Brand Against the Machine: How to Build Your Brand, Cut Through the Marketing Noise, and Stand Out from the Competition

39

Point of View

YOU KNOW THE SAYING that behind every great man is a great woman? Well, behind every great brand is a great leader. Think of some of the world's greatest brands such as Disney, Starbucks, Apple, Virgin, and McDonald’s. They all have had great leaders behind them such as Walt Disney, Howard Shultz, Steve Jobs, Richard Branson, and Ray Kroc.

A great leader lets people know they are in good hands. They display a passion that people will gravitate toward and follow. They have a specific point of view on life or their industry that people can rally behind. Every brand needs a great leader to be successful.

You are a leader if you realize it or not. It's time to start embracing it. If you don't want to be a leader, then be aware that your audience will find one to follow.

So what kind of leader does it take to run a successful business? There are thousands of traits, but let's touch on a few key ones. Great leaders have a positive, forward-thinking attitude. More than just seeing the positive in things, they find every reason to make something work. Quit isn't in their vocabulary.

Great leaders are not afraid to challenge the status quo. How many times has Richard Branson proved so-called experts wrong? More times than he can count, I'm sure. Walt Disney made his life all about doing the impossible. Steve Jobs's focus on innovation is something we should all learn from.

These great leaders aren't any different than you. You have the same amount of time in a day as they ...