You ARE your brand whether you like it or not!

One of the perceived benefits of franchising or purchasing a long established business, is the idea that you can ride on the coattail of a well-known brand with an equally recognised logo.  Putting aside the reality that hard work and engagement with customers is what grows a business, not just strong brand recognition – lets focus on ‘brand’ for the moment.  

OK, so…let’s get it out there right upfront……..As a business owner, you are your brand whether you like it or not!

Everyone knows of a small business whose owner is as equally well recognised as the logo above their shop door.  When they walk down the street, they are recognised as being the best at what they do, and if you need that type of product or service, you just don’t go anywhere else.  I recall in my ‘past life’ owning and running a large franchise business in the financial services sector.  Being in a regional city at the time, my marketing, branding and community engagement strategies invariably involved me personally engaging with people through TV adverts, print media and social media marketing activities, as well as through local community events.  It struck me very quickly that I WAS my own brand, and whilst it was closely linked to that nationally known franchised business, my own brand defined me as a business person operating in my community.  
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Your reputation in the local community (whether in a country town or a bustling inner city suburb) for providing excellent customer service, good products and services, and delivering for your customers will define you and your business.  It is all part of ‘your brand’.  The actions and performance of your staff also feed into ‘your reputation and brand’, but that’s a discussion for another day.  Having an impressive logo and well recognised corporate brand may get you out of the starting blocks, but your personal brand and the effort you make in developing it positively will both define your business and also take it to the next level.  Partnering with Present Professionally will help you build your personal brand carefully and strategically.

Anthony Ferro

Present Professionally serves customers across the Toowoomba Region and South East Queensland.  You can follow Anthony at https://au.linkedin.com/in/anthonyferro1  or view details at www.presentprofessionally.com.au and LIKE us on Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/PresentProfessionallyAustralia/ 

 Written and Published by  www.presentprofessionally.com.au