What "THEY" Won't Tell You About Branding

It was December 2015, a week before the new year and brand had hit an ultimate flop. My videographers hadn't sent any work . I was week behinds in something I thought shouldve been launched already. Text left on read; My team was unresponsive. Work was being left for dead. 

Four years of studying Advertising and Marketing Communications and I should know how to effectively run a company. I should be, "slow to hire, quick to fire." But can every company follow the same business model? In a society based on an unknown standard, how do we maintain our brand in  an ever evolving community.

1) GET OUT YOUR FEELINGS!!!!

As much as marketing is investing and controlling the emotions of others, great business owners and brands understand that the leader cannot be an open vessel. The leader much like the Queen in a game of chess must be protected.

2) SOCIAL MEDIA ISN'T A GAME! 

As hilarious as memes, dance videos, fails, pranks, and commentary are, your brand comes first. Within the first two rows of content people should know who you are, what you do and what you represent. Unless that meme is reflective of your business it is irrelevant!

3)  ITS OKAY TO NEED HELP

Asking for help is the strongest stage in your growht as a business. It is okay to admit that you need help. If you want to go fast go alone, but if you truly want to reach a level of mastery go together. Teamwork and organized chaos are helpful keys in manifresting your brand. 

4) CREATE WITH PATIENCE.

Rushed progress = rushed product!  You cannot possibly create if you don't take your time and produce with efficiently. You are only as good as your last show! Every portion of your brand should be evolving daily. 

 

5) YOUR TEAM IS A REFLECTION OF YOU. 

Your team is a reflection of you. If they don't share the same vision, they will lack the passion you have. You must remain loyal and commited to your brand. Much like any relationship once you take your eyes off the prize, its pretty much gone. Brands much like relationships require nurturing and watering. It will not grow over night if you are not spending the quality time understanding each others skillset. 

 

6) DON'T COMPARE YOURSELF!

Your timeline for your organization, company, brand, artistry is different from others. What others may accomplish is not impossible for you, however it may not be in your plan. Your mission statement is your guideline and focal point. What ever you do should be reflective of that statement. What others are doing hads entirely nothing to do with you. 

 

Yes owning is effortful, but everything worth having is worth fighting for! Keep excelling. 

Shavonne Marshall-Wells