Compromise is good
'No compromise' is a natty marketing tagline for a sports brand. It conveys strength, determination etc.
However, when growing a brand in general, you need to give a little. Be open to compromise.
I'm not talking about using cheaper materials or compromising on customer service. I mean those times when you need to eat a little bit of humble pie.
Pack away the Hubris
Doing posts on social media about how you will not change for anyone might get a lot of likes. Appearing to be a rebel of business - groundbreaking? Newsflash.... it has all been done before.
There is a business graveyard of maverick business leaders, hoisted by their own petard.
Deep down people might like to think of themselves as rebels, their deep-rooted dreams of being Han Solo or Ridley. However, in business meetings or any customer interactions, there is a point where you have to give a little bit of ground.
So, be prepared to be a bit of a chameleon. You may not want to wear a stuffy suit, but find a solution that works for you. Be colourful, but compromise on an element. For example, you can wear jeans, to a meeting, but make sure they have no holes. Wear a blazer or smart jumper. These can be colourful but tailored. You will look far more polished. Still showing personality but showing a bit of self-awareness that the audience is listening to your words and not wondering if you got dressed in the dark. (Or concerned about your hygiene).
You may think you are too good to explain your image to a room of strangers. But think for a moment what your attitude is giving off. Why should someone trust you with their hard-earned money, if you cannot take 10 minutes to brush your hair and look put together? You can be unique without being obnoxious.
Another act which comes across as self-absorbed is ridiculously long business plans and decks. A great idea doesn't need a huge amount of copy, getting to the point is appreciated. Feeling that you will only work with people who indulge you means you will attract toxic relationships. Successful investees are so because they know how to tell a story impactfully. They make the proposition accessible to time-poor investors.
Rounding out for the land
Circling back to the sporting analogy. You will see it, with any athlete. They have to twist and change tactics to get the final result. They do not always follow the exact process, but they do follow basic training for their safety. They adapt to the weather, and competitors, and listen to their bodies. You need to develop this skill and know when to adapt your approach.
That does not mean compromising your morals or ethics. Define the line you will not cross. But how you dress, listen to feedback and present your business is important. You have to be willing to twist a bit, to stick your landing.
