Best Ways to Knock Your Brand Off Track

Common mistakes sabotage image

By Sheryl S. Jackson

We’ve all done it. Picked up the sweater, the tie or the shirt because it’s the newest color or style for the season. There’s nothing wrong with trying on the latest trend in clothing, but don’t buy it if it doesn’t support your branding statement, says Sheila P. Coates, creator of B.Y.O.B.-Be Your Own Brand.

The value of developing a branding statement is that it helps you shop in a cost-effective manner. “You only buy what you know you will wear,” she explains. Following fashion trends that don?t fit personal images is not the only mistake people make that negatively affect their “brand.”

Most common mistakes:

You Segment
Don’t divide your life into different segments such as work, social and family, and then choose to follow your branding statement in one but not the others, says Coates. Be consistent and you will not only feel more confident in all areas of your life, but it will be easier to sustain your brand.

You Follow trends
It may be the latest fashion trend, but if bright purple doesn’t convey the message you want to convey, pass by that tie, shirt or dress, says Coates.

You Imitate
The pink sweater with blue spots might look great on your friend but be realistic about how it looks on you, suggests Coates. Make sure that everything you wear, including jewelry, reflects your attributes and your branding statement.

You Overlook accessories
Branding involves more than just clothes, points out Coates. Accessories can be an important part of communicating your attributes. Briefcases, jewelry, ties, scarves and other accessories should be chosen carefully, keeping your total message in mind.

You Ignore Your Body Type
“Accept your body type,” says Coates. “We are not all the same size or shape and clothing won’t make our body type change,” she says. It’s not just about weight either, she points out. “Demi Moore’s body type immediately says strong and Jessica Simpson’s body type says damsel in distress,” she says. “Recognize what your body type says and dress accordingly to fit your branding statement,” she adds.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 18th, 2010 at 4:10 pm and is filed under Branding.
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