The pressure to keep up with the latest trends, strategies, and formulas can leave many business owners feeling like they are spinning on a never-ending hamster wheel. But what happens when that cycle starts to feel inauthentic?
For many, like Amanda Grover of Storytellers Grove, the answer is to pause, reflect, and realign. And that’s exactly what we discussed on this episode of the BrandWhys Podcast — how to build brands with integrity.
The Importance of Alignment in Branding
Amanda’s story is one of courage and introspection. Initially entrenched in the world of public relations, Amanda decided to break away from the corporate life and embark on her own entrepreneurial journey. But what she quickly discovered was that the online business world came with its own set of pressures — from coaches and digital marketing experts to the constant buzz of social media. Over time, Amanda began to feel disconnected from her business and realized she was creating offers and messaging that didn’t truly reflect who she was.
This is a common struggle for many entrepreneurs. As Amanda noted, branding is more than just following a formula or implementing every “growth hack” you hear. It’s about creating something that resonates deeply with you and your audience. If your brand feels out of alignment with your values, it becomes difficult to show up authentically, which can affect both your business and your personal well-being.
Taking Time to Reflect
For Amanda, realigning her brand started with a bold move — she took a step back. Not just from selling, but from social media altogether. During this break, Amanda gave herself the space to reconnect with her creative voice, without the noise of external opinions clouding her judgment.
Taking a break from the pressures of online business allowed her to gain clarity. This clarity led Amanda to reevaluate her offers, messaging, and overall brand positioning. She began to build her brand from a place of integrity, focusing on her personal values and the unique experiences she wanted to share with the world. For her, this meant creating offers that reflected her background in PR and her passion for mindfulness — something that was important to her, but had been overshadowed by industry norms.
Integrity as a Core Branding Value
One of the key lessons Amanda shared was the power of integrity in branding. Rather than simply following trends or doing what other coaches were doing, Amanda leaned into what felt right for her. She recognized that, as much as branding is about creating a successful business, it’s also about building trust and authenticity with your audience.
Amanda’s transparency throughout her rebranding process, especially during difficult moments like a dysregulated launch, helped her connect with her audience on a deeper level. This, in turn, built stronger, more authentic relationships — the type of relationships that aren’t just based on sales, but on shared values and trust.
Values-Driven Branding: A Sustainable Approach
Another critical point that Amanda raised was the importance of values-driven branding. In today’s marketplace, consumers are paying more attention to the values behind the brands they support, especially younger generations like Gen Z. This shift means that your brand’s values can be just as important as your products or services.
For Amanda, values-driven branding wasn’t just a theoretical concept. It became the foundation of how she refined her messaging, repositioned her business, and created offers that felt aligned with who she is. By getting clear on her values, Amanda was able to attract clients who resonated with her and who were seeking the type of transformation she could genuinely provide.
The Evolution of a Brand
Ultimately, branding is not static. It evolves as you evolve, and that’s okay. Amanda’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to realign your brand. Whether it’s taking time to reflect, reevaluating your offers, or shifting your messaging, the most important thing is to ensure that your brand remains a true reflection of who you are.
Building a brand with integrity takes time, courage, and introspection. It’s about showing up authentically, even when the process is difficult. But as Amanda’s journey shows, the result is a brand that not only serves your business but also serves your personal growth and values.
If you’re feeling out of alignment with your brand, take a moment to pause and reflect. Are you creating a business that feels authentic to you? Are your values reflected in your messaging and offers? And most importantly, does your brand feel like a true reflection of who you are? These are the questions worth answering to build a brand that stands the test of time — a brand with integrity.
Connect with Amanda:
- Freebie download:“Brands Built to Last”