Building an empire is hard work, huh? You’ve got all these great ideas buzzing around in your head like a swarm of bees with no clear direction. You want your brand to have a clear intention, to represent your unique personality, to be attractive to clients, and to make you stand out from everyone else. But you also want it to be esthetically pleasing and it will require a lot of upkeep and consistency, and you’ll need to figure out how to reach and connect with customers and—
Let us stop you right there! No need to panic. As you’re starting to build up your brand, consider these points to help guide you in the right direction!
Make A Personal Mission Statement.
Just one short sentence detailing what your vision is for your career, how you want to be perceived, and what your primary goal is. This will be what you’ll always turn to when you’re wondering if you’re still on track and if what you’re doing still makes sense. Maybe your Mission Statement will evolve over time, and that’s just fine.
Example: “To provide exceptional service to my clients with a fun and lively attitude and serve as a source of inspiration to continue caring for our environment by using organic and cruelty-free products.”
Identify Your Target Audience.
Who is your ideal client? What type of services are you looking to provide on a daily basis? Narrowing down the types of clients and services you would prefer to attract will help give you a clearer idea of how to market to that specific audience and begin to build trust and credibility with them.
Example: You LOVE creating vibrantly colored works of art. The brighter the better. If this is your passion, you’ll want to work on developing your brand to attract clients who are more likely to opt for a bold, daring look and don’t mind taking risks. With that in mind, you’ll have an easier time curing content and creating your ideal book of business and branding.
Reach Out to Your Community.
You don’t have to go it alone. Yes, there are thousands of other stylists out there striving to stand out amongst the rest and drive their own brands to success. But what may be less obvious is how much support, camaraderie, and opportunity is in the palm of your hand. Literally. You’re probably reading this on your phone, aren’t you? Reach out to those you admire, who instill inspiration in you, who motivate you to advance your own career! Whether it’s an Instagram DM or an email, don’t be afraid to ask for advice. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how many will be eager to lend a helping hand to raise another stylist up in this incredible industry we’re all apart of!
Example: “Hey there! I’m a HUGE fan of your work and have been admiring everything you’ve been doing for your business and your brand for a long time! I’m a stylist too and I’m looking to start taking steps toward creating my own dynamic brand. Would you happen to have any advice or tips for the best way to start, what things I should consider, and anything else to be aware of? I appreciate your time and any input you may have! :)”
If you’re interested in getting to know fellow hair professionals in your area, developing your support network, and other elevated education opportunities, find an AHP Root near you or start your own! Check out AHP Roots to learn more!
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