While watering plants last Spring, I stumbled upon this fledgling sprout in a hanging basket. I immediately thought it would make a good stock photo, but soon realized how it also taught a great lesson in brand building.
Yes, those mighty maples in my yard have been protecting my home from nature’s sudden turns, much like a well-nurtured brand provides cover from market uncertainties.
And, the same way in which a business should propagate its brand through strategic outreach, those maples were maintaining their own seasonal ritual of proliferation, sowing whirling seeds of distinction within, around and beyond my property line.
If your branding efforts aren’t branching out beyond your customer base, you’re missing an opportunity for them to take root in areas where they can add real value to your business. Potential investors, career-seekers, local media … they each should know who you are, what you stand for, and why it matters.
Your brand and your business should matter to all of them.
If you want to stand out from the rest of the forest, sow your own seeds of distinction as broadly as you can.
Related Posts
The one thing we all share and what to do with it
Even if you’re selling widgets, there’s something more than you offer that distinguishes your business in a positive way. It’s what your customers truly gain from you that they can’t get from anyone else. This defines your business more than anything.
Startup branding needs to be done right out of the gate
The bankruptcy courts are full of great ideas that were undermined by ineffective branding and promotion. Build it and they will come? No, they won’t. Not unless you make them really want to. Or, better yet, need to.
Uncover your own path to greatness.
It’s important to look like you belong in your market. But, it’s more important to promote your own uniqueness. Remember, your brand and identity is about differentiation. It’s not about being like the others.