Comments on: The Scent of a Brand: Finding Your Brand’s Essence http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com/728/the-scent-of-a-brand-finding-your-brands-essence/ Small Business Branding and Marketing Advice and Commentary Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:51:53 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Meaningful Marketing » Blog Archive » A Simple Process to Help Find Your Brand Essence http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com/728/the-scent-of-a-brand-finding-your-brands-essence/comment-page-1/#comment-105218 Meaningful Marketing » Blog Archive » A Simple Process to Help Find Your Brand Essence Tue, 16 Oct 2007 17:15:35 +0000 http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com/728/the-scent-of-a-brand-finding-your-brands-essence/#comment-105218 [...] Danielle Rodgers’ post on Small Business Branding got me thinking about brand essence again. In her post, Danielle describes her “intricate and complex journey” to find the essence of her own brand, which had eluded her for a long time. Recently, Danielle came to a turning point when, “Suddenly I realised that the key to my brand’s essence is not out there at all; it’s in here, in me. Here I was thinking it was ‘all about my customers’ and therefore separate from me. I was trying to find the essence of my brand in other people. Nice aha moment.” [...] [...] Danielle Rodgers’ post on Small Business Branding got me thinking about brand essence again. In her post, Danielle describes her “intricate and complex journey” to find the essence of her own brand, which had eluded her for a long time. Recently, Danielle came to a turning point when, “Suddenly I realised that the key to my brand’s essence is not out there at all; it’s in here, in me. Here I was thinking it was ‘all about my customers’ and therefore separate from me. I was trying to find the essence of my brand in other people. Nice aha moment.” [...]

]]> By: Luc Arnold http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com/728/the-scent-of-a-brand-finding-your-brands-essence/comment-page-1/#comment-57872 Luc Arnold Sun, 03 Jun 2007 19:45:04 +0000 http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com/728/the-scent-of-a-brand-finding-your-brands-essence/#comment-57872 G'Day Dani, Well i am pretty creative but this business is really a good fit to my skills and abilities so i am more then happy to walk down the path and explore where i can take this business. I think you are right on the money by saying its the "personality traits of a small business owner/founder/creator that are most important" because its your vision fed by your passion and ideas. That's seldom a bad thing. Luc G’Day Dani,

Well i am pretty creative but this business is really a good fit to my skills and abilities so i am more then happy to walk down the path and explore where i can take this business.

I think you are right on the money by saying its the “personality traits of a small business owner/founder/creator that are most important” because its your vision fed by your passion and ideas. That’s seldom a bad thing.

Luc

]]> By: Danielle http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com/728/the-scent-of-a-brand-finding-your-brands-essence/comment-page-1/#comment-57741 Danielle Sun, 03 Jun 2007 11:16:37 +0000 http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com/728/the-scent-of-a-brand-finding-your-brands-essence/#comment-57741 Thank you Marcia for the initial insight! I think your point about looking inward is so significant I'm surprised that more isn't said about this. I'm now convinced this is solid gold advice. And that's a great point about how this approach fosters both authenticity and consistency. Thanks also for adding to the conversation on your blog - your tips for "digging deep" are terrific. I'm looking forward to your next entry on this! Cheers/Danielle Thank you Marcia for the initial insight! I think your point about looking inward is so significant I’m surprised that more isn’t said about this. I’m now convinced this is solid gold advice. And that’s a great point about how this approach fosters both authenticity and consistency.

Thanks also for adding to the conversation on your blog – your tips for “digging deep” are terrific. I’m looking forward to your next entry on this!

Cheers/Danielle

]]> By: Brands That Connect » Blog Archive » A Simple Process to Help Find Your Brand Essence http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com/728/the-scent-of-a-brand-finding-your-brands-essence/comment-page-1/#comment-57494 Brands That Connect » Blog Archive » A Simple Process to Help Find Your Brand Essence Sat, 02 Jun 2007 18:23:28 +0000 http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com/728/the-scent-of-a-brand-finding-your-brands-essence/#comment-57494 [...] Danielle Rodgers’ post on Small Business Branding got me thinking about brand essence again. In her post, Danielle describes her “intricate and complex journey” to find the essence of her own brand, which had eluded her for a long time. Recently, Danielle came to a turning point when, “Suddenly I realised that the key to my brand’s essence is not out there at all; it’s in here, in me. Here I was thinking it was ‘all about my customers’ and therefore separate from me. I was trying to find the essence of my brand in other people. Nice aha moment.” [...] [...] Danielle Rodgers’ post on Small Business Branding got me thinking about brand essence again. In her post, Danielle describes her “intricate and complex journey” to find the essence of her own brand, which had eluded her for a long time. Recently, Danielle came to a turning point when, “Suddenly I realised that the key to my brand’s essence is not out there at all; it’s in here, in me. Here I was thinking it was ‘all about my customers’ and therefore separate from me. I was trying to find the essence of my brand in other people. Nice aha moment.” [...]

