ethos
Branding could use a rebrand.
Most people associate the word branding with logos, and that would have been pretty accurate a century ago. While your logo is still a key part of your brand's identity and communication system, it's really just the tip of the iceberg. The part that people don't see, the foundation, is where all the important work gets done. The research, collaboration, and strategic planning that goes into building and growing your brand, is what makes it or breaks it.Simply put, it's less about graphic design, and more about uncovering real problems and using creativity to solve them.
Clarity
People buy from people who believe what they believe. Get clear on who you are and what you believe, and learn how to communicate that clearly.Vision
Brands serve a higher purpose, a vision that others align with. Your message and your actions need to echo that consistently for others to buy in.Anticipation
A product or service can fall out of style anytime. Brands are agile. They're adaptable because a brand is an idea, and ideas are tough to kill.Inventory
It's tough to read the label from inside the jar. Often the biggest obstacle brands face, is that people perceive them differently than they perceive themselves. This results in a huge disconnect, and makes connecting with their ideal customers challenging. Achieving a certain level of self awareness can be priceless.Culture
Without culture, you don't have a brand. When you're clear about your values, your purpose, and your vision for the future, you can begin to attract people who believe what you believe. When you empower them, they become life long advocates for you and your cause.Pivot
Just kidding, well... kind of. Everybody's favourite word of 2021, does give us some valuable perspective. We saw a lot of businesses fail, while others prospered. While I'm sure there were specific factors leading to both outcomes, the ones that thrived, did so because they were bigger than their offering. A brand is something you can leverage during times of uncertainty. Change is really just an opportunity to grow.I was so lost trying to find a web designer who would take the time to know me and my business well enough to design a beautiful website. Ken took so much care, thought and time to give me what I had envisioned for so long but could not do myself. He is extremely efficient, great at time management and was never someone I had to follow up with. As a small business owner we do so much and it's the greatest feeling to meet people you can rely on to take over the tasks you can't do yourself. Ken is always available to speak with when I have changes or questions and he goes out of his way to make sure I'm happy with his work.
~ Natalie Van Der Maaden,
Natalie Maaden Spa