[Branding] Intro - Why Branding?

When talking about doing business, developing partnership, designing products...marketers consider 'Branding'; for instance, what kind of company image should they give their clients, what logo design can catch consumers' eyes?

But when talking about you, me, or any individuals, do you remember / know how to do branding?

I joined a team called Protocol Ambassador (PA) when I studied in National Chia Yi University in Taiwan; it is a team that provide services for holding ceremonies like guiding guests, being the emcee, providing Chinese / English presentation to introduce our university...etc. It was then I realised how important it is to create a proper personal brand. Anytime, anywhere, when there is a PA member; he / she shows a strong image for the university, such as friendly, professional about what they are doing, and always smiling.

In this fast changing world, how do you do to let those people who just met you to remember you? What kind of image you want them to remember you? A person who always talking loudly and never listen to others? A person who only stands there without participating in any group discussions? A personal who talks the constructive opinions at the right time? A person who is humorous that makes everyone smile even when they are under stress? Or...

So why branding?

Because it tells everyone who you are, what you are professional at, what you like and dislike. Even when you are choosing what to wear every morning, you are preparing the 'image' that you are going to provide in front of others when you go out. On the other hand, when a company wants to have good brands, of course there are A LOT other facets they need to consider however; one of them will definitely be 'your employees' brand image. Will you like it when you go to a restaurant to enjoy a romantic dinner with your partner, the food is fascinating, the atmosphere is perfect for a date; and then every time when the servers come, they give you a long face like they hope you leave as soon as possible so then can finish their work early? Merely just because of ONE reluctant employee might stop you from stepping into that restaurant ever again. Will you like it when you go to a meeting with your future business partner, but almost everyone is looking at their iPhone or Blackberry during your talk? Their attitude and disrespect probably make you choose other potential business partner to work with.

How to show the strong brand image of a company? Always let EVERYONE of your employee represents your brand is one of the fundamental issues. Training them to build up their personal brands, creating sense of achievement from work and the environment to make sure your employees are confident and proud to work with you is the first step.

Each one of us represents ourselves and our companies. What brands you create to develop business or your personal life, it really depends on what you do.

Please feel free to give me any comments or share this article! :-)

Chi。季 -  你的個人品牌訓練師。