If you’re like me, you’re missing Game of Thrones already. Suffice to say, waiting until Summer 2017 for Season 7 is a highly disappointing thought.
The Season 6 finale has been hard to recover from. While GOT fan theories are still flooding the internet, I, on the other hand, have been thinking about what we can learn from the characters and story arc behind the rise and fall of the great houses of Westeros.
Here’s a look at 12 brand tips to ensure your entrepreneurship journey is not dark and full of terrors.
1. Your brand should be symbolic.
From the opening sequence to the changing of flags on conquered land, and the crest on armor … every house has a distinct “brand”. Look closely: “The various noble Houses of the Seven Kingdoms use distinctive heraldry (i.e., a coat of arms) to identify their armies on the battlefield and as a sign of status for individuals.”
In the same way, it’s imperative that people know what you stand for when it comes to your insignia of your brand. When it comes to your branding, identity and logo design hire a pro that provides quality work and most importantly, has the skills to translate your brand identity into tangible assets that resonate with your audience.
2. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.
Tyrion Lannister said it well: “As a clever man once told me, we make peace with our enemies, not our friends.” Get to know your competitors well and learn from their wins and mistakes. Keep your allies within arm’s length and your enemies within sight. Imagine how differently “The Battle of the Bastards” would have ended if Sansa hadn’t secured the help of Littlefinger?
3. Shockers are inevitable.
Wildfire anyone? But we have to develop mental toughness, spend less time doing these 10 things, and learn how to move on gracefully … without wanting to jump out of a window.
4. Stay on top of market trends.
Where would Lord Varys and Qyburn be without their “little birds” being in-the-know of what’s happening in Westeros? Keep up with trends and build your professional network – you’ll never known who or what information will pay off. All you “need in return are whispers.”
5. Ace your elevator pitch.
Make sure you know how to introduce yourself, as well as what you do. From “Stormborn” and “Mother of Dragons” to “Breaker of Chains” Daenerys Targaryen “doesn’t just tack some titles onto her name to sound fancy; each of her titles signifies an aspect of her birthright or her accomplishments.”
6. Invest in seemingly small things.
Start investing in yourself and your business from day one – even if it is seems like a small gain today. After all, who would’ve thought those petrified dragon eggs would turn into the fire-breathing game changers they are now?
7. Don’t get too cocky.
Pride always comes before the fall. In the wise words of Tywin Lannister, “Any man who must say ‘I am the king’ is no true king.” Stay humble.
8. Dress for the occasion.
Make sure your wardrobe matches the occasion, whether you’re sailing off to conquer Westeros, networking at an event, or meeting with a new client for the first time. First impressions matter. After all, look at how much more intimidating Daenerys and Cersei are when they slay their outfits.
9. Believe in your calling.
We’ll never forget the beacon of Season 6 that was the explanation behind Hodor (Ep. 55 Clip). So let us also not forget to trust in our purpose and to take full advantage of it when we meet our destiny.
10. Take calculated risks.
Consider the next right move, even though it might feel like you have an entire kingdom to lose, the potential reward often outweighs the presumed risk.
11. Loyalty is royalty.
You learn who’s with you by those who leave you and Tyrion hasn’t left Daenerys’ side. His reward? The newly-appointed Hand of the Queen. Lesson: Reward those who help you along your entrepreneurship journey. Reward loyal customers and brand advocates that support your mission.
12. Never give up.
Two words: John Stark. A prevailing reminder to never give up!
While the above lessons might not secure your rule over the seven kingdoms, it’ll certainly put you in the right direction towards your own personal brand success.
“A girl has a name” so go and make a name for yourself.
This article has been edited and condensed.
Sonya Matejko, creator of Single Strides — a blog for hopeless romantics and wanderlusts, is a blogger and freelance writer who is vibrantly falling in love with life in Miami and around the world. Her writing is featured on a variety of high-profile platforms and niche blogs. Her most popular article has been shared over half a million times on Facebook alone. Sonya writes about the dating world as well as traveling the world. Connect with @singlestrides on Twitter.
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