Title: From Imposter to Informed: Building a Practical Brand Strategy Playbook for SMEs
Body:
Have you ever felt that quiet tension between theory and practice when crafting a brand strategy? You’ve read the books, completed courses, and understand the concepts—but when it’s time to build a brand strategy for a real client, the confidence dip hits. Which framework is truly the “best,” or at least the right fit? If you’re honest, you’ve probably wrestled with that same question and the accompanying sense of being an imposter.
Over the years working in brand strategy, I’ve repeatedly heard from clients and peers: “Why not put your framework on paper and offer it to the market? You make it look easy. Couldn’t companies start doing this in-house?” For context, I’m a Brand Strategy Director with Ritson-trained credentials and an MBA, so I don’t want to release something half-baked.
Would a structured playbook be valuable to others as well? Here’s a concept I’m considering:
- Target audience: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
- Core value: A practical, implementable approach rather than an abstract framework
- Three project stages: Research, Strategy, and Tactics (with a heavier emphasis on the first two)
- Step-by-step guidance: What to do, when to do it, who should be involved, what deliverables to expect, and approximate timelines
- Templates: Highly actionable, plug-and-play resources that teams can adapt quickly
Would such a playbook be as useful to you as the feedback I’ve been hearing from industry peers and clients? If there’s genuine interest, I’m open to developing and publishing a market-ready framework. The “knots in the stomach” feeling that comes with creating something you care about is real—and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.
If you’re game for constructive critique, I’m ready for a roast or any candid feedback you have. Your perspectives could help shape something that genuinely helps practitioners move from theory to confident, structured execution.
