Without an identity, your cause will die.
Just a couple of weeks ago, England experienced the most widespread riots in its history. On August the 7th, people gathered in number, 300+ strong, outside a police station in Tottenham. A peaceful protest under the banner of justice, compelled by a profound need to remind the world that “we matter, we are valuable”. This was in response to the fatal shooting by police of 29-year-old Mark Duggan.
This initial protest had focus, the individuals involved knew why they were there. They clearly had a message and were being led by their cause. Together this collective had a systemic identity, a brand and it got noticed.
In the following hours, chaos interviened. The root cause had been diffused as others came with differing intentions-to instigate chaos and take advantage of mass, their contribution was to incite anarchy, confusion and a wave of looting and destruction swept across the neighbouring boroughs, and then the country.
Without identity, without a brand its just hoodlums wreaking havoc and, inevitably and quite literally after 3 days, the riot burnt itself out. The original pertinent message was lost to headlines of “thugs run riot and make a mock of the country”.
Without a strong and true brand, your business and career identity is in a similar way, very much at risk of turning to chaos and burning out, potentially taking you with it as a side effect. Your voice will be lost in amongst the noise, the crowds, the chaos of modern life.
Have you felt like you’ve needed to scream at the top of your voice just to get the attention of your potential audience? Then battle, FIGHT to secure them as clients? Hard work right? Defining your mission and personal identity from the core, from the heart, will unleash your unique voice, a voice that circumvents the noise and naturally finds your people, your niche.
If you’re feeling the irritation and frustration of not having the clarity around your personal brand and wish to have someone support you in turning this around, get in touch. Your voice needs to be heard.
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Thats great to know-thank you!
Hi Phil, powerful blog post – thank you!
I would have never made the connection between the riots and branding and it’s an interesting way of looking at it.
Nicely written (as usual) and underlines the importance of branding very well.
Five stars! *****
Good post :-)