We often talk about what your brand says about you. Your brand defines the work you do and the devotion that you put into your passion. The thing that is rarely, if ever, talked about is what you say about your brand, or if you represent it like it represents you.
A brand is a two-way street, often only traveled in a loop like a racetrack. People work hard building a work reputation and fail to realize that interactions outside of work affect the brand they have spent blood and sweat building. Everyday interactions affect how people perceive you as a person. This, especially for a sole proprietorship or other small business, can affect how people view your brand.
An example. You are the type of driver who is somewhat impatient. Maybe you drive fast and cut people off in traffic. That graphic on your vehicle advertising your business is now ingrained negatively in people’s minds. They see you as a person who runs late or rushes through things. Your brand has been negatively impacted.
The same can happen if you are seen in public being rude or petty. People who recognize you might spread the word of your public display. These small interactions can have a big impact on businesses that rely on word of mouth to get work and grow.
The key takeaway here is to consider your public actions and interactions. Are they indicative of how you want people to see your brand? Do they speak to the ideals that you have tried to build upon and invested time and money to create? Just as your brand speaks about you, your actions, and failed actions, speak about your brand. The old Golden Rule applies here. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.