What do you do if your dream is to become a successful brand strategy consultant?

To succeed in brand strategy, understand that a brand is more than aesthetics—it blends science and art. Define attributes, value propositions, and positioning. Colors, like alpha, social, society, and evolution, have meanings. A brand represents meaning, experience, and value. Effective marketing is crucial for sales and margins. While brand has emotional aspects, approach it with rationality as a consultant. Understand brand deeply by diving into resources. For example, align the customer journey with the value chain for consistency in interactions.

1. Education and Skill Development: * Gain Relevant Education: Pursue a degree in marketing, business administration, communications, or a related field to build foundational knowledge. * Specialize in Brand Strategy: Take courses or certifications focused specifically on brand strategy, consumer behavior, market research, and strategic planning. * Develop Analytical Skills: Learn to analyze market trends, consumer insights, and competitive landscapes to inform strategic decisions. 2. Gain Experience: * Internships and Entry-Level Positions: Start by interning or working in marketing or consulting roles to gain practical experience.

Formal education in branding and marketing helps with establishing foundations and understanding frameworks. What helps me further, particularly, is keeping myself abreast of market trends and constantly reading on case studies and brand strategies - especially of the businesses whose domains/industries I operate or I am familiar with.

Learning is a lifelong process but it's good to have a starting point with an industry you're familiar with. Understanding about top brands in your current industry or any particular industry you seek to work in future will help with a strong foundation.

Much more than the ambition to become a brand strategy consultant, it should be high on every Marketer's agenda to build their consultative skillset. Taking from Richard Rumelt's Kernel of Strategy: 1. Diagnosis- You're able to dig into brand performance trends, identifying opportunities and constraints. Critical to be able to analyze the brand health across the relevant funnel metrics. 2. Guiding Policy- Next is the ability to craft an approach that brings all the brand's identity, strengths and gaps into a single thought pattern that translates into an inspiring rallying call. 3. Coherent action- The specifics of what you'll be doing, when, how, and the most important measures of performance that will indicate success thresholds.

I understand that gaining experience can be a conundrum - you need experience to get a job, the job can give you experience and so on. Luckily, today there are ways to gain experience and build portfolios even without. - Try the freelancing route till you can add a few projects to your portfolio - every job, big or small, can work towards showcasing your thought process - Volunteer your time to NGO's/ organisations that need help but may not necessarily prioritize brand strategy/ design etc. - There are online communities that share briefs for projects as a means to help young strategists/ designers try their hand at various projects and also build their portfolios - Continue to upskill - this is for throughout our careers!

"Experience is a good school, but the fees are high". With this phrase by Heinrich Heine, the importance of gaining hands-on experience in brand strategy is perfectly defined, not only in large-scale projects. Significant learning opportunities can arise not only from major initiatives but also from smaller-scale projects for local brands. These endeavors can help lay the groundwork for developing skills and building a solid portfolio.

Credentials matter, so having worked at an agency with great clients, or brand side at a known brand are somethings you may want to do before going solo. If not, start at smaller brand with projects and build up to larger brands. Remember that your potential clients will hire you based on what you have done in the past, so having a portfolio to show them is critical and something that must be developed over time.

Build brands. Learn from that experience. If you can find someone to hire you to build their brand, build your own. Real experience and wisdom come from putting your ideas to work in the market and seeing how the market responds.

The strength of your network is directly tied to the strength of your personal brand. Your brand reputation, built on your core values, is what attracts and engages others, making your networking efforts more effective.

If brand strategy is your dream gig, let's make it happen! Start by mingling at industry events, plugging into profesh associations, and sparking convos on social media where the branding brains gather. Those connections? They're like golden tickets to partnerships, mentorship, and gigs. So, grab your networking game by the horns and let's hustle! Your future self will thank you for laying down the groundwork now.

Target the right people and work towards meeting them. Network has everything to do with knowing who you should know in the industry. You don't need to amass so much contact with people that are not strategically relevant for your growth in career

The essence of networking goes beyond connecting with the right people; it's about learning from their experiences, understanding their challenges, and observing their strategies to address them. A strong network keeps you informed about market trends, competition, and customer preferences. Make the most of your connections to excel as a brand strategy consultant.

Leveraging Networking Approach for Consultant Success in Brand Strategy; -Strategic Relationship Cultivation -Insight & Opportunity Through Networking I will say building a robust network within the brand strategy realm is instrumental for consultant success. By actively engaging in networking activities, consultants can foster valuable relationships, unlock collaborative opportunities & stay attuned to industry trends. Through strategic networking consultants not only expand their professional reach but can also enhance their reputation as knowledgeable & reliable brand strategists positioning themselves for continued growth & success in the consultancy landscape.

It may seem counterintuitive, because it’s human nature to want to help as MANY people as you can - but niching down and knowing who you serve best (and WHY you want to serve them) can help you break down industry trends as they relate to potential clients. Another thing to remember - it’s important to know WHO you’re speaking to when you’re trying to find your clients or you’re in the process of niching down. It makes your messaging a heck of a lot easier to write, too!

Elevating Your Brand Strategy Consultancy through Niche Specialization; -Strategic Differentiation through Niche Focus -Focused Marketing & Skill Development I will say that specializing in a niche as a brand strategy consultant offers a strategic advantage in the consultancy landscape. By focusing on a specific area of expertise consultants can position themselves as go-to experts tailoring services to meet specialized client needs. Also embracing niche specialization enhances market appeal, facilitates higher rates & fosters consistent project opportunities underscoring the significance of strategic differentiation & skill mastery in establishing a successful brand strategy consultancy.

