Own Your Message Course
Use the power of personal storytelling to make your mark and to achieve your biggest business goals.
(without feeling salesy or self-promotional)
Own Your Message
Use the power of personal storytelling to make
your mark and to achieve your biggest business goals.
(without feeling salesy or self-promotional)
Own Your Message
Use the power of personal storytelling to make
your mark and to achieve your biggest business goals.
(without feeling salesy or self-promotional)
You were meant to make a greater impact in the world.
But when the industry’s saturated, how do you give your ideal audience goosebumps?
What if I told you that you could:
-
Eliminate competition naturally by defining a lane that’s all your own
-
Attract more dream clients, customers or donors outside your network
-
Stand out as a thought leader in your industry
-
Land more media opportunities
-
Promote yourself and your business with clarity and confidence
-
Charge a premium value for your offerings
-
Grow a community of fans and champions for your work
You know you were meant to play big and make a greater impact in the world.
But when the industry’s saturated, how do you give your ideal audience goosebumps?
What if I told you that you could:
-
Eliminate competition naturally by defining a lane that’s all your own
-
Attract more dream clients, customers or donors outside your network
-
Stand out as a thought leader in your industry
-
Land more media opportunities
-
Promote yourself and your business with clarity and confidence
-
Charge a premium value for your offerings
-
Grow a community of fans and champions for your work
Which one sounds like you?
-
You’re a hidden gem who’s ready to stop playing small.
Clients swear by you, but the rest of the world has no idea how amazing you are. You’ve been hiding out and don’t know how to get out of your own way.
-
You’re a Jackie-of-all-trades who doesn't know how to talk about yourself in a cohesive, memorable way.
It takes you 20 minutes to explain what you do, only to lose your audience halfway through. You crave a narrative that pulls it all together and makes you more influential and profitable.
-
You’re a trailblazer doing something new and tough to explain.
If you could develop a pitch that helps people instantly get what you do and why it matters, your business would really take off.
...or maybe you're a combo of all three.
It's time to stop holding yourself back.
The secret to making a bigger difference is to double down on your difference.
You were never meant to fit in, you were born to stand out.
Here's why you've struggled with visibility and not achieving the growth and impact you want.
-
You lack clarity. Clarity creates confidence. You know intuitively what you offer is uniquely valuable but it seems impossible to describe.
-
You lack the words to talk about yourself and your work in a powerful way. If you could crystallize the magic of your work into words, lightbulbs will start to go off.
-
You catch yourself saying, “am I really qualified to do that.” We all have the voice of the imposter. In this accelerator, you'll send your imposter to the backseat – where it belongs.
-
Marketing and self-promotion give you heebees. You don't want people to believe you’re full of yourself, so you procrastinate or don’t promote at all. It keeps you a best-kept secret. There is a way to authentically market yourself that creates a win-win for your audience.
-
You dodge the spotlight. Your message isn't out where your people can find you and you're missing out on bigger opportunities.
I created the Own Your Message to provide you with the framework, tools and coaching to shine unapologetically - and give your audience goosebumps.
If you're ready to grow your impact and business by being more YOU,
I have something for you...
Here's why you've struggled with visibility and not achieving the growth and impact you want.
-
You lack clarity. Clarity creates confidence. You know intuitively what you offer is uniquely valuable but it seems impossible to describe.
-
You lack the words to talk about yourself and your work in a powerful way. If you could crystallize the magic of your work into words, lightbulbs will start to go off.
-
You catch yourself saying, “am I really qualified to do that.” We all have the voice of the imposter. In this accelerator, you'll send your imposter to the backseat – where it belongs.
-
Marketing and self-promotion give you heebees. You don't want people to believe you’re full of yourself, so you procrastinate or don’t promote at all. It keeps you a best-kept secret. There is a way to authentically market yourself that creates a win-win for your audience.
-
You dodge the spotlight. Your message isn't out where your people can find you and you're missing out on bigger opportunities.
Own Your Message provides you with the framework, tools and coaching to shine unapologetically - and give your audience goosebumps.
