4 Powerful Branding Secrets
To use in your business and brand.
1 - Speak from the Heart
Being authentic is better than sounding like you think you should. People enjoy your brand because of how you are, not who you are. You don’t need to be perfect to be accepted. It’s better to be authentic and have an opinion than trying to please everyone.
It’s challenging to put yourself out there, but your vulnerability is actually a selling point. It allows your ideal customer to connect with your personality, because flaws are human. When you allow people to see them, this lowers their guard, and they are more likely to buy from you.
2 - Don’t Fit In
Trying to use too many “established rules” is a sign of lack of confidence. If you want to be like everyone else, you end up competing. If you are willing to do your own thing and set yourself apart, your courage is rewarded with customer attention.
Be yourself and don’t say sorry. If you have humor, use it. If you are serious, don’t joke around. Your customer will find you, and love you for being different.
3 - Use Stories
I used to have a friend, who did something that always fascinated me. We went to a bar and he would position himself in the middle of the room and just start telling stories. He told them so authentically, and in a self-amused way, that people would start gathering in an increasingly large circle around him to listen. He would tell story after story from his life that revealed his struggles in a heartfelt way and people would stick around, mesmerized by his adventures.
You see, I could just have told you to tell stories. But actually telling one made you listen more. Your stories don’t need to be big, only relatable. As a brand, stand in the middle of the “room” and start telling stories. People will gather.
4 - Don’t Sell. Connect.
Few salespeople know this trick. If you go to a car dealership or a clothing store, you’re going to be hounded and pitched to. “Can I help you?” “Are you looking for something specific”. No genius, I literally just started browsing and you already got my guard way up. They think they’re being subtle, but they’re not.
As a salesperson, don’t be too focused on selling. The person already came in, they are mildly warm to what you’ve got on offer. To warm them up more, connect to them on eye level. They will much easier turn into a customer after that.
From a branding perspective, the same is true. Don’t throw your offers around you like a market crier. Instead, be yourself and try to find out how the people who see you are doing.
Are you in the process of creating a brand? All beginnings are difficult.
I have a printable, 6-STEP business branding cheat-sheet (PDF) that streamlines the process and shows you what matters most. Have it sent to your email:
