To the outside world a brand looks like one thing. Like a beautifully decorated cake. From the outside it looks and smells delicious, but when you cut into the cake and see beyond the sprinkles and icing, it’s actually made up of many layers.

There is SO much noise. Everyday we are inundated with words, images and sounds. And we are overwhelmed with choice. And your business is lost in that mix - but it doesn’t have to be.

When I first started my business in 2004 I didn’t know the term Brand Architecture and to be honest, it wasn’t really relevant at that time. Not just for me, but for many other solo entrepreneurs. I had my business brand (which was me) and that was basically it.

I'll be honest, writing a book was never something I thought I would do. It wasn't something I dreamed of doing as a kid and in fact, up until a few years ago, I wouldn't have even described myself as a writer.

December is always a time of reflection. It’s a time to see if I did what I set out to achieve this year. It reminds me of what I’ve accomplished…And it’s a reminder of the things that didn’t go well.

I’ve been paying attention to why some entrepreneurs seem to be killing it and others are struggling – and I have noticed a pattern emerging.

Have you ever been in a position where you were on the phone with someone or on their website and you felt so overwhelmed with the options being presented that you found yourself shutting down?

If your brand is what people believe about you, then your reputation truly IS your brand. It's how you make people feel, the impression you leave them with and the trust you build.

As I reflect on my year, I took a look to see which of my blog posts resonated most with my readers (aka you!) I've compiled a list of the top 5.

I believe that life is what you make of it. It's not what happens to you – it's how you react and what you learn that matters. It's what you make happen.

For years I worked by myself in my home office. It worked for a long time...until it didn’t. ​​I got lonely, bored and uninspired. Sound familiar?