The StraightUp Truth: Constraints are Your Creativity Ally

​

Read Time: 4 minutes

"Don't constrain me!" For many business owners, the secret to growth is NOT expansion. It's contraction. More specifically, they need to apply constraints. In today's edition, we're talking all about how constraints - despite ending with aint - are exactly what many founders need to create their ideal business or practice.

​

Thanks to Erin for the question. 🍺

"But I'm afraid if I narrow my focus, I'll kill my creativity," she said. We were talking about the importance of narrowing her offer.

​

She was assuming that limiting what she offered would stifle her creativity.
​

Have you ever had that thought?
​

If so, that's your comfort zone messing with you. It's a common fear, but here's a straight-up shot of truth: constraints - narrowing your focus - don't curb creativity; they catalyze it.
​

I've seen this thinking hundreds of times in the last few years, but the truth is this:
​

Creativity explodes when constraints are applied.
​

In fact, without constraints, there would be no "Brand."
​

The Reality of Constraints

​

Think of constraints as the glass for your brand. They provide a structure within which your brand thrives. Constraints force you to identify the vital ingredients to put in your glass so you stay focused and aligned.
​

Without constraints, you'd have no brand. Here are a few areas where constraints come into play within your business.
​

Brand Personality, Voice, and Tone

Constraints define your brand identity; they keep you consistent and recognizable across platforms. A well-defined brand personality sets you apart from the other glasses on the shelf, while a consistent voice and tone build and strengthen trust.
​

Audience

Defining your audience is another constraint on our brand, helping you know who's at your bar and what drink they prefer, allowing you to tailor your offers and marketing strategies for a more personalized and compelling brand experience.

​

Messaging and Copy

Messaging and copywriting constraints keep you from sounding like your competition. Each word and phrase you choose should convey a simple and clear brand message that resonates with your audience. Doing so leads to clearer, more impactful communication; people will get you.
​

​

The truth is a lack of constraints leads to uncertainty. I've spoken with many founders who struggle with identifying their audience and messaging. These struggles lead to uncertainty, which results in inaction. And inaction leads to lost opportunities.

​

Constraints build confidence. Constraints build certainty - certainty that you:

​

👉 Are taking the right actions

👉 Are speaking to the right people

👉 Have an offer your audience needs

👉 Are confidently moving in the right direction.

​

If you are experiencing uncertainty, afraid you're not heading in the right direction, or moving forward fast enough, and you want help overcoming these challenges, take a moment and schedule a call so we can talk. Your brand needs constraints, especially when it comes to your offers.

​

​

Product/Service Offers

Focusing on one service may feel like limiting your creativity, but it does the opposite. Like a diamond being formed, constraints, when focused, give you direction and unlock your creativity, resulting in richer experiences for your clients.
​

Content Creation

Content constraints allow you to become recognized for your expertise. Too many founders talk about "everything" vs. the things they want to become known for. Applying constraints to your content is the fastest way to become an industry expert.
​

Last Call

​

Embracing constraints is not about limiting your creativity but channeling it more effectively. Constraints apply to everything in your business:

​

• Brand Personality, tone, and voice
• Products/services
• Audience
• Messaging
• Content

​

Without constraints, you risk diluting your brand to the point where it no longer stands out and instead blends in.

​

drink of the week

​

Jerk-Spiced Bloody Mary

The Bloody Mary is the legendary pick-me-up that's been soothing the morning-after blues with its spicy kick. This isn't your grandma's recipe though; imagine it with a twist – swapping in rum for vodka and jazzing it up with sweet-hot jerk spices for that island vibe. Whether you're serving up one or a batch for a crowd, give your glass a dip in jerk seasoning for that extra zing – it's optional, but why settle for ordinary when you can go extraordinary?

​

​

Ingredients

• 1-quart tomato juice or Campbell’s V8 juice
• 1/2 cup plus one tablespoon of prepared jerk seasoning
• 1 teaspoon celery salt
• 3/4 ounce Worcestershire sauce
• 4 ounces fresh lime or lemon juice
• 1 1/2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce, or to taste
• 8 ounces of light or dark rum
• 8–10 lime or lemon wedges
• 8–10 celery stalks, with leaves

Steps

1. Combine the tomato juice, one tablespoon of the jerk seasoning, the celery salt, and Worcestershire sauce in a small microwave-safe pitcher. Microwave until bubbles just begin to form around the edge of the pitcher, 2 to 3 minutes.
2. Remove it from the microwave and stir to dissolve the seasoning. Add the lime juice, hot pepper sauce, and rum to the base.
3. Refrigerate for several hours until thoroughly chilled.
4. Place the remaining ½ cup jerk seasoning on a saucer. Moisten the edges of tall glasses with a lime wedge. Press the edge of each glass into the seasoning to create a spiced rim.
5. Add ice to each glass, then pour in the mix. Garnish each glass with one lime wedge and a celery stalk.

​

Enjoy!

Stay boring my friends.

Cheers 🍻

​

Ryan

Sole Proprietor of The Distilled Brand

​

Before you go, you should know

​

Whenever you're ready, here are three ways I can help.

​

1 Brand Messaging OS: For solo founders and organizations to bring clarity, focus, and alignment between your offer, messaging, and systems so everything about your brand connects and everyone speaks the same language with confidence and clarity. Schedule a call, and let's chat.

​

2 Personal Brand OS: For founders and individuals who want to get recognized for their expertise by building their personal brands. This program will take you from unrecognized to unmatched in your area of expertise. When you're ready, let's talk.

​

3 LinkedIn Made Simple: For founders, organizations, and teams looking to up their game on LinkedIn to fill your pipeline with the leads your competitors are taking from you today. When you're ready to stop wondering about LinkedIn and instead start using it as a lead gen tool, let's jump on a call and talk.

​

​

​​​

​

About this newsletter: You are receiving this email because you signed up for the Straight Up newsletter or another lead generator. Each week, I send you a few powerful thoughts on the topics of branding, personal branding, and brand messaging from the perspective of someone who has coached over 500 founders on those topics. If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter or other updates from me, use this link to Unsubscribe