Here's how you can shift from a different career to brand strategy.

Shifting from any career to brand strategy is not as easy as most people think. Many believe that brand is just fashionable or cool. However, brand is both science and art. There is a misconception globally about what brand is and how branding works. Fundamentally, many see it as just a part of marketing. Brand is actually the sum of the business. So, transitioning to a career in brand strategy or as a brand consultant with an engineering background requires an understanding of the emotional side, as many engineers tend to think more functionally than emotionally. I have observed this throughout my career.

Know your customers before building on the brand strategy. Building a strong brand requires knowledge and direction towards : - who is it that you are targeting? - why and how do you stand out? - focus on the sustainability aspect, how can you sustain this brand equity?

The best place to start from my perspective is to take a look at the critical soft skills that make for a great strategist and compare them to your current skills and then fill in the gaps. These skills include Empathy, Listening, and communication, analytical and creative thinking, and problem-solving skills. Next I would look into some courses or masterminds to begin learning the fundamental knowledge and skills of the trade. Next, I would look to join a strategy community to network and potentially and borrow the framework of another strategist that will help you start and shape your own process. Lastly, practical experience is key. I would offer some free strategy to begin to build a portfolio and fine-tune the process.

First think of why you would like to shift into brand strategy the answer begins from there, as it is your motivator. Start networking with brand strategists and get to know how they approach strategies for a brand. Upskill your knowledge by taking courses on the topic. Branding is all about approach and human perspectives.

Learning the basics of brand strategy definitely helps. Consider a variety of marketing readings: - brand strategy courses from reputable institutions (such as the CIM - chartered institute of marketing) - establishing a robust fondation - marketing press (talking about marketing campaigns, industry updates, latest trends…) - this is essentially the outcome of a good brand strategy and it’s good to be able to visualise it and understand the mechanisms of it too. - blogs, articles, forum discussions: enabling you to also be involved and responsive in discussions - sharing your knowledge gathered and building your thoughts leadership as well as your confidence.

While industry jargon is your entry ticket, mastering the art of turning these terms into compelling narratives is what sets you apart. Transform "market segmentation" into stories about people, places, and preferences. Make the lingo live beyond the boardroom; let it breathe the air of the markets you aim to captivate.

Speak the Brand Language. Imagine brand strategy as a foreign country with its own quirky dialect—time to brush up on the lingo! Dive into branding jargon, understand terms like positioning, differentiation, and value proposition. Soon you'll be chatting away like a native brand strategist.

Talk the Talk, Walk the Walk! Speaking strategically can help you think and work strategically. Podcasts and blogs are an easy way to learn industry lingo and learn how strategists approach problems.

?Explore branding blogs, industry publications, books, and podcasts to encounter the terminology in context. ? Seek out resources specifically geared towards branding and marketing professionals. These often provide detailed explanations and examples. ? Participate in online forums, attend webinars, and join networking events where professionals discuss branding topics. This hands-on experience helps solidify your understanding. ? Make flashcards with key terms and definitions, reviewing them regularly to reinforce your knowledge. ?Practice using the terminology in real or simulated brand strategy projects. This application helps you internalize the concepts. ?Discuss your understanding with peers or mentors in the field

Experience doesn’t always have to start with a job in the digital age. Initiate a branding project from scratch—develop a brand for a cause you are passionate about, or create a hypothetical brand and build a strategy around it. This proactive approach not only enhances your portfolio but also demonstrates your initiative and ability to innovate within the field.

"Reverse engineer" the brand strategy of existing brands you know, love and interact with on a regular basis. This is a great way to practice the tools of the trade and turn the basics and lingo you're learning into reality. For example: How are they driving revenue growth? Are they prioritizing adding new customers? Selling more often to current customers? Increasing prices? Adding new products? All of the above?!? Who is their ideal customer? What benefits do their customers get from choosing their product or service?

Dive Headfirst into Experience. Picture yourself as a brand strategy sponge—soak up every bit of experience you can get your hands on. Whether it's through internships, freelance gigs, or side projects, immerse yourself in the world of branding. The more you do, the more you'll learn, and the closer you'll get to mastering the craft.

What would happen if you tried this offering with your current clients? There is trust already built. And they know what you can produce. Now it’s a matter of putting in the reps. The more practice you get the better you’ll figure out which brand strategies work better for emerging brands or establish brands or specific verticals. The best thing to do is to get in the game and just start. You can get it done messy and learn along the way. All new endeavors don’t expect it to be easy. Honor the struggle and keep going. Remember you’re learning something new so it might take longer.

