How to Build an Engaging and Positive Brand Culture

My Story and 6 Steps You Can Take

Sep 08, 2024

So, you're a founder, creator, or action taker right?

You’ve probably read a ton about building business culture for teams and thought,

“How the hell does that apply to me? I am the team!”

Here's the thing: whether you're leading a group of 100 or just yourself, you are still responsible for defining, upholding, and living out the culture of your business. And yeah, even if you're a one-person show, you still need a solid culture to keep you grounded, motivated, and heading toward success.

Let’s break it down—how you can create a killer business culture as a founder.

Why Culture Still Matters for a one-person business

You might think culture is something reserved for corporations with HR departments and office spaces, but let me stop you right there. Culture is the DNA of your brand. It’s the mindset you bring to your work every single day. It's the habits, values, and decisions that define your business. Even as a one-person army, you need a clear sense of direction, structure, and purpose to thrive. Culture is the map that keeps you from wandering aimlessly.

If you're disorganized, unmotivated, or constantly questioning your vision, it shows up in your work—and guess what? Your customers feel it too. Without a strong culture to guide you, even simple tasks become heavy lifting.

My Story: From Clueless Employee to one-person business

Let me rewind the clock. My first job was as a checkout assistant at a retail store. At 16, I didn’t know what the heck a brand was, much less a business culture. But by 18, I’d been promoted to supervisor. Why? The company had an amazing culture that even I, as a clueless teenager, couldn't miss. It was fun, it was motivating, and everyone knew what the mission was—because it was slapped on every wall, every breakroom door.

This wasn’t just some corporate fluff, either. They instilled that culture into everything. We high-fived brand value posters as we walked onto the shop floor. We lived and breathed it, and as a result, I stayed with that company for 16 years. Their culture made me want to give my best.

But the lesson didn’t really hit home until I started my own one-person business.

Now, I didn’t have a laminated mission card on my desk or a team to rally. It was just me, staring at my computer screen, thinking: "So, what’s next?" And you know what? The same rules apply. You might not have a crew to manage, but you do have yourself to manage. And that requires discipline, clarity, and motivation, all tied into a solid personal culture.

6 Steps to Build Your Brand Culture (Even If You’re Solo)

1. Define Your Purpose

Why are you doing this? Spoiler alert: it’s gotta be more than “to make money.” If that’s the only reason, you’re gonna burn out fast. Your purpose should be something that gives you satisfaction and gets you out of bed in the morning.

For me, I wanted freedom. Freedom from the 9–5 grind. Freedom to work on projects that light me up. That was my purpose—freedom. Define yours, and make sure it’s something that will keep you going on the hard days.

2. Establish Your Core Values

These are the internal beliefs that guide how you do business. If your values are unclear or non-existent, it shows in your work. Think about what matters to you. Is it honesty? Transparency? Efficiency? Whatever it is, write it down.

For me, one of my core values is integrity. I don’t aim for perfection, but I damn sure aim to show up authentically. What are your core values? Live them every day.

3. Define How You Show Up

This one is huge. As a founder, how you show up both internally (to yourself) and externally (to your audience) sets the tone. Are you showing up half-assed, or are you delivering your best every day?

Be authentic. Your audience can smell fake a mile away. Just like the laminated mission cards my old company handed out, you need a clear mission for how you want to show up. For me, that means showing up with honesty and a willingness to fail openly in front of my audience. What’s yours?

4. Incentivise Yourself

This might sound weird, but when you’re solo, you gotta be your own hype person. How are you going to keep the momentum going? I set mini goals and reward myself when I hit them. Sometimes it's a break, sometimes it’s a new gadget. Whatever it is, it keeps me fired up.

Oh, and don't forget to say, "Well done" to yourself sometimes. It costs nothing and feels damn good. I’ve written an article about kind words.

5. Embrace Feedback (Even When It’s From You)

Being open to feedback doesn’t just mean listening to your customers. It means being honest with yourself. What’s working in your business? What’s not? Ask yourself these questions regularly and be willing to adapt. You’re not stuck in any one way of doing things—change what needs to be changed.

6. Adapt and Evolve

Culture isn't something you set once and forget. It’s a living, breathing thing that needs regular attention. What worked last year might not work this year. And as you grow, your culture needs to grow with you. Carry out regular "brand check-ups" on yourself and make sure the values you’re living by still align with the direction you're heading.

Wrapping It Up

Here’s the deal: a strong culture isn’t just for big businesses. It’s for solopreneurs, creators, and founders like you. If you don’t define how you operate, you’ll end up chasing your tail. So, set the tone, define your purpose, and show up every day like the badass founder you are.

Want to talk more about building your brand culture as an action taker?

Drop a "Help" in the comments, and let's chat!