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Before you can build an exceptionally strong brand, you need to know why you’re in business. Not what you do, but why you do it. Your business’s ‘noble purpose,’ if you will. Articulating that mission is probably one of the most critical—and difficult—challenges in the branding process. And it’s a challenge for companies of any size and stage, not just for startups.
Without a clear articulation of your business mission, branding is just window dressing. If you’re like many business owners, though, you may find it difficult to separate yourself from your company’s brand. When you’ve been the driving force behind the company, it’s hard to take an objective, external view and see your brand, basically, as your customers see you. The following exercises may help you get started.
- Ask yourself, why are you in business? Define who you are, Once you realize you are in business to “elevate the art of knitting, speaking, cooking” whatever you do; the branding exercise becomes much clearer for you.
- Connect with your customers. As I said, there’s nothing like getting an outside point of view—and who better than your customers? Ask them why they choose you over competitors. You might be surprised by what they say. What they see as your differentiators may not be the first thing you think of. This can help you hone that mission.
- Compare yourself against the competition. What do you offer that’s unique? Is it your products? Your customer service? Look for comparisons outside your market, as well. Are there brands that you’d like to emulate?
- And don’t be afraid to think more broadly about your business. For example, there are great brands being built on experiences, like Zane’s Cycles. When a customer called from the road with a flat tire, Chris Zane, the owner, had the customer picked up and brought to the store to have the tire replaced. “I’m not in the cycling business,” Chris says. “I’m in the business of the cycling experience.” He wants his customers to love cycling as much as he does. It’s what drives his business.
Once you’re able to articulate the mission like Chris does, you’ll find your branding can become more cohesive, more effective.
So ask yourself, why are you in business?
Nice post. I always enjoy reading from you because you dig deep to unearth wisdom and you use accessible examples that I can relate with. I definitely agree with connecting with your customers. As a budding entrepreneur, I am guilty of not engaging enough with my customers. I feel a part of it is fear of what they say. Since I started reading up on Lean Startup principles, I have come to realise that it’s much better to engage with customers early and frequently.
Thanks and it was nice of you to drop this note. So definitively, and more practically what are you putting in place to do more of the connection?
I just read your article on Why are you in Business? « The Seun Ajibade Blog +2348183033590 and want to thank you for it.