There's so much talk about branding these days be it in a business or personal context. The fact is, whether you're growing a career or a business, if you want to achieve success, you must build a strong brand.
In simple terms, your brand is how people see or experience you (or your business). That's why it's important for you to define your brand yourself because if you don't, others will define it for you and you don't want that to happen. Not sure where to start? Here are a few tips:
Be known for something. Branding is about standing out and differentiating yourself from others in your industry. Think about a distinctive quality - what you want to be known for and consistently work on that and amplify it.
Be visible. Most people find it difficult to talk about their businesses because they don't want to come across as boastful. Sometimes you have to push yourself out of your comfort zone in order to achieve your goals. And the reality is if people don't know about your business, they can't support you. Depending on your type of business, start with a Facebook and Instagram page to promote your products and services, attend networking events and engage with fellow entrepreneurs and your potential customers.
Be specific. You can't be everything to everyone. Find a niche with a specific market so that you know exactly who your target or ideal client is.
Be strategic. You must have a clear vision and put a plan in place that outlines exactly how you're going to turn it into reality. A plan also helps to keep you on track and away from distractions. Remember, plans are not cast in stone so review, redirect and innovate as often as necessary.
Be consistent. People do business with people they know, like and trust. Therefore CONSISTENCY is key in building a sustainable business or brand. Without consistency, you can't build trust, credibility or loyalty.
This is by no means an exhaustive list but I'm hoping that these tips will help you take the first step to building your brand and working towards achieving your dreams. Good luck!