Meet Your Instructor
Hi I'm Stephanie. I’m a storytelling coach, writer, and inclusion activist. I help women, BIPOC and square peg entrepreneurs and leaders turn their zones of genius into a movement-worthy message that grows their visibility and impact with joy and confidence.
Everyone has a unique story and message that can change the world. But it’s hard to crystallize it on your own. Trust me, I’ve been there.
I’ve spent 15+ years making marketing magic for do-good startups and organizations like Planned Parenthood and Teach For America. When it came to promoting myself – I’d get tongue-tied and hide out. But when I uncovered my authentic brand story, I could speak powerfully about what I do to anyone.
Since 2019, I’ve coached others to go from best-kept secret to undeniable authority in their fields. My Own Your Message program taps my experience as a former journalist, public radio producer, writing teacher and marketing director to help you mine the hidden gems of your story to create a unique lane that’s all your own.
-
I helped a client write speeches for their annual luncheon that brought in 4x the donations from the previous year plus 3 major gifts from first-time donors
-
I developed a course for Planned Parenthood that has trained thousands of communications directors across the country how to find and pitch newsworthy stories that gain media attention.
-
I started one of the first blogs to cover eco-modern style and the blog gained 100,000 readers a month before the days of Twitter – without marketing or advertising.
-
As a blogger, I've been featured in Reuters, Washington Post Express, Apartment Therapy and Design*Sponge and nominated as one of the Top 10 Most Influential Design Bloggers by Design Files – without hiring a PR firm.
Own Your Message comes from my 15+ years of insider experience as a former journalist, public radio producer, writing teacher and digital marketer, to help you unlock your own stories that activate your audience and grow your business.
INTRODUCING
Own Your Message
Online Course
The Own Your Message course shows you how to crystallize your story to accelerate your business growth and impact - naturally.
CLAIM A LANE NO ONE ELSE CAN
People don’t just buy what you do, they buy why you do it. You possess a combination of personal and professional experiences no one else has. When you craft a story that brings together these unique elements, you define a lane all your own. And eliminate competition naturally.
GAIN CONFIDENCE TO PROMOTE YOURSELF TO ANYONE
The world says, “you’re not enough.” Without our own story to counter it, even the most high-achieving people can start to believe it. When you crystallize the story of your true value, you gain natural confidence and clarity to do the work you were meant to do on a larger scale.
CHARGE A PREMIUM FOR WHAT YOU OFFER
Connecting your unique brand story to your product or service increases its value and helps it stand out naturally.
COMPEL, DON'T SELL
Stories spark instant trust and connection that attract people to hear a new perspective, consider an alternate approach, take action.
MAKE A GREATER IMPACT
Our brains crave stories like chocolate. Science has proven that stories fire off empathy chemicals that lead to more giving to strangers. Think about the potential you have to inspire more change when you tell irresistible stories, rather than facts.
INTRODUCING
Own Your Message
Online Course
The Own Your Message course shows you how to crystallize your story to accelerate your business growth and impact - naturally.
CLAIM A LANE NO ONE ELSE CAN
People don’t just buy what you do, they buy why you do it. You possess a combination of personal and professional experiences no one else has. When you craft a story that brings together these unique elements, you define a lane all your own. And eliminate competition naturally.
GAIN CONFIDENCE TO PROMOTE YOURSELF TO ANYONE
The world says, “you’re not enough.” Without our own story to counter it, even the most high-achieving people can start to believe it. When you crystallize the story of your true value, you gain natural confidence and clarity to do the work you were meant to do on a larger scale.
CHARGE A PREMIUM FOR WHAT YOUR OFFER
Connecting your unique brand story to your product or service increases its value and helps it stand out naturally.
COMPEL, DON'T SELL
Stories spark instant trust and connection that attract people to hear a new perspective, consider an alternate approach, take action.
MAKE A GREATER IMPACT
Our brains crave stories like chocolate.
Science has proven that stories fire off empathy chemicals that lead to more giving to strangers. Think about the potential you have to inspire more change when you tell irresistible stories, rather than facts.