1. Education and Training: Take courses or pursue a degree in marketing, or branding, to gain foundational knowledge and skills. 2. Self-Study: Learn about brand strategy to familiarize yourself with best practices and trends. 3. Freelance or Volunteer Work: Offer your services, take on freelance projects to build your portfolio and gain practical experience in brand strategy. 4. Networking: Connect with professionals in the branding industry to learn from their experiences and find mentorship opportunities. 5. Internships: Seek internships to gain hands-on experience and exposure to brand strategy projects. 6. Transferable Skills: Highlight transferable skills from your previous career which can be valuable in brand strategy roles.

Networking is about creating and sharing value, not just exchanging business cards. When you meet someone, think: How can I help them? By fostering a mindset of contribution rather than extraction, you position yourself as a thought leader and go-to strategist, turning your network into a community of mutual benefit.

Network like your career depends on it. Brand strategy is like a secret club—you gotta know the right people to get in. Start networking like there's no tomorrow—attend industry events, connect with professionals on LinkedIn, and don't be afraid to slide into those DMs. Who knows, your next big break could be just one handshake away!

?Attend Industry Events:Participate in brand strategy conferences & workshops to meet professionals & learn about the latest trends? Join Professional Groups:Engage in branding & marketing communities on LinkedIn or forums to connect with peers & share insights? Connect with Experienced Brand Strategists:Reach out to experienced professionals for mentorship & advice on LinkedIn or through mutual connections? Engage Actively:Participate in discussions, ask questions & share your expertise to establish yourself in the community?Follow Up:Maintain connections by sending thankyou messages after meetings & staying in touch periodically?Offer Value:Provide assistance,share resources & make introductions to build mutually beneficial relationships

Networking is indeed pivotal in transitioning to brand strategy from another career. By immersing yourself in industry events, joining social media professional groups, and connecting with seasoned brand strategists, you gain invaluable insights, mentorship, and potential opportunities. Engage actively, showcasing your enthusiasm, eagerness to learn, and transferable skills. Leverage informational interviews to gain deeper understanding and build relationships. Continuously refine your brand strategy knowledge through courses and self-study. Networking not only expands your professional circle but also opens doors to fulfilling career transitions.

My advice is to build on your existing knowledge instead of starting from scratch. Whatever industry or role you came from, why don't start there? Diagnose the brands in that industry, study what worked, what didn't and what to look out for. With your unique perspective, you may just discover better way to do things that others or the industry hasn't.

?Know Your Audience: Understand your audience's values and motivations. ?Identify Your Brand's Purpose: Define your brand's core mission. ?Create a Strong Narrative: Develop a compelling storyline. ? Focus on Emotion: Evoke emotions that resonate with your audience. ? Be Authentic: Share genuine stories that reflect your brand's values. ? Use Visuals: Enhance storytelling with images and videos. ? Consistency Across Channels: Maintain a consistent message across all platforms. ? Encourage Engagement: Invite audience participation in your brand story.

Don't just align your skills—anticipate the future skills needed in brand strategy. For instance, as brands increasingly rely on AI and big data, understanding these technologies and their impact on consumer behaviour and privacy can position you at the forefront of strategic innovation. This forward-thinking approach demonstrates adaptability and foresight in your role as a brand strategist.

Getting certification may seem daunting to some but it’s definitely worth, say Data Bricks, MIT AI. Or even an advanced certificate to effect those knowledge into application. A cert is just a cert, but the networks surrounding those cert is key. ??

Get certified, because why not? Okay, maybe it's not mandatory, but getting certified in brand strategy can give you that extra edge. Sign up for courses, workshops, or even online certifications to showcase your dedication to the craft. Plus, who doesn't love adding another shiny badge to their LinkedIn profile?

Pursuing certifications in brand strategy, digital marketing, or graphic design not only validates your expertise but also demonstrates your commitment to mastering the field. These credentials serve as tangible evidence of your skills and dedication, making you a more appealing candidate to potential employers. Additionally, these certifications provide specialized knowledge crucial for navigating the complexities of brand development and marketing in today's competitive landscape. By investing in continuous learning and certification, you position yourself as a qualified and capable professional ready to excel in the realm of brand strategy.

You can go through you entire earlier career and ask about every single thing you did "how did that affect the brand"? One of the hardest skills of all is to see beyond the colors and the ads and think about the non-communication parts of a brand. If anything it gives you ?n edge over those who never truly learn it.

Embrace the intersection of technology and traditional branding. Consider how emerging technologies, such as blockchain and augmented reality, are reshaping brand interactions and expectations. Analyze and predict how these innovations can be integrated into traditional branding frameworks to create immersive, trust-building brand experiences. This perspective not only showcases your ability to integrate new tools but also your vision in leveraging them to build lasting brand loyalty in an evolving digital landscape.

Understanding your reasons for wanting to shift into a brand strategy role is vital. Take a moment to review what you think the role is supposed to be and speak to those in existing roles to make sure you understand the actual requirements before you change career. It may not be what it's hyped up to be or in fact what you want. Do your research on the roles and make sure you have a solid understanding of what will be required of you before making any career transitions.