Building a brand…. Is it more important than making a buck quick?

The mention of the word brand probably evokes images of Nike, Starbucks, or Tesla. You will associate these brands with some things and that how you know their branding has worked. To put things in perspective, think of some failed brands, brands that made a cameo and tapped out. The one-hit wonders, remember Millie Vanilie, Ha! You probably don’t have a clue who I’m talking about, the reason could be one of two reasons one you are too young or they weren’t around long enough for you to remember them. But that doesn't stop the question, what will people know me for, or what will my legacy be, or what do I really stand for?

Can the person really be a brand and is it worth investing in the brand first? The short answer is yes. You are a brand albeit to your small circle of friends. Your brand is how you are perceived in your circles, but you should know how personal branding works before jumping on creating one. It’s more refined than being salesy or using words to describe yourself.

Back when I was ignorant about word-of-mouth advertising, I would have done anything to make a quick buck. All that mattered at this level was making the sale more than establishing a relationship. I know, it is counterintuitive not to focus on the money but over time it became clear that making money has been a bi-product of a good brand image, and here’s why.

For a person whose business relies on how well you sell its story. It might seem self-indulgent to do this if your business depends on you but the harsh reality is that without it, what people know about your products and your company is what they hear from others. But you don't need telling to know that not being in control of the narrative puts you at a massive disadvantage.

Taking control of your image means that you build an image to make you stand out in a crowded marketplace. It boosts your reputation and also builds trust that will help you attain your goals in the short, middle, and long terms. A personal brand is what future business is built on and establishing one means that selling once is not final, you will benefit from repeat customers and word of mouth advertising among other synergies.

So, to our question of whether building a brand is better than making a quick buck and the answer is a resounding yes! It encompasses everything about your career, business, or personality and indulgence in how people relate with you now and in the future. Investing in the brand in the formative stages will pay long-term dividends in your business and personal life and also open you up to more opportunities beyond what you perceived possible.

Nurturing a strong and authentic brand also puts you in charge of the things that matter to you. For instance, if you established a brand for being trustworthy and candid, it would be hard for things you do not entertain to be suggested to you. It helps you go through personal and business life on your terms but also fosters your character/identity going forward.