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What If…The New Paradigm of Branding

Blog Branding

 

I had one of those catalyst conversations the other night with a colleague…you know, the kind of exchange that lights a fire in your belly and challenges you to draw a line in the sand about who you are and why you do what you do (as a side note, it’s quite interesting to be on the other side since normally I’m the one who encourages fires and lines!).

One thing that my colleague said in particular turned the fire into an inferno:

Just show up and do it

Embers that I have been carefully stoking into a comfortable little campfire roared into a pyromaniac’s dream with those 6 words.

Just show up and do it

This is me…showing up and doing it

According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, in Old English the word “brand” carried the meanings of “fire, flame; firebrand, piece of burning wood, torch”. The word “brand” comes from the Germanic languages (and Old English was still very much part of the Germanic family) and is still commonly used in modern Dutch and German to mean “fire”.

I’ve always resonanted with this definition of branding; to me it represents the true essence of the word brand; I have visions of steel forged in a fire and sharpened to a fine edge by the flames + heat. Of tribes gathering around campfires to celebrate + conduct ceremonies. There is mystical mojo and power in that concept of branding.

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What if…

You thought of a brand as a way to leave your imprint, spread your influence, and create an impact

What if…

You thought of your brand as a way to connect with, build relationships with, and be an incandescent light for your Good Fit people

What if…

You dove deep into thoroughly understanding the WHY behind your work/business and WHO you are and WHAT your message is

What if…

You invested in learning from those who are interested in teaching what they know, not in trying to force you into a cookie cutter version of themselves

What if…

You thought of your brand as legacy, amplification, and resonance

What if…

You lived your brand’s values and superpowers consistently on a daily basis

What if…

You thought of branding as the opportunity to show up

What if…

Clients want to work with you because your passion + vibrance + reputation set you apart from every other person

What if…

You thought of branding as the calling card to showing your expertise, passion, and knowledge about your work

What if…

You thought of branding as aligned intention, mindful awareness, and clear transmission of who you are

What if…

You actually owned who you secretly believe yourself to be

What if…

You thought of branding as showcasing YOU as a product=a product of your experiences, your thoughts, your beliefs, your values, your vision

What if…

You considered that branding might be the conduit to showing off your quirks and gorgeous human-ness

What if…

By branding yourself you stepped comfortably into your role as a leader, visionary, and change maker?

What if…

You believed that your brand was forged through the fire of crystal clear clarity

What if…

You saw branding as a way to blaze a trail of innovation and leave an indelible impression

 

What if you thought about the concept of branding in this way…what would you do differently?

 

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Comments

  1. Paul T Tran says

    August 15, 2013 at 5:52 pm

    What a great refresher on a word we use so often without giving it thought or life to it. To be honest, I’ve always associated the word “brand” to words like personality, ways of doing this or that; but to give it an image of fire being sparked, spread, shining light, etc. was a paradigm shift that gave why I do what I do…well, more fire! Great post, D! #badasseryninja

    Reply
    • Danielle says

      August 15, 2013 at 5:59 pm

      Thanks Paul. And you’re right, it is about personality, and the way you do things…that’s what leaves the imprint and impression about who you are. It’s also about legacy, amplification, influence, and impact. All rolled into a bright fireball 😉

      Thanks for stopping by fellow #badasseryninja

      xo
      Danielle

      Reply
  2. Gina Parris says

    August 16, 2013 at 9:51 am

    My favorite line:
    What if…

    You thought of your brand as legacy, amplification, and resonance

    In that case, I would focus on teaching stuff out in the world that I want my kids to remember forever. I’d write books with them in mind instead of a pay day. So I shall, starting today. Thanks Danielle.

    Reply
    • Danielle says

      August 16, 2013 at 10:18 am

      Oh Gina… I love that! “Teaching stuff that I want my kids to remember”. That is awesome 🙂 Thank you so much for adding your thoughts. And I don’t think you do anything with thinking of a pay day in mind. You care + love too much!

      xo
      Danielle

      Reply
  3. Charmaine Clancy says

    August 16, 2013 at 6:44 pm

    I’ve been hearing a lot about the Why lately, but this is refreshing, looking at the What if. I also love the idea of teaching the kids a philosophy of business, as well as the way we live.

    I have a challenge with my teen and pre-teen to start their own business, and they’ve chosen to run a blog-based business in their area of interests (Dungeons & Dragons for one, Magic for the other). I love that they’re learning so many valuable skills, but also a lot about ethics etc.

    Reply
    • Danielle says

      August 20, 2013 at 10:48 pm

      Hi Charmaine!

      It is very important to know what your WHY is and to keep checking in with it. This really is a philosophy of doing business and doing “you”. How incredibly awesome that you are teaching your kids such valuable life skills! Kudos to you 🙂

      Warmly,
      Danielle

      Reply

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