It is very important to be aware of the similar paths that may take your focus away from the main market and choose which market you cannot operate in.

To thrive as a brand strategy consultant, prioritize delivering measurable results. Understand client challenges, provide actionable strategies, and showcase clear ROI. Success hinges on your ability to enhance brand awareness, customer loyalty, and sales, aligning your unique insights with the client’s specific needs.

Deliver results. Be like a dog with a bone. However big or small your client is, work patiently and in a detailed manner to take them across the line. The space is full of agencies and individuals who believe brand strategy begins and ends in a PowerPoint presentation or in some incomprehensible models. It doesn't. It's about charting a course and sticking to it doggedly till you get home. You'll have to adapt, adopt, morph and change during the journey. It'll push you like nothing ever has. But make it happen. That's a start. you've delivered value.

Delivering Impactful Solutions Approach as a Brand Strategy Consultant; -Value-Centric Approach to Business Growth -Client-Centric Value Proposition I will say that as a brand strategy consultant the emphasis lies on delivering impactful solutions that drive business growth. Articulating the value of strategies in terms of enhancing brand awareness, customer loyalty & sales is essential for success. By demonstrating a clear return on investment(ROI), focusing on client needs & offering unique insights consultants can solidify their position as valuable partners in driving business success through effective brand strategy implementation.

Give value and don't stop. Create pipelines for value for the people ahead of you, around you and the ones coming right up to you. These are the foundations for the most surreal full circle moments.

Navigating the Dynamic Landscape of Brand Strategy; -Embracing Continuous Learning for Relevance -Adaptability & Innovation as Cornerstones In my view thriving in the dynamic world of brand strategy necessitates a dedication to continuous learning, adaptability & innovation. By staying current with trends, engaging in professional development opportunities & exploring new approaches, consultants can ensure relevance & effectiveness in their consultancy services. The ability to adapt, innovate & evolve is foundational to success as a brand strategy consultant enabling professionals to deliver impactful solutions, drive client success & maintain a competitive edge in the fast-paced & ever-changing brand strategy domain.

There will be times when looking outside one's self is what keeps one current and then there are times when one get's a knowing, wakes up with an idea or feels in their gut something. Knowing how to act on this is key as this is beyond the information that seeps into us from our surroundings and media. Examples of this are: Russian chemist, Dmitri Mendeleev's, Periodic Table. Albert Einstein’s Theory of Relativity. Danish physicist Niels Bohr's Model of an Atom and even the likes of Paul McCartney's melody for the song Yesterday. Knowledge and experience alone are not one's only source for inspiration or greatness. Tapping into the field and trusting inspiration will help one stay current and also create trends to come.

Fuel Your Knowledge Engine: Immerse yourself in industry publications, attend workshops, and actively participate in online forums. This continuous learning keeps your finger on the pulse of the latest advancements. Embrace Experimentation: Don't be afraid to test new approaches within your projects. This hands-on exploration fosters creativity and allows you to tailor your strategies to the evolving needs of clients and the market. Adaptability is Key: The ability to adjust and innovate is a cornerstone of success. By embracing change, you'll deliver the most effective brand strategies for your clients, ensuring your consultancy remains not only relevant but highly sought after.

Above all else, have a unique point of view driven by key insight. Data, theory and mechanics will only take you so far, it is the power of human analysis that will build unique and compelling brand experiences lead through purpose.

One additional point that could be made regarding becoming a successful brand strategy consultant, which was not covered in the previous sections, is the importance of developing strong communication and presentation skills. As a consultant, you will need to effectively communicate your strategies, recommendations, and insights to clients. This includes being able to clearly articulate complex concepts, present data and findings in a compelling manner, and persuasively convey the value of your proposed solutions. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to create engaging presentations and reports, are crucial for building trust and credibility with clients.

I have been a brand consultant for over 15 years. To excel in this role, you need to master several key areas: 1) Marketing Expertise: A deep understanding of how marketing functions is essential. 2) Business Development: This pillar of knowledge is crucial for expanding brand reach. 3) Analytical Mindset and Research Skills: These are invaluable for comprehending market dynamics, conducting competitive analysis, and performing SWOT assessments. 4) Branding Expertise: You must possess true expertise in branding to effectively guide brands. Becoming a brand consultant requires a multidisciplinary approach and proficiency in these essential skills.

To embark on a successful career as a brand strategy consultant, prioritize acquiring knowledge and skills in marketing and communication. Seek out educational opportunities to deepen your understanding of brand strategy, consumer behavior, and market analysis. Additionally, gain hands-on experience by exploring roles within marketing agencies or corporate environments, where you can apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations and stay updated on industry trends and best practices. Simultaneously, focus on building a strong professional network through attending seminars, connecting with industry professionals, and participating in mentorship programs. Cultivating these relationships will not only provide valuable guidance but...

Study Brands, both local and international. Big and small. Their competitions. Their branding strategy. Their pricing, positioning, and placement. Their messaging tone. Their customers. The mindset and psyche and behaviour of the customers. How it changes over time as the brand evolves overtime. Don't be myopic. But learn to think inside the box. It's very important to know the rules. Then only can you break the rules and think outside the box. Do away with the jargon. Be real. Know your customer!