Think Creative Blue

A collection of insights & thoughts on trending topics.

Chris Ott Chris Ott

Your story is your strategy

Creative Blue helps founders transform pitches from being technically correct but strategically unprioritized, to having a clear story. This involves reframing data into narrative signals, and coaching delivery. The disciplined process results in more confident founders, engaged investors, and a higher rate of follow-up meetings and term sheets.

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Ashley Johnston Ashley Johnston

What Actually Changes When a Pitch Finally Clicks

A pitch that finally clicks transforms your fundraising process — sparking credibility, increasing referrals, and driving momentum. When your narrative resonates with investors, everything else starts to move faster. Here’s what actually changes.

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Ashley Johnston Ashley Johnston

The Investor Blueprint: How Strong Pitches Earn Retellability

The best investor pitches don’t just convey facts — they’re retellable. When your story can be easily shared and understood, it drives stronger conviction, broader referral networks, and faster fundraising momentum. Here’s how to craft pitches that people want to repeat.

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Ashley Johnston Ashley Johnston

Three Fundraising Myths That Quietly Cost Founders Momentum

Many founders unknowingly fall for fundraising myths that drain momentum and distract from what actually drives results. From timing misconceptions to narrative traps, this post uncovers the beliefs that slow your raise — and how to avoid them.

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Ashley Johnston Ashley Johnston

Your Story Is Not a Slide Exercise. It’s a Strategy.

Your story isn’t just something you put into slides — it’s your strategic foundation. Great narratives align teams, attract investors, and drive action. Here’s how to shift from slide-making to strategy-building with storytelling that works.

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Ashley Johnston Ashley Johnston

Your Tech Is Working — But Your Brand Story Isn’t

When your brand story isn’t working, the signs are clear: confusion, weak engagement, and stalled momentum. Fixing it means moving beyond buzzwords to purposeful messaging that connects with real audiences. Here’s how to diagnose and revise your story for better impact.

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Ashley Johnston Ashley Johnston

Your Company Is Growing Fast — Is Your Brand Keeping Up?

Fast growth can expose cracks in your brand when messaging, positioning, and value proposition no longer reflect who you’ve become. When your brand falls out of sync, clarity, trust, and momentum suffer. Here’s why alignment matters as you scale.

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Ashley Johnston Ashley Johnston

Brand Ready: How To Position for 2026

To win tomorrow, you need to prepare today. As the market shifts and expectations rise, being brand-ready means more than a refreshed logo—it means a purpose-driven story, clear positioning, and a roadmap that aligns your team, pitch, and go-to-market. Here’s how to get ahead of 2026.

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Ashley Johnston Ashley Johnston

Why Brand Development Before Funding Is a Startup’s Smartest Move

Getting the funds is just one piece of the puzzle. When your messaging is vague and positioning isn’t nailed, the cost of catching up after funding can be steep. Brand development isn’t about logos, it’s your foundation. Clarity, alignment, and purpose built now make all the difference later.

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Ashley Johnston Ashley Johnston

Why Your Digital Footprint Matters More Than You Think

Your digital footprint is often the first lens through which investors, partners, and customers evaluate you. In today’s landscape, a strong online presence can determine whether your brand earns credibility and attention… or gets lost in the noise.

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Ashley Johnston Ashley Johnston

Fractional CMO vs. Full-Time Hire: What Startups Need to Know

Think you need to hire a full-time CMO? Think again. For early-stage startups, fractional marketing leadership often delivers better results — with more flexibility and far less cost. Here’s why the right strategist beats the wrong title every time.

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Ashley Johnston Ashley Johnston

Why Strategic Storytelling Matters More Than Ever

Storytelling isn’t just an art form. It’s a business tool. One that aligns your message with your market, brings clarity to complexity, and builds trust with every audience you reach. While most agencies say they “tell your story,” we go further: we architect it—so it works just as hard as you do.

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