Welcome to the entrepreneurial journey, a path filled with wild ideas, marketing strategies, brilliant innovations, and the thrill of creating something from scratch. While you’re already a pro at creating stellar products or services, I get that sales might not be your forte. It’s a common challenge – you’re not alone. And that’s exactly why I’m here to help.
If you’re a titan in product creation but your sales pitch is more of a weak wobble, then this blog post is your ultimate guide. I’m going to turn your sales frown upside down, getting those numbers soaring higher than a rocket heading to Mars. Fasten your seatbelts as we delve into how and why you should prioritize and strategize effective sales strategies. I’ll also reveal how this ties into creating a powerful brand identity and website design.
Why Sales Strategies Matter
Ever heard of the phrase, “Build it, and they will come”? In a perfect world, this might be true. But in the business sphere, having a stellar product or service is just one part of the puzzle. The other crucial piece? Making sure people know about it. This is where a sales strategy becomes as necessary as oxygen to a scuba diver.
The right sales strategy positions your product in the marketplace communicates its value, and most importantly, convinces your audience to press ‘buy’. In essence, it acts as the bridge between your business and the customer, converting interest into income.
Breaking Down the Sales Strategy
Your sales strategy should be as unique as your business. But let’s break down some fundamental principles that can guide you:
Understanding your dream customer: You should know your customers as well as you know your favorite song. Who are they? What do they want or need? Understanding their pain points, desires, and behaviors gives you insights to tailor your sales pitch and meet their needs.
Knowing your competition: In the business world, ignorance is never bliss. Identify who your competitors are, what they offer, and how they sell. This will help you differentiate your product and define your unique selling proposition (USP).
Defining your sales process: Your sales process is the roadmap that guides a prospect from the first contact to the final sale. It should be clear, consistent, and effective.
Prioritizing Sales Strategy
Alright, I get it. You’re already juggling a thousand tasks. Why should you add another one? Well, because prioritizing your sales strategy could be the difference between a sputtering start-up and a thriving business.
Without a targeted sales strategy, you risk shooting in the dark, wasting resources on unqualified leads, and missing opportunities for growth. On the other hand, a focused sales strategy can increase efficiency, improve customer relationships, and drive revenue.
Making Sales Strategy Work For You
Creating a robust sales strategy might sound like decoding the Enigma machine, but it doesn’t have to be. This is where my expertise comes into play. When I help my clients create a brand identity and website design, I’m not just making things look pretty (although I’m pretty good at that too!). I’m laying the foundation for an effective sales strategy.
Here’s how:
Creating a compelling brand story: People don’t just buy products, they buy stories. A strong brand story captivates your audience, builds emotional connections, and makes your product irresistible. When I craft your brand identity, I’m crafting a story that sells.
Designing a user-friendly website:Your website isn’t just a digital business card. It’s a powerful sales tool. I design websites that guide visitors through the sales journey, making it easy for them to learn about your product, see its value, and make a purchase.
Integrating a clear call-to-action (CTA): A website without a CTA is like a map without a compass. It leaves visitors clueless about what to do next. I ensure your website has clear, compelling CTAs that guide visitors toward making a purchase.
Optimizing for SEO: To sell, you need to be seen. My SEO strategy makes sure your website ranks high on search engines, increasing visibility and driving traffic to your site.
A well-thought-out sales strategy, combined with a captivating brand identity and a user-friendly website, can be the game changer for your business. It can convert your hard work into tangible results, turning your entrepreneurial dreams into a thriving reality.
I get it – sales can feel like uncharted territory. But armed with the right strategy, the journey can become an exciting adventure, filled with growth, success, and satisfaction. And I’m here to guide you every step of the way. So, are you ready to ignite your business growth? Let’s make those sales numbers sing!
Welcome back everyone, I am Alley Jean and this is my dog, Kingsley. Sorry, it has been a couple months since our last adventure. I had to do some updates on our time machine and it’s running better than ever. So today we are setting the time machine controls for France 1906 to experience Coco Chanel’s logo inspiration. (Sound of time machine blasting off!)
So here we are in Nice, France, at the construction of the Castle Château de Crémat in 1906. Antoine Mari, a wine merchant, is having the Castle built on land that was used for the cultivation of olive trees and vineyards that goes back to the Roman Empire. The Romans built these underground galleries that were used for oil and wine. These lavish galleries will become the Castle cellars.
Kingsley and I leave the time machine and venture across many rolling hills to reach our destination. The Castle is an inspired medieval design with magnificent tower parapets and ornamental rococo.
