Download a printable Brand Questions sheet to get started!
Whether you are an individual employee, a farmer or the owner of another business, you have a brand. How would you describe your brand? In Series 4 Episode 2 with Laurel Mann, Ceres Solutions Brand Manager, and Callie Curley, Digital Marketing & Communications Manager, we cover everything you need to know to get started with developing your brand with intentionality.
While everyone has a brand, memorable brands take some thought and effort. When we discuss branding we don’t lead with a logo and brand colors like many might think. Rather, we lead with the company’s or person’s mission for being in business. This includes having a discussion with everyone who represents the brand to share those values.
“It has to be authentic and bubble up from the people who work for you and with you,” shared Laurel. ”To me, it’s so important that the people involved in representing the brand have buy-in.”
Here are some guiding questions to walk you through this conversation with your family or team.
1- What is our WHY for being in business?
2- What problem do we solve?
3- Who do we serve?
4- What makes us unique from our competition?
5- What do we want our customers, employees, and community to say about us when we’re not in the room? (and a bonus Q here): How do we make them feel?
Once you have walked through those questions and you feel confident in your answers, you will be well on your way to establishing your brand identity. Next comes maintenance which requires you to live out that mission every day. Which revolves around being true to your brand.
"Being authentic, being consistent. That's the power couple there. If you can tell a true story, tell it often and tell it in ways that resonate with the people that you're trying to communicate with, you're going to win every time." Callie said.
Be consistent and authentic to make your brand feel more memorable. Hold yourself accountable for living up to your mission and keep your mission simple so the directive is very clear. To learn more about branding and marketing, check out our entire series here.