🧠 The F.R.I.E.N.D Method: The Last Brand Building Framework You'll Ever Need

Hey there,

Welcome back to the 33rd edition of Brandish, 

Your guide to crafting an iconic brand. 

If you haven’t already guessed it by the title, 

Today I’m teaching you how to master the F.R.I.E.N.D method.

And no, it’s not about how to make friends. Can’t help you there. 

But without further ado, 

Kick back, 

Grab your notebook,

Crack open an ice-cold Brez,

And let’s do this. 

You look like you could use a F.R.I.E.N.D

You’re probably wondering,

What exactly is the F.R.I.E.N.D method?

This is something I created to serve as your guide to building a better network, 

Better opportunities, 

And a better brand. 

If you follow this framework to the letter (pun intended), there should be no reason you can’t build a high-quality, profitable brand. 

F is for Finding

Discovery is the cornerstone of everything you do as a brand expert. 

“Find” is all about seeking out new opportunities, 

Identifying potential collaborations, 

And pinpointing your audience.

If you have any experience building a brand, you know that finding the right connections, platforms, strategies, etc. is pivotal to its success.

Once you have a clear understanding of the landscape that your brand operates in, 

You have to continue to push the boundaries through more research,

More trials,

And more exploration.

This is where you become fluent in your brand's language, and you do not want to rush your finding stage. 

R is for Reinforcement 

Strengthening your brand’s relationships and values is essential. 

This comes from total consistency in your communication, reliability, and brand messaging.

These must ALL work smoothly together to make your brand operate like a well-oiled machine, 

Solidifying your position in the minds of your audience.

I is for Inspiration

This may be one of the most powerful tools that you have for influence and engagement. 

We all know that as humans, we’re irrational and emotional in just about everything we do 

(even though we say we aren’t)

If you can craft messages, visions, and values that truly inspire your audience to take action,

Then you’ve unlocked the golden touch that can turn almost any brand into a money printer. 

Do this by sharing experiences and insights that spark innovation and positive change,

Encouraging anyone who will hear your message to walk on the same path. 

E is for Engagement

We all know this, but I needed to include it anyway because it is absolutely important. 

Actively interact with your network and audience at every possibility. 

Create content, share experiences and interactions, and foster a sense of community that your audience cannot find anywhere else. 

(I’m not saying go and start a cult, but do with this information what you will)

The majority of your success and opportunities will come from within your circles, 

Whether that’s your network or your community. 

“It’s not about what you know, it’s about WHO you know.”

N is for Networking

Yes I know,

How sneaky of me to put network into the F.R.I.E.N.D method.

Just pay attention. 

When you’re starting your brand-building journey, 

Connect with AS MANY as you can that are:

At your level, 

Slightly above your level, 

And where you want to be. 

What I mean by this is -

Your network is your own personal community that you can learn from, 

Get opportunities from, 

And collaborate with. 

The reason why I say to connect with those above you is because they will be the ones you learn the most from, 

Because they have already been in your shoes and leveled up.

The same principle applies to your branding - find brands that are at the level you want yours to be at, 

And LEARN from them.

D is for Development

This ties everything together. 

Your development is crucial to the long-term success of your brand, 

And this represents the ongoing process of growth, improvement, and refining of your skills to craft high quality brands. 

By staying on the path of nonstop development, you’ll be able to adapt to any situation at any time.  

(Like the ever-changing markets and audience needs)

Together, this framework serves as your own personal guidelines for finding success in branding, 

In life, 

And anything that you decide to apply this to. 

Getting a little philosophical here, but think about it:

Want to learn a new skill? Apply the F.R.I.E.N.D method.

Want to travel the world and sell hand-woven baskets? Apply the F.R.I.E.N.D method.

Want to build a brand that will be remembered for the rest of time?

Apply the F.R.I.E.N.D method.

Tool Of The Week

Today’s feature for the “Tool of the Week” is AfterSell.

AfterSell is a no-code Shopify app that helps you create better, faster, and more profitable upsell experiences for your brand. 

They work directly with you to help build your cart, checkout, and post-purchase upsells, 

Using precise targeting and tools to create a seamless customer experience. 

We use them at Obvi - and we’ve already seen an increase of 6 figures in incremental revenue.

If you’re searching for new ways to improve the profitability of your brand 

(And if you’re following the F.R.I.E.N.D method, you should be)

Then I 100% recommend you check out AfterSell.

Wrapping Up

And that’s a wrap on this week’s newsletter!

I hope the F.R.I.E.N.D method taught you something new about mastering the art of branding,

and I hope you take the lessons and apply them right away.

Trust me,

The sooner you apply these lessons,

The better your brand (and you) will be.

Until next week,

Ankit