Importance of brand on agenda at IoD event
FEMALE business leaders across the West Midlands learned how brand can take their companies forward at an Institute of Directors event in Birmingham.
Held by IoD West Midlands Women as Leaders, The Importance of Brand saw speakers from three local companies sharing their experience with more than 30 delegates.
All three presenters underlined the importance of identifying, building and promoting brand as an essential element in successful business.
Ruth Duggal, founder of video production company Shuut and cofounder of Make Your Own Video Training Academy, emphasised the need for good story-telling in sharing company messages with customers.
“Over the years I have learned that telling stories is much more effective than simply relaying facts – people remember stories,” she said. “Telling your audience your story gives them a reason to care.”
Stylist Jane Brook also explained the importance of personal brand – and how a plays a part.
“Like it or not, you have a personal brand and, like it or not, people make judgments on other people based on how they look,” she said. person’s appearance “Your personal brand is under your control and you have the power to influence how people remember you.”
Ms Brook, a franchisee with House of Colour, shared top style tips with the audience and encouraged them to think beyond wearing black.
“If you wear colour you become more confident and more memorable,” she added. “Your clothes really count, so make them work for you.”
Kate Curry, founder of The Curry Design Studio, discussed the importance of creating a strong and consistent brand to promote business.
“Find out what makes your business different, what makes you stand out and begin with that,” she said. “And think about how you want to be seen.”
The event, at the Community Hub at John Lewis in Birmingham’s Grand Central, was hailed a success by Women as Leaders chair Janette Rawlinson.
“I was very pleased with the event. The different speakers looked at different aspects of branding and yet the messages were consistent,” she said.
“What came through very clearly was that no matter what your business, you need to be thinking about story-telling, presentation and your identity.”