What students say...
"I have nearly DOUBLED my income this year"
"As a former Fortune 500 Marketing Director turned entrepreneur, I was a Jane-of-all-trades having trouble clarifying what I wanted to focus on, positioning myself in an incredibly competitive marketplace. I got my first client (who paid my higher prices and was exactly who I wanted to work with) within 5 WEEKS of starting the program and I have nearly DOUBLED my income this year. Own Your Message and working with Stephanie has transformed me and my business!"
- Kate Newnham, CEO, UPP Marketing
"Stephanie helped me clarify my business mission"
“Own Your Message helped me clarify my business mission and gave me more confidence in how to approach potential clients.
It's given me a structured approach to figure out how to connect with my audience. This will save me time and give me concise, effective ways to community my mission."
- Freda Lin, Co-Founder, YURI: An Asian American Education Project
Own Your Message is a self-paced, "learn from anywhere" video learning program for heart-centered entrepreneurs and difference makers looking to go from best-kept secret to undeniable authority.
THE COURSE INCLUDES:
(8) learn-from-anywhere modules that guide you step-by-step to craft an irresistible brand story and TED-talk worthy signature ideas that you get known for.
Time-saving tools and playsheets to validate your audience sweet spot, develop your brand messaging and integrate it into your marketing and PR activities.
Lifetime access to course modules, templates and future enhancements.
This course guides you
step-by-step to create:
A clear, concise pitch that captures the best of who you are, what you do, and why it matters to your audience and the world.
An irresistible bio story that builds instant connection and trust with your audience – in-person and online.
A signature manifesto of pitch-worthy ideas that positions you as a go-to thought leader in a lane all your own.
An actionable marketing plan to activate your story to attract dream clients and grow your impact.
Own Your Message
Online Course
01: The Secret Power of Storytelling
Learn the ins and outs of the science of storytelling to become a VIP: very influential person.
02: The OYM Mindset
Develop a new paradigm that turns marketing into a service you deliver with joy, authenticity, and power.
03: Mine Your Hidden Story Gems
Using strategic prompts and intuitive exercises, you’ll uncover gems that illuminate unique value from your personal and professional experiences.
04: Sifting Your Best Gems
Using strategic prompts and intuitive exercises, you’ll uncover gems that illuminate unique value from your personal and professional experiences.
05: Write Your Signature Manifesto
Learn 4 techniques that reveal your unique thought leadership for the world. Your manifesto represents your distinctive point of view and ideas you’ll become known for. Your manifesto is an unlimited well of ideas that can be turned into Ted talks, books, articles, media talking points, and marketing content.
06: Identify Your Dream Person
Your story is a magnet for your most aligned client, donor, or partner. This module helps you identify who your true dream person is so you can captivate superfans quickly.
07: Craft Your CIRCLE Bio Story
Using my signature CIRCLE framework, you’ll create a master bio that inspires your dream audience to emotionally connect with who you are, your passion and purpose, and the full picture of you as an expert and a human.
08: Build Your Brand North Star
Your Brand North Star serves as a solid foundation for all your marketing and PR that ensures your message stays deeply aligned with you and your purpose. It includes your mission statement (as a story), core values, CIRCLE bio story, and signature ideas.
You’ll also learn 3 quick-action techniques to infuse your unforgettable story into your existing marketing and publicity activities.
And to make sure you're supported every step of the way,
you'll also get access to:
Exclusive Bonus #1
Live Monthly Q&A Office Hours
($1200 value)
These are optional pop-in opportunities to get rapid-fire coaching from Stephanie. She answers submitted course questions, provides feedback, and gives strategic advice to get you unstuck, build your confidence, and activate your message in your marketing.
Exclusive Bonus #2
Member-Only Community
($1200 value)
Membership in the private Own Your Message Stars Community to test story ideas, hold yourself accountable, and share wins and resources.
When you add it all up, that's a total value of more than...
$4,798
Enroll today for only $997.
