Congratulations to Christopher Izquierdo, Winner of AWAI’s Brand Messaging Strategist Challenge — Awarded $2,500

Christopher (Chris) Izquierdo received the big news on January 21 that he has become the champion of AWAI’s $2,500 Brand Messaging Strategist Challenge.

As part of our Brand Messaging Strategist Mastery & Certification program, participants could become an AWAI Verified™ Brand Messaging Specialist. During this live eight-session program, they followed a step-by-step method for creating a simple yet powerful document that becomes a company’s “marketing bible.” It contains ready-to-use messaging that captures a company’s unique voice and promise — the exact words and phrases that make their ideal customers say “YES!” From this document, companies can easily create strong marketing copy for webpages, emails, video scripts, social media ads, and more.

This program was taught by Casey Demchak, known for his innovative approach to creating brand message platforms that serve as a springboard for writing a full array of marketing communications for products, programs, and services. For more than 25 years, Casey has been writing high-performance marketing messages as well as successful launch campaigns for numerous companies and groundbreaking entrepreneurs that include Jeff Walker and his Product Launch Formula team.

Class members were given the challenge of turning in a complete, 8–10-page Brand Messaging Platform for their own freelance writing business. This served two missions: to get a thorough understanding of how to create smart, unique brand messaging platforms for clients … and how to create strong messaging that will attract writing clients. Members were eligible to earn the $2,500 grand prize for the best platform. They also took a test to demonstrate their understanding of the lessons and earn their AWAI Verified™ Brand Messaging Specialist certification.

Chris Izquierdo is a self-described full-time nurse and part-time writer with a goal of a full-time writing business. We envision a great future for his writing life based on his work in this class. Beyond meeting all the assignment requirements, Chris’ platform was packed with personality focusing on “what’s in it for the potential client” and strategically punctuated with humor that demonstrated a true understanding of his audience: health coaches and founders who need help with their branding, emails, and newsletters.

Pam Foster, AWAI’s learning chief and host for this program, said to Chris, “ Congratulations on creating a FABULOUS brand messaging document! Casey and I are truly blown away by the fun, smart, personal voice and benefit messages you created. Well done!”

Here’s how Chris reacted when he learned that his platform was the top choice.

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👏 Christopher (Chris) Izquierdo 👏

Chris noted, “Wow! I’m so humbled yet so thankful and proud that you chose my work from so many talented and great participants! I wanted to do my best because I know the people I am doing the assignments with. Honestly did not expect that … but thank you for this, Pam! And to Casey too. You bring so much excitement to the lessons. Told my wife about the win and she was stoked as well, so will be treating everyone to a family dinner! The rest of the prize money will go back to my small, budding email and newsletter copywriting and soon-to-be brand messaging business.”

Congratulations to Chris and to all Brand Messaging Strategist participants who submitted the assignment!