PERSONAL BRANDING FUNDAMENTALS CULLED FROM MY BIRTHDAY TRIBUTES
Thank you all for the incredible birthday wishes!
As I sit here reflecting on my recent birthday, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible outpouring of love and appreciation I received from friends, family, mentors, mentees and colleagues.
The heartfelt tributes and kind words shared by those who have been touched by my work as a Branding Expert and in Sustainable Development truly touched my heart.
You see, these birthday messages reminded me of something fundamental about branding.
Branding is not just about logos, slogans, or products;
it's about the profound impact you can have on people's lives.
Let me share some of the touching experiences and tributes that highlighted this powerful concept:
Branding, much like these wonderful messages, is all about leaving a lasting impression. Just as each of you has shared personal stories and experiences of me that have left an indelible mark on your heart, a successful brand leaves its mark on the hearts and minds of its audience.
Imagine, for a moment, the first time you encountered a brand that truly resonated with you. Perhaps it was a company that consistently delivered exceptional products, a nonprofit organization that made a significant social impact on a cause you deeply care about, or even a personal brand. These brands didn't just offer a product or service; they created a connection, an emotional bond that went beyond the transactional.
Think about the words and phrases you used in your birthday wishes.
Some of you mentioned how I've inspired you with my passion and dedication. Someone referred to how I inspired her to read her books in 2012 in FUOYE.
Others, like my girls in Go Girl Africa, highlighted my ability to listen and empathize, making you feel truly heard. Some of them talked about Pushing them to shine. I know I can be too ambitious for my girls but blame me not, I am only working to ensure they do not miss life-changing opportunities I missed in my twenties.
My Entrepreneur friends and M.Sc. course mates talked about me being a beacon of hope and bold.
UMA team members talked about my restlessness and jolly features ????
Lara and mum talked about my mothering energy ??♀?.
My clients talked about my exceptional customer service skills and some life saving tricks I helped them with.
My Principal, whom I have been working with remotely for 8 years did not forget to pour in his tributes.
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70% of people talked about my warmth and beauty and brain thingy ??????There are many of these.
Consistency is another crucial aspect of branding that your beautiful messages reminded me of. Just as you've seen these qualities in me consistently over time, a brand must deliver a consistent experience to build trust and recognition. It's about creating a narrative that people can rely on and align with.
Many of you spoke about the genuine impact I've had on your lives, which is a testament to the authenticity that a brand should embody. Authenticity builds credibility and allows people to connect with a brand on a deeper level.
One of the most touching messages came from a mentor who mentioned how proud they were to see my journey in Branding and Sustainable Development evolve over the years. They emphasized the importance of adapting and growing in life, just as I had. Brands that remain stagnant often fade away, but those that evolve with their audience's needs and desires thrive.
Lastly, the power of storytelling. The stories and anecdotes some of you shared in your messages painted a vivid picture of the impact I've had on you.
Similarly, a brand tells a story that captures the essence of its purpose, values, and mission. These stories are what make a brand relatable and memorable.
These are the very elements that define a strong brand.
So, as I reflect on the heartfelt messages that have poured in, I'm reminded of the incredible journey that branding takes us on.
It's about creating a lasting impression, fostering connections, staying true to our values, and sharing our unique stories. Just as you all have made this birthday unforgettable for me, a well-crafted brand can leave a lasting impression on the world.
Thank you for being a part of my story and for helping me craft an article that articulates the profound impact of branding in such a relatable and beautiful way.
Cheers ??
? Deborah Odeniyi
PS: SEE THEM HERE https://www.instagram.com/reel/CwnaGhfIvx3/?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
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