Here's how you can master a specific area of brand strategy and become a subject matter expert.

Concentrate on completing the following actions to become an authority on brand strategy: - Thorough Study: Become well-versed in the most recent developments and case studies in your field. - Develop your knowledge of customer behavior, brand positioning, and market analysis. - Join forums or groups that are pertinent to your field and network with influential people. - Constant Learning: Take advantage of webinars, workshops, and courses. - Gain practical experience through internships or real-world projects. - Content Creation: To establish credibility, share your thoughts by publishing articles or giving speeches at gatherings.

Here's how to master a specific area of brand strategy and become a subject matter expert: Deep Dive: Choose a specific niche in brand strategy (e.g., B2B tech branding) and research extensively. Content Consumption: Devour industry publications, reports, and competitor analysis. Active Learning: Take courses, attend workshops, and participate in industry conferences. Sharpen Your Skills: Practice your craft by working on personal projects or volunteering for branding initiatives. Network & Share: Connect with other brand strategists, share your knowledge (blogs, articles), and build your reputation. Stay Current: Continuously learn as the field evolves (new trends, tools).

Set Clear and Specific Objectives Start by defining clear, specific goals for your expertise in brand strategy. Identify the particular area you want to master, such as brand positioning, storytelling, or digital marketing. For example, if you aim to become an expert in brand storytelling, set objectives like mastering narrative techniques, understanding emotional engagement, and learning to create compelling brand stories. Clear goals provide a focused direction for your efforts and help measure your progress over time.

I often say to my clients that branding is like setting a series of goals. The biggest being the overarching goal of who you are and what you stand for. You then have goals about how your product, service or information is going to transform something for your clients, customers and followers. You then have goals about your audience and who they are. Brand strategy is like a series of goals that all talk to one another to create an ultimate mission.

Setting specific goals is the first step towards becoming an expert in brand planning. Recognise your goals for your speciality, whether they involve introducing a new product, restructuring an existing brand, or raising brand recognition. Establish quantifiable, precise goals and make a plan of action to direct your work. This clarity will enable you to properly assess your progress, match your techniques with your objectives, and concentrate your learning and skill development. As you acquire experience and knowledge, keep refining your objectives so that your skill level increases in accordance with both your own aspirations and market trends.

To master brand strategy, immerse yourself in extensive research. Study market trends, consumer behavior, and successful brand strategies. This will equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions and understand how brands connect with their audience. -> A great example is Amul's Success. Amul, an iconic Indian dairy brand, is a prime example of mastering brand strategy. By focusing on consistent quality and relatable advertising, Amul has built a strong brand identity. Their famous "Amul Girl" campaigns, which comment on current events with humor and wit, have kept the brand relevant and beloved across generations

Immerse Yourself in Comprehensive Research Dive deep into the chosen area by studying authoritative books, academic papers, and industry reports. Follow thought leaders and subscribe to relevant journals and newsletters. For instance, if your focus is brand positioning, read works by renowned authors like David Aaker or Al Ries, and stay updated with the latest case studies and market analysis. Deep research builds a strong foundational knowledge and keeps you informed about the latest trends and methodologies.

Become an expert in brand strategy by conducting a lot of research. Examine customer behaviour, market trends, and the tactics used by profitable companies. Examine industry reports and case studies to determine what is effective and why. Stay on top of things by following new developments in technology and fashion. Attending pertinent conferences or workshops and networking with business people can also yield insightful information. This in-depth study will improve your capacity to formulate creative, successful tactics and give you a sophisticated grasp of branding dynamics.

Once you have developed a solid foundation, consider taking on freelance or passion projects. This allows you to work with different clients, tackle diverse challenges and build a good portfolio in your chosen niche.

Apply Your Knowledge Through Real-World Projects Gain practical experience by applying your knowledge in real-world scenarios. Work on projects, whether in your current role, through freelancing, or volunteering for non-profits. For example, create brand positioning strategies for different clients or organizations, and analyze their effectiveness. Regular practice hones your skills, helps you learn from mistakes, and builds a portfolio of successful projects that demonstrate your expertise.

If you can't put it into practice, you're not an expert. If you're new, find someone to learn from. Find a place with someone willing to act as an experienced mentor. Help them. Ask thoughtful questions. Learn from them. Practical experience is the best way to learn brand strategy. There isn't much written on it in books. Articles in journals are expensive. Online courses are taught mainly by people without practical experience (or really expensive). - Volunteer at a place with a willing mentor. - Be a sponge. - Learn from them.

Acquiring theoretical knowledge alone is only half the fight; consistent practice is what makes an expert. Work on actual brand strategy initiatives to put what you've learnt into practice, whether it's for your own company or by volunteering for others. You may test and improve your abilities, comprehend real-world problems, and create solutions that work in a variety of circumstances with the aid of practical experience. Using a hands-on approach not only strengthens your learning but also enhances your reputation in the area and grows your portfolio.

Practice makes a man perfect - It's the most overused cliche. But Michelle Obama, in one of her inspirational talks mentioned the importance of practice over all areas of our life. It rings true when she says, if you wanna be a role model, you have to practice being a role model. If you have to be a business woman, you have to practice being one. You can be a perfect mother by practicing being a mom, each day. It doesn't take away the fact that you will fail, rather it insists on the fact that you will redo. Do. Redo.

Developing a strong network is essential to understanding brand strategy. Make connections with other industry experts to share experiences, bounce ideas off one another, and remain up to speed on the newest developments. Join trade associations, go to conferences, and take part in branding-related online discussion boards or social media communities. Developing a strong network offers chances for cooperation, mentoring, and learning from many viewpoints. Being active in the community also keeps you up to date on new techniques and creative approaches, which keeps you at the forefront of the brand strategy industry.

