As you would have read in my previous blog on why you can’t just have a business brand, personal branding encompasses the ongoing process of establishing a positive extension of who you are and what you stand for in the minds of others. In this online era, authenticity is key and can only be achieved if you create a personal brand that defines its own unique characteristics, that genuinely adds value to people’s lives.

A business brand without a personal brand is like an empty vessel drifting at sea, without a captain to give it purpose.

Wow! How fast 2017 is flying! I’ve been quiet for a while, busy in my SummerTime happy place planning and crafting a great year ahead. Now that the plan is in place, let’s get back to the business of branding and sharing some insights around how to do it well. In my previous blog posts, we covered the topics of establishing and creating your brand. Now let’s move into how to make the most of the brand you’ve created.

"What makes a great brand?” -  As the co-owner of a vibrant creative studio specialising in design, branding and marketing called SummerTime, I probably get asked that question every single work day, at least… And while branding and marketing is both a science and an art, often entailing complex analysis and sophisticated insights, the answer to this question is pretty simple and straight forward.

Imagine your business was a person… What would she look like? How would she talk? What would she say? Which words would she use? Would she talk passionately, using casual language? Or would she employ a more classical and formal tone? Why would people engage with her in conversation? Would she behave consistently and therefor build rapport and trust with others?

As an entrepreneur, you need to be a Jack of all trades. In addition to being a subject matter specialist in your area of expertise, you’re also running a business which demands that you maintain involvement in everything from administration and accounts through to marketing and client relationship management.