Today; some people call me Ayo Oladiran, some call me Ayooluwa, some call me Oladiran and, some call me Mimi.
All of these are a reflection of the growth and development I have done over the years and most importantly each name is associated with a certain brand/identity.
All my life, I have been Ayooluwa- the last of three children and the only daughter but as I grew up I began to build a brand. The only thing with me is that the brand I build is based on the stage I am in life at that moment- something a lot of people fail to do.
“Differentiation is not just a strategy, it's a survival tactic. Stand out or fade away." - David Aaker
In Junior Secondary School, I came in while my brother was in JSS 3 and everyone knew me as Dele's sister/ the sister of the time-keeper.
In JSS 1, I became an anti-smoking ambassador and it became a major part of my identity for my 3 years in JSS. Then, in JSS 2, I was pretty good at Sciences and my Basic Science teacher nicknamed me 'Small Doctor' - a name which suck with me until I was finally made the Science Lab prefect.
Similarly, in Senior Secondary school, I was known as the sister of the Head Boy and the younger Oladiran sibling, for my first year. As time passed and I started to attend and win competitions for my school, the name 'Ayooluwa' became popular among students and teachers.
Somehow, I became the Head Girl -in arts department - something they never really allowed a art student to do. The head boy and assistant head boy were also from the arts departments and were my seat mates.
"Consistency is the backbone of branding. Stay uniform, stay recognizable, stay memorable." -Unknown
So, I was pretty popular in school and well know. This meant I had a certain reputation and an image I had to maintain -my brand.
When I gained admission for my National Diploma Program, I was at a training which required me to use a Workshop Name for easy recognition and I went with 'Mimi'. Which was my display name for easy access on the Workshop group.
Around the same time, I joined my class group and the name 'Mimi' stuck because I was a bit troublesome. Afterwards, any attempt to get people to call me by my birth name was almost impossible.
So, when I gained admission for my Bachelors degree program, I was intentional about the brand I would build and what I would be known for. Sometimes, I do step out of the line and I take some steps backwards to reset and rebuild but generally I think I have done a pretty good job of building my brand.
"Evolution is the key to relevance. Adapt, innovate, and stay ahead of the curve." -Simon Sinek
Now, self-branding is a concept that most people are not familiar with and it makes the idea of their identity to be something they themselves do not understand.
So, when people get asked 'who are you?' its harder for them to respond because they do not necessarily know what they represent- their brand.
Now, in self-branding, it is important to do the following:
1. Define your brand - Identify your key values, passion, strengths and Unique Selling point (what differentiates you from others).
2. Network and Collaborate - Attend relevant events (you shouldn't be seen everywhere), engage with mentors and leaders and collaborate on projects.
3. Be Consistent- Be genuine always and evolve and adapt but stay true to your brand.
4. Feedback - Always make room for feedback and build a community which supports you.
5. Be ready to grow- Always make room for growth and adjustments.
Above all, stay true to yourself as authenticity is the best foundation for your brand. So, be everything but never be fake.
"Your brand is what people say about you when you're not in the room." - Jeff Bezos
Love, Ayo.🤍