From startup to global success

Posted On 21/10/2024

We’ve all witnessed it – the seemingly overnight success of some startups that begs the question “what am I doing wrong here?” Is it the idea? The timing? The commitment? Why do some companies transform into breakout brands, while others struggle along?

In my 25 plus years of working with entrepreneurs and startups, I’ve noticed three similarities between the companies that skyrocket vs. the ones that sputter out. Here are three ingredients that will fortify your brand for immediate growth.

1. Be Memorable

All things being equal, the tie goes to the company that stands out in the consumers’ mind. Does anyone remember HDDVD? It’s a tough one to wrap your brain and tongue around, compared to the winner of that format battle… BluRay. And it’s not the only example. Hydrox made cookies years before their competitor came in with a more well-rounded name – Oreo.

When naming a company or product, especially an innovative one that can define the category, create something gooey, sticky and memorable. Google, Amazon and Apple are all examples of creating colourful and memorable brand names that stand out.

Here’s a tip. Try using your potential brand name in a sentence, as in “Can you FedEx me that package?” “Can you Google that word?” Memorable brands with verb potential have a higher chance for success. Is it easier to schedule a Go To Meeting meeting? Or schedule a WebEx? A great brand name won’t make a business succeed, but a poor brand name can make one fail. Consumers can’t remember what they can’t recall, so give your company brand a boost with a name that stays top of mind.

Branding checklist:

• Is your brand name/image unique?

• Is your brand “sticky” and easy-to-recall?

• Do you have a “hook” or catchy tag line that makes a point?

• Do you have a “brand story” or platform beyond the name itself?

• Does your brand create an interested “Huh? Tell me more!” or a “What? I don’t get it?”

2. Be Scalable

I’ve met hundreds of entrepreneurs with great ideas that worked well and sold well, only to see them burn out. The problem wasn’t drive, determination or even necessarily the cash. It was the failure to create a scalable model of the business. In the excitement of seeing an idea come to life, it’s easy to overlook the bigger question of “what if this works?”

Is your success something that can be documented, formulated and scaled so that others can do the heavy lifting? If not, you might create a brand with a lot of buzz, but also a lot of work – work that will keep you up nights wondering how to get it all done.

Great brands are built on consistency. At every point, make a note of what you do that works, your “secret formula,” and make it repeatable. Think of your business as if you plan to franchise it someday. Could someone new come in and do what you do? If not, you are really developing more of a personal brand that depends on your continual efforts to grow. If you are the face of your own franchise, then you will have to continually work harder.

Branding Checklist:

• Identify what you are doing when you are at your best (your “brand recipe”).

• Build repeatable systems and not just personal expertise.

• Replace yourself by hiring in your weakest area.

• Expand your audience by growing virtually and/or geographically.

3. Be “Shareable”

A common complaint I hear from good business owners is that their company is the world’s “best kept secret.” While meant as a bragging point, it’s really an indicator that something is broken. Viral ideas, by nature, tend to spread. So if you truly have a standout business, then make it easy for others to find, recommend and share.

Start by building your customer base. These are sometimes referred to as your “brand evangelists.” They are the ones that love you and your services. They will promote you, recommend you at every turn and preach your gospel. Be sure to recognise and reward these ardent fans, either in mentions or with special “inside” perks such as coupons, discounts, and early samples of new products. Build this base by doing the following…

Branding Checklist:

• Create an opt-in email list and place it on your home page.

• Incentivise viewers to sign up by offering a discount, service or white paper.

• Build a customised company Facebook and Twitter page to engage customers.

• For B2B companies, be sure to have a company page and presence on LinkedIn.

• Blog about new tips, ideas and strategies that will help serve your clients.

• Convert these blog posts into articles for distribution on the article marketing sites.

• Create short “how to” videos and place on YouTube in your own channel.

• Add the various Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and other social media icons to your site for easy sharing.

• Cross link all your articles, videos and blog posts to keep customers engaged and on your site.

By keeping your company memorable, scalable and share-able, you can leverage and build your brand image so that the brand does the heavy lifting vs. you doing all the work. Unique and compelling brands, ones that can be quickly ramped up and expanded, stand the best chance for quick success.