Indeed, studies show that companies with purpose grow twice as fast as those with a low sense of purpose. As a brand strategist, one of the first steps I take in developing entrepreneurs' brands is to help them to establish their core purpose. Create your mission statement. What makes a great mission statement? It should be clear, provide some strategic direction and inspire. If mission is the "what," then your brand's vision is the "why." Your vision is a future-focused statement that paints a vivid picture of what the world will look like once you've accomplished your mission. Rallying around a powerful vision can help everyone in an organization stay motivated, inspired and focused on the big picture when things get tough. A great way to approach the vision statement is to think about the ultimate impact of the product or service you provide. Your brand (or core) values are like the pillars of your company.
The best way to build your brand is to start from the inside out.
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When you’re launching a new business, it’s tempting to go straight to the fun stuff — the logo, the colors, the mood board. But, before going down the Pinterest rabbit hole, it’s important to establish the core purpose and belief system of your brand.
Indeed, studies show that companies with purpose grow twice as fast as those with a low sense of purpose. So, a beautifully designed visual brand identity without a clearly defined purpose is like an exquisitely wrapped present that’s … well, empty.
Despite this, a Gallup survey shows that only 41 percent of workers know what their company stands for and how it differs from competitor brands. That’s a problem. Because informed and engaged employees are often the front line ambassadors for a brand, this disconnect can lead to customer confusion or worse, indifference. The snazziest logo in the world can’t save the business that neglects the heart of its brand.
As a brand strategist, one of the first steps I take in developing entrepreneurs’ brands is to help them to establish their core purpose. Having a clearly defined and expressed purpose not only serves as an internal compass that guides their decision-making and strategic direction, but it also acts as a beacon for their ideal customers — making it easier to understand, relate to and remember what the business represents.
The best way to build your brand is to start from the inside out. It’s like constructing a building: you need a strong foundation. The following three steps will help you to understand and articulate the heart and soul of your brand.
1. Create your mission statement.
Articulating your mission is one of the most important, yet often overlooked steps in creating a powerful brand. Simply put, your mission reflects what you’ve set out to do.
What makes a great mission statement? It should be clear, provide some strategic direction and inspire. When crafting your mission, think about your business goals, the value you’d like to bring, whom you serve and how you do it. Ideally, your mission will also be clear enough for people outside your organization to understand and concise enough for you — and your employees — to remember.
Let’s take a look at how Honest…
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