Kingsley starts running ahead of me as we encounter the final stages of this Castle being worked on. He zooms past the workers and runs through the open front door. I can barely catch up. The workers pay little attention to us as they go about their work. They believe we belong.
As I enter the Castle to find Kingsley I am awestruck by the stained glass window art. That is why we are here. On the Castle windows, among all the intricate colors and designs are two interlacing letters “C’s” which will go on to be one of the most famous logos in history. CHANEL.
These are the very same stained glass windows that inspired Coco Chanel to develop and launch her logo in 1925. Chanel revolutionized women’s wear and built a feminine empire.
Coco Chanel’s Logo
Chanel logo meaning
The iconic Chanel symbol and logo capture unity, luxury, and perfection through two interlocking “C’s”. As you stare at the logo you begin to see how the “C’s” form an overall oval shape. This shape represents eternity. The oval is also seen as an eye and stands for the brand’s vision. The stark contrast of black and white gives the logo an elegant look and feel. A typographer created the font for Chanel by using Coco Chanel’s own handwriting. Her use of the symbol created an acronym that became a personal expression. It completed her brand.
The iconic logo captures unity, luxury, and perfection through two interlocking “C’s”.
-Alley Jean
I climb the stairs and look upon the countryside from the highest view.
Stunning. I see Antoine Mari’s beautiful teacup roses shining in the sun.
The roses would someday be world-famous. Kingsley and I go through the entire Castle. The place is beyond description. Love it! As we finally exit an older burly man with a white mustache is waving us over calling out in French. We walk over to where he is working on a small pad of concrete that will hold a flag pole. I tell him I speak only English. He hastily motions to imprint my hand into the cement. I kneel down and put my hand into the concrete. It feels like wet peanut butter. He gives me a towel and smiles. I point to my dog and then the concrete. He nods yes. I take Kingsley’s right paw and press it down next to my handprint. I wipe off his paw and stare at our impressions. Crazy cool!
We take our time walking through the young vineyard. It was there that outstepped the cutest female gold poodle I ever saw. It was as if Cupid shot Kingsley with an arrow. I literally saw hearts in his eyes. Then in an instant, they ran off out of sight. I called out for him over and over and feared I may never see him again. I laid down on a hillside and waited and waited…..then fell asleep.
I was awakened by a Kingsley bark and I was so happy he returned I couldn’t be mad. I gave him a bear hug! There, by his side, was his new mate. She followed us back to the time machine where Kingsley and I argued about taking her back. Me saying, “No, No!” while he aggressively barked in defense. Love is powerful. So off into the future the three of us went. Unlike Lady and the Tramp just kissing while eating a noodle… she and Kingsley started having doodles. What?!!! Yep! Nine weeks later the two of them multiplied like gremlins.
May I introduce Riley, Lily, Bear, Jojo, and FuFu.
Nice.
Join me next week for another Alley Jean’s Brand Time Machine travel!
Signing off,
Alley Jean
Brand Strategist, Web Designer & SEO for Women “2022 Local Business Person of the Year Ann Arbor, Michigan
FOR all WHO seek knowledge and harbor an abundance of curiosity.
Welcome back everyone, I am Alley Jean and this is my dog Kingsley, and today we are setting the time machine controls for 1898. (Sound of time machine blasting off!)
So here we are in Honshu, Japan. I’m hiding the time machine much better this time in a more lush mountainous forest. It’s autumn here and the maples are amazing. The most beautiful yellow I’ve ever seen is a tree called the ginkgo.
Kingsley and I are going to trek to the town of Hamamatsu. This is where the founder Torakusu Yamaha lives and is designing the first official logo. He started off as a repairman who worked on medical equipment as well as musical instruments. His grand idea was to develop a multi-faceted corporation. While working on repairs for an organ he decided to use his last name to brand the company, Yamaha.
The town is lively with people going about their day. They are dressed in Kimonos but some of the men are wearing western-style suits. The streets have some people traveling on horse while others are “shank’s mare” which is a phrase of traveling on foot. The place is really special. It is coastal and even has a castle made of wood and stone. Although the people seem very curious of us they all smile as we walk by. We reached the home of Torakusu Yamaha. He answers the door.
“Mr. Yamaha?” I ask.
He nods and seems confused why a Westerner would be at his door.
I handed him a letter I had printed out in Japanese explaining I was an artist interested in his logo.
He reads it and smiles. Then holds it up into the sunlight examining a print he has never seen. He flips it over and over. He feels the paper, rubbing it between his fingers.
