Before you fight for the “Brand Manager,” “Graphics Designer,” or even “Head of Marketing” role, consider this: Branding is often misunderstood as just having a sleek logo, a catchy slogan, or a polished Instagram feed. While these elements are important, branding is far more profound. It’s about connection—how a company relates to its audience, stays consistent in its messaging, and engages effectively with the people it serves. Yet, many individuals and companies fall into traps that dilute their efforts and ultimately harm their credibility.
A recent post by a female designer on LinkedIn, 𝐀𝐑 𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐐𝐀𝐓𝐀𝐑 𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐐𝐀𝐓 identified three key branding mistakes
- No Clear Brand Identity
- Inconsistent Visuals
- Ignoring Audience Feedback
These issues are significant, but they also point to a deeper problem that transcends branding: the tendency of people to pursue roles or responsibilities without understanding the essence of what they’re stepping into. Let’s unpack these mistakes and reflect on how they apply to our personal and professional lives.
Mistake 1: No Clear Brand Identity
In branding, a lack of identity leaves your audience confused about who you are and what you stand for. Similarly, in our careers, jumping into roles simply because they pay well or seem prestigious—without aligning with your values or skills—creates a fragmented personal brand. People notice when you lack direction, and the result is often a lack of trust.
Think about it. Are you pursuing that role because it aligns with your skills and passion, or are you just ticking a box? If you’re not clear about who you are and what you bring to the table, how can you expect others to see it?
How to Fix It:
- Define your purpose. What value do you bring to your audience or employer?
- Build a personal or professional identity that reflects your strengths and passions.
- Communicate consistently and authentically to establish trust.
By understanding and embracing your unique strengths, you’ll position yourself as someone who knows their role and delivers on expectations.
Mistake 2: Inconsistent Visuals
In branding, inconsistent visuals—from mismatched color schemes to conflicting messaging—can undermine credibility. In the professional world, inconsistency might look like chasing every opportunity without a clear strategy or jumping from project to project without mastering any.
Let’s be real: hopping from one opportunity to another just to look busy doesn’t make you hardworking. It makes you scattered. People respect consistency, not chaos.
How to Fix It:
- Set clear goals and ensure all your efforts align with those goals.
- Focus on depth, not just breadth. Instead of trying to look busy or capable, invest time in understanding and mastering your craft.
- Maintain consistency in how you present yourself, both visually and professionally.
True branding and career success come from intentionality—showing up with a coherent and authentic approach that reflects who you are.
Mistake 3: Ignoring Audience Feedback
For brands, failing to listen to audience feedback leads to stagnation and irrelevance. Similarly, ignoring constructive criticism or refusing to adapt in your career can lead to missed opportunities and stalled growth.
How to Fix It:
- Actively seek feedback from peers, mentors, and clients.
- Be willing to learn, adapt, and improve.
- Remember that listening is a strength, not a weakness. It’s what sets professionals apart from amateurs.
The Problem with Shallow Pursuits
Beyond these specific branding mistakes lies a broader issue: people taking on roles or responsibilities they’re not prepared for, simply because they want the paycheck or the spotlight. This approach not only damages the individual’s reputation but also hurts the organization or community they’re part of.
When people act without depth—whether to appear hardworking or to gain short-term recognition—their efforts are often hollow. They might look busy, but the results rarely stand the test of time. Worse, their lack of authenticity becomes evident, and their credibility suffers.