The ebb and flow of entrepreneurship can be very uncomfortable. In June 2014, after months of little to no work, I found myself living on a friend’s couch wondering, “Where did I go wrong?”
In that moment, I was reminded of an idea that I’d been running away from for three years. This compelled me to put into practice six principles that drastically altered my situation in a matter of months and helped me grow my company, Branding While Broke.
Branding While Broke helps you shift your focus and allows you to embrace the idea that you have everything you need to build an effective brand. The world is waiting on you. So no more excuses—go!
Mindset
First, set the intention. Determine what you want to have, what you want it to look like, and how you want it to feel. We sometimes underestimate the power of our thoughts. Take a moment and write down your ideal day from the time you wake up until the time you go to bed. This will help you take your current life and transform it into one that you desire.
Definition
What does your brand sound like? How does it affect the people in your circle? How does it make them feel? Identifying the attributes of your brand will help clarify what you have and what you’re working towards. One of the best ways to help define your brand is by creating a mission statement that is no more than six words. Try it. Here’s mine: Supporting leaders that help people succeed.
Visualization
Most of our purchasing decisions are made because of visual perceptions. It is suggested in some research that more than 80 percent of those purchasing decisions are made because of color. You don’t have to be a designer to take into consideration the appearance of your brand. Look at your colors—are they accurately communicating the message that you intended?
Resources
It’s easy sometimes to focus on what we don’t have. Instead, change your perspective and begin focusing on what you have right now. Make a list of skills, talents, affiliations, networks, groups, products, online services, and people that you have within your reach. Start there. Identify how to leverage them to get you to the next step in building your brand.
Partnerships
Partnerships can be scary, but are necessary. We can’t build an effective brand by ourselves. When looking for someone to partner with, I would encourage you not to focus on your need initially, but instead what you have to give. After you’ve identified your give, then look at your need. Next, compare the similarities you both share. Finally, map out the details of your exchange.
Launch
Fear is usually the barrier that keeps us from launching or relaunching a brand. When met with the feeling of fear, lean into it. Push past self-doubt, insecurities, previous hurt, and pain. Meet them head-on.