When I interviewed Chase Friedman for this episode of Never Been Promoted, I knew we were in for an interesting conversation. Chase isn’t your typical brand strategist—he’s a storyteller at heart who believes that the best brands reflect the people behind them. That sounds simple, but it’s much harder than it looks. Most entrepreneurs get stuck thinking about logos and color schemes when they should be thinking about their “why.” Chase’s journey reminded me just how important it is to dig deep, find your purpose, and let that guide everything you do in business.
The big takeaway? Building a business isn’t about being flashy or trendy—it’s about being real, even if that means being vulnerable.
Your Brand Is You, So Make It Count
A lot of people think branding is all about the visuals—the logo, the website, the packaging. But that’s really just window dressing. Chase said something that stuck with me: “As an entrepreneur, the exciting thing is the business should be a reflection of you.” That really hit home. Your brand isn’t what you put on a billboard; it’s what you stand for. And if you’re not clear about that, neither are your customers.
Chase’s philosophy is all about purpose. Why are you in business? What do you believe in? Those are the questions you have to answer before you even start thinking about the “fun” stuff like colors or fonts. This isn’t just theory—Chase lives it. He works with purpose-driven brands that want to make a real impact, not just sell products.
Key Takeaways from Our Discussion:
- Your brand should be personal. If it doesn’t reflect who you are and what you care about, it’s going to feel hollow to your customers.
- Vulnerability builds trust. Chase believes that people buy with their emotions first and back it up with logic. If you’re not willing to be vulnerable, your brand won’t connect.
- Purpose drives everything. It’s not just about making money—it’s about making a difference, even if that’s just in the lives of your employees or customers.
Niching Down Isn’t Limiting, It’s Liberating
One of the biggest fears for any entrepreneur is narrowing down their focus. Chase and I talked about this, and it’s something I’ve struggled with myself. It’s tempting to try and appeal to everyone because it feels like you’re keeping your options open. But as Chase pointed out, that’s a recipe for disaster. “If you try to be everything to everyone, you’ll end up being nothing to anyone,” he said.
Chase shared how niching down doesn’t mean limiting yourself—it means getting really good at serving a specific group of people. And when you do that, you build loyalty and trust. He talked about how some of his clients were afraid of focusing too narrowly because they didn’t want to miss out on opportunities. But in reality, once they committed to their niche, they found more success than ever.
It’s something that I’ve seen play out in my own business. When you stop chasing every potential customer and start focusing on the ones who truly align with your vision, everything starts to click.
What I Learned from His Experience:
- Niching down isn’t a risk—it’s a strategy. The more specific you get, the easier it is to connect with the right people.
- FOMO can kill your business. Stop worrying about the opportunities you might miss and focus on the ones that matter.
- Your customers want clarity. If you’re trying to appeal to everyone, your message gets lost. Be clear about who you serve and why.
Reflections from the Interview
Talking with Chase reminded me of the importance of staying true to your purpose. We live in a world where everyone’s competing for attention, and it’s easy to get caught up in what everyone else is doing. But as Chase said, the most successful brands are the ones that aren’t afraid to be different.
Here’s What I’m Taking Away:
- Clarity is key. If you don’t know what you stand for, neither will your customers. Get clear on your purpose and let that guide every decision.
- Vulnerability matters. We tend to think of vulnerability as weakness, but in business, it’s what connects you to your customers on a deeper level.
- Niche down and own it. The more specific you get about who you serve, the more you’ll stand out in a crowded market.
- It’s okay to evolve. Chase talked about how your purpose can shift as your business grows—and that’s okay. Just make sure you’re still aligned with your values.
- Be willing to take risks. Playing it safe won’t get you anywhere. The entrepreneurs who stand out are the ones who take risks and pave their own paths.
Final Thoughts:
Chase’s journey is a great reminder that building a brand isn’t just about selling—it’s about connecting. It’s about being real, being vulnerable, and being willing to carve out your own space in the world. As an entrepreneur, that can be scary. It’s easy to get caught up in what’s trendy or what other people are doing. But the real power comes from knowing who you are, what you believe in, and staying true to that—even when it’s hard.
At the end of the day, your brand is a reflection of you. So make it count.
CONNECT WITH CHASE FRIEDMAN:
Website (Company): https://vanquishmediagroup.com/