In this decade, there will be numerous disruptive business trends that will shake businesses to their very core! Consumer trends are leaning more towards convenience and brand loyalty. The way to win (continue being relevant) in the face of the disruptive shift is to build a brand!
How do you begin to build your brand? Here are some pointers : –
Honor your word!
Over time, people have become very careless with their words. There was a time when “You have my word” meant “you have my life”. (I am putting my life on my word).This was in medieval times. Words/promises were not dished out haphazardly! They were a bond! As you begin to build your brand, you will need to have this in mind! In every communication you put out as a business/brand, you should ensure that it is followed through.
Now, how many times have you had a canceled meeting? (Especially over a text message?) Or Someone comes late to a meeting? Or (our favorite one- here in Kenya) never starting any event on time, because, “African time”.
These all add up to – Not keeping your word.
Not keeping your word affects you in 2 areas:-
1. Your relationship with others.
The less you keep your word, the less people trust you. The more you break your promises, the more you start diminishing in the eyes of people you relate to. You stop being reliable in their eyes. Your word looses value/meaning. You are crowned unreliable.
Would you want to be involved with a business/brand that is not reliable? I hope not.
2. Your integrity.
Much more catastrophic than being labeled unreliable by the people you relate with is becoming unreliable to yourself. This can sabotage your existence. You begin doubting yourself, in your ability to deliver on your brand promises, run a successful business, build a super brand.
Do you know who run businesses/ brands/ companies – people.
keeping your word means :-
- You respect other people’s time and effort as much as you respect yours.
- You can clearly communicate your value proposition.
- You are able to tell your brand story or clearly articulate your professional arch.
- You have established your character as an individual and as a brand.
The lesson for today: You break it, you buy it! You repair the damage! ( Character, )When you mess up, be more generous!
TrioG Communication 