Branding - What are you trying to say?

I had a very interesting conversation yesterday. It was one of those moments where I became really clear about my personal philosophy and how it related to my business principles.

It all began with a very simple question - someone asked me "what's the secret of your success?" I had to think long and hard before responding and was very aware that my answer would be critical to the next phase of my business because I couldn't move forward without knowing what had got me here in the first place.

Had I done something very clever or unusual - something that no-one else had thought of? Had I worked harder or smarter than other coaches? I was really struggling to understand exactly what had happened along the way. I know I started out with passion and determination but how have I ended up as a successful performance coach when I haven't come from a corporate background and I don't feel like an 'executive coach'?

After a great deal of thought I have to say that my answer was neither clever nor earth-shattering. It's quite simple. I have just been doing what I believe in - coaching people, pure and simple. People are just people, wherever they work and whoever they are. I'm not swayed by title or position but I have to get behind the corporate mask before the work can really begin.

As I'm in the process of expanding my business, that question has been really valuable and I would recommend it to anyone who is seeking clarity around their personal or business brand.

Interestingly the person who asked the question is an amazing coach with a wealth of experience in brand strategy and the best news is that he will soon be a valuable member of my new team - thanks Geoff!