What is the connection between personal identity and a business brand? In simple terms,
identity is how we see ourselves, and our brand is how others see us.
So, what happens as we evolve as humans, as our personal identities shift? What effect does our personal evolution have on our brand? What bits of us do we share with the world, and what bits do we keep hidden? Why do these questions matter?
I have a complex life just like everyone else. If I were to try to reveal all of myself, or even most of myself, and then someone came along and took it all in,
I would confuse and overwhelm them.
Not because I have anything to be ashamed of. More because the person absorbing it all has her own complex life and does not need to add anything useless to it. What she does need is a way to steer herself to better feeling states. She needs something useful or funny or inspiring.
So, I could choose to deliberately reveal the expressions of my identity that are most likely to enhance her life.
For me this includes posts with stimulating questions like the ones I am posing herein. Questions that relate to my clients’ branding and self-discovery process.
Expanded, values-based content
Part of my identity is my values, and because a top value is “life on our planet”, I contextualize my work in the larger ecosystem.
One way I do that is to ask the question: “Have you ever thought that what is best for the planet may be precisely what is best for you and vice versa?” “If that’s true, what are the implications?”
A sustainable brand’s job is to carry products to market with integrity, compassion and conviction across all lines of communication and in alignment with non-destructive values of the owner(s). So, as you learn, grow, evolve, and find more and more clarity as an individual, definitely consider bringing the helpful stuff forward in your branding.
Here’s to knowing thyself and thy brand,
Sarah
