The Challenges of Finding A Good Brand Strategist

Finding a good brand strategist can be a daunting task for businesses and organizations of all sizes. A brand strategist is a professional who helps companies define, establish, and maintain their brand identity. They are responsible for ensuring that a brand's messaging, positioning, and overall perception are consistent and aligned with the company's goals and values.

There are several reasons why it can be hard to find good brand strategists:

• Limited pool of qualified candidates: Brand strategy is a specialized field that requires a unique set of skills and expertise. It requires a deep understanding of marketing, psychology, and consumer behavior, as well as the ability to analyze data and create effective communication strategies. As a result, the pool of qualified candidates is relatively small, making it harder to find the right person for the job.
• High demand for brand strategists: In today's digital age, brands are more important than ever. Companies of all sizes are investing more in branding and marketing, which has led to a high demand for brand strategists. This high demand has made it more difficult for businesses to find qualified candidates, as many of the best brand strategists are already working for other companies or consulting firms.
• Lack of industry experience: A good brand strategist should have a deep understanding of the industry in which they are working. They should be able to understand the unique challenges and opportunities faced by their clients and be able to develop strategies that are tailored to the specific needs of the business. However, it can be hard to find brand strategists who have extensive experience in a particular industry, as many have worked across a variety of industries.
• Limited availability: Many of the best brand strategists are in high demand and may not be available to take on new clients. This can make it difficult for businesses to find someone who is both qualified and able to work with their schedule.
• Cost: Hiring a brand strategist can be expensive, especially for smaller businesses or organizations. Many brand strategists work on a freelance or consulting basis, which means that businesses may have to pay higher fees for their services. This can be a barrier for some businesses, especially if they are working on a tight budget.

Despite these challenges, it is still possible to find a good brand strategist. Here are a few tips for businesses looking to hire one:

• Determine your needs: Before you start searching for a brand strategist, it's important to know exactly what you're looking for. What are your goals for your brand? What challenges are you facing? What resources do you have available? By answering these questions, you'll be able to more effectively identify the skills and expertise you need in a brand strategist.
• Look for a specialist: A brand strategist who specializes in a particular industry or area of expertise may be more suitable for your needs. For example, if you're a B2B company, you may want to look for a brand strategist who has experience working with other B2B companies.
• Consider their experience: Look for brand strategists who have a proven track record of success. Look for case studies or testimonials that demonstrate their ability to deliver results for their clients.
• Check their references: Don't be afraid to ask for references from potential brand strategists. Contacting their past clients can give you a good idea of their work style and effectiveness.
• Be willing to invest: Hiring a good brand strategist can be expensive, but it's important to remember that it's an investment in the long-term success of your brand. A good brand strategist can help you define your brand, position it in the market, and establish a strong and consistent identity that will help you stand out from your competitors. It's worth the investment to find someone who has the skills and expertise to help you achieve your goals.
• Network and ask for referrals: One of the best ways to find a good brand strategist is through word-of-mouth. Ask your colleagues, friends, and industry contacts if they have any recommendations. You can also join professional associations or attend industry events, where you'll have the opportunity to meet and connect with potential candidates.
• Look for someone who is a good fit: It's important to find a brand strategist who is a good fit for your company's culture and values. Look for someone who shares your vision and is committed to helping you achieve your goals.
• In conclusion, finding a good brand strategist can be a challenging task due to the limited pool of qualified candidates, high demand for their services, and limited availability. However, by determining your needs, looking for specialists and experience, checking references, being willing to invest, networking and asking for referrals, and finding a good fit, you can increase your chances of finding the right person for the job. Investing in a good brand strategist can pay off in the long run, as they can help you define and establish a strong and consistent brand identity that will help you stand out in the market and achieve your business goals.

It's worth noting that brand strategists are not the only professionals involved in the process of building and maintaining a brand. There are many other roles and disciplines that contribute to a brand's success, including branding designers, copywriters, social media strategists, public relations professionals, and more.

To achieve the best results, it's important to build a strong team of professionals who have the skills and expertise to support your brand's growth and development. This may involve working with an agency or consulting firm that has a team of experts in various fields, or building an in-house team of specialists.

Regardless of the approach you take, it's important to remember that building and maintaining a strong brand takes time and effort. It's not a one-time project, but rather a continuous process that requires ongoing effort and attention. A good brand strategist will be able to help you navigate this process and provide guidance and support along the way.

In conclusion, finding a good brand strategist can be challenging, but it's an important investment that can pay off in the long run. By working with a qualified and experienced professional, you can build and maintain a strong and consistent brand identity that will help you stand out in the market and achieve your business goals. So, it is necessary to take time and put effort to find a good brand strategist for your business.