Ross Crooks’ Post

While building or designing a brand, you're creating a culture. You're crafting an environment that connects people's emotions with the brand's values. You're developing a common language, both visually and spiritually, where everything has a purpose, is coherent, and feels interconnected. By doing this, you make the audience feel they belong among people who share their beliefs. You've created an environment that can be both seen and felt.

Your culture is your brand.🎯 This seemingly simple yet profound statement underscores the transformative impact of internal values on external perception. In the digital age, where information spreads like wildfire, consumers and clients are not just buying products or services—they are investing in the ethos of a company. The culture within an organization permeates every facet of its existence, from employee interactions to customer experiences. A robust and positive internal culture becomes the lifeblood of a brand. It's not just about what you sell; it's about how you sell it. When a company fosters a work environment rooted in integrity, civility, transparency, collaboration, and innovation, these values become synonymous with the brand itself.

Is Your Culture Damaging Your Brand? (part 4 of 4)   The culture of your organization can and does damage the brand.  “How we do things here” certainly affects the climate in the building. A lack of authenticity leads to drama, stress, and cynicism. When people are figuratively watching their backs, they are collaborating less and taking care of number one becomes the priority. When a culture tolerates pettiness or meanness, people are unlikely to be open or take initiative. The list could go on. How you tend the culture in your organization can play out in different ways given the values of the people involved, individually and as a group. In general, there are several broad steps that you can take to align your culture more closely with your values. Since a culture already exists, it is worth it to spend some time as a team considering what it’s like to work here. What could enhance our work environment? What are our core values and how are they lived? This conversation moves the vision from being yours to being ours. Make authenticity a part of your workplace conversations. Explicitly detail the cultural imperatives in the on-boarding program. Make authenticity an element of supervision (as in “how” things are being accomplished) or conversations about internal customer satisfaction with the workflow between and among colleagues. Actively appreciating examples of good citizenship within the company engages employees. Calling out “Cultural Heroes” and capturing best practices continues to underscore that the values really do count, and these cultural concerns matter to you. I’ve tried to give you enough perspective to address your culture on your own. If this all sounds hokey to you, I’d see that as diagnostic of a cynical culture having already taken root in your organization. I deal with these issues often and aligning your culture with the value that you are trying to produce can make a palpable impact on your bottom line. If you have questions, contact me. Mind the gap! 

Your brand extends far beyond a logo. It embodies your core values, your overarching vision, and most importantly, the people who bring it to life every day. Looking for fresh insights? Try asking more profound questions: "What values matter most to you?" "How do you perceive our company culture?" "Where do you envision the company going?" Shifting your perspective to see your brand as a living, breathing culture rather than just a visual identity unlocks new levels of inspiration and engagement. This approach not only boosts your internal team's morale but also elevates your standing with potential employees and clients. A strong brand culture attracts people who want to be part of something exceptional.

Your culture is your brand. It’s not just about the work you do, but how you do it, and who you are while doing it. How is your company culture reflected in your brand?

Brand culture is so much more than just your slogan and image! And I want to share what is it exactly. It's the way you show your clients, employees, or society in general your beliefs, values, experiences, and material traits. However, it is a double-edged sword because it can hurt your image as a brand if the culture is shown in a wrong or negative way. Sometimes it is unintentional or maybe even created by the public voice, so it is better to create and establish it yourself before it does somebody else!

[Common Rebranding Pitfalls #2] Ignoring Internal Culture. If you’re thinking about rebranding, keep this in mind: The Pitfall: A brand is not just an external image but a reflection of the company’s internal culture. Failing to align the internal culture with the brand’s external message can lead to inconsistencies. The Consequence: This misalignment can erode trust, as customers may sense a lack of authenticity in the brand’s messaging and actions. Check out the full list of pitfalls here: https://lnkd.in/emXKCUhW Whether you’re a company or an individual - knowing the pitfalls could help you steer clear of branding mishaps. #BrandAuthenticity #InternalCulture #RebrandingStrategy #BusinessTrust

💥 Build Your Culture: Brand Beyond the Logo Investing in your systems and people boosts your logo's value and equity over time. A brand-led culture guides your internal teams with clarity and purpose, creating an atmosphere of confidence and excitement. REMEMBER, a thriving internal culture not only enhances productivity but also ignites passion and innovation within your team. Don't just focus on building your brand identity; invest in your internal identity too. A disgruntled and unaligned team will hurt efficiency and lead to negative customer experiences. 🔥Build your culture. Do you agree? Do you have a strong company culture? 👉 Please share how you build your brand beyond the logo. #branding #business #culture #productivity #management 

Why Culture is the True Foundation of Your Brand 💼🏆 When we think of branding, many envision logos or marketing campaigns. But culture is a fundamental building block of a strong, lasting brand. It shapes not only how customers perceive your business but also how your team operates. How you work internally speaks volumes about your brand to the outside world. The way your team interacts and makes decisions is the heartbeat of your company, and this pulse is felt by everyone who interacts with your brand. Let’s look at two examples of how culture impacts branding: 🐝 Example 1: Imagine a company with a team-oriented, growth-focused culture. Collaboration, agility, and continuous improvement are valued. This company’s brand is perceived as innovative and energetic, with a focus on teamwork and partnership. The internal culture creates a brand that feels alive and draws in customers wanting to be part of that success. 🐜 Example 2: Now, think of a company with a logical, hierarchy-oriented culture, where structure and security are key. This brand is seen as trustworthy and reliable, with a focus on expertise and stability. Their brand attracts customers who value consistency and confidence. Culture isn’t just internal—it defines how your brand is perceived. Whether your culture drives team spirit or security, it shapes your brand identity over time. Any thoughts? #BrandCulture #CompanyCulture #BrandStrategy #BusinessBranding #CultureAndBranding #TeamCulture #LeadershipMatters #CorporateCulture #BrandIdentity #BusinessGrowth #CustomerExperience #TeamLeadership #EmployeeEngagement

I am finding that big companies are starting to move away from the traditional headshot. Instead, they're embracing more authentic and engaging imagery that showcases their employees' personalities and the company culture. It's an exciting shift that highlights the importance of genuine connection in today's business world. Are you ready to step away from the traditional and embrace a more authentic approach to representing your brand?