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The Most ABSurd Blog
Cover Brand: Geek Out, Get Noticed
Aug 5:-24: Head over to panelpicker.sxsw.com/votefor my talk.
This week on Cover Brand, Ethan talks with novelist Melanie Jennings about going from unknown writer to building a personal brand readers—and publishers—can’t ignore.
Cover Brand: Sizzle and Impact
Aug 5:-24: Head over topanelpicker.sxsw.com/votefor my talk.Ethan Decker sits down with Chris Barge, Executive Director of the Boulder Library Foundation, to explore how nonprofits can stand out with story, sizzle, and integrity intact.
Cover Brand: Rational Rationales
Aug 5-24: Head over topanelpicker.sxsw.com/votefor my talk.
In this Shop Talk episode of Cover Brand, host Ethan Decker sits down with Priscilla McKinney, founder of Little Bird Marketing to unpack how branding and behavioral science shape B2B decisions—and why even the most ‘rational’ buyers aren’t.
Cover Brand: Brand Succession
I sit down with Lindsay Sutula of Top Fox Marketing to tackle how service leaders can grow beyond their personal brand—and build a business that thrives without them.
Cover Brand: Cost of Dull
Host Ethan Decker sits down with Boulder marketer Eric Forsyth to talk agency leadership, client chemistry, and why dull ads cost more than daring ones.
Cover Brand: Explore and Exploit
I sit down with Amelia of The Z Tasty Life to explore how multi-talented creators can focus their message, tell better stories, and grow a brand that’s truly authentic.
Cover Brand: Swag and Strategy
I sit down with Jack and Justin of The Caisson Company to unpack how small B2B builders can win attention, stretch budgets, and grow in a niche market.
Cover Brand: Demystifying Brand Value
Host Ethan Decker sits down with branding expert Rocky Longworth to unpack why brand is way more than a logo—and how knowing its real value can change your bottom line.
Cover Brand: Use the Weak Force
Ethan Decker sits down with research pro Carol Kauder to dig into what really changes customer behavior—and why nudging loyal buyers is harder than it looks.
Cover Brand: Reputation Over Brand
Ethan sit down with Jeff Leitner to unpack brand vs. reputation, how solopreneurs can market without the cheese, and what it really takes to stand out.
Cover Brand: Brand Archetypes
Ethan sits down with Nikki Nagy of Las Olas Luxury Living to talk building a disruptive brand, nailing your voice, and standing out in the crowded pool furniture game.
Cover Brand: Inside Out Branding
Ethan sits down with leadership expert Perry Maughmer to unpack why brand is more than logos—and how clarity inside your company can drive real growth.
Cover Brand: Mere Familiarity
Ethan sits down with entrepreneur Lili Siegelson of Gelt+Glow to talk launching a seasonal brand, smart marketing on a shoestring, and why timing is everything.
Cover Brand: Fight Unfair
Ethan sits down with T Strickland of Zocco Print & Promo to talk branding from the ground up—word-of-mouth, carving a niche, and fighting unfair against the big guys.
Cover Brand: Commit to the Bit
Ethan chats with Anne Macomber about how to build an authentic personal brand, ditch outdated career advice, and lean into the spiky traits that set you apart.
Cover Brand: Ladder of Abstraction
Ethan sits down with branding expert Steve Morris to dig into core brand values—and how to turn lofty ideas into authentic actions inside and out.
Cover Brand : Memorable Merch
I sit down with Steven Bell to explore how smart merch keeps your brand memorable during long sales cycles—without being annoying.
Cover Brand : Ideal Client Needs
Ethan sits down with Chelle Johnson to unpack Ideal Customer Profiles—why they matter, how to focus your resources, and how to attract the right clients.
Cover Brand : Brand Personality
Ethan sits down with Rajev Sivarasa to dig into how small businesses can stay authentic as they grow—by leaning on brand behaviors and personality.
Cover Brand : Show Don’t Tell
Ethan sits down with Dan Smink to explore how manufacturers—often the most overlooked—can use branding to stand out, get remembered, and play premium.