The power of a strong brand: Insights from The Business Show London
At the recent Business Show in London, OSER caught people’s attention. Whether it was the buzz around our stand, our sponsorship of the Launchpad Scheme startup competition, or my talk on brand strategy, one thing was clear: a strong brand is one of the most valuable assets a business can have.
However, many founders and management teams I speak to tell me they can’t afford to create a strong brand. They want to. They would love to. But they "don't have the budget for it" and in the whirlwind of running a business, brand often gets pushed down the priority list, labeled as a “nice to have” or something they’ll “do later.”
Life is About Choices—and So Is Business
The truth is, in business, there’s always some budget. It’s how you decide to allocate it that matters. Sales is seen as a non-negotiable, but brand? It’s often left for “when we’re bigger.” Yet, the irony is that a strong brand often makes sales easier.
I’m not suggesting you blow your entire budget on branding. That’s not the point. The key is to prioritise brand strategy and set aside a realistic amount of your resources to create a brand that works for you—one that’s well-executed and provides the assets you need to grow.
Why a Strong Brand is Non-Negotiable
A brand isn’t just a logo or a set of colours. It’s the perception of your business in the minds of customers, partners, and investors. It’s the story you tell and the way people feel when they interact with you.
For startups, scale-ups, and multi-million-dollar businesses alike, a strong brand:
• Builds trust and credibility: People are more likely to buy from brands they recognise and trust.
• Drives growth: A clear, consistent brand helps you stand out in a crowded market and attract the right audience.
• Supports funding and partnerships: Investors are drawn to businesses with a clear identity and vision.
The Key to Building a Strong Brand: Strategy
As I shared during my talk at the Business Show, a strong brand doesn’t happen by accident—it starts with strategy. A well-thought-out brand strategy ensures that every element of your brand, from your messaging to your visuals, aligns with your business goals and resonates with your audience.
A Winning Brand Strategy Includes:
1. Clarity on your audience: Who are you serving, and what problems do you solve?
2. A unique value proposition (UVP): What sets you apart from the competition?
3. Consistent messaging and visuals: Everything from your website to your social posts should reflect your brand identity.
4. Scalability: Your brand should grow with your business, not hold you back.
Start Small but Think Big
Creating a strong brand doesn’t mean spending a fortune. It means working smart. Start by identifying your priorities and setting aside a portion of your budget to build a brand that is clear, consistent, and impactful.
A strong brand gives you assets to play with as you grow—whether that’s a logo, a tagline, or a set of brand guidelines that help your team stay consistent across channels. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating tools that support your business goals.
OSER’s Brand in Action
At the Business Show, OSER was a living example of what a strong brand can do. From our bold stand design to our engaging messaging, we demonstrated that branding isn’t just a luxury—it’s an investment in growth. The result? Meaningful conversations, new connections, and a lot of attention.
The Bottom Line
Your brand isn’t just a marketing tool. It’s the foundation of your business’s identity and success. By making intentional choices and prioritising brand strategy, you can create something that grows with you, attracts the right audience, and helps you achieve your goals.
Let’s work on it together. Book a discovery call with me today and learn how we can help you craft a brand strategy that positions you for success.