Local StoriesNovember 18, 2024

Meet Yolanda Smith

Local Stories

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Yolanda Smith . Yolanda was introduced to us by the brilliant and talented Pam Perry.

Hi Yolanda, we’re so thrilled to have you sharing your story with us today. Maybe we can kick things off by having you introduce yourself to our readers? We’d love to have you go into your story and how you got to where you are today.
Absolutely, it has been quite the journey.

My journey into personal branding and business strategy was born from navigating corporate America as a minority woman, where the concepts of mentorship, coaching, and sponsorship weren’t exactly laid out on the table for me. I didn’t have anyone opening doors or guiding me until I was mid-career. But what I did know was that if I wanted to break through, I’d need to become my own advocate—and then some. That realization sparked a fire in me, not just to transform my own career, but to help others who, like me, weren’t handed a road map to success.

It started with my work at a nonprofit called Girl Talk. I discovered personal branding and started holding workshops that gave young girls the tools to amplify their voice, and embrace who they were with authenticity and confidence. Parents began attending those workshops, and the conversations evolved into something much bigger. They wanted to know how to create that same impact in their professional lives. And that was a pivotal moment, where I realized professionals needed personal branding to elevate their careers and businesses. I skilled up, became a certified brand analyst and created coaching and training programs that have helped thousands of individuals to articulate their value and stand out in their chosen market place for more the influence, impact and income.

Please tell us more about your brand, Branding 4 Success, LLC
At Branding 4 Success (B4S), we’re all about equipping entrepreneurs, corporate professionals, and organizations with the tools they need to build brands and businesses that are as impactful as they are authentic. Our team specializes in personal branding and business strategy, offering a range of programs, coaching, and corporate training services designed to drive optimal results. We’re committed to helping our clients build sustainable brands that empower them to advance in their careers or scale their businesses for growth and sustainability. In addition to personal branding, I am passionate about empowering people with access to their rights. I also serve as an independent consultant for Legal Shield where I help entrepreneurs and small business owners to obtain affordable access to legal services so they can get and stay in business and not allow their legal questions to become legal problems. What truly sets B4S apart is our holistic approach. With over 30 years of experience in the corporate sector, I bring a unique blend of business acumen and branding expertise to the table. We believe that personal branding isn’t just a luxury; it’s essential for anyone who wants to thrive in today’s competitive world. Our approach is built on the idea that a brand should not only stand out but also stay true to the individual or organization behind it. In an increasingly globalized environment, we emphasize cultural awareness, ensuring our clients’ brands resonate authentically with diverse audiences, both locally and globally. To make this happen, we’ve developed a suite of proven tools and frameworks, including the “5 Essential Steps to a Powerful Brand,” “The Brand Signature Formula,” “The Entrepreneur Business Framework,” and the “12 Step Niche Discovery Process.” These frameworks provide a structured foundation that guides clients in creating brands and business strategies with impact. They’re practical, repeatable, and designed to work across industries. In my coaching and speaking work, I prioritize engagement and real-world application. Our workshops and training programs are intentionally interactive, using a mix of adult learning principles, companion worksheets, and video content to ensure that our clients don’t just learn the material—they live it. We’re proud to see our clients walk away with the confidence and clarity to make immediate changes that propel their brands and businesses forward. Ultimately, our biggest pride as a brand is in the transformations we help make possible.

So, as we mentioned to our audience earlier, you were introduced to us by Pam Perry and PamPerryPR.com and we really admire them and what they’ve built. For folks who might not be as familiar, can you tell them a bit about your experience with PamPerryPR.com.
Working with Dr. Pam Perry and her team at PamPerryPR.com has been an amazing experience for me and my business, Branding 4 Success (B4S). I first connected with Dr. Pam through her Speak Sell Shine event at the National Press Club, which was a pivotal moment in my professional journey. The event provided invaluable insights into branding and public relations, equipping me with the tools to elevate my brand’s visibility and impact with the media.

One of the most significant outcomes of our collaboration was the creation of BRANDfluence: A Premier Personal Branding Event. Despite my initial apprehensions, Dr. Pam encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and host a live event. With her and my mentor Linda Clemons guidance, I successfully launched the BRANDfluence event in Indianapolis, IN, attracting women from across the country to participate in this exclusive, luxury experience. The event was so well-received that it will become an annual fixture. Additionally, I launched my book “BRANDfluence: Ignite Your Brand Power on Social Media” during the event, further solidifying my authority in the personal branding space.

Dr. Pam’s expertise in public relations has significantly expanded my visibility through various media channels, podcasts, and events. Under her mentorship, I have secured numerous media features that have effectively showcased my story and the mission of B4S. Her extensive network has also facilitated connections with individuals like Terrence Wilson, Wanda Muir Oliver, and others who have become clients and collaborators, enriching my professional community.

A testament to Dr. Pam’s strategic guidance was her encouragement to apply for the Inc. Power Partner Awards. On our first attempt, Branding 4 Success was honored in two categories, a remarkable achievement that underscores the effectiveness of her counsel.

As my publicist, Dr. Pam ensures that my brand maintains a strong visibility and presence in the digital landscape. Her unwavering support, industry expertise, and valuable connections have been instrumental in the growth and success of B4S. I highly recommend her services to anyone seeking to elevate their brand and achieve greater visibility and impact.