]]> By: Marcia Hoeck http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com/728/the-scent-of-a-brand-finding-your-brands-essence/comment-page-1/#comment-57477 Marcia Hoeck Sat, 02 Jun 2007 16:23:16 +0000 http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com/728/the-scent-of-a-brand-finding-your-brands-essence/#comment-57477 Danielle, Well said! Thanks for the mention in your post, and I'm so happy to hear that my words were helpful in your search. In my work with both small and large organizations, I've found "going inside" to be the best strategy for building brand character and personality. The best part is that when you build a brand on this kind of groundwork, it isn't likely to need to change much. Because it's authentically "you," you won't be tempted to change it when new trends or ideas come along. Just like your own character and personality, it can evolve as you evolve, instead. I discuss these issues more deeply in my <a href="http://www.hoeckblog.com/brandsthatconnect" rel="nofollow">Brands That Connect blog</a>. Your post has inspired me to revisit this there. Best wishes, Marcia Hoeck Danielle,
Well said! Thanks for the mention in your post, and I’m so happy to hear that my words were helpful in your search. In my work with both small and large organizations, I’ve found “going inside” to be the best strategy for building brand character and personality.

The best part is that when you build a brand on this kind of groundwork, it isn’t likely to need to change much. Because it’s authentically “you,” you won’t be tempted to change it when new trends or ideas come along. Just like your own character and personality, it can evolve as you evolve, instead.

I discuss these issues more deeply in my Brands That Connect blog. Your post has inspired me to revisit this there.

Best wishes,
Marcia Hoeck

]]> By: Andy LaPointe http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com/728/the-scent-of-a-brand-finding-your-brands-essence/comment-page-1/#comment-56450 Andy LaPointe Wed, 30 May 2007 12:52:27 +0000 http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com/728/the-scent-of-a-brand-finding-your-brands-essence/#comment-56450 Hi Danielle, Very good point. Excellent insight. Andy Hi Danielle,

Very good point. Excellent insight.

Andy

]]> By: Andy LaPointe http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com/728/the-scent-of-a-brand-finding-your-brands-essence/comment-page-1/#comment-56449 Andy LaPointe Wed, 30 May 2007 12:52:04 +0000 http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com/728/the-scent-of-a-brand-finding-your-brands-essence/#comment-56449 Hi Danielle, Very good point. Excellent insight. Hi Danielle,

Very good point. Excellent insight.

]]> By: Danielle http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com/728/the-scent-of-a-brand-finding-your-brands-essence/comment-page-1/#comment-56428 Danielle Wed, 30 May 2007 11:54:37 +0000 http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com/728/the-scent-of-a-brand-finding-your-brands-essence/#comment-56428 Hi Daniel, Thanks very much for your thoughts. There sure was a lot of soul searching in this process, and although it was uncomfortable I felt compelled to go through it. And I'm so glad I did because apart from the relief I now feel from solving the puzzle, it’s given me a much greater understanding of my own concept. And the flow on effect from that is that future branding decisions will be much easier (I hope!). Perhaps simplicity comes from clarity. I see where you're coming from in terms of your own business concept (which I think is great), and maybe every brand is a work-in-process. Gosh, mine sure is!! But perhaps tapping into the essence of what it is you’re really trying to offer the world makes the journey less confusing (or simpler). I imagine some business owners know in advance, but I’d hazard a guess that many discover it along the way. Happy essence hunting! :) Cheers/Danielle Hi Daniel,

Thanks very much for your thoughts. There sure was a lot of soul searching in this process, and although it was uncomfortable I felt compelled to go through it. And I’m so glad I did because apart from the relief I now feel from solving the puzzle, it’s given me a much greater understanding of my own concept. And the flow on effect from that is that future branding decisions will be much easier (I hope!). Perhaps simplicity comes from clarity.

I see where you’re coming from in terms of your own business concept (which I think is great), and maybe every brand is a work-in-process. Gosh, mine sure is!! But perhaps tapping into the essence of what it is you’re really trying to offer the world makes the journey less confusing (or simpler). I imagine some business owners know in advance, but I’d hazard a guess that many discover it along the way.

Happy essence hunting! :)

Cheers/Danielle

]]> By: Daniel Sitter http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com/728/the-scent-of-a-brand-finding-your-brands-essence/comment-page-1/#comment-56313 Daniel Sitter Wed, 30 May 2007 01:30:02 +0000 http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com/728/the-scent-of-a-brand-finding-your-brands-essence/#comment-56313 This is quite an introspective article Danielle. You obviously spent a fair amount of time "soul searching" to locate your personal essence. I like that descriptive word. It's very pure and refined. I can identify with your process to an extent with my Idea Seller concept. So far, it has been the best way I have discovered to describe what I am about as a salesperson. I know there will be further refinement, but I haven't quite distilled it down to its bare essence yet, leaving my brand a work-in-process! Thanks for your insight. This is quite an introspective article Danielle. You obviously spent a fair amount of time “soul searching” to locate your personal essence. I like that descriptive word. It’s very pure and refined.

