1000WATT’s Post

In my learnings of brand strategy, I have come to understand the grand importance of visions in brand building. I learnt that it is not just starting a business, it is to make it a brand by giving it an identity that can be seen and felt by the target audience, and an important part of identities are visions. Recently, I spoke with some business owners about the vision of the brands they are building around their businesses. They all told me they created a vision when they were starting, but along the line, they forgot where they wrote it. I had to remind them that visions are so important that they shouldn't leave the mind of a founder. You need a vision to know where you are going. If you don't know where you are going, then what is your business for and who are you selling the value to? How do you determine what the value is? In my words to them, “If they wake you in the middle of the night and ask you about your brand's vision, you must be able to tell them about it”. Erect a signboard in your mind and in your brand that boldly displays your vision statement: where are you going? Where do you want to be? What world do you want to create? What world do you want to occupy?

If your brand doesn’t do this ONE thing, it will die… A championship NHL coach once used the slogan ‘Safe is Death’ to inspire creativity and risk-taking.  This mindset is crucial in branding across all markets.  Without differentiation, brands blend into the background and die. In the past, many businesses commanded respect and trust without necessarily earning it because they were the only option. Today’s business world is vastly different. Now, consumers demand transparency, innovation, and authenticity. This is how your brand can differentiate itself… 1. Understand Your Unique Value Proposition:  Clearly define what sets your brand apart — be it superior technology, customer service, or innovative features. 2. Forge Emotional Connections:  Move beyond transactions.  Align your brand with the values and aspirations of your customers to build lasting loyalty. 3. Narratives That Resonate:  Share stories that illustrate how your brand improves lives.  Focus on personal achievements and transformation rather than dry data. 4. Visual Identity Matters:  Use distinctive colors, typography, and imagery to make your brand instantly recognizable and reflective of its core values. 5. Innovate Constantly:  In a competitive market, innovation distinguishes leaders.  Develop products that not only meet current needs but anticipate future challenges. Differentiation is both an art and a science, requiring a deep understanding of your market and a bold approach to brand strategy. It's about creating a meaningful customer connection. If you don’t have a compelling brand story that sets you apart, it won’t matter what your logo looks like.

Often times brands, especially start-ups, erroneously assume they can run without a solid brand identity (until they 'get to point where they feel it's necessary or can afford to have one'). Unfortunately, it is quite damaging for any business to operate without a DNA audiences can connect with. It is imperative for budding brands to understand that brand identity goes beyond simply having a gorgeous logo to look at. It's about community, it's about strategizing a road plan; a map - a step by step manual on how to get your brand to where it needs to be. It is - quite frankly - a matter of life or death when it comes to the longevity of your brand. 👇

A Solid Rollout Plan for Your New Brand 🎼 The rebranding process is deep and comprehensive, and it often comes on the heels of some kind of transformative change within an organization. It’s tempting for everyone involved to sprint to the finish line and then mark it done. But that check-the-box approach to wrapping up a rebrand has mixed results: The new identity gets revealed at an organizational meeting and put out into the world on tote bags and mugs in a launch that feels like an afterthought. Instead, nonprofits that rebrand need to develop a thoughtful, cohesive plan for introducing the brand both internally and externally. In fact, I’d suggest that you don’t have to announce the new identity with a major public-facing splash, but it should always be a big thing internally. If you don’t get your people excited when you launch the brand, you’re greatly increasing the possibility that it will fail. Read the full story on PRINT: https://lnkd.in/db2MwHSJ Words: Deroy Peraza of Hyperakt  Imagery: Merit Myers ⁠ -----⁠ #print #printmag #printmagazine #printisnotdead #creative #identity #inspiration #linkinbio #creativenews #brandrollout #rebrand #branding #branddesign #launchingthebrand #comprehensivebrand #illustration

🚀 Ever wondered how iconic brands remain at the top of our minds? The secret sauce is 'Brand Consistency.' Let me share a small story that unfolded right before my eyes, transforming a struggling local café into a talk of the town. 🎨 In 2018, I stumbled upon 'Café Stories,' which had a quaint charm but lacked a cohesive identity. Their menus, décor, and even social media screamed diversity, but not in the right way. They were all over the place! Fast forward to a year later, after implementing a brand consistency strategy, focusing on uniform visuals, tone, and message across all platforms, the transformation was nothing short of miraculous. Their distinct, recognizable brand identity now pulls a consistent stream of patrons, drawn in by the familiar warmth and ambiance they've come to expect. Brand consistency isn’t just about sticking to the same colors or logo; it’s about weaving your brand's essence into every customer interaction, online and offline. It builds trust, reinforces your market position, and amplifies your message. 🌟

