Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make When Building Their Brand

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I’ve seen countless entrepreneurs build their brands. But 97% of them are failing at it. Here is exactly what they’re doing wrong, and how you can do it right 👇

If entrepreneurs make a mistake, it will fall into one of these buckets: Poor Mindset Poor Decision-Making Poor Business Acumen Poor Marketing Strategy Poor Leadership Poor Personal Philosophy Poor Social Etiquette Poor Design & Innovation Let's go in order, shall we?

⸺POOR MINDSET⸺ ❌ They think branding doesn't matter. ✅ Brand equity multiplies over time. It won't accrue if you don't start now. ❌ They think branding is too expensive. ✅ Your brand is an asset. Strategy and design is an investment. Do it accordingly.

❌ They think branding is a selfish activity. ✅ Branding is building a relationship. Your audience won't perceive you otherwise. ❌ They think it's about getting more $$$ ✅ Branding is about relationships first, so you must give first to create more of them.

❌ They think everyone's their audience ✅ If you don't target who you're talking to, you're resonating with no one at all. ❌ They think everyone will love them ✅ Good branding gets you the attention of the right people. Not everyone.

⸺POOR DECISION-MAKING⸺ ❌ They're subjective rather than objective ✅ Allow the audience to help you make objective branding and marketing choices. ❌ They don't validate their ideas ✅ Your mom or colleagues won't tell you if your idea hits a deep market problem.

❌ They don't define their focus ✅ If you want people to remember you, help them to think of one thing only ❌ They are too narrow to grow ✅ Choose a niche where there is proven success or make it culturally relevant

❌ They don't protect their time ✅ Nothing will build itself if you get distracted and don't block off time to do it. ❌ They hide behind their calendar ✅ Audience relationships won't get built if you're not out there building them.

⸺POOR STRATEGY⸺ ❌ They don't use themselves to market ✅ Remarkable brands have a more remarkable personal brand behind them. ❌ They don't reward their audience ✅ Platforms make attention a commodity. Stand out & treat that attention uniquely.

❌ They overlook their competitors ✅ Taking note of what's happening in your niche assures you won't lag behind others. ❌ They copy their competitors ✅ The fastest way to become irrelevant is to become a copy. So, when they zig, zag.

❌ They expand their brand too soon ✅ Stop offering all types of things. You'll dilute your focus and people's attention. ❌ They jump into marketing too fast ✅ Creating a brand strategy first is the best way to be effective in marketing.

⸺POOR LEADERSHIP⸺ ❌ They rest on their laurels & credentials ✅ Don't use jargon. Don't flaunt how great you are. No one's a hotshot forever. ❌ They feel shy to "show off" their wins ✅ You accomplishments are social proof. Learn to insert them appropriately.

❌ They persecute or bully others ✅ Good branding can be polarizing. But good branding is never bullying. ❌ They never take a stand for anything ✅ Values, beliefs and principles is an indicator of a solid brand with boundaries.

❌ They avoid tough conversations ✅ Sticking to biz ops indicates you're either not self-aware or want to hide. ❌ They're too political and divisive ✅ Knowing what you stand for is great, but at some point it can work against you.

❌ They ignore employee behavior ✅ If you aim to lead a market, know what's happening on the ground in your company. ❌ They give everyone a say in the brand ✅ The quickest way to water down your brand is to pull it apart from its core being.

❌ They overlook their network and friends ✅ Networks trigger opportunities and growth. Partner well and continuously. ❌ They don't adapt their message to the times ✅ To stay current, messaging needs to shift and change to be heard.

⸺POOR PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY⸺ ❌ They don't share their own story ✅ Brands are built by those who lead them. And people want to know the leader. ❌ They lack a focused & consistent message ✅ You build a devoted following fast when you clearly say what you're about.

❌ They don't have a shared vision ✅ Your audience wants to go places. Share a place they can see going with you. ❌ They don't have ambitious goals ✅ Attention is generated when worthwhile goals have a specific outcome to track.

⸺POOR SOCIAL ETIQUETTE⸺ ❌ They hide their personality and fun side ✅ Human bonding occurs when we show who we are and let our character shine. ❌ They lack intention when posting online ✅ Give people a reason to follow you by sharing exactly what you'll contribute daily.

❌ They don't alert the audience of change ✅ Changing your identity without notice causes confusion. Inform your following. ❌ They don't engage with others ✅ Bots spit out content. Humans engage with it. Show you're human from time to time.

⸺POOR DESIGN AND INNOVATION⸺ ❌ They don't use striking visuals ✅ People's eyes glaze over if nothing strong or unique is catching their eye ❌ Their visuals don't align with their brand ✅ If you're a modern brand, you won't give that vibe off with traditional aesthetics

❌ They assume design is enough branding ✅ Looking cool or flashy merely grabs eyeballs. Keeping it means you deliver value. ❌ They don't constantly innovate ✅ Doing what's always worked is a great way to die a slow death. Stay on your edge.

Whether you're seasoned or starting out... You'll want to steer clear of making these mistakes when building your brand. → Want a bit more explanation? Take a listen to one of my most popular spaces to date and hear for yourself 👇 twitter.com/i/spaces/1mnxedALErrJX