19 YEARS OF HELPING ORGANIZATIONS BUILD STRONGER BRANDS: VIVA LA BRAND CELEBRATES ANNIVERSARY

The Cleveland-based brand strategy consultancy continues to help organizations nationwide strengthen their positioning, differentiate their brands, and maximize their marketing effectiveness. CLEVELAND, OH – October 27, 2026 – Viva La Brand, the Cleveland, Ohio-based marketing strategy consultancy and ad agency search firm, is starting its 10th year helping clients with brand strategy and digital marketing to help achieve their business goals. “Clients from a variety of industries engage Viva La Brand because of our approach…

27

Oct 2026

By Laura SheridanPress

When everyone has AI, what sets you apart?

You can’t avoid it. AI is writing our emails, analyzing data, conducting research, creating images (including the one above), developing presentations and producing more marketing content in minutes than most teams can create in weeks. And given all the articles and news stories that hit my feed, we’re just getting started. For marketers, the opportunities are fantastic. But there’s a flip side. When everyone has access to the same powerful tools, it’s easier for everyone…

15

Sep 2026

By Laura SheridanBlog

4 Branding Lessons Learned on the Pickleball Court

I really enjoy playing pickleball. Like many players, I’ve taken lessons and signed up for clinics to improve my third-shot drop, strengthen my serve, and help me stop popping the ball up for an easy put-away. Some of that instruction has made me a better player. All of it has made me a better brand strategist. The more time I spend on the pickleball court, the more I’m reminded that success – whether you’re building…

13

Aug 2026

By Laura SheridanBlog

One wedding. Five branding lessons.

Some of the best branding lessons don’t come from boardrooms or marketing conferences. They come from life’s most meaningful moments. I recently attended a wedding that brought together Jewish and Hindu traditions. While I expected to experience two distinct cultures, what struck me were the remarkable similarities. Different languages, music, rituals, clothing, and food all came together to create one shared experience rooted in community, tradition, and love. As a brand strategist, I couldn’t help…

09

Jul 2026

By Laura SheridanBlog

How can I AI-proof my personal brand?

Some people hear the phrase, “personal brand,” and think it means self-promotion. It doesn’t. Your personal brand is the sum of what people know, trust, remember, and say about you when you’re not in the room. Holding the door for someone whose hands are full. Returning a shopping cart instead of leaving it in the parking lot. Failing to follow through on a promise. Constantly showing up late for meetings. These are the moments that…

17

Jun 2026

By Laura SheridanBlog

Marketing Lessons from Pim, our Amsterdam bike tour guide

Last week, I met Bill Meeus, better known as Pim, the owner, operator, and entire staff of Bill’s Bike Tours in Amsterdam. His official title might be “guide,” but that undersells it. He’s quietly running a masterclass in marketing from the front of a bike. Here are four lessons Pim gets right that many brands don’t. Lesson #1: Know what your audience is worried about and say it. Bill’s Bike Tour is listed on Airbnb…

05

May 2026

By Laura SheridanBlog

Hiring a marketer? Read this first.

At some point, nearly every organization needs a marketing lead. That’s when the checklist starts. Companies often stick to the basics: Years of experience Industry background Social media expertise Experience with key software tools None of that is wrong. But it’s not what actually determines whether they’ll be effective. Marketing isn’t static. It’s not a set of tasks. It’s a way of thinking. The best marketing professionals don’t just do marketing. They figure things out. Here’s what…

31

Mar 2026

By Laura SheridanBlog

Your Super Bowl LX Cheat Sheet

The Big Game is Sunday. Super Bowl LX is serving up a quarterback showdown that feels like a Hollywood script: New England Patriots’ Drake Maye led the league in completion percentage and passer rating in just his second season. Seattle Seahawk’s Sam Darnold completed his second 14-3 season in a row, establishing himself as a bonafide starter and removing the ‘bust’ label from his name after six underwhelming seasons with four other NFL teams. That’s…

01

Feb 2026

By Laura SheridanBlog

One thing AI can’t fix in your marketing

Investment doesn’t guarantee impact. If your new messaging, fresh creative, and shiny new website are not producing results, it may be because your brand just doesn’t sound like itself. I see this all the time. Smart organizations with solid strategies end up with creative that feels professional and polished – and could belong to almost anyone in their category. That’s why I like to play what I call the logo game. If you swapped your logo…

15

Jan 2026

By Laura SheridanBlog

Your Year-end Marketing Checklist

This time of year always pulls me into reflection mode – what worked in 2025, what didn’t, and what surprised me. It’s a reminder of how grounding intentional planning can be, and how a little reflection now can help set the direction for the new year. Here’s a checklist for your 2026 marketing strategy. #1: PEOPLE. Your customers and your employees remain the heart of your marketing success. Know your customer. Understanding your customers’ wants,…

24

Nov 2025

By Laura SheridanBlog