Tips and Tools for Achieving Your Brand!

5 Pillars of a Strong Brand based on Steph Curry

Defying the Critics

5 Pillars to a Strong Brand based on Steph Curry’s 40pt record-breaking performance in Game 4 after a 3 week hiatus due to injury!

Admission: I am slowly becoming a sports addict. I thought it was only football, but my addiction has spread to basketball. I am a sports junkie, I won’t be surprised if I pick up hockey, golf, tennis, whatever else is out there in the upcoming months – I am just that into sports.

It has actually become my new love, I hate to admit it, but I feel a sense of completeness when I am home chilling by myself watching sports on tv. What has happened to me? Gosh, don’t judge me, but really I am just intrigued by the strategy, competitiveness, dedication and teamwork needed to be a standout success in sports. I see it no different to excelling in corporate and academia.

Tonight, watching Steph Curry’s anticipated comeback in Playoff Game 4 against the Portland Trailblazers convinced me that I am on the right track with my growing love (addiction) for sports. If I pride myself in being analytical, strategic, and having an eye for spotting branding at play, then the sports industry is about the best you could get!”
So here we go!

1.Use critique to strengthen not weaken your brand.
Of course, everyone was wondering when and if Steph would return and what would be his condition, some even started questioning his ability to live up to his legacy. Despite a stellar season last year, the Golden State Warriors actually began this season as underdogs with few people giving them the respect of being the NBA champions. But, if you do not have critics, you are not doing enough! A bonus gift that comes with success is critique, and sometimes unwarranted mean critique, but when you are confident in who you are, your skillsets and what makes you a unique brand, then the critics become a necessary vitamin for your continued strength and ongoing success.

2.When you’re down, you’re never out.
Oh yes, we all have rough days, sometimes periods – but it does not mean that we are going to give up. If you look at Steph’s first 3 quarters of this game, he was rather slow, missing nine 3 pointers straight. However, in the fourth quarter and overtime he was on fire! In overtime, he murdered them – literally – he took the blaze out of Portland’s trail.

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3.Smile your way to the comeback.
Regardless, of how rusty he was playing, he never pouted and never seemed defeated. In fact the look in his eyes was determination and boy oh boy did he make his comeback. I think he thrives on the underdog mentality and I resonate with that a lot. You have to be able to having the faith of a mustard seed and know that regardless of how bleak things look, you have the confidence to succeed despite the odds.

4: Be likeable
There is nothing better than being excellent at your job and the majority of people like you - that means you have influence. Steph embodies both and understands that that is a key strength of his brand and broad market appeal. He just amazes me; even when he is frustrated he looks calm and in control. That’s the key to being a strong leader, never let them see you sweat. Channel your fears and your nervousness to become greater in the moment and while you are doing that just have fun and smile until your doubters become believers!

5:Always exceed expectations
Nothing breeds success like exceeding expectations. Many are good at what they do, but few are special and exceed expectations. For game 4 Steph exceeded expectations. Charles Barkley, who is usually very opinionated, was reduced to a mumbling, ‘can’t find the words to describe what I just saw’ pundit! In all you do, let people walk away in awe and amazed by the experience of you.

There is brand inspiration everywhere, can you see it?

Dr. Raedene Copeland is a professor, speaker, coach, and brand consultant to individuals and businesses locally and globally!
Copyright 2016.

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