Book(s) reviews

The book ‘Brand it Purple – stand out in a crowd’ is filled with amusing stories, case studies, and easy to follow action plans, this book will guide you on your way to mastering your personal brand and becoming the most Powerful Purple Poppy (YOU Inc.) in your field.

It is filled with honesty, passion, useful ‘to do’s', checklists of ‘do’s’ & don’ts’ and according to some of our readers, helped either change their lives or get them back on track.

This is an easy to guide for developing your personal brand and becoming a Powerful Purple Poppy. See what our readers think…

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Dear Ashley

Every now and then a good book comes into your life and has a profound impact on your thinking. Brand it Purple is that book. It took me on a reality check like no other and has become a guide for life; I love it. Honestly, I cried in the opening pages. Fortunately not all gloom, I am laughing and nodding my head too. Its amazing how life shapes us and although your life experience is vastly different to my own throughout the entire story so far I feel like I’m on the journey with you. As an aspiring writer (and PP) who has just undergone “personal transformation”, your book is more relevant than I could have ever imagined.

Ashley’s honesty, her clever and straight-to-the-point narrative has helped me to rediscover personal values that I’d actually lost touch with. I’m living these values again and it feels amazing. BiP is a refreshing and insightful book of self-discovery and a must read along the way to better business relationships; every word is inspiring and motivational. Five Stars.

Tracey Baker

Aspiring Purple Poppy and Proprietor, TB Consulting

Hello Ashley

I have been inspired by reading Lounge to Boardroom. I am now reading ‘Brand it Purple’ and I am impressed by your journey. As a result of Ludwina’s support, I have been inspired by the women I have met and I have also realised the value of my contribution over the years. I wasn’t before. Typical female attitude I believe.

I know it is about the journey not the results. Simply connecting with you and being game enough to put myself forward to be included in your book was all I needed to break my ‘self effacing’ attitude.

I am now opening up to become a Purple Poppy. I am not helping anyone by being the lonely little petunia in the onion patch. Believe me this is out of my comfort zone – but you say you have a talent to inspire people to get out of their comfort zone……even when you write!

I thank you for that. You have contributed enormously to my growth.

Best wishes,

Marilyn Martyn

Hi Ashley,

I only had time this weekend to read your book. An immigrant myself I related to an awful lot of things you mentioned in the book as ways of standing out from the crowd. I took me a long time to feel comfortable being different and when I finally did walked into 6 figure income jobs in IT Business Development roles It was great to find that I was doing a lot of what you’ve recommended intuitively working for other companies. Now I need to do this for myself.

This book has given me a step by step guide to a check list that I can work off from now on.

Many thanks

Shiro Kenny

Mintsilver.com.au

Dear Ashley
In today’s information age where your clients are consistently bombarded with marketing, personal branding has become more important than ever. Leaving a lasting impression and being able to stand out despite your client’s busy schedules is vital for business success in today’s age. Brand it Purple gives you an insight to getting that ever so important edge that is absolutely vital in being noticed and succeeding in business.

To me it’s easy either brand and grow it or just forget it!

Xenia Ioannou
www.xeniaioannou.com
www.adprop.com.au

Dear Ashley

Your book was like a gift from the heavens! I had been thinking a lot about my future and when I read your book , I was so ready for it as it was the catalyst I needed to reach out for my dreams.

I am so glad I had the chance to meet you, you are an inspiration and your book is responsible for helping me get my life on track, where I want to be and has given me the confidence to follow my dreams. I was always afraid of my limitations and what others thought of me and after reading your book I am feeling SO empowered I am unstoppable!

I now know exactly what I have to do and I am dong the exercises in the book diligently and following them like a roadmap – just like you have set them out in the book.

Thank you once again for your magnificent book – it has helped me to break out of the mould and grow into the Purple Poppy I have always wanted to be – but was too afraid.

Karen

Photographic Artist

Hi Ashley

GREAT STUFF! Valuable information that can be used immediately. Will definetely make a difference to your life and business if applied`.

Sally Couper
Author, Speaker, Investor
sallycouper.com.au

Hi Ashley

Wow what an absolutely valuable and insightful read! In this new relationship economy world we live and work in, …

Kylie Bartlett

www.thewebceleb.tv

Dear Ashley

I have read a fair bit of your book, I have found it a real eye opener…

ESPECIALLY pages 128-129. Which were actually pretty spot on… here I was all along thinking I was invisible, and it actually turns out that some people do see me and in extraordinary detail, (and Ian, my ex-employer). It was confronting… but I can take it into my stride and learn the lesson… at the time, we thought we were making a statement… about being techy, blue collar and hard working, when really what we were saying is that we were slobs… I have come some way since then, but obviously have my work still set out in front of me… In a way you have rescued me, albeit some time down the track. I have to wonder why you didn’t say what needed to be said that night, I guess its hard to approach a stranger (worse yet, two) and tell them to tuck their shirt in, loose some weight and stand up straight….etc. Again, everything you said was spot on….

I do enjoy your honesty though. I will buy your next book/s without hesitation.

I have found what I have read so far, pretty insightful… I will finish it off tonight or tomorrow, I am quite looking forward to it.

Sincerely I thank you (somewhat in advance)

Kind regards

Mike

Hi Ashley

I have read ‘Brand it Purple – stand out in a crowd’ and I found it very empowering in helping me to separate myself from my business and personal brand. I had some challenges with my florist shop in separating myself in my marketing from the actual my shop and myself.

It allowed me to separate myself – helped me think about what I wanted to do in life, and it enabled me to separate the two and reminded myself about what I truly wanted to be doing.

Would I recommend it to others? Absolutely, without a doubt!

