What is branding? Too many individuals cannot answer that question without associating the term with popular logos, such as NIKE or McDonald's. Branding is nothing more than trying to differentiate from your competition. Think of branding like this: you have two hands. On each of those hands, you have a thumb plus four fingers. Each of those fingers are slightly different than the other, so each are treated differently. For example, the finger is not the same as the index finger, mainly because it's shorter and doesn't bring as much attention sitting between your thumb and middle finger. Another reason could be that the ring finger is one of your longest fingers and only has to compete with your pinky finger. You see when you take matters such as this into consideration, you'll be glad that your ring finger is your ring finger! In the world of business, no matter what industry you're involved in, everyone tries not to be like their competition. That little concept of trying to stick out (like a thumb) is a way of branding yourself.

Now, I bet you're thinking that "this only applies in the world of business.” Actually, it can be applied to many things. You see, branding is all around you. As long as there is a need to pick between choices, branding will be around for centuries to come. Don't believe me? Look at yourself, for example. You may work, groom, dress, or treat yourself different than the next person. In many cases, you're differentiating yourself from the competition in order to be selected as the one. You try hard to seem unique. Imagine how much work goes into product/serviceable branding in order to differentiate themselves from competitors. It can be a tough world.

So, if you want your business or yourself to stick out (like a thumb) and be different from the competition, you want to start branding.

‍

By: Aaron Lewis