I can identify with your process to an extent with my Idea Seller concept. So far, it has been the best way I have discovered to describe what I am about as a salesperson. I know there will be further refinement, but I haven’t quite distilled it down to its bare essence yet, leaving my brand a work-in-process!

Thanks for your insight.

]]> By: Danielle http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com/728/the-scent-of-a-brand-finding-your-brands-essence/comment-page-1/#comment-56132 Danielle Tue, 29 May 2007 13:17:02 +0000 http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com/728/the-scent-of-a-brand-finding-your-brands-essence/#comment-56132 Hi Jeff, Thanks so much, I especially loved writing this one, perhaps because it was very personal. And it really was poetic the way it happened. Sometimes I stand in amazement at the things that have occurred along this journey. What a gift your competitor bestowed. Aren't chance encounters fabulous! I love your brand essence - I think simplicity and the human touch are often underestimated. Apologies for the delay in responding, I only just received your comment for some reason. Cheers/Danielle Hi Jeff,

Thanks so much, I especially loved writing this one, perhaps because it was very personal. And it really was poetic the way it happened. Sometimes I stand in amazement at the things that have occurred along this journey.

What a gift your competitor bestowed. Aren’t chance encounters fabulous! I love your brand essence – I think simplicity and the human touch are often underestimated.

Apologies for the delay in responding, I only just received your comment for some reason.

Cheers/Danielle

]]> By: Danielle http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com/728/the-scent-of-a-brand-finding-your-brands-essence/comment-page-1/#comment-56029 Danielle Tue, 29 May 2007 02:09:42 +0000 http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com/728/the-scent-of-a-brand-finding-your-brands-essence/#comment-56029 Gidday Luc, It has been a while! Glad to hear you're on track, and WebmasterFarms.com looks great - I like the creative twist you always manage to come up with. As for giving this "looking inward" approach a go, I really do recommend it. I actually found it a difficult exercise, and I imagine I'm not alone in that. It's easier to see the business as a separate entity, but I'm now of the opinion that the personality traits of a small business creator are integral to the brand. I'd love to know what others think about that, but that's now how I see it. Cheers, Dani Gidday Luc,

It has been a while! Glad to hear you’re on track, and WebmasterFarms.com looks great – I like the creative twist you always manage to come up with.

As for giving this “looking inward” approach a go, I really do recommend it. I actually found it a difficult exercise, and I imagine I’m not alone in that. It’s easier to see the business as a separate entity, but I’m now of the opinion that the personality traits of a small business creator are integral to the brand. I’d love to know what others think about that, but that’s now how I see it.

Cheers, Dani

]]> By: Luc Arnold http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com/728/the-scent-of-a-brand-finding-your-brands-essence/comment-page-1/#comment-55939 Luc Arnold Mon, 28 May 2007 18:36:22 +0000 http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com/728/the-scent-of-a-brand-finding-your-brands-essence/#comment-55939 Hi Dani, Nice posting. It's been a while since we've spoken but i am on track these days. I've been finding the essence of my brand and i've begin to define it for my business, WebmasterFarms. I'll have to use some of these tips that you suggested. Talk soon Dani, Luc Hi Dani,

Nice posting. It’s been a while since we’ve spoken but i am on track these days. I’ve been finding the essence of my brand and i’ve begin to define it for my business, WebmasterFarms.

I’ll have to use some of these tips that you suggested. Talk soon Dani,

Luc

]]> By: Jeff Marsh http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com/728/the-scent-of-a-brand-finding-your-brands-essence/comment-page-1/#comment-55935 Jeff Marsh Mon, 28 May 2007 17:15:37 +0000 http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com/728/the-scent-of-a-brand-finding-your-brands-essence/#comment-55935 Hi Danielle, Excellent post. Very poetic. Yes, some times the answer does with in us. However I am glad you have described this process as a very personal one. We were faced with the same situation a couple of years ago. A chance encounter with a competitor enabled us to realize that our brand essence was our simplicity and "human" factor. Ever since we have been trying to communicate that to our customers. Thanks, Jeff Hi Danielle,

Excellent post. Very poetic. Yes, some times the answer does with in us. However I am glad you have described this process as a very personal one.

We were faced with the same situation a couple of years ago. A chance encounter with a competitor enabled us to realize that our brand essence was our simplicity and “human” factor. Ever since we have been trying to communicate that to our customers.

Thanks,
Jeff

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