Jenny Henderson Studio

How do you want to be perceived by the world?

This applies to you personally as much as it does to your business.

Think of it this way: every friend you have has a brand of their own.

This brand is the sum of characteristics and abilities that come to mind when you think of them. It’s how you introduce them or tell your friends about them.

These traits are shaped over time in your mind based on the recurring patterns of their behaviour and how you feel when you’re with them. 💛

That becomes their brand and how they’re perceived.

So when thinking about how you want your business to be perceived by the world:

→ what recurring actions are shaping your reputation?

→ what are the emotions you want people to feel when they interact with your business and how are you repeatedly folding that in to their experience?

This is the objective of a brand strategy. It’s the blueprint for controlling the narrative and perception the world has of your business.

I think some people believe if you’re deliberately designing your reputation, it somehow becomes less authentic.

When really, it’s about:
🌝 knowing what your target audience needs
🌝 giving them what they need
🌝 and being a source of comfort and support by consistently showing up in the way that they need.

The same way you turn to different friends for different types of problems is the same reason you turn to one brand for this and another brand for that.

You know which friend and which brand is most qualified to help you in that moment of need.

When you decide to be deliberate about shaping your brand reputation, think of it like an open invitation to your audience. 💌

You show up as a reliable force so that when the time comes where they need you, they know with absolute confidence you’ll be able to help them.

So when I ask, “how do you want to be perceived by the world?” this is you determining how you want to be of service and how you’ll tell the world you’re able to help.

Photo by Three Crowns Studio

Just a little Brenda Terry Co. eye candy for your feed.

If you’re a coach, a consultant, or anyone working one-on-one, your next client is looking to hire someone who either:
a) reminds them of themselves in some way, or
b) represents the identity they aspire to be

Personally, I gravitate towards people that are casual and lighthearted. Because that’s how I see myself. And that gives me permission to be myself in that container with them.

This is a perfect example for why brand relatability is so integral for earning trust.

So think about this as it relates to your brand and business:
→ how do your ideal clients see themselves?
→ who do they aspire to be?
→ which of these ☝️ has more pull when it comes to deciding who they’ll hire?

When you understand who your ideal clients are, what their mindset is, and how they make decisions—you’ll know how to shape a brand that resonates with them.

Honestly, one-on-one service providers have a real advantage here.

You’re not creating some artificial brand façade, you’re just strategically leaning into the parts of you that you know your audience will relate with.

It’s not about changing who you are.

It’s about understanding the human element of being a brand.

Because at the end of the day, we’re just humans hiring humans.