how many baby gates do you have in your house?
The answer depends on a few factors:
if you have kids
if you have stairs or “no-no” places
the level of general inconvenience you can tolerate
Kids don't recognize verbal boundaries - at least not initially. Tell them not to go on the stairs, it's where they'll go; tell them to stay out of the kitchen, they'll make themselves a chocolate cake…
One solution is creating actual, tangible barriers via baby gates.
The Baby-Gate Brand
Baby gates give boundaries, allowing kids to focus on what they can do instead of what they shouldn't.
I think this metaphor is perfect for brand guidelines.
It's one thing to define:
who you are
what you do
who you do it for
why it matters to them
(it's actually a VERY important thing: if you haven't done it yet, I'll give you some tips soon).
It's a very different thing to define:
who you aren't
what you don't do
who you aren't for
why you aren't for that
When you know what you're for AND what you're against, you've set up some boundaries for safe, enjoyable play… I mean, for effective brand building.
Practical applications of your “not-to-do” list
1. Filter opportunities
If you know your parameters, you can easily say ‘yes’ and ‘no’ with confidence and regret.
2. Credibility
Taking only opportunities aligned with your stated brand vision and mission builds trust and respect - critical to bring a coach.
3. Focus energy
When you know your parameters you don't waste time, effort, or resources on misaligned action.
4. Audience clarity
Protects you from getting involved with clients you won't gel with - people who don't represent what you want to promote.
Keep your brand aligned to your vision and mission by defining your “don'ts.”
I think you'll find a stronger, more appealing brand image that will come out on the other side.