about why authentic sales conversations matter today more than ever, and how you can master them to grow your brand and serve your audience.

In this special episode, you're hearing directly from the voices of my clients, entrepreneurs who've gone through Roadmap to Freedom and experienced real transformation in their businesses. From clarity and confidence to consistent income and freedom, these stories are proof that sustainable success is possible. If you've been wondering what it's really like inside R2F, this is the episode for you.

Learn more and enroll at brandmerry.com/freedom

Lately, I've been diving deep into the topics of content creation and marketing, releasing videos and podcast episodes about consistency, top-of-the-funnel strategies, and everything you need to market your business effectively.

Why? Becaus, marketing your business can be incredibly frustrating.

But here's the truth: Marketing is essential. It's how your brand gets seen and ultimately, how your brand gets paid.

However, one common issue my clients and I experience is feeling disconnected from our own content. When you're disconnected, your audience feels it too.

Today, I'm sharing how you can realign with your content through storytelling to simplify your marketing and enhance audience connection.

Inside today's episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we'll dive into:

• Why your struggle with marketing might not be about your skills, but rather about your content alignment.

• 5 actionable strategies to effortlessly weave personal and micro stories into your marketing for improved connection, engagement, and conversions.

• How to prioritize content that genuinely excites you boosts creativity, consistency, and ultimately drives stronger audience relationships and results.

Ever feel like you're churning out content day after day, but not seeing the results you want?

You're definitely not the only one! It's so easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of social media updates, algorithm changes, and the latest content trends.

But the real key to success isn't chasing the trends - it's about building a strong foundation for your brand.

As my friend Jodie and I chatted about recently as part of our Marketing Mayhem series, your brand strategy, and your content strategy aren't just connected, they're basically inseparable.

Think of them like two peas in a pod! Marketing might get someone's attention, but it's your branding that makes them stay. Jodie always says, "Marketing is like asking someone on a date. Branding is the reason they'll say yes." And it's SO true!

Inside today's episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we'll dive into:

• Why your brand foundation is the key to creating effective content that grows your business consistently, even when algorithms change.

• The importance of repetition in your content strategy and how it directly builds your authority and visibility.

• How to simplify and systematize your content creation, leveraging multiple platforms without the overwhelm.

Your content is getting views. Your emails are getting opened. You're showing up consistently, just like all the marketing experts (including myself) tell you to… but your audience still isn't converting.

If you've been wondering why your content isn't leading to more sales, the problem likely isn't the platform, the algorithm, or even the offer itself. It's your messaging.

Messaging is the foundation of everything in your brand. It's how you communicate what you do, who you serve, and why your audience should choose you over someone else. However, many entrepreneurs make mistakes that cause their messaging to fall flat, leading to low engagement, slow audience growth, and missed sales opportunities.

In this post, I'm breaking down the three biggest messaging mistakes that might be costing you customers, and how to fix them:

• Vague messaging that doesn't clearly communicate what you do or who you serve

• Lack of storytelling, making it harder to connect with your audience on an emotional level

• Inconsistent messaging, which confuses potential customers and weakens your brand recognition

If your content isn't converting, one of these three issues is likely the reason.