"You too are a brand. Whether you know it or not. Whether you like it or not."

Mark Ecko, Fashion Designer and Entrepreneur

Business development always begins with a 'why', followed by 'who', and 'how'. To sustain a brand, these 3 simple, 3-word questions are important to answer. Reaching business milestones doesn’t happen by mere chance. It’s the attention to detail that grows a business. Building a great foundation, reaching the 12-month mark, and strategizing for the 5-year milestone is the beginning of sustaining a business. 

Small businesses that utilize consistent branding see a 23% increase in revenue. (Flair HR, 2024) 

Having a great business idea is commendable, sustaining that great business idea is remarkable. The foundation for any business is essential for growth, development and sustainability. A business foundation should include a vision, mission, values, and pillars.

The first 12 months of any business are filled with great learning to begin and continue with the vision even when marketing results appear unfavorable for business growth and development. The 1st year milestone is an accomplishment that represents perseverance and endurance with the business idea, even when it may not have reflected the actual business plan projections. Moving forward with the business is a great achievement.

According to research, there is a significant decrease in businesses that reach the 5th year milestone. While there could be many factors as to why owners decide to dissolve their businesses before the 5th year mark, the goal for any business should be to reach this milestone. Incorporating process improvement metrics into the business model helps with growth and development year after year.

While your business is achieving different milestones, your target audience is following the brand's story. Your vision, mission, values, and pillars should be clear to connect with the right people. Therefore, establish a solid foundation for the business to reach different milestones, and acknowledge the growth and development to sustain the brand.