He hands the letter back to me and I believe he said. “Come in, come in” because he waved us in.
I bowed before entering while keeping eye contact. That’s how it’s done. As I entered he pointed at my shoes. Before I could even get them off a woman begins talking very excitedly and begins petting and hugging Kingsley. They have never seen such a dog. She is speaking to him and he tilts his head back and forth while giving “the golden retriever lip.”
We walk into a little artist den and it’s decorated in several rugs and cultural silk banners hanging from the ceiling. His desk is covered in brushes and watercolors. The logo is drawn out in several different stages. Some were even in color. The original logo is fantastic and one of my favorites. Mr. Yamaha seems very proud and he should be. The ornamental design is a “Ho-oh” Chinese phoenix also known as a “Ho-oh” holding a tuning fork in its mouth. The logo was created to express world-class products and it truly hits the mark. The design would go on to be first used on top-quality organs.
As we know a tuning fork is used for tuning musical instruments. The tuning fork is a handle attached to the center of a U-shaped steel rod. When striking the rod the sound created, and the frequency of the resulting vibrations per second is used as a standard for tuning a musical instrument.
Later on, in the 20th century, the Yamaha logo would be simplified using three tuning forks. Mr. Yamaha wanted to represent the cooperative relationship that links the three pillars of his business of technology, production, and sales. He also wanted the mark to symbolize the three essential musical elements: rhythm, melody, and harmony.
Original Logo
2021 Logo
The original logo is artistic, nature-based, and has a flowing intrigue that I prefer. I would love to own one of the original organs with this logo. If I could fit one in my time machine I would.
We are guided to a table where we are given tea and food. Mr. Yamaha creates a Sumi portrait painting of Kingsley before we leave. They seem to really have a love for Kingsley. Before we leave I write down the breeder of the English Golden Retriever in Scotland so they can find their own furry companion. This has been one of the best travels yet.
Everything went smoothly until Kingsley and I got back to the time machine. What we thought were five harmless Macaque monkeys, also known as snow monkeys were playing on top of the time machine. suddenly one monkey began shaking a tree and an army of them poured out of the forest. All I remember was high-pitched screaming on top of my own. Longtails everywhere. First Kingsley was being dragged away. Then I was being dragged away! I couldn’t get over how weirdly cute they were even though I was terrified.
Finally, we were able to get through the chaos and make our way into the time machine. I have never set the time controls so fast and we set off immediately for home.
Then I noticed that one Macaque monkey made it inside with us!
We land and as soon as I open the door he escaped! OMG!
If anyone sees a snow monkey in Southeastern Michigan, please contact Alley Jean at alleyjean.com so we can safely return him to his family and correct time in history.
Join me next week for another Alley Jean’s Brand Time Machine travel!
Signing off,
Alley Jean
Brand Strategist | Visibility Coach | Designer
Ps. Kingsley now has his own email address. If you would like to get in contact with him, please email him at kingsley@alleyjean.com
FOR all WHO seek knowledge and harbor an abundance of curiosity.
Welcome back everyone, I am Alley Jean and this is my dog Kingsley, and today we are setting the time machine controls for 1905. (Sound of time machine blasting off!)
So today is about the American darling Harley-Davidson logo. Here we are on the southside of Milwaukee Wisconsin 1905. Kingsley and I have walked all the way from a nearby forest where we have hidden our time machine. We reach the corner of 37th and Highland where the Davidson home is. Right behind the home sits a ten by fifteen-foot shed that will launch the legend of Harley-Davidson Motorcycle. The shed is made of wood with two windows on each of the long sides. The roof is almost flat with a single chimney pipe from the wood burner inside. Harley-Davidson Motor Co. is roughly painted on the door.
William S. Harley and friend Arthur Davidson had completed prototypes of the bike in 1903 and 1904 and now in this year, 1905, they’ve completed the first official number 1 model Harley-Davidson Motorcycle.
I knock on the door and a man greets us.
“Hello, can I help you?”
“Hello, are you Mr. Davidson or Mr. Harley?”
“No, I’m Mr. Pochert. I work for them.”
“I’m Alley Jean and this is my dog Kingsley and we have traveled a long way to see the new motorbike you have created.”
“Well, the only new models are over at Henry Melk’s garage. He is a friend of the Davidson’s. That’s where they are building them. They are going to start making them next year out of a factory on Chestnut street. There is a fella in Chicago named Carl Lang who has most of the new models. He is the first dealer for us. He has four. We may produce sixteen bikes this year.” Mr. Pochert explains.
