What’s In A Name? How Nailing Your Branding Can Kick Imposter Syndrome to the Curb
Mar 09, 2024
Branding is more than just a catchy logo or a memorable tagline, it's the way you present yourself and your business to the world. When you are your business, it can not only have an impact on how others perceive you but on how you perceive yourself.
Nailing your branding can help you find your voice, take up space, and prevent that darned imposter syndrome.
Cliché as it sounds, I had to find out who I was before I could use the name I’d been given at birth on a website, or social media…let alone an invoice!
Sure, I spent time thinking about my strengths, my passions, and my values. But more importantly, I worked on my self-worth, the fears that kept me trapped around money and those pesky little hooks that stop you from posting that photo, writing that article, or making that phone call.
Through this introspection, I became less worried about what my competition was doing and realised that the energy I spent comparing myself to others could now be used to build my brand. Once I had a good sense of who I was and what I wanted to say, I worked to create a visual identity that reflected it.
Having a strong brand has helped me find my voice, express myself confidently and respond to that bloody pricing quote email, because, damn, my rates pdf is cute AF!
Know
Your branding helps people recognise you across different platforms, news outlets etc. This is the networking phase. You are getting yourself and your brand out there for people to meet.
Like
What do we like? Authenticity! When do we like it? Always!
You know yourself, it’s easy to be turned off an idea or see through a business when things feel fake or forced. When you have spent the time to authentically develop your branding and ethos, people begin to turn to your website, socials, email, and lead magnets. They are getting to know you
Trust
People are seeing you for who you are – someone who knows what the heck they are talking about. You have solutions for problems. There are itches that only you know how to scratch. Your trusted customers will not only loyally grow with you, but they will also recommend you to the people they trust.
I have always appeared to have the confidence to command a room, give a presentation or take a seat at the ‘big table’. But, through the process of becoming the face of my own agency, I now believe I deserve the seat!
Undertaking the process of authentically creating a strong brand kicks imposter syndrome to the curb. It gives your audience the comfort of legitimacy, credibility, and honesty.
Sure, when you have a professional website, a clear value proposition, and a consistent message, you're more likely to confidently approach potential clients. But when you are confident in who you are you hold your head high, charge your worth and most importantly – TAKE UP SPACE.
