Who Needs Branding?

I mean, when you get right down to it, who doesn’t need branding?

I know. It sounds so damn pretentious. However, it’s really not. The digital economy has given us the ability to control our own narrative. The way that any individual, small, or even large business can take advantage of this is to realize that now, more than ever, you are in control of how you are perceived. Along with increased opportunity comes the understanding that society as a whole has become much more savvy to branding. We know it’s there, and we know when these portrayals don’t ring true.

This means that you probably shouldn’t try to be something you are not. On the other hand, amplifying who you are, how you can help, where you are going and how you got there, and how you fit into this society, and world at large, are all great candidates for your branding approach. You should ask yourself if you are taking advantage of the massive opportunities to grow your business by shaping your own narrative.

Where a creative professional like myself comes into play is when you realize that you will only be considered a trusted professional if you look the part. Authenticity is a desirable attribute, but that doesn’t mean it needs to be conveyed through amateur-looking and unimaginative imagery. Think about it on a very basic level-you get dressed in nice clothes and brush your teeth when you head out of your house (quick trips to the store and dog walking notwithstanding…) Think of branding in the same way-you are trying to look your best when you go out. That doesn’t change who you are, but it ensures you look good doing it. It’s essentially the bare minimum required to be taken seriously if you want to promote your business.

“Authenticity is a desirable attribute, but that doesn’t mean it needs to be conveyed through amateur-looking and unimaginative imagery. ”

Below is a list of professions and niches that benefit greatly from engaging in personal branding. If you find yourself on this list, consider the game-changing benefits of taking your visual branding seriously.

• Small business owners

• Solo entrepreneurs

• Service providers

• Social media influencers and public figures

• Performing artists

• Restaurants

• Small event and music venues

• Musicians 

• Authors

• Coaches and consultants

• Fitness experts & trainers

• Food bloggers

• Models

• Realtors

• Political figures

• Actors