Seeing the disappointment on my face he adds,” But right around the side here is parked one of the first prototypes from last year. It’s almost exactly the same except the new bike has a little bigger engine and the tires are white.”
He steps out of the working shed and guides me to the bike.
1903-1904 Harley-Davidson
There it is parked right alongside the shed. I can see every detail with the sun shining down on it. The motorcycle is exactly a motorbike… a bicycle with an engine. Something I like about prototypes and early inventions is you can see the future vision in its blooming stage.
The motorcycle is charcoal black with a single brown leather seat. The small horse-powered engine still also has pedals like a bicycle for starting; and when in need of extra power for hills. The nameplate on the crossbar is a proto-logo. Bright orange letters on a black band.
The true original logo will not be developed until 1910, five years from now. The quintessential future Harley-Davidson logo is a badge of honor in so many ways. It symbolizes freedom to speed up and to slow down and “take it all in” with the upward and downward cross arrow shapes. The bar that crosses over top creates a plus sign or cross which signifies positivity, dedication, and a way of life.
Orange is a great brand color that represents attraction, wealth, youth, creativity, enthusiasm, risk-taker, energy, warmth, opportunity, and self-motivation.
Original Logo
2021 Logo
This iconic logo tells you exactly what you are getting before you even see the product. The typography is simple, readable and in a sans-serif font that is easy on the eyes. The entire logo is a shield and bar that emulates strength, community, and a fun free-spirited lifestyle. It’s come a long way since the bold letters were painted in black on the first Harley-Davidson shed.
I ask, “Sir, could you please start this baby up?”
“I’ve never met a woman who liked motorcycles.” Pochert states.
It looks like he turns on the fuel and maybe an oil drip.
Mr. Pochert gets on the motorbike and begins to pedal with the back tire on kickstands. The motor revs and starts up!
He gets off of it and leaves it running.
I ask if I can sit on it and he agrees.
“This is so cool!” I shout!
“Well, it shouldn’t be cold!” Mr. Pochert says.
“No, I mean, this is fantastic!”
I rev the small engine by twisting the right-hand grip. With the bike on a kickstand, the back tire spins freely.
(Kingsley is barking and doing dance circles.)
All of a sudden, horse-mounted police gallop by with a frightened group of townspeople in tow on foot.
Mr. Pochert shouts out to a man, “What is happening, where are you going?”
“There’s a strange object reported out in the forest! We’re all going to have a look.” the man answers.
“Oh my god, I think to myself. I can’t believe this, they found my time machine. I am going to be stuck in 1905. There’s not even going to be hairdryers for almost twenty years!”
I push the bike off the kickstand, twist the throttle and take off.
“Let’s go, Kingsley!”
I quickly realize that this motorcycle is not very fast because Mr. Pochert is running right alongside me, yelling, “Ma’am, ma’am, you are chasing the police on a stolen motorbike!”
Realizing I need a faster way, I stop the bike and give it back to Mr. Pochert.
“I am sorry Mr. Pochert, thank you for everything but I really have to get going.”
I leave him standing holding the motorbike disgusted and confused.
As I run down the street I see a Model T Ford. We steal the car.Kingsley is loving it! We are now passing by the excited crowd and the Police are giving me the dirty eye.
We drive back through a field into the forest, ditch the car, and hightail it to the machine.
When we arrive there are six men already there. They are examining, pushing and pulling, and trying to find a way to get in. They see me.
“Miss, please keep your distance! Stay back! We are waiting for the police because we believe this is a dangerous object.” the men scream at us.
I must act fast and get these men away from our time machine.
I shout, “There is a fire in the town at the theatre!”
The men do not care and go back to examining our machine.
I shout, “No, I mean the fire is at the cheese factory!”
The men look up at me for a second only to go back to examining our machine.
I shout, “NO! I mean the beer brewing factory is on fire!”
Tools are dropped and slung.
The men stampede by us and head for town.
I quickly punch in the code to open the door and set the controls for home. Kingsley gives me “the lip” and off we go!
Join me next week for another Alley Jean’s Brand Time Machine travel!
FOR all WHO seek knowledge and harbor an abundance of curiosity.
Welcome back everyone, I am Alley Jean and this is my dog Kingsley, and today we are setting the time machine controls for 1970.
So, today is all about, Taking Care of Business; Elvis Presley’s infamous personal logo!
Being an eighties baby, I was hit with the aftershock that carried over thirty years later from the rock & roll earthquake of 1956.
