What are the three most common mistakes entrepreneurs make that can destroy their brand?

I have to stick to just three?! Okay, here I go...

1. Not creating a proper mission and vision statement that will stand by their company for the duration of business.

2. Not establishing a proper financial pro forma that shows a timeline of funding, revenue, capital, floating capital, etc.

3. Putting too much emphasis on titles and not enough emphasis on organizational structure.

Since the question is specifically about branding mistakes, here's my take on this:

1. Making promises and not fulfilling them

2. Diluting the brand by giving mixed marketing messages about too many features / benefits instead of having a laser sharp focus on one. 

3. Not paying attention to the quality problems because of economies of scale. 

1. Prevent analysis paralysis. Don’t be afraid to seek advice from trusted mentors and friends. Feedback is incredibly valuable to new businesses — especially when it comes from an experienced business owner who has built a business within your market or industry. But beware. Even well intentioned advisors can overwhelm and confuse entrepreneurs. Too much advice can lead to analysis paralysis. Give yourself time to make big decisions, but not so long that you miss an opportunity or never move forward. You can correct a mistake, but you can’t succeed if you never get started.

2. Ask the customer or client. Feedback, especially in the beginning, gives you the opportunity to fine tune your product or service. Sometimes what you may think is a great idea may not resonate with your key market. If you ask a customer or client what he or she wants and you adapt to provide it, you’re almost guaranteed to receive a positive response. In my case, I frequently invite my clients to help me design their program. This way, they are assured of receiving exactly what they want. Before you launch a new feature, product, service or presentation, test it with a small group of customers or clients first.

3. Take advantage of every opportunity to network. It’s not just who you know, it’s who knows you. Your calendar may be booked from sunrise to sunset, but even 30 minutes at a networking event will pay off in the long run. Visibility is the first rule of networking. When I started my business, I joined an array of civic and business associations in my area. I needed to grow my list of corporate contacts. It was uncomfortable at first, but many people I met have generously referred business to me over the years. In order to promote your business, it’s essential to see and be seen.

Thanks for invitation

I amagreeing with my colleague’s answer Mr Nuridin

agree with mr. Vinod  on his answer

 

Thanks for the invite. A year ago I made a research that led me to conclude to some specific points. But much of them are true to Ethiopia so I would be discussing points that seem to be universal. And since I am asked to only provide three , here they are. Launching, growing, and sustaining a successful business depends on a number of different things. First, you need a strong business idea. Second, you need the foresight to put your plan into action. Third, you need to successfully build a brand that resonates with your target market. Unfortunately, far too many businesses focus on the first two aspects and then haphazardly approach the third component with very little planning. As an entrepreneur, you need to make branding a priority. Relegating it to the back burner will inhibit your ability to grow. Here are three specific mistakes as asked 1. Not Defining a Target Market At the root of successful branding is a precise recognition of your target market. Sadly, many entrepreneurs fail to identify their target market and proceed with branding based on unsubstantiated assumptions about who they’re selling to. You can’t afford to make this mistake. Defining your target market takes time, but it isn’t something that can be overlooked. You need to spend as much time as it takes getting to know your target market, what their preferences are, and what they’re looking for in a brand. Do these things and you’ll be fine. 2. Choosing the Wrong Name The second mistake is often a byproduct of the first. Choosing the wrong name can haunt your brand for years to come. Coming up with good company names isn’t easy, but it is necessary. If you’re going to build a brand that’s successful for a number of decades, the name needs to be strong and exemplary. You want your name to be simple, concise, and accurate. An individual who has never interacted with your brand in the past should be able to read your brand name and get a basic idea of what it is you do. An inability to convey this is a failure on your part. 3. Trying to Save Money on Web Design and other advertising outlets When it comes to branding, your website design is incredibly important. This is not the place to be frugal. Spend whatever it takes to create a highly functional and aesthetically pleasing website that connects with your target audience. Today, that means developing a responsive website that’s fluid and fast.