A Few Simple ExercisesTo Boost Your Brand’s Confidence

I’m a proud supporter of the 3/50 Project and I will spend more in gas to drive around and patronize multiple businesses rather than saving money at a large “everything you need” convenience store. I’m not the only one who does this. It’s a conscious decision to support local, small businesses. Vote with your wallet, etc. I wish I could say that the majority of “consumers” think the same way but it’s very apparent by the crowded parking lot at every super shopping center that (a) convenience and (b) lower prices is a major selling point for places like Walmart. Luckily, there are people like me who choose to spend my hard earned dollars where it will do more good for the community. I know how hopeless it can feel for a small business to compete against giant corporations, but all you need is a boost in confidence. Here are a few exercises you can do to gain a fresh perspective.

Exercise- Make a SWOT Analysis.

Answer these questions:

1. What are your greatest strengths?
2. What are your greatest weaknesses?
3. What are your greatest opportunities for success?
4. What are your greatest threats (or obstacles, challenges, etc.) that are standing in your way?

Exercise- Find the Positive in the Negative

It’s tough for a small business to compete with corporate giant. If you compare your stock against the big guns, of course you’ll see it as a weakness. The trick is to transform that negative into a positive: you are a specialized business. This means you can offer more personalized support and information for the products or services that do you offer. This is more valuable for customers who have questions. Boom—the negative becomes a positive!

1. Evaluate everything you listed as a weakness and find a way to turn it into a positive.

Evaluate Threats and Opportunities Equally

In other words, know what you have the power to change and what you don’t. Never modify the core principles that your brand is founded on in order to overcome an obstacle. Instead, give priority to the opportunities that will define your core audience and help differentiate your brand from competitors.

Love What You Do

Above all else, finding confidence in your brand is only possible when you are truly passionate about what you do. Passion is a powerful motivator that will drive you through all fear. As long as you love what you do, you’re doing the right thing.