The first time I heard Heartbreak Hotel it was biblical.
The first time I saw his face on a record… he looked perfect.
A rock-n-roll bible would start with, “In the beginning, God made Elvis.”
When I heard Lawdy Miss Clawdy, it made my heart race and truly dance for the first time. I spun around the room so fast I almost fell out the front window!
After Elvis had his successful 1968 comeback he began touring again and called his band, TCB (Taking Care of Business) This time period is when the TCB logo design was made.
The Taking Care of Business Band
So let’s go! (sounds of time machine taking off)
So here we are in Tennessee on June 4th, 1970. I’m sipping a sweet tea outside RCA Studio B in Nashville. Kingsley and I are waiting impatiently for the King to arrive along with other fans. I notice Felton Jarvis, record producer, step out of the building for a minute. He takes a look around and goes back inside.
A car pulls up and there he is! When Elvis steps out of the car he appears relaxed and in charge. He’s wearing a denim-like shirt (he can make anything look fancy) and a black silk scarf. His hair looks so soft I just want to sleep in it! He eagerly walks over to greet his fans; there are so many fans that I am afraid I won’t be able to meet him! Wait, the fans are parting like the sea… and he is smiling and walking my way! My prayers have been answered! I am so excited and thought this wouldn’t happen… and… he goes straight to Kingsley.
“That’s a beautiful dog.” Elvis says as he pets Kingsley’s head.
I secretly can’t help but to want to be petted also.
Elvis says, “look at that lip this dog has goin.” Boy, he keeps it goin’ too! I did thirty-one pictures like that.”
I reply, “He’s named after you Elvis, we’ll sort of. His name is Kingsley.”
Elvis adds, “I love dogs, I have two Great Danes at home, Brutus and Snoopy.”
Fans begin shoving pens and pictures to autograph and Elvis happily obliges.
Elvis begins heading towards the studio doors and on the fly, I make up a story based on facts I know. “I have friends at Schwartz and Ableser Jewelers who were kind enough to show me the final design of the TCB jewelry they’re making for you. Where did you come up with the TCB logo design?”
Elvis responds, “Oh man, I can’t wait to get those necklaces! How are they lookin?”
“They look fantastic, I think they’re going to be done in October.”
“Me and Pricilla just used the initials and we both drew different lightning bolts trying to choose one. She can draw better than me.”
“What inspired the lightning bolt?” I ask.
Felton Jarvis pokes his head out the door and tells Elvis, “We’ve gotta get started.”
“Walk with me.” Elvis says.
“Well, I have my dog.”
“You can bring him too. You can stay for a couple rehearsals.”
As we walk down the hall I ask, “What was the inspiration for the lightning bolt?”
“Well as a kid I read a lot of comic books. Mostly Freddie Freeman who was Captain Marvel Jr. My style is a lot the same. At the shows, I wear jumpsuits and capes like the superheroes I dreamed of being, as a boy. Captain Marvel Jr. taught me the most about patriotism and love of country. There’s a fella that used to work for the west coast mafia I know that had a lightning bolt symbol I kinda liked. He said it meant ”in a flash”. And there was a patch on my army outfit from the 3rd armored division that also had a lightning bolt now that I think about it.”
We reach the studio and there is Glen Hardin, James Burton, Ronnie Tutt, Jerry Scheff, and others all manning their instruments waiting for Elvis.
“What’s your name?” Elvis asks.
“Alley Jean.”
“Well Alley Jean stand over there and keep Kingsley cool and what do you want to hear?”
“How about Mystery Train?” I ask.
“Alright and then I’ll do Tiger Man for Kingsley.”
“Thank you so much, Elvis. We all love you very much.”
I hugged him and kissed his cheek. There was so much I wanted to say but I can’t change history.
Elvis went over to the band, mouthed a few words, and launched into Mystery Train which flowed into Tiger Man.
It was powerful.
As we quietly walked out he waved goodbye while talking with the band.
The whole way back to the time machine I felt like I was walking on air.
Now it’s time to set the controls for home. (sound of time machine taking off)
Thinking over the TCB logo I recognize that the lightning bolt symbolizes strength, spirituality, ancient magic, intelligence, enlightenment, power, and a light in the dark. It has been used across cultures since ancient symbolism began illustrating its significance and is also known as a thunderbolt. A perfect symbol for the alpha male rock star.
Monogram logos (abbreviated logos) are used effectively when a business has a long name and wishes to simplify the logo or mark using only the first initials of each word. They become more powerful when you combine them with a symbol. They are also great for family-owned businesses and have been turned into powerful high-end brands going back hundreds of years.
