Over the years, we have branded things from livestock, to jewellery, to art and even our fellow humans.
In fact, the word ‘brand’ originated from the time when we branded/burned our marque into things to signal ownership.
Once we moved beyond our own hamlet, branding began to signify a different type of belonging, namely: ‘you can trust this item as it has my marque (read brand) on it’.
Fast forward to today.
When you think about a modern day brand, like the-all-electric car, Tesla, what words immediately come to mind?
Innovative, luxurious, cutting edge, best in class, leader, reliable, novel, and on and on.
Most of us don’t own a Tesla yet or even know of the brand. But when you read these few points about the company’s story (founded in 2003 by engineers in Silicon Valley; 600+ employees; with 125+ stores and service locations worldwide; with more coming soon; on the road in 37 countries) then you get a sense that this is one revolutionary brand you’d like to be part of.
The Tesla brand is more than just a label.
There is a ‘feeling’ that is conjured up with its cars. While a label can be given or attached, the feeling that the brand conjures must be earned.
A great brand is not a marque that is burned into a product; it’s something we want to belong to.
And so it goes for your own personal brand.
What words and feelings do you want people to associate with your personal brand?
And what promises will you have to make and keep in order for that to happen?
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