Look, we are all going through an unprecedented time and nobody has a secret formula for how to get through this. We know things like patience, optimism, and self-care are fundamentally important to getting through this in one piece, but what about your business? What about your personal brand?
Remember, it’s ok to take your foot off the gas and use this opportunity to recharge and refocus. At the same time, remember that your business and your brand keep moving. With that in mind, here are 5 reasons why you must focus your attention on brand building right now.
Money never sleeps and neither does your brand. It was true for Gordon Gekko in 2010 and it’s also true for your brand.
Look, we are all struggling to some degree. Some of us are doing better than others but, most everyone is feeling the effects of the business world essentially running into the freight train known as COVID-19.
I know you really need revenue right now and everyone who can wants to help. We understand the pressure. But, instead of sticking your hand out, begging and pleading for every penny to keep your revenue levels steady and risking long-term reputation damage for short-term gain, focus your attention on your brand. Shifting your attention will allow you to show confidence, positivity, and optimism. These are all traits that your customers and clients will be attracted to.
Everything you do is part of your brand. That lazy picture of you on the couch, a few Doritos crumbs on your chest and an empty pop can on the floor? Yep, that’s your brand.
In 2020 your personal brand follows you everywhere.
Now, if your company is large enough, you may be able to separate your personal brand from your company’s brand. But for any entrepreneur or small business owner, your personal brand is closely tied to your business. So, you can bet that whatever your audience thinks of you they’re thinking the same thing about your business.
We only have 24 hours in a day. Remember this line when the world is re-opened in the coming months. While we all miss seeing friends and family, we also miss visiting our favourite places like coffee shops, restaurants, gyms, clothing boutiques, and movie theatres. The problem lies in that we miss so much we will never have enough hours in the day to get back to all of our favourite places right away. This is why it is so important to continue to build your brand and keep people excited about seeing you as soon as they’re allowed.
It’s a fresh start. If your business was struggling, think of this as a gift from above. It’s an opportunity to clean up your brand and be ready to launch the new-and-improved you in a number of weeks.
If your personal brand hasn’t been built, think of this as the pause button on life and a chance to get it started in time for things to open back up. Plus, there are a number of financial tools available to help and give you the boost you need.
All you need is the right mindset!
It’s a healthy distraction from looking at balance sheets. You can spend hours pouring over financial data to try and limit the damage being caused by the shut-down or you can spend your time building your business for when things open back up. I’m not saying forget about the money and be blind to the losses. Just allow only the necessary time and then shift your focus to more positive activities.
The bottom line is that however you choose to spend this time, your brand will spend it the same way. It’s definitely ok to sit back and use this time for self-care, rest, and reflection. It can be a valuable way to spend your time and pay dividends on your personal and professional life. Just remember, your brand is following you.