Own Your Message
Course
INCLUDES:
Learn From Anywhere Video Lessons
($1500 value)
Lifetime access to (8) online modules to guide you step-by-step to mine your hidden brilliance and define an irresistible brand story and signature ideas that you want to be known for.
Time-Saving Tools & Playsheets
($500 value)
A workbook packed with playsheets and prompts that help you to: validate your audience sweet spot, develop your brand messaging and integrate it into your existing marketing and PR activities.
Monthly Live Office Hours with Stephanie
($1200 value)
Get direct feedback or rapid-fire brand and marketing coaching from Stephanie as you build your message.
Private Members-Only Community
($1200 value)
Find an accountability buddy, test ideas before you take them live, and be a part of a supportive community of students braving authenticity together.
And to make sure you're supported every step of the way,
you'll also get access to:
Exclusive Bonus #1
Build Your Marketing Roadmap Workshop
Create a lean, marketing plan that plays to your strengths and reaches your goals. No more doing "all the things."
($199 value)
Exclusive Bonus #2
Marketing Magic Workshop
Get a free ticket to this live workshop and learn how to tap your human design to supercharge your marketing and grow with more flow, less hustle.
($199 value)
When you add it all up, that's a total value of more than...
$4,798
But you can get it today for just:
"I landed 2 keynote speaking gigs with global brands"
"The Own Your Message group program provoked so much insight. I was able to bring 3 seemingly disparate parts of myself (executive coach, standup comedian and death-positive supporter) into a strong narrative that helped me land 2 keynote speaking gigs with global sportswear brands."
- Pam Dibbs, Keynote Speaker, Coach & Humorist, Dibbs on Life
BEST VALUE
PAY-IN-FULL
ONE PAYMENT OF:
$997
-
8 learning modules
-
30+ online training videos
-
Templates + playsheets
-
Gallery of examples
-
Lifelong access to Own Your Message course upgrades
-
Course Workbook filled with time-saving playsheets, prompts and templates.
-
BONUS: Members-only community
Get accountability and support for 12 months ($1200 value)
-
BONUS: Monthly LIVE Q&A Coaching Calls Pop-up office hours w/Stephanie for 12 months ($1200 value)
-
PAY-IN-FULL ONLY: Build Your Marketing Roadmap e-course ($199 value)
Save $197 over the payment plan
MOST FLEXIBLE
PAYMENT PLAN
PAYMENT PLAN
6 MONTHLY PAYMENTS OF:
$199
-
8 learning modules
-
30+ online training videos
-
Templates + playsheets
-
Gallery of examples
-
Lifelong access to Own Your Message course upgrades
-
Course Workbook filled with time-saving playsheets, prompts and templates.
-
BONUS: Members-only community
Get accountability and support for 12 months ($1200 value)
-
BONUS: Monthly LIVE Q&A Coaching Calls Pop-up office hours w/Stephanie for 12 months ($1200 value)
The secret to making a bigger difference in your business is to own your difference. I'm excited to show you how!
Meet Your Mentor
Hi, I'm Stephanie Zhong. I’m a brand strategist, story coach, and connector of seemingly "unconnectible" ideas. I train and help women, BIPOC and square peg entrepreneurs and leaders turn their zones of genius into a movement-worthy message that increases their visibility and impact with joy and confidence.
Everyone has a unique story and message that can change the world. But it’s hard to crystallize it on your own. Trust me, I’ve been there.
For 15+ years I've created content marketing magic for do-good startups and organizations like Planned Parenthood and Teach For America. When it came to promoting myself – I’d get tongue-tied and hide out. But when I uncovered my authentic brand story, I could speak powerfully about what I do to anyone.
Since 2019, I’ve coached others to go from best-kept secret to undeniable authority in their fields. My Own Your Message program taps my experience as a former journalist, public radio producer, writing teacher and marketing director to help you mine the hidden gems of your story to create a unique lane that’s all your own.
-
I helped a client write speeches for their annual luncheon that brought in 4x the donations from the previous year plus 3 major gifts from first-time donors
-
I developed a course for Planned Parenthood that has trained thousands of communications directors across the country how to find and pitch newsworthy stories that gain media attention.
