The Brand Domination Framework - 4 Stages of Branding (For Entrepreneurs!)
Anthony Brice
Empowering Leaders & Teams to Elevate Performance & Impact | Bestselling Author | Self-Empowerment & Personal Growth Strategist
When you?think of brands, you typically picture a logo or a slogan. But what if the brand was not one of those things? What if the brand was, instead, a strategic combination of parts that make it what the brand is, who the brand is, and why it exists?
Brands are like people. They are born, they die, and some tend to live in our hearts and minds forever (well, sometimes).
It's a process. So many business owners overlook this stage until they get overwhelmed and discouraged. By then, they have wasted a lot of time and money on things that did not benefit them in the long run. Entrepreneurs who want to build a brand that can thrive in any environment must first understand the four stages of branding.
There’s so much talk about branding these days, but few people really understand what branding is and what it means. Successful brands don't just happen; you develop and refine them. They go through four separate stages to create a brand that grows, thrives, and has an impact.
Stage 1 - Foundation & Extraction
What happens during this stage?
Stage one of the four stages of branding comprises a series of strategic discovery sessions with the founder (s). This is to collect all the essential data needed to build the foundation for a brand with purpose, vision, and direction.
Tasks and Deliverables
This is where the most important thing that you can have at any stage of your brand or business comes from… Clarity. Clarity is one of the most critical aspects of your brand or business. The term "brand" is often interchangeable?with "clear, distinct, and unique value proposition.
Clarity is the ultimate source of a successful brand or business. Clarity allows your brand to do its best work and sends a consistent message to the world. Clarity serves as the foundation for delivering the best possible results to the people who are most important to your business.
This stage empowers you to create a strategic blueprint for business and personal success. It also gives you the perspective to map out a path to get there.
Side-effects of skipping this stage
Stage 2 - Execution & Testing
What happens during this stage?
The second stage is about taking action on the plan. This includes executing the strategy and testing. Also, following the roadmap from the information discovered in stage one.
Task and Deliverables
Why is it important?
This is where things get real. Once you've taken the time to identify what your brand stands for, it's time to bring it to life. Many new business owners make the mistake of trying to build their brand on vague ideas and without a long-term plan. They guess, use templates, or copy what other people in their market are doing.
You now have the power to build your brand on a strong foundation. When you devote enough time to stage one of the branding processes, you can now create a brand that is distinct and truly reflects who you are. You will design visuals for your brand that are distinct, unique, and consistent across all touchpoints.
The important thing here is that you believe in your work and begin taking action. It's natural to feel the need to do more research, but don't fall into that trap and risk information overload. You won't know what works and what doesn't until you put it out there. The real-world data you will get is more valuable than anything else you can do right now.
Side-effects of skipping this stage
Stage 3 - Analysis and Refining
What happens during this stage?
During this stage, you will review feedback, goals, benchmarks, analytics, and results. Based on that data, you will make calculated adjustments.
Tasks and Deliverables
Why is this stage important?
While the steps listed above are all necessary, you do not carry them out in isolation. You must integrate and view it as a whole. You can improve your marketing strategy and results by looking at the data you collected during this process. Then you can make better decisions about what to change and why.
Businesses that excel at analytics make the best use of the information they collect. They understand that the data they collect provides a wealth of information about how their business operates and how to improve it. The key is to understand how to analyze data rather than simply collect it.
Side-effects of skipping this stage
Stage 4 - Evolution and Innovation
What happens during this stage?
During this stage, you will use valuable insights only gained through experience. This will help you grow the brand’s potential, profitability, influence, and impact.
Tasks and Deliverables
Why is this stage important?
One of the most valuable business lessons comes from Steve Jobs, co-founder and former CEO of Apple, who said, "Stay hungry. Stay foolish. " I think that means you're always looking for ways to improve yourself and the people you help. You don't settle or get complacent. You should not only keep your curiosity but also stay willing to learn and get better at what you do.
The fourth stage of branding keeps you hungry and gives you the ability to thrive, adjust, and compete. You will have the tools to make informed decisions. This will ensure the longevity of your brand, regardless of the state of the economy, new technology, or changes in your market.
Innovating is not just about creating new products and services, or using new technology. It’s also about looking at the things that you’re already doing. Stay informed about the changing frustrations and goals of your customers. If you're not innovating, you're going to get left behind.
Side-effects of skipping this stage
In conclusion, your brand should represent who you are. This will reflect what your customers value and aspire to. Be consistent across all channels and touchpoints. Branding is a continuous process. It's a lifelong project that requires time, money, and commitment. Even if you've been developing your brand for years, it's never too late to change, improve, and progress to the next stage of your business. And to do so, you must devote time and effort to it.
--> Subscribe to the Name Brand Newsletter and get game-changing tools, tips, and training to transform your small business into a big brand
If you're a coach, author, speaker, or content creator that wants to transform your knowledge, message, and story into a life-changing Personal Brand, enroll in my exclusive 1:1 private coaching program that will change you and your brand forever. Apply Today at https://brandyou.live