One thing that we all learn as we move into marketing is that you must be your brand and it must reflect everything that you wish to be to your consumer and your audience. It has to reflect the values of the company, the purpose of your brand, and deliver on the expectations your consumers have of you and your brand. Jenny Holt
Being Your Brand: The Importance Of Narrating Your Story
Jenny Holt
May 20, 2018
With advertising spend in the US set to reach nearly $220 billion in 2018, it’s safe to say that business owners know the value of building a strong brand and maintaining a relationship with their consumers. Yet when it comes to their own personal branding, the commitment may not always be so apparent. As
the face and voice of your business, you are one of its most important assets. You are the narrator of your brand’s story. Today’s savvy consumers can see your business from a multitude of angles thanks to various platforms, and will soon spot inconsistencies between your company’s vision and your own personal approach. Therefore it’s critical that you embody your brand, sharing its values and attitude and representing them to all you meet.
Be yourself, but better
Consumers are increasingly demanding authenticity and will name and shame the brands who fail to deliver. In contrast, they’ll happily spread the word for brands which seem authentic and transparent. In order to represent your business successfully, you need to stay true to who you are and the values you have instilled in your company. Think about how you present yourself in person, on social media, in interviews and so on. Are you being the best version of yourself and reflecting the brand’s values in the best light? No one expects brutal honesty at all times, but facing issues head-on and being seen to own problems rather than hide from them will take you a long way.
Look the part
With scientists claiming that first impressions can actually be formed within one-tenth of a second, it’s clear that customers, prospective clients, and colleagues will instinctively form an opinion of you based on your appearance. Remember you are embodying your business, so think about its values and how it would present itself. A bright smile is always a good start, as is a firm handshake and good posture. For corporate environments, aim for clothing which is classic but can be personalized as required; a well-fitting made to measure suit not only looks sharp but will help you feel confident too. For less formal industries, your clothes may need to be more practical, but they should also fit well and make you feel good.
When it comes to forming meaningful connections with consumers, there’s no better place to start than with yourself. You know your business inside out and have instilled in it the values with which it greets its consumers. When your own personal values and behaviors are seen to be in harmony with this, business will flourish as consumers appreciate authenticity. Any potential clashes or missteps can ring warning bells and break the trust which all successful brands need. So embrace it: be your brand, tell your story.
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