-
I started one of the first blogs to cover eco-modern style and the blog gained 100,000 readers a month before the days of Twitter –without marketing or advertising.
-
As a blogger, I've been featured in Reuters, Washington Post Express, Apartment Therapy and Design*Sponge and nominated as one of the Top 10 Most Influential Design Bloggers by Design Files – without hiring a PR firm.
Own Your Message comes from my 20+ years of insider experience as a former journalist, public radio producer, writing teacher and digital marketer, to help you unlock your own stories that activate your audience and grow your business.
What students say...
"Helped me distill the words into a more compelling message"
"Own Your Message has helped me distill the words into a more compelling message. If you're looking to crystallize her vision for the world then I'd say, sign up!"
- Jen Mayer, CEO Becoming Better Together, DEI Consultant
"Own Your Message gave me more confidence to share my ideas and a step-by-step plan to develop a strong voice."
"This program is one of my favorites. I keep going back through each lesson again to get more value and more depth to each step. I got more value than I paid for versus the other way around."
- Terri DeCoster, MS CPC, Family Mediator, Divorce and Co-Parent & Stepparent Coach
Here's what students are saying about Own Your Message...
"Stephanie helped me clarify
my business mission and communicate it more powerfully."
“Own Your Message helped me clarify my business mission and gave me more confidence in how to approach potential clients.
It's given me a structured approach to figure out how to connect with my audience. This will save me time and give me concise, effective ways to community my mission."
- Freda Lin, Co-Founder
YURI: An Asian American Education Project
"I landed 2 keynote speaking gigs!"
"The Own Your Message group program provoked so much insight. I was able to bring 3 seemingly disparate parts of myself (executive coaching, standup comedy and study of death) into a strong narrative that helped me land 2 keynote speaking gigs with global sportswear brands."
- Pam Dibbs, Keynote Speaker, Coach & Humorist, Dibbs on Life
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Own Your Message?
Own Your Message is an online course that helps you:
✔ Clarify your unique brand story
✔ Craft a pitch that captivates your ideal people
✔ Create a manifesto that sets you apart as a go-to expert in your industry
✔ Infuse storytelling into your website to build an instant connection with your audience
✔ Create a lean, high-impact marketing/PR action plan to reach your dream audience
Where does Own Your Message take place?
Online – you can learn from anywhere. No travel required.
How much does Own Your Message cost?
The program is valued at $3,497, but you can join for just $997 when you pay in full OR (6) payments of $199/month.
What's included in Own Your Message?
You get lifetime access to Own Your Message Online Video Course and future upgrades to the program, plus access to a private community for additional support and accountability.
Who is this program for?
Own Your Message is for aspiring and seasoned business owners, thought leaders and creatives who are passionate about making a big impact in the world through their work.
It’s for committed beginners and evolving businesses who want clarity, authentic brand presence, and a core narrative that helps them naturally stand out and get known as a go-to authority in their field.
The experience is designed to help you crystallize your mission and differentiate your brand story to attract your ideal audience, build trust, and market your offerings more effectively.
It’s a fit for you if:
-
You can dedicate 2 hours/week for 12 weeks to develop your standout brand story
-
You are self-directed and learn well from online courses
Who's not right for this program?
Own Your Message program isn’t the best fit for you if you’re seeking a 1:1 business coach or small group intensive. (Schedule a Clarity Call with me if you prefer these options).
It’s not for people seeking specific marketing strategies and tactics like marketing funnels, email marketing, generate leads, or growing your business on Instagram. It also doesn’t teach fundraising or PR strategies or tactics.
It’s not the right fit if you’re looking to market your offerings to fellow students. To create a mutually supportive community, we have a strict pitch-free, solicitation-free environment.
This program isn’t right for you if you want to learn by watching without taking action or seeking independent study. Transformation happens when you engage with the material, and commit to focused, consistent effort over time. Reaching out for extra support and feedback in the private Facebook Group also helps you test and validate your messages and stories with an audience before you take it to your business.
