The corporate world and the entrepreneurial world are very different. While one is suppressing individuals to make them a valuable part of a well-maintained machine, the world of solopreneurs is more about self-development and growth.
Women often leave the corporate career in search of a purpose and their lost individuality. No wonder, when they hear about branding, they think it’s not for them, as it’s a part of their corporate past. Well, let’s find out, if branding is meant to be a part of only huge companies, or it can help a woman entrepreneur on the way to find herself?
First of all, let’s once again check the definition of a brand.
A brand is an image in the customer’s mind, created by a customer based on the experience of product/service, data from various information channels and the feedback of other users/customers
Being formed in customers’ minds, brands need to build a relationship with clients to sell more and to create new customers almost on autopilot.
Is that something different than that what every entrepreneur wants?
No.
Does that mean that branding for corporates and solopreneur will be the same?
No.
There’s a difference. While corporates just need to increase their audience and they use branding techniques almost blindly, solopreneurs are in the different boat. They want to find their passion, do what they love, find the purpose and make something that makes sense. Also, just like big corporates, they also want to make money, but their reasons are often different and more personal. Unlike big businesses, a solopreneur has a lot of emotional involvement in business. It’s a human to human business. And apart from the responsibility they always think…
- What if I am not able to make it?
- What if I am not able to make enough money to do what I love long enough?
- I don’t want to back to a corporate world, please, I don’t want it….
For those who start getting the first glimpse of freedom, ability to be with family, and be an owner of their time, those thoughts are a nightmare.
Surprisingly, branding can help you to move any business to a new level. But will solopreneurs allow well known valid methods to shape their business?
Let’s briefly see, why a small business or a solopreneur needs to start their branding?
1. Clarity.
What is this business for, what it does and who the customers? It also involves some research about the market before it’s operational. Competitors, trends, the size of the market.
I know you may repeat some things that you’ve heard “There is no competition” (These aren’t the Droids you’re looking for). But competition is the sign of demand. And it’s an important factor to research.
2. Authority.
Since you know what you are doing and who the buyers are, you also know what the other propositions in the market available. You need to build an authority and positioning. In other words become a recognised expert in your industry. Talk about your values and what your brand stands for. Find content from the respected sources that prove your point. It’s easy to say but where and how to start?
3. Consistency.
Here’s when branding elements come into the picture and help people remember your brand and recognise it when you post a new valuable information. And if they like your brand, they may choose to follow you, that means they may subscribe or buy from you to deepen the experience with that what you offer.
If all is built right, your new clients will become loyal ambassadors of your brand and will recommend your services just because they love them. Guess what? That’s the time when your business starts growing on autopilot.
Originally published at brandplusphoto.com on May 26, 2017.
Originally published at medium.com