In today’s crazy-paced digital world, standing out as a brand has never been more challenging. With retail giants spending millions on competing for consumers’ attention, how can a young entrepreneur with a great business idea not only survive but thrive? Anastasia Shtompel, a brand marketer, entrepreneur, and expert blogger with a proven track record of transforming struggling entrepreneurs into brand powerhouses, has developed a formula for success. Through her brand consulting services and her unique “Brand Revolution System”, Anastasia equips entrepreneurs with the tools they need to build a brand that not just competes but leads in their industries.
In this exclusive interview, she shares her journey, insights into common brand mistakes, and why her system is a game-changer for entrepreneurs looking to transform their businesses into industry-leading brands.
Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that shaped your approach to helping entrepreneurs?
Sure! After several years of working as a marketer, I opened my first business together with my sister. Our company sold designer inflatable summer goods in the US. As first-time entrepreneurs, we did almost everything ourselves. But it is really tough out there for starting entrepreneurs! We worked without weekends, competing with the marketing budgets of huge brands and Amazon, desperately searching for any possible advice, and trying every tip we found online. And, oh my god, everything takes so much time when you have no experience and you are paving your way through trial and error. We were spending all our money on agencies without getting the desired results and constantly stressing out about not having enough sales.
This was until we realized that in today’s competitive environment, having a great product isn’t enough — you need to build a Brand around your product to succeed. This was our pivotal moment. We started focusing on building a brand around our business and about eight months after launching, we were selling to famous luxury hotel chains.
Looking back, I realized how desperately I needed someone experienced to guide me and tell me what is worth trying and what is a waste of my time. It would have saved me so much time and money! Although entrepreneurs coming from rich families have access to great advisors and mentors, for most, there’s no such option — you’re on your own. So I decided to become that person for them. The person who helps entrepreneurs focus on what really brings results, saving them money and time, and helping them to make their dream come true by transforming their businesses into brands that not only compete with the big names but have the potential to become legacy brands.
What do you see as the most common mistakes most entrepreneurs make?
Oh, there’s a long list of mistakes that all of us make as first-time entrepreneurs! But I want highlight the three biggest ones.
The first mistake is thinking that building a brand is only necessary for large companies. That’s just not true in today’s market. In fact, there’s no other way to stand out unless you have an absolutely innovative product with zero competition.
The second is hoping that a marketing agency will solve all your problems and spending your last money on it. No agency can fix things before you’ve built a solid foundation for your brand.
The third common mistake is creating polished visuals for social media and your website. People need to trust and relate to your brand. You need to build that through authentic, unpolished content, with plenty of UGC (user-generated content).
How do you structure your “Brand Revolution System” to ensure that entrepreneurs not only learn but also apply their knowledge effectively?
Brand Revolution System is a very practical, 2-month private coaching program where I work hand-in-hand with entrepreneurs. Together, we develop and package a brand for his or her business—both the visual aspects and the messaging. We build a website, sales funnel, and create a comprehensive strategy for online and offline promotion. It’s truly an A to Z approach that results in a fully packaged brand that can generate 3 to 5 times more sales and income, have a loyal customer base, and grow into a legacy brand.
To make sure they not only learn but also apply their knowledge effectively, I personally oversee every step and help with any questions. Starting from teaching them how to do it, and ending with helping to find and manage contractors if needed. I provide them with all the templates for work, as well as many creative examples, ideas, and inspiration every step of the way.
It sounds like a cheat sheet for young entrepreneurs. I bet all the entrepreneurs dream about it! But how do you tailor it to meet the specific needs of different types of entrepreneurs?
Haha, you could definitely call it that! To meet the specific needs of different types of entrepreneurs, my program includes weekly meetings and strategy sessions where I work 1-on-1 with each entrepreneur to develop a strategy tailored to their specific business and solve their unique problems and challenges. My goal is to help them accomplish in two months what usually takes a year or more for a new entrepreneur. I give them everything they need, making it nearly impossible to fail in a product-based business. I really believe that with the right 80/20 focus, every business and every entrepreneur can achieve results, no matter the industry your business is in.
And the last question, what brand marketing trends do you think entrepreneurs should focus on in the coming years?
In today’s market, high-quality products and visuals have become the standard, rather than exceptional qualities. Building a brand is no longer a nice-to-have, but a must-have for businesses of any size. That’s why I recommend focusing on brand marketing over product marketing. This means that instead of selling by showcasing your product’s features and qualities, sell through shared values, association with a desired lifestyle, and a sense of belonging to something bigger.
Another growing trend that will for sure boost your sales – is personalization. In an age of overconsumption and endless choices, people are looking for a personal, customized approach that makes them feel valued and excited about a purchase again.
One more trend I’d recommend not missing is dopamine-hit packaging. It will help your brand go viral and make influencer marketing actually work for your brand.
Published by: Martin De Juan