Brand Identity (what we think of ourselves) vs Brand Image (what others think of us) is usually in conflict - Rolling Stones Drummer Charlie Watts embodied this Charlie saw himself as a Jazz drummer Who played for a band that saw themselves as a Blues Band But played rock n'roll music and the world saw them as a Rock n Roll band He was known for his sartorial elegance and once received a complement as "The best dressed drummer in rock n roll" He corrected the journalist and said "No, I am the best dressed drummer in jazz" :) While Charlie did quite well for himself in life, despite this brands usually suffer when brand identity does not match brand image It requires an honest evaluation with answers from the ICP vs answers in a board room Brand perception surveys, brand audits, reviews, social media monitoring - all of these and more (and also listen to your sales team but don't believe them compeltely :) )

The Power of Brand Identity

If you cut corners & don't sort your brand's identity out, all your hard work could end up being a complete waste of time.  Read on to prevent THAT happening! ⬇️⬇️⬇️ Put quite simply, the brands that last are authentic, packed with digital storytelling and able to adapt their marketing strategies and product offerings and move with the times. They are the ones who take their customers on the journey with them. They invite you in, and ask you to participate. Successful brands get adopted by customers. They are living, breathing entities with communities of passionate & adoring fans who want to buy every single thing they launch. For years and years to come. Successful brands attract the right people to work for them. These employees-turned-advocates buy into the brand purpose and have aligned personal values. A successful brand is way more exponentially powerful than the sum of it's parts. Ignoring getting the foundations right is brand suicide, because a successful brand has a solid base (or core), which is a STRONG and compelling BRAND IDENTITY. So I've written something for YOU to support you, because I know that you're an action-taking and ambitious founder who ain't got time, energy or money to waste. Click the link to read more about how and why a strong BRAND IDENTITY is crucial for long-term success & growth. Do it now please! It's for your own good : ) https://lnkd.in/e9Y6XR9b

In the digital landscape of today, where every name carries a story, “EvolvifyNow” stands as a beacon of transformation and progress. As the creators behind this unique name, we invite you on a journey into the heart of our brand identity and the reasons why we chose “EvolvifyNow.” Embracing Evolution: At the core of our ethos lies the belief in constant evolution. We see evolution not just as a biological process but as a fundamental aspect of personal and collective growth. The word “evolve” encapsulates the idea of gradual change and adaptation, while “now” emphasizes the urgency and immediacy of the present moment. “EvolvifyNow” serves as a call to action, urging individuals to embrace the process of evolution and transformation in their lives today. Empowerment Through Transformation: Our name reflects our commitment to empowering individuals to take charge of their own evolution. By combining “evolve” and “amplify,” we convey the idea of enhancing and magnifying one’s potential. We believe that everyone has the capacity to evolve into their best selves, and “EvolvifyNow” serves as a catalyst for this transformational journey. Fusion of Innovation and Clarity: In a world inundated with information, clarity and simplicity are paramount. The fusion of “evolve” and “simplify” in our name represents our commitment to offering innovative solutions in a clear and accessible manner. “EvolvifyNow” encapsulates our mission to provide actionable insights and tools that facilitate personal and professional growth. Uniqueness and Memorability: In the vast sea of brands and identities, standing out is essential. “EvolvifyNow” sets itself apart with its distinctive combination of words, sparking curiosity and intrigue. Its memorability ensures that it lingers in the minds of those who encounter it, leaving a lasting impression that resonates with our message of evolution and empowerment. Alignment with Our Values: Every element of our brand identity reflects our core values and principles. “EvolvifyNow” encapsulates our commitment to innovation, empowerment, and transformation. It serves as a constant reminder of why we do what we do and the impact we aspire to make in the world. In conclusion, the name “EvolvifyNow” is more than just a combination of words; it is a testament to our vision, values, and aspirations. It embodies the essence of evolution, empowerment, and innovation, serving as a guiding light for individuals on their journey towards growth and transformation. Join us as we embark on this journey together, and let’s EvolvifyNow. https://lnkd.in/g3_rBFZd

Three cornerstones I use for brand identity: 1. PURPOSE—your reason to be in business beyond making money. Something that keeps you and your team going when times get tough. 🟠 My purpose: “To give challenger brands a fighting chance.” 2. MISSION—the goal you’re trying to accomplish. It aligns your activities toward that goal by stating who you are, what you do, and why. 🟠 My mission: “Helping left-brain founders and overwhelmed CMOs walk into any room being proud to promote their shit.” 3. VISION—the future your company aspires to make happen. What would the world (big or small) look like if you achieved your mission? 🟠 My vision: “Brands and comms that pack a punch, on any budget, thanks to creative strategy.” One tip: When crafting those statements, don’t be afraid of repetition. You’re better off hammering down the same concept than using flowery language for the sake of poetry and losing your people in doing so. What are your purpose, mission, and vision?