The Secret Life 'Behind the Brands'

I have had a lot of conversations recently around work, life, and everything in between. From Women in Business talks I've attended, to clients I have worked with. In fact, more than a few times this week I have chatted with people who are struggling to maintain their "brand's persona" under the weight of their own real world pressures. It's interesting, when we first start up our business or our brand, it feels like it mirrors us. It is an extension of us, but over time we are changing. The best case scenario; we grow together at one with our work. Truth is though, that's not always the case. What do we do when our brand or business grows but it no longer marries with our real world commitments?

The dilemma seems to be popping up, particularly for business owners who are the linch pin within their organisation. The obvious thought is, resource your self. If the demands of your business don't match that of your personal life, then put in place personnel who can carry that burden. For some early stage business owners this happens before the business can sustain this growth. What if the 'right person, right now', need by your business is you, and only you? Owning your own business and building your own brand is a gruelling and demanding exercise. It needs us as much as every other facet of our life. The best businesses are not burdens, they are moving, competent entities, resourced and buoyant. However they need inspired leaders and committed partners.

At a recent gathering I attended hosted by Mercedes Benz, a panel of speakers spoke of success and how to "engage success". Each panelist spoke of the story that brought them to where they are and the vision they have for their future. As each spoke, it was clear that their business, their brand, was intrinsic to their everyday. They engaged with their work as though it was a welcomed member of their family, entitled to their attention and time. They spoke of their work as a positive influence in the quality of their life. A passion that they nurtured and protected but with this they also spoke of themselves as uncompromised participators in that relationship. Each was able to be themselves with their brand. The old adage "If you love what you do, you don't work a dat in your life".

My take away was; be yourself with your brand. Advocate for it, include it in your life, and it will love you for it.

More importantly, you will love it again.