I would insist on leveraging the Power of 'Meaningful' Networking. Mastering brand strategy and becoming a subject matter expert requires more than just surface-level connections; it involves building deep, valuable relationships. Meaningful networking fosters relationships where you can gain diverse perspectives, learn from others' successes and failures, and collaborate on innovative strategies. These connections can lead to mentorship opportunities, partnerships, and access to exclusive industry knowledge.

Build Connections with Industry Professionals Expand your professional network by attending industry conferences, joining professional associations, and participating in online forums and groups. Engage with peers, mentors, and influencers who can provide insights, feedback, and opportunities for collaboration. For example, join a LinkedIn group dedicated to brand strategy and actively participate in discussions. Networking not only opens doors to new opportunities but also keeps you connected with the latest industry developments.

I rarely read fiction. It’s not that I don’t appreciate the genre, but I’d rather use the minimal time I have available to read to also learn. Non-fiction books on branding, business, and personal development are my go-to. Then, I use what I learn as inspiration for what to teach. When you read with the intention of teaching, you absorb material more deeply. It becomes knowledge you can convert to content, bringing value to others. The other thing about teaching is that is forces you to understand your own understanding. How do you make decisions in your work? What frameworks do you use? How do you approach this challenge? Every method you use, find clarity in your process to be able to explain it to others.

Share Your Knowledge to Reinforce Learning Enhance your expertise by teaching others through workshops, webinars, or writing articles and blog posts. For instance, conduct a workshop on brand storytelling techniques or publish a series of articles on your findings and experiences. Teaching reinforces your own understanding and positions you as a thought leader in the field. It also helps you build a personal brand and expand your professional influence.

INTERACTIVE WORKSHOPS / WEBINARS: Conduct live sessions where participants engage in real-time problem-solving. Use case studies and real-world examples to illustrate key concepts, allowing immediate application and practical experience. MICRO-LEARNING MODULES: Break down complex topics into bite-sized lessons like short videos, infographics, or quizzes. This caters to the modern preference for quick, on-the-go education, making information easier to retain and apply. SIMULATION-BASED LEARNING: Create virtual simulations of real-life brand strategy challenges where learners make strategic decisions and see the outcomes. This risk-free practice helps refine skills and build confidence for real-world applications.

Talking at events and giving online masterclasses is a huge part of my business strategy. Not only do I love getting to share the power of creating a powerful brand with people and empowering them to make a bigger impact, it also gives gives indication as to the types of questions people want to know and learn.

One thing I have found helpful in terms of staying relevant and performing at the top of the brand strategic “game” is staying current. The strategist that is smartest is the one who knows what no-one else does, because they do the hard work when others don’t. Whether it is yourself or your team, staying current is the best way to position yourself for success. ??

Keep Abreast of Industry Changes and Innovations Continuously update your knowledge by following industry news, attending training sessions, and participating in ongoing education. Subscribe to industry newsletters, join webinars, and take advanced courses. For example, if digital marketing trends shift towards new social media platforms, learn how to leverage these platforms for brand building. Staying updated ensures your expertise remains relevant and cutting-edge.

Something I’ve personally found highly valuable is connecting with a diverse network of other brand leaders. Expanding your perspective by surrounding yourself with people that think differently and see unique paths forward is the only way to grow and avoid your own echo chamber. If you’re looking for such a tribe, I recommend checking out Level C Masterclasses by Andy Starr and Brand God, Marty Neumeier. Also follow creative thought leaders that offer new thinking. Here are a few to start with: - Marketing Sherpa - Colin Scotland - Jacob Cass - Matt Davies - Prophet

Today things move fast. It is good to be aware of all the trends, but do not become a trend chaser. Just because everyone is doing it doesn’t make it right for your brand. So be aware but cautious.

To further cement your status as a subject matter expert, actively engage with the branding community by contributing your own insights and experiences. Write articles or blog posts on emerging trends, participate in industry forums, and speak at conferences or webinars. Networking with other professionals can provide diverse perspectives and foster collaborative learning opportunities. Additionally, apply your knowledge practically by working on varied branding projects, experimenting with innovative strategies, and analyzing the outcomes. This hands-on experience, combined with continuous learning and community engagement, will enhance your expertise and establish you as a thought leader in brand strategy.

Seek Mentorship and Feedback Find a mentor who is an established expert in your chosen area and seek their guidance. Regularly request feedback on your work from peers and mentors to identify areas for improvement. For example, present your brand strategy projects to your mentor for critique and suggestions. Mentorship and constructive feedback are invaluable for continuous improvement and professional growth.

Research, practice, mentorship and peer feedback. There is SO MUCH information that is accessible to those that want to learn. And often times, many people don’t mind teaching you if you’re teachable. Don’t worry so much about getting things right at first. Focus more on cultivating a strategic mind. A mind that asks that right questions will help you get to the right answers. (I learned that from a mentor) And look for the gaps! Look for the holes in the brand or in the strategy. Having the ability to identify what’s missing will sharpen your ability to discover what’s needed sooner.

Have you heard the sports reference, you have to, Breath it. Live it. Eat it. Sleep it. Repeat it. And only then you will excel. Apply this to your sense of experience and see it through the lens of your discipline. I guess once you start seeing merit in your applications, you will have perfected your skill.

Lead by example. Walk your talk. Stay informed. Share results. Deliver. To be known as the expert you have to provide evidence on the results in the area of your expertise. Focus on getting the outcomes and results required