So many times we over look our brands, never fully comprehending the true value of how to leverage what makes our brands special, iconic and memorable. We assume that a brand is just the fancy logo, the website, the brochure or the advert we’ve just posted. Sound familar?

What if I told you your brand is your bench mark for greatness.. but what you be to be your brand is wrong!

What I’m about to tell you, does not come from degrees or some master qualification. Theory is all but good, if you’ve never felt or tried the process. I’ve worked with many business, and have observed many too. I’ve looked at patterns and critiqued many from the inside out, my strategies had merit, and we’re empowering those I was working with.

A new movement that was being echoed throughout the industry, authenticity!

This is where it gets interesting, because authenticity is slightly vague. Yes, you and I know it means honesty... but that should be easy, right? How much is to much? And how little is too little? Is honesty really the key, and where does that fine line stop..are there boundaries? And the big question.. are your customers that interested?

The answer to the big question... actually I’m not going to give it. I want to test you, and see how your own observational skills work. Working out what your customers want means being your own problem solver. Sure I can tell you, but I want you to fully understand the most logical path, but identifying what you want as a buyer. What appeals you? Why are you attached to a certain supplier? What attracts you the most?

Why do brands like apple appeal so much? Is it the look, the clean lines, the design? Is it the service? The products? Better apps? Or is it the reputation and outlook that defines a apple user, and you like many want to be part of that tribe??? You see apple has realised that their brand is more than there logo, website or brochure. It comes down to being customer focused. Understanding the psyche of their market, they have created value through desire and quality, which has lead to them leading the market.

Authenticity comes in many forms, and will show its face in many lights. One of them will be through clarity and loyalty to your core values. Apple are very loyal to their core values. (I’ll address that in another blog!.. so watch out for that addition)

How will your brand be your bench mark for greatness? The key is to understanding the truth behind your brand, who your brand is to you, and who your brand is to your customers. When you get it, when you know it, and when you feel it.. you will find the greatness of your brand, and when that power hits you will be able to silence those around you so that your key clients will listen when you speak.

“MARKETING IS ABOUT VALUES. IT’S A COMPLICATED AND NOISY WORLD, AND WE’RE NOT GOING TO GET A CHANCE TO GET PEOPLE TO REMEMBER MUCH ABOUT US. NO COMPANY IS. SO WE HAVE TO BE REALLY CLEAR ABOUT WHAT WE WANT THEM TO KNOW ABOUT US.” – STEVE JOBS

(Product photography and design for a small business in wales)

If branding is your weak spot, your blind eye and you want to level up your business, then utilise my capture your brand call. A free 30 minute call to discovery your missing business atom. So talk to me, lets make 2018 a year to celebrate. From personal branding to branding strategy that doesn’t leave your branding investment in a whole, but instead helps you to know exactly how to use those tools. Yep, that’s me...not just a photographer.

All the best, till next time...

Michelle xx

Yep that’s me, key note speaker for floursish.... Personal branding with authenticity.