Brand Perception
Image differentiates an organizations service perception. As a provider of subject matter expertise, the consulting industry is one that deploys an experience. Subjective feelings of indifference vis-a-vis sense of urgency affect brand perception and overarching reputation. In terms of building trust with clients it is of most care to deliver based on the voice of the customer. Today’s practitioners understand that in order to have a competitive edge deciphering these meanings are imperative when building brand recognition and ultimately strengthening to longstanding perception of trust. In Pro-bono consulting I interviewed with a non-profit management consulting firm in order to serve the community. This firms image was well known within the community for providing cost effective service for other non-profits who perhaps do not have the resources to support growth initiatives. The internal Consultant team consisted of tenured C-level suite executives donating their time to serve the community. Forwarding into my third month with the organization I began to realize the nuts and bolts operationally.
As a consumer the sponsoring clients demonstrated great gratitude and satisfaction with services. Survey assessments resulted in objectifying continued added value on return of investment for change agents. What really drives brand perception? The tenured experience of the internal consultants and abilities to provide strategic alignment to the client needs. In short, the people of the organization were the differentiating factor. What I learned from this experience was that ultimately your team is your brand. The service they provide by listening to the voice of the customer and validating their needs influenced brand perception. Incorporating sense of urgency, great listening skills to client symptoms and a detailed analysis with solutions factored into formulas for relevant ROI to clients. What does this teach us? You are only as good as your client perceives you. Practitioners who gauge perception are at a great advantage in winning market share within the community they serve. This lesson resonates with me as a practitioner in that the voice of the customer is something I place great detail to and the relationships that I form, serve as testimony to the value I can add to the people I serve.
You are your brand and people’s perception market your talents.- Tere