Building an extraordinary brand isn’t just about having a polished logo, a captivating tagline, or even the best service in your niche. It’s about how you show up, day after day, especially when faced with criticism or pushback.
As a woman consultant aiming to shatter glass ceilings and attract Champagne Clientele—those premium clients who value exclusivity and personalized service—your ability to navigate challenges with confidence and clarity is a vital part of your brand.
Let me share a story about how a seemingly negative encounter became a defining moment for my brand and how it can inspire you to stand firm in your messaging.
The “Pitch Slap” That Wasn’t
Picture this: I’m sitting at my desk, working through my day, when I see a response to one of my outreach messages.
“Hey Réland, I’m actually a messaging and communication expert, and I don’t appreciate the pitch slap. If this is how you communicate in the first message, I can tell our styles aren’t compatible. Have a great day.”
Oof.
First, some context. My outreach strategy is thoughtful, personalized, and designed to add value—not to hard-sell or push services. My assistant carefully researches each potential connection to ensure alignment, then shares a simple offer: a free, fun brand messaging quiz to help them fine-tune their messaging using archetypes.
That’s it. No sales pitch. No pressure. Just a resource to spark relationships and create awareness.
So, when this response landed in my inbox, my first instinct was to bristle. But then I took a breath.
Reclaiming the Narrative: My Response
Here’s what I sent back:
“It was not my intention to trigger you. However, asking if you’d like to take a quiz is not a pitch slap. If I was pitching, I would’ve told you about my $20k services. I didn’t do that.
One of my good friends, also a brand expert, recently posted about how even brand experts need the help of others in the field. It motivated me to continue offering help.
We’re all trying to grow our businesses here, and I’ve learned that successful people don’t put others down. I hope you find space for more kindness in the future. Have a great holiday season.”
This wasn’t just a reply; it was a reflection of my brand’s core values. My brand is built on generosity, intentionality, and grace—and I wasn’t about to let one negative message disrupt that.
The Lesson: Defend Your Message with Confidence
What could’ve been a frustrating moment became an opportunity to reinforce my brand’s integrity. And here’s the takeaway for you:
Your message is the heartbeat of your brand. How you defend it—especially when faced with criticism—defines how others see you and, more importantly, how you see yourself.
3 Steps to Handle Pushback While Strengthening Your Brand
- Stay Rooted in Your Values Criticism can feel personal, but it often says more about the other person than it does about you. Before you respond, take a moment to ground yourself in your brand values. Are you about empowerment, exclusivity, generosity? Let those values guide your response, ensuring it aligns with the extraordinary brand you’re building.
- Turn Negativity into Opportunity Every challenge is a chance to showcase the confidence and clarity Champagne Clientele look for in a partner. When responding to pushback, be professional but firm. Explain your intentions with poise and make it clear that your brand stands for thoughtful, high-value relationships—not pushy sales tactics.
- Lead with Generosity and Intentionality My outreach strategy works because it’s grounded in genuine value. The quiz I share isn’t just a lead magnet; it’s a resource that reflects my expertise and builds trust over time. Consider what value you can offer without expectation—and let that generosity do the talking for your brand.
Why Confidence in Your Messaging Matters
Your ability to defend your brand message with confidence and composure sends a powerful signal: you know your worth, and you’re not afraid to stand by it. That’s exactly the kind of energy that attracts Champagne Clientele.
These clients aren’t just looking for services; they’re looking for a partner who exudes clarity, confidence, and sophistication. Someone who can handle challenges with grace. Someone who represents the uncommon wealth they aspire to.
Your Extraordinary Brand is Waiting to Be Built
Every interaction—good or bad—is a chance to reinforce your brand’s identity. The next time someone challenges your approach, take a moment to breathe, reflect, and respond in a way that aligns with the extraordinary brand you’re building.
The result? A brand that not only shatters glass ceilings but opens doors to uncommon wealth.
Ready to refine your brand message and attract the clients you deserve?
Take my free brand messaging quiz and discover the archetype that can elevate your messaging to Champagne Clientele levels.
