We were lucky to catch up with Brandyss Howard recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Brandyss thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you share a story that illustrates an important or relevant lesson you learned in school

I knew early in my high school years that I wanted to be a journalist. I always enjoyed photography, writing and sharing positive stories with others, so I researched careers that would allow me to work in a field that allowed me to earn an income doing something I enjoyed, I majored in Mass Communications in college while accepting both paid and unpaid internships. I increased my campus responsibilities while participating as a campus radio DJ during my junior year, which ultimately led me towards an additional internship working for a popular local mainstream radio station. I did all of these things, yet once obtained my Bachelor’s Degree, was not immediately being offered positions upon graduation. I learned early on that in order to succeed in my field, I HAD to take it to the next level. Earning a Master’s Degree was something I initially hesitated to do, but ultimately was the best decision for my career. I would advise anyone who has the desire and financial means to seek out as much education as you can and never stop learning. I am currently considering going after my Doctorate degree.

Brandyss, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Brand 2 Brand Marketing Inc. specializes in urban event and business marketing through journalism, photography, media, social engagement, branding and collaborative partnerships. We also create flyers, logos, press releases, digital content and more.

“Brand 2 Brand” is a play on my name and was incepted as an avenue for me to take the things that BRANDYSS believes in and work towards either creating and/or promoting it as a BRAND,

I am most proud of the fact since my start date of January 2019, my business has been able to remain organic. I personally connect with my clients and create long-lasting partnerships. If there is a need for a service, a venue or a product that is outside of the Brand 2 Brand Marketing Inc. scope; I will refer out to a colleague that I support. I do not brand or promote products or services that I wouldn’t use myself.

I take pride in being a small business, where I know EVERY ONE of my clients, It’s important that those who hire me know that I am ALWAYS one phone call away, regardless if I am working on other projects, I strive to remain accessible to those who have entrusted their marketing needs to me,

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

I create relationships with my clients personally and through outreach. I will often send an email or a direct message to see if my clients have any projects that they are working on where I may be of assistance. This support may not always mean a financial return for me at the time, but it allows the client to know that I believe and support them as a business. This may come in the form of sharing a post, volunteering/participating in an event, or providing a consultation without seeking financial compensation. I have often received referrals from my clients for new clients by utilizing this practice.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I have learned that social media can be tricky for new business owners. I concentrated my focus on building my followers and online supporters one by one. My followers are people that I’ve met and actually engaged with, and from my personal connections with them; I’ve gained additional followers through their outreach. Quality over quantity is extremely important to me. Our page currently has about 3.5k followers, which to some may not seem like alot, but to me EACH follower is important. I am able to interact with them, share ideas and participate in THEIR journey as well.

Social media is an ever changing market. Find ways to be creative and post content that will engage your audience. One thing to remember is that your clients may not come from who “likes” your posts, but by who “sees” and “shares” it. Don’t get discouraged because you may not have as many “hearts” under your post, but be ENCOURAGED by the amount of impressions you receive. I gained 3 clients this year from my page who I didn’t even know were watching because they didn’t “like” my posts, but later I received direct emails and phone calls ultimately leading to new contracts.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: brand2brandmarekting.inc
• Facebook: Brand 2 Brand Marketing Inc.
• Linkedin: Brandyss Howard

Image Credits
Photo Credit: Brand 2 Brand Marketing Inc.