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Building a brand is one of the most important things you can do as an entrepreneur, and as a business.  A brand is how you and your company are seen by your peers, competition, and teammates.  Today we’re talking about how to build a brand that will last.

Consistency is the key to building a lasting brand.  Everything you do should reflect the image that you’re trying to build up around yourself and your company.  For Hiten, it’s being known as the most generous founder in Silicone Valley.  This is the guiding light for almost everything he does in his business and with those around him.

What’s really meta about this consistent brand building is that it further reinforces the actions and behaviors in yourself.  Doing the same things over and over, will continually mold your character in the image of those day to day actions.

To an extent your brand is who you are, and you can’t escape your essence.  However, what makes a great personal brand is knowing yourself well enough to be true to those values, but also finding out what drives you.  

Don’t ask yourself if something is going to be enough.  Find out what will be true to you, and do more of that every day.  Be unique, be special, and focus on reinforcing your brand every day.

A brand doesn’t have to mean having a large following.  Don’t confuse brand with audience.  Building up an audience will be the direct result of being true to your brand and doing the things every day that are a reflection of who you are. Both Hiten and Steli started out from scratch, and now just a few years later are very well known for being exactly who they are. This is because they’ve been true to themselves and grown that personal brand consistently over time.

Today’s Tips

Hiten: Start thinking about your brand today.  Brands are what stands out in today’s world, and without a well defined brand it’s tough for you to rise above the noise.

Steli:  Think very long term, think Legacy instead of brand.  Where do you want to be and how do you want to seen in 30 years?  What will they write on your tombstone?

Let’s continue this discussion.  If you’re not already in our Facebook group, head over to thestartupchat.com/fb to join.  Let us know how you’re limiting your wasted time, and keeping other people from wasting your time.

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As always, you can hit us up on Twitter @Steli or @hnshah, #thestartupchat. Let us know where you get your motivation.

Want Steli & Hiten to record more episodes of The Startup Chat?

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