Join me next week for another Alley Jean’s Brand Time Machine travel!
Signing off,
Alley Jean
Wild-Hearted Brand Strategist & Designer
Ps. If you can ever get a bootleg of Elvis’ Nashville sessions, you can hear a Golden Retriever bark at the end of Tiger Man.
FOR all WHO seek knowledge and harbor an abundance of curiosity.
Welcome back everyone, I am Alley Jean and this is my dog Kingsley, and today we are setting the time machine controls for 1928. So let’s go! (sounds of time machine taking off)
So here we are at MGM Studios. (I got in by telling a stage-hand that Kingsley is part of a movie! Shhh!) Beautiful ladies and moving sets are whirling by! I can’t seem to keep my feet on the ground with so much going on! I can feel the glamour, drama, and creative sophistication in the air! Making our way through the wardrobe area is filled with glitter, beads, silk, sparkle, shine, and feather boas! Oh my god, Joan Crawford just walked by me! Wow!
Today is about the iconic branding of MGM Pictures. The original design of the lion logo was made in 1916 by ad executive Howard Dietz. Some say he designed it after the company’s owner Marcus Leow because his name translates to, “lion.” Others say he designed it after his Alma Mater’s lion mascot at Columbia University.
The reason we have traveled to 1928 instead of 1916 is that we are here to watch the recording of Jackie the lion’s roar being recorded, which will be added to the live MGM logo. Jackie is my dog’s favorite actor and I promised him we would see him! Jackie the lion will appear in over a hundred films. In real life Jackie the lion survived a sinking ship, two train wrecks, an earthquake, an explosion in the studio, and a plane crash in Arizona. ” (This cat truly has nine lives!) There will be seven lions used during the hundred years of evolution of the MGM branding. All the lions were known as Leo to the public even though they had their own names. Only the last lion actually was named Leo.
The first distinguishable uniqueness of all the different versions of the MGM logo is not the lion or the obvious play on the acting world, it is actually the title, Metro Goldwyn Mayer. Metro Goldwyn Mayer represents the merger of several picture studios into one powerhouse. Each word is in a different vintage font that represents the personality brought in from the individual picture studios.
The MGM logo has a lot of ornamental symbolism. The serif font shows strength and readability. The film strips wrapping around the prestigious lion in gold to create a high-end feel. The studio offered the motto, “Ars Gratia Artis” which is Latin for “Art for Art’s Sake.” It is a nice addition at the top within the film ribbon. And last, the tribal mask with the heart mouth with ferns around it reminds me of currency. A design you may see on a coin or paper bills. The word TRADEMARK is boldly stamped on the sides of the lion as if its importance is bigger than the lion itself. Being a film studio MGM was one of the first to create a live logo being presented at the beginning of every picture. As a child, I loved how the beginning of “the wizard of oz” soundtrack overlaid the lion’s roar. This logo works so well because it is the perfect introduction to the Hollywood stars that follow. It has an instant connection with the audience and leads them to their journey.
MGM “Leo the Lion” 1928
Kingsley and I make our way through the wardrobe department and sneak all the way over to the Jackie set. The set is boxed in within a tent for trapping the sound. I pull the opening very gently to get a look. There are two men recording. It’s as if they are filming a house cat and not a four hundred pound lion. Jackie is perched upon wooden basket crates in front of a microphone. A sound engineer sits in a chair with headphones just a few feet away from the lion, ready to record. A cameraman also just a few feet away calmly stands behind a movie camera shooting the event. Kingsley is wagging his tail in excitement. Then as I look down at Kingsley I notice that his tail suddenly stops wagging and the famous golden retriever curled lip forms and the hair on his back has risen. I look up at Jackie the lion and see he has locked eyes on Kingsley. A thunderous roar explodes from Jackie causing Kingsley to Scooby-Doo it down the hallway. I’m right behind him running as fast as an olympian. We tear through the wardrobe department with the lion in tow. Shuttering screams erupt. Clothes are flying everywhere. I think I knocked Joan Crawford down. A dress falls upon the lion’s head giving us time to escape out a back door. We didn’t stop running for one second. We get back to the time machine and quickly take off. The things you will do for your pet.
Back to the time machine and set the controls for home. (sounds of blasting off.) Join me next week for another Alley Jean’s Brand Time Machine travel!
Signing off,
Alley Jean
Wild-Hearted Brand Strategist, Web Designer & Artist