Nicole Fleet

Blu Tulip Florist

Hi Ashley

Thank you for a copy of your book Brand it Purple ‘Standing Out in a Crowd’. I have finished reading the book and found it to be a fabulous read.

You are a talented author who goes where many others fear to tread. I found your life journey to be very honest and very interesting. I have always considered myself to be a Purple Poppy but have have been frustrated trying to find others that share a similar passion. Some people prefer to stay in the herd and hide from accountability.

I am impressed by the way you integrated words of wisdom throughout every chapter which kept me on the edge of my seat and was equally impressed to see you include your email address at the end of the book.

You have introduced original ideas that elevate you above the average author.

I have been inspired by your words.

Steven Hill

Manager of business improvement.

Local Government

Dear Ashley,

I have great cynicism of the ‘self help’ book genre. And it should be stated that I don’t count this as one of those. Now we’ve cleared that up, ‘Brand it Purple – stand out in a crowd’ is a very helpful book. It’s smart, savvy and it makes good sense.

Further, it made me think about my personal brand and areas that need attention.

This is a great book for those starting out in the business world. Equally Brand it Purple can be used as a personal brand audit for people of all ages no matter who they are and what they do.

Oh yes and kwp! gets a mention on page 201 for which I am very grateful.

Andrew Killey

Head of kwp! Advertising

Largest ad agency in Adelaide

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Ashley, I am sitting in Brisbane airport reading your book that I won at Marianas high tea and am bursting to tell you how fantastic it is and how much of what I teach and passionately believe is jumping at me from your pages.

It is making me even more excited about what I do and want to continue to develop.

You are precious gem.

God bless.

Cheers

Ann Grenci

Hello Ashley,

My name is Claudia Fien and I am going to be the best chef ever, I am also mad about purple one of my friends from the surf club calls me Barney now cause I wear so much of it. I was so inspired by your book to become a Purple Poppy that it opened up my mind of what I could achieve in my life.

I especially loved how you put words of wisdom on some of the pages that really inspired me that I can achieve anything if I believe in it. I am currently in year 6, and your words really put me through the day and keep me going. I really enjoyed reading chapter five about you Inc; I am definitely interested in learning more about that.

I laughed at your logo, Brandy – if it mooves, Brand it! How did you come up with that?

I really enjoyed the week I took reading your book, but what inspired you to write about be successful in life and business? Anyway thank you for the book I had a lovely time reading.

Love Claudia

Dear Ashley

Thanks for a great “launch” of your new book Brand it Purple at the Sue Redman luncheon the other week..

I have seen you around Ashley and I know you had success in what you where doing, but honestly I really did not know more about you than that. I really have to take my hat off to you and the way you presented yourself and your book at the luncheon.

I am not a born Australian and I came to Australia facing a lots of similar situations like you did! But after your story and your charisma I have to say that I will let myself to stand out, get understood and making sure I’m getting remembered!

You are a real inspiration Ashley and your way of presenting yourself, your beliefs and dreams is just outstanding. I wish you all the best with whatever your next adventure will be and I’m looking forward to see you next time.

Regards

Chris Herreen

Executive Team Leader, ACN

“This is a powerful and very informative book!

“Easy reading and a book you will enjoy reading many times to recap.

“This truly will be your guide to being powerfully different.”

Sue Redman

Managing Director

Lunches with Sue Redman, Media

personality

“Ashley’s enthusiasm and passion for helping others shines through her writing. This is a handbook for anyone wanting to improve themselves. Ashley proves how much power there is in positive thinking”.

Alex Tredrea

Journalist

“Powerful Purple Poppy’s has made it clear for me how I’ve been successful in the past with my personal brand. But more importantly, it’s given me insight into how I can make it repeatable, consistent and effective.”

Nick Palouses

Young Australian of the year

“Ashley Knoote-Parke is one Powerful Purple Poppy! Everything Ashley is, believes and has passion for is in this book. I first met Ashley in late 2006 at a networking function. She commanded the room, and I found her presence quite intense.

“However upon meeting Ashley I was engaged by her uniqueness an that creative, lateral character. This book will provide you with ideas and tools to launch, re-launch, or improve your personal brand. This stuff works!”

Todd Miller

Managing Director Aussie inc

“A must read for anyone interested in standing out in a crowd. It is original, funny, engaging, informative – just what you’d expect from a Purple Poppy in a sea of red!

Michelle Stanton

Managing Director Zonehigh

“Ashley has put it all together for you in the one place. Clear practical advice on getting “You Inc” up and running from the word go.”

John Semba

Head of Direct Mail Division

Australia Post

“As a business owner being remembered is a core part of a business strategy for growth. If you work hard and are the best in your industry, you will only get so far before you need a niche marketing tool.

“Ashley’s branding principles are simple, easy to follow and allow you to adapt to your individual style. Rebranding of my business, and myself, has been a huge success.”

Nicole Sweeny

Managing Director Revolution Consulting

“Brand it Purple” is an essential read for anyone interested in personal or business success. It will change the way you think, act and feel. Ashley has unraveled the complexities of personal branding and provided tools to refine your own brand for success.”

Grant Neville

Business Consultant

“In reading this book, I have taken a good hard look at myself. It is easy to become comfortable in the routine of daily business activities. We all need, at some stage, time to rejuvenate our personal brand – to reinvigorate the passion we have in our work and to show the world that enthusiasm and drive we hold. Ashley has been able to provide the inspiration, impetus and tools in her book ‘Brand It Purple’ to get up, shake off the dust and to reconnect with the business / career ideals held. A fun, relaxed and informative resource.”

Michelle Elliott

TAFE lecturer