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…

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

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

Ashley, I am sitting in Brisbane airport reading yr book that I won at Marianas high tea and am bursting 2 tell u 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 2 continue 2 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, it mooves! 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 for 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 off 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 off 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 (28/10/2008)

“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 (7/10/08)

“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 (31/10/2008)

“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 (3/11/2008)

“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 (25/10/2008)

“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 (31/10/2008)

“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 (3/10/200)

“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