From ‘Eww’ to ‘Aww’: How to be noticed for the right reasons.
Want people to notice (and like) you? Take a lesson from the ladybird.
I was making a salad on the weekend, about to slice into a yellow capsicum (or yellow pepper for my American friends), when I spotted a tiny bug. Instinct kicked in: flick it off, get it away from my food! But then, I looked closer—oh, it’s a ladybird! Instantly, my reaction shifted from ‘ewww’ to ‘awwww’.
Ladybirds have good branding.
They’re impossible to ignore, instantly recognisable, and, let’s be honest, pretty universally adored. If that had been any other bug, it would have been ejected from my kitchen without a second thought. But a ladybird? They get a pass. They even get a moment of admiration.
Imagine if we could all be a bit more like ladybirds in how we present ourselves, our work, or our ideas. Not in the ‘wear a red shell with black spots’ kind of way, but in the way that makes people stop, notice, and maybe even feel delighted by our presence.
So, how do we ‘brand’ ourselves like a ladybird?
Be Unmistakable – Stand out in a way that’s true to you. Whether it’s your ideas, your voice, or your approach, don’t blend into the background.
Be Useful – Ladybirds are seen as lucky and helpful (gardeners love them). They come with positive associations. What value do you bring? Make sure it’s something meaningful.
Be Consistent – Ladybirds look the same whether they’re in a garden or a salad! When people encounter you in different spaces, do you still feel like ‘you’?
Turns out, ladybirds aren’t just good at pest control—they’re also little branding gurus. Who knew?
Want More Ways to Be Impossible to Ignore?
1. Follow on LinkedIn: Nina Christian
Nina Christian is a marketing guru, the author of "Marketing Me", and probably taught the ladybrid all it knows! Follow her on LinkedIn, where you’ll find her marketing wisdom bombs delivered regularly.
Follow here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninachristian/
2. Podcast Episode: "Is the 'Godfather of Influence' Still Relevant?" – Nudge Podcast
This episode delves into Robert Cialdini's six principles of influence, testing them in modern-day conditions. It’s an easy listen (the whole podcast is one to follow), giving practical tips on how to apply the principles to make your ideas more compelling. This podcast is a great resource for understanding the psychology behind being impossible to ignore.
Listen here:
3. Video to Watch: "The Science of Persuasion"
Don’t have 36 mins for the podcast episode? This concise video illustrates the six universal principles of persuasion, providing practical examples of how to apply them in everyday situations. It’s narrated by Robert Cialdini himself and Steve Martin (yeah, not the actor, but the co-author of YES and The Small Big)
Watch here:
Newsletter to Read: Lenny’s Newsletter
One of the best Substack reads on marketing and growth, packed with actionable insights. There are plenty of ways to get this into your inbox, from a free subscription to different levels of paid content. Sign up, scroll back through the feed, and learn!
Sign up here: Lenny’s Newsletter
Want to Get Noticed for the Right Reasons? Work With Me!
Both online and in-person, how you show up matters. If you want to get noticed in a way that builds trust, credibility, and influence, my two upcoming workshops will help you do just that:
Be a Better Host
Hosting isn’t just about talking—it’s about setting the space so people feel engaged, valued, and ready to act. Whether you run meetings, events, or podcasts, this 2 x 2-hour online workshop will show you how to create presence, pace, and resonance that turn conversations into real impact. Happening at the end of this month—secure your spot before it’s too late!
More info and tickets
Be a Better Guest
Great guests don’t just answer questions—they make people remember them. If you want to turn interviews, panels, or media appearances into real influence, you need a plan. I’ll teach you the before, during, and after of interviews so you can land more opportunities, give answers that actually get used, and leave hosts wanting you back. This 2 x 2-hour workshop runs on Mondays at the end of March—lock in your spot now!
More info and tickets
If you have any questions, just hit me up at penny@pennyterry.com or find me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/pennyterry