Finally, Own Your Message isn’t the right program for people seeking a “get rich quick” or cookie cutter program for marketing. It’s a program where you mine hidden gems that showcase your brilliance, and develop a platform of loyal and devoted fans and supporters over time.
What doesn't Own Your Message cover?
Own Your Message focuses on developing your brand story and core marketing messages your audience cares about most. It doesn’t teach specific marketing strategies or tactics like marketing funnels, email marketing, or growing your business on Instagram.
It gives you the story hooks that will grab media attention, but not teach you the ins and outs of pitching to media outlets.
It does provide you with a base of unique messages you can develop further into marketing campaigns, blog posts, and other content for your business.
How long does it take to complete the program?
We recommend a 12-week schedule to complete the Own Your Message Course. We recommend reserving between 4-6 hours per week to watch the training and do the assignments.
The more focus and dedication you put into Own Your Message, the more you’ll get out of it.
Other factors that affect how much time you’ll need to complete include:
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Level of clarity you have of your business mission and goals
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How quickly you make decisions
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Your comfort level with marketing and self-exploration work
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Your comfort level with online learning programs
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Whether you participate in the comments and conversations in the Own Your Message Facebook community (recommended, but optional)
There’s no fast or guaranteed results. This program is a deep, crystallizing experience to build a business and a message that matters. Like entrepreneurship, it’s not a straightforward process, sometimes fast, sometimes slow, sometimes directions shift with new insights. Whatever the pace you choose to go at, the clarity you gain will build deeper alignment in your business which can help you save time, effort and money in the long run.
I'm looking at a few programs - what makes OYM different?
Storytelling has become a buzzword in business for the last few years, but Own Your Message is the only program that helps you develop a personal brand from the inside out – integrating unique aspects of your identity, personal and professional experiences to create a story that aligns to your mission and that no one else in the world can claim.
Own Your Message is the first of its kind that teaches you a framework of techniques pulled from journalism, filmmaking and marketing – and applied to business. It’s purpose-driven, action-oriented, and transformational.
Will I get feedback during the program?
As an online course, you have a few ways to get help as you learn.
First, you can support through the online help desk built into the course. We aim to answer student questions in 24 hours or less.
You may also ask peers for feedback in the Facebook Group at any time you'd like about your work in progress.
I'm pretty familiar with marketing. Is OYM just for beginners?
Own Your Message is a fit for the entrepreneur, creative or changemaker seeking to develop a unique message or idea you want to spread in the world. No formal marketing experience is needed.
The great news is that once you have your unique message, you can tap your marketing knowledge to create high-impact content that grows your influence and business even faster.
I'm uncomfortable with marketing and promoting myself. Will I have to do it anyway?
Stephanie will tell you that she was extremely uncomfortable putting herself out there too. This course was designed with you in mind and anyone else who's been shy about promoting their brilliance for a variety of reasons.
If you’re called to make a much bigger difference in the world, it’s your responsibility to build mastery at storytelling and marketing. The world won’t get better unless they know you exist. Own Your Message teaches you how to put your message out there in a way that’s authentic and powerful, not salesy. Your marketing can become a powerful channel for connection, community, and transformation.
How long do I get access to the online course?
You get lifetime access along with future updates and enhancements.
What if I'm unhappy with the program?
Oh no, we don't want that. We offer a 30-day money back guarantee.
If you no longer feel that Own Your Message is right for you, send us an email.
We do ask that you submit completed coursework to show you gave it a go, and will ask for your feedback so we can learn and improve. Once we receive your completed coursework and feedback, you’ll get a swift and complete refund.
The deadline exists to motivate you to jump in and get started. If you don’t plan on starting right away, make sure this is the right investment for you as the refund period does have a firm deadline.
"Own Your Message helps you pull out threads and weave them into a really beautiful fabric to tell the story of your business."
- Lydia Randolph
Transformation Coach and Founder, You Are True North
"Own Your Message helps you pull out threads and weave them into a really beautiful fabric in which to tell the story of your business."
- Lydia Randolph
Transformation Coach and Founder, You Are True North
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