Stuck in an Elevator with Madonna: Why Your Brand (and Message) Matter More Than Ever
Your Brand Is the Front door to who you are. What's Your Brand?
WATCH ABOVE! and read on…
One day, about 20 years ago, I was in an elevator with Madonna. Yes, the Madonna. There I was, trying to act cool, maybe say something inspiring. But... nothing. I was completely stuck for words.
Fast forward 10 years, Seal was at my Halloween party. We stood side by side - him, towering over 6 feet tall, me at 5'2" in a devil costume, awkwardly nibbling from a bowl of M&Ms. Again, silence. Just chewing chocolate in unison like that was the only thing we had in common.
Let’s just say: we never worked together. And not because I didn’t have talent or ambition. I just didn’t know how to talk about who I was or what I had to offer.
Your Brand is the Front Door to Opportunity
Think of your brand as the front door to you. It’s the welcome mat, the vibe, the scent of good coffee brewing—it's the first impression. It’s how people get to know you, remember you, and decide whether they want to open the door further.
Your brand shows up everywhere: on your LinkedIn profile, your personal website, the way you introduce yourself at networking events, even your email signature. It’s your story, your purpose, and your value—wrapped in a few compelling words.
So, if the phone’s not ringing… if you’re not landing that interview or deal… if you’re pitching your brilliant idea and hearing crickets... maybe the world is just confused. Maybe it's time for a brand makeover.
“What Do You Do?”—Nailing the Moment
Here’s a little test: imagine you’re riding in an elevator with a dream collaborator. A venture capitalist. A VP you admire. Oprah. 😏 And they ask:
“So, what do you do?”
Do you ramble? Freeze? Default to your job title and hope they “get it”?
This moment matters. And it’s not just about sounding smart—it’s about being clear. Crystal clear. Because clarity builds connection. And connection opens doors.
I have a formula: Your Brand is your talent + your message. Your message is made up of your “Why” and your “How”
Your Brand = Talent + Message
And your message = Your Why + Your How.
Let’s break it down:
Your talent is what you’re great at—your natural gifts, your cultivated skills.
Your message is how you communicate that talent: what drives you (your why) and how you show up and deliver (your how).
Your brand isn’t just about looking good on paper or having a pretty Instagram feed. It’s about helping people instantly “get” who you are and what value you bring. It’s about showing up with intention.
Why Building Your Brand Is Non-Negotiable
1. It tells the world who you are and what you offer.
If people don’t understand your value, they can’t buy into it, invest in it, or promote it. Ask yourself:
What do I want to be known for?
What strengths do I bring to the table?
What makes me different?
2. It makes your signature offer unmistakable.
Whether you’re selling a service, pitching for a job, leading a team, or raising capital—people need to know exactly what you do and the impact you create. If they don’t get it in 10 seconds, they move on.
3. It amplifies your online presence.
Your website, social media, and LinkedIn profile should all work together to tell one consistent, powerful story about who you are and why it matters.
4. It helps your network help you.
Your network is your net worth. When your friends, colleagues, or former bosses know what you’re about, they become your brand ambassadors. They refer you, champion you, and celebrate your wins—because they get you.
So… What’s Your Brand?
Take a minute. Try out the formula:
👉 Your Brand = Your Talent + Your Message
👉 Your Message = Your Why + Your How
Write a quick brand statement. Read it out loud. Does it feel like you? Is it clear? Does it spark curiosity?
Need help crafting it? Bring it! Send it to me at gilli@theCrea8ve.com, and I’ll give you my feedback. No devil costume required. 😉
Because the next time you’re in an elevator with Madonna—or whoever your version of Madonna is—you will know what to say.
xo,
Gilli
