In recent years, conversations about branding has become more mainstream. Whether large or small, the public is becoming more educated about the importance of having a strong brand. I’ve put together some basic introductory thoughts about branding for those of you who may be new to this conversation.
Your Brand is NOT Optional
Whether you acknowledge it or not, you have a brand. The better question might be, “What is my brand?”
Your brand is embedded in everything that you communicate, facilitate, and produce. Your brand highlights the distinctiveness with which you embody your mission.
Your Brand is NOT Your Mission
In many organizations and businesses, leaders often focus a significant amount of time (and rightly so) on its mission, vision, and values. There’s no doubt that this process is foundational to any entity. The problem arises when organizations take their message straight to their multiple platforms (i.e., brand experiences) of communication and development (e.g., Web sites, newsletters, programs, social media, design, etc.) while bypassing intentional strategy around their brand.
This usually results in unclear messaging, unrealistic perceptions and expectations (both inside and outside of the organization), and systemic inconsistency that will hinder development and growth.
Your Brand is NOT Just Cool Design
Your mission communicates why you exist. Your brand is your organization’s personality, identity, and voice. It is not just a cool logo and tagline. Your brand encompasses the kinds of attributes you would want people to walk away with in describing your organization or business after each point of contact with your work.
Your Brand is YOU!
Your brand will help you actualize your goals. Your brand bridges the unnecessary distance between you and your clients by providing a clear identity and voice for your work. It will deepen the trust you already have with those who believe in you and encourage new relationships to develop.