There are plenty of ways to display your branding to customers. In fact, wearable branding is a whole category on its own.
But while some entrepreneurs wear or sell simple sweatshirts or hats with their logo or company name, Allyn Reid chose a more unconventional route.
The founder of Sherpa Press instead wore a cape to promote her brand. Cheryl Conner explains in a Forbes article after hearing Reid speak at the Secret Knock event in San Diego earlier this year:
“We’re all familiar with the idea of wearing your brand. Shirts, hats, pens, notebooks, tees and even car wraps declare the affiliation of thousands of entrepreneurs. But Allyn Reid, founder of Sherpa Press publishing (and cofounder of Secret Knock with husband Greg), took her brand to another level in 2014. Committed to the concept of tailoring your own happiness and of showing the courage to be all you can be she made the commitment in 2014 to wear a cape, every day, for an entire year, ensuring that her personal and professional brand made a memorable impression.”
Reid’s take on wearable branding likely isn’t one that a lot of other entrepreneurs can see themselves trying. But it is one that uniquely fits with her brand’s image.
Sherpa Press is a publishing company that works with passionate writers looking to share their profound stories. For a company that wants to create products and content that really stand out in the marketplace, Reid’s cape idea communicates that message of unique and brave storytelling.
So, while wearing a cape every day for a year might not be the right choice for your brand, you can still learn something from Reid’s experience. She came up with a strategy that not only fit with her brand’s message, but also was unique enough to really grab people’s attention.
Image: Sherpa Press/Facebook
Though I think it’ll work in women’s fashion, I have a hard time picturing a man wearing a cape with advertisements – unless if they’re super heroes. It’s something I would never do everyday, but it could work if worn in job fairs and writer conventions 🙂 I love the idea though.
Annie Pilon
I think it would stand out regardless if it were being worn by a man or woman. But I’m with you – I think it could have a bigger impact if mainly worn at specific events where you’re trying to promote your brand.
Aira Bongco
I would. But only if I know that wearing it will have a direct impact on my target market.
Annie Pilon
That’s probably how most people feel. And I think in a lot of industries it might not have this same effect.
I am promoting my brand by wearing a cap, not a cape! 😉
Annie Pilon
haha whatever works!