Belief Systems – Religion, Philosophy and Ideology.
What do you believe in? What do you base your faith in? Before getting too carried away on philosophy, religion or other esoteric aspects, let’s direct the question towards our consumer driven societal beliefs (It may appear more shallow but I think there are less wars waiting to be started this way)..... 

Belief Systems…they all tell a story. Wikipedia, (the Free Encyclopedia) defines belief systems as three things. First, Wikipedia defines a belief system as one’s religion or a set of beliefs and practices that is often organized around supernatural and moral claims. The second definition given on belief systems is philosophy or the discipline of questioning purpose and ethics and finally belief systems is defined as ideology, which is an organized collection of ideas that’s main purpose is to provoke change and to organize thoughts.

So what’s your story? More specifically what’s your brand story? Remember that your logo alone is not your brand, it needs a story or ideology to carry it, so with this in mind, what is it you want consumers to think, feel, and believe about your company or product? How do you want them to react when coming in contact with you or your product?

Just being able to organize some of these thoughts about you and your product will help you create your story, your belief system about your brand.

Your values and belief systems have to jibe with your audience and continuously do so. What a consumer’s reaction to you or your product was when they first ran into you or your product (hopefully positive) should be the same feelings two weeks from now to two years from now, think long term, and big picture. Having solid belief systems in place will ensure that it is.

Developing a system of values, thoughts, ideologies about your products/services and putting them in practice will define your brand. In doing so you will adhere to a belief system that will gain your consumers trust for a good product (your product), create positive memories about that product, give them something they can count on (an honest value) and they will allow you to get close to them. Most of the time, close enough to hand over their wallets (It’s a system of practice many religions have used for years and it has always worked for them.)

While developing your belief systems keep in mind specific words that have special and personal meaning that will distinguish your product/brand, these words will help define your message and give you a foundation onto which you can build your story. How you deliver (media, packaging, etc.) your new message can present the perfect opportunity and platform (soap box, alter, etc.) for presenting your story. Armed with a promising message and a solid presentation your brand story will be able to define believers and create life long customers. Keep in mind it’s all in your delivery and your presentation. Can they (your customers) believe in what you say and can you deliver?

It’s also important to understand who doesn’t believe in you/your product/your brand and why. This will give you some clarity as to who your believers are and help you build around it. Being able to establish a large following of loyal customers will expand your reach, because these customers will naturally act as missionaries, who will carry on your message and spread the good word.

Creating a belief system will develop your brand story, which will enable you to become a leader in your industry. (Though you probably won’t reach Pope status, the potential for Harley Davidson status or higher is definitely there.)

Build your own temple and establish a following. Lead by example and deliver what you want them to believe.