Many companies, entrepreneurs, and individuals, often wonder: How can I or my brand stand out from the competition? Whether you’re a new college graduate or budding business, you have to be aware that there are millions of people and companies that can, and do, exactly what you can do. If you were to map out all of the clothing stores that sold workout leggings in their store, there wouldn’t be enough tacks in the world to complete it. However, what you would be able to completely map out is all of the most recognizable brands that carry them like Lululemon, Athletica, Nike and even Forever 21.

It’s all in the brand.

From magnetic colors, emphasized lettering and catchy jingles to hair color, nails, and style, a brand is simply your signature touch. It’s the art of storytelling and your best brand is yourself, and totally worth it to invest in.

Why, you ask? Take a look at how creating your very own brand by telling your story is your best move yet:

It’s Easy.

No one knows you better than yourself. If you’re embarking on a new career path or a new business, you have to start with your why. It’s the question that employers will ask as well as investors too. Formulating a calculated drawn out explanation as to why might seem politically correct, but you’d be surprised to find that many successful brands dare to seek the opposite. Simply telling your truth is the bare minimum yet the most important first step in creating a compelling brand. It’s easy. It’s free.

It’s Tangible.

Many think that you need a heavy fashion team to make your look pop or even a record label to become known and distributed. But in recent times, nothing could be further from the truth. When you really want to connect with an audience or someone, its best to use or display something you already have or access to. If you have a standout beauty mark, embrace it and make it a logo! If you love gold, incorporate it into your daily looks and posts. Your signature touch is something you can’t do without and people will start to take notice. Whether you evolve or stay in neutral, a great signature touch will follow you throughout your life and career.

It’s Exclusive.

If you stay true to yourself, no one could ever compete. If you really sit down with yourself to list all the things that make you unique, you’d find that you are an exclusive brand yourself. You have high cheekbones or natural red hair, all the things that make up who you are, is very much so verifiable, valid and valuable. Unveiling this pivotal piece will allow you to speak to an audience that looks just like you and are interested in the things you like to do.

It’s Memorable.

I’ve never forgotten a great story. When you begin to tell your true experiences, outcomes, and thoughts, it becomes an art form of storytelling. Some of the best brands are in fact real people and amazing storytellers. Brands like Beyoncé, Oprah, Solange and Michele Obama all capitalize off their own life, interests, and capabilities. When a person unveils their true selves to you, whether it be through wearing a political T-shirt, creating a documentary or putting on a show, it’s innate in us as humans to take interest and become invested in other human beings. A great brand is memorable through its’s experiences it encounters and creates for others.

It’s Evolving.

Many big branded companies often acquire smaller companies. It’s the game of capitalism. However, and in most instances, smaller companies will now be subjected to stagnation. When ownership changes, branding changes. That signature touch that made those investors want to invest in the first place will more than likely fall by the waist side and that greeting you gave to all your customers might become outdated.

Your brand is custom and unique to you. You might have a signature touch that investors may want to capitalize on but what most don’t realize is that it isn’t worth money. Your signature flair, bravura or niche is in fact you. You’re an evolving human being that will always stay true to yourself and may even add in some remixes along the way, but it will always work because it’s a part of you, just simply being you…