Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset: The Impact on Brand Visibility

Entrepreneurship, Mindset

 

Are you pouring all your effort into your business but still struggling to gain the brand visibility and recognition you deserve?

This is a common issue that many new purpose-driven coaches, healers, and creatives face. Unfortunately, fear often holds them back from showing up, sharing their work, and making a significant impact in their field.

As a female entrepreneur, overcoming visibility fears and standing out from the crowd can be daunting. In this context, developing a growth mindset is crucial in overcoming visibility fears and making a positive impact.

But you don’t have to face this challenge alone. It’s time to break free from your fears and take the steps necessary to make your business stand out.

Developing a positive mindset for Brand Visibility.

Mindset is a powerful factor that can shape an individual’s beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. It refers to how we think about ourselves and our abilities, and it can significantly impact our personal and professional success.

In her book, “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success,” Stanford University psychologist Carol Dweck introduced the concepts of Growth Mindset and Fixed Mindset, a highly discussed topic in the business world for several years. It’s a powerful concept that can shape an individual’s beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors–and it can be applied to every aspect of your life.

Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset for Brand Visibility

Growth vs. Fixed Mindset for Brand Visibility

Having a growth mindset versus a fixed mindset can make a significant difference when it comes to overcoming visibility fears in your business.

A fixed mindset is characterized by the belief that one’s abilities and talents are predetermined and cannot be developed or improved.

In contrast, a growth mindset is characterized by the belief that one’s abilities can be developed through hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn.

Individuals with a fixed mindset may struggle to overcome visibility fears because they believe their skills and talents are limited and cannot be improved. They may feel like they are not good enough or that they do not have what it takes to succeed, leading to a lack of confidence and a fear of putting themselves out there.

On the other hand, individuals with a growth mindset are more likely to view challenges as opportunities for growth and development. They understand that it takes effort, practice, and persistence to improve their skills and abilities.

To overcome visibility fears, it is essential to cultivate a growth mindset. This means recognizing that your skills and talents are not fixed but rather can be developed and improved with support and work.

By embracing a growth mindset, you can view challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. You can also develop a willingness to take risks and put yourself out there, knowing that even if you make mistakes, you can learn from them and continue to grow.

Brands with growth vs. fixed mindset.

Blockbuster vs. Netflix

Blockbuster is a prime example of a brand that suffered from a fixed mindset. When Netflix launched in 1997, Blockbuster was the clear leader in the video rental industry, boasting over 2800 retail locations. However, their reluctance to adapt to changing technology and consumer preferences, such as the rise of online streaming services, ultimately led to their downfall.

According to Drift, a company focused on customer-driven marketing, there are three key takeaways from the battle of Netflix vs. Blockbuster. First, it’s important not to forget what you’re really selling. Second, you need to be willing to adapt to changing market conditions. And third, a customer-driven approach will always win in the end.

As a new mother during that time, I personally experienced the convenience of online streaming compared to the hassle of going to a physical store to rent movies. Netflix’s two or three DVD plans made it easy to watch movies from home, and there was no need to leave the house with a crying baby in tow. In contrast, Blockbuster’s reliance on physical stores and lack of innovation ultimately led to its downfall.

baby boy applying lipstick to face

Netflix has continued to adapt and grow and is now a global powerhouse in the entertainment industry. One of the ways that Netflix has set itself apart from traditional media is by embracing diversity and inclusivity in their programming.

Though the era of physical discs has passed, I acquired a Netflix subscription online. It’s hard to imagine a time when I didn’t have Netflix. At present, it’s bundled with our T-Mobile plan. Throughout the years, I’ve witnessed Netflix evolve and become a global juggernaut in the entertainment world.

Back then, I loved attending foreign film festivals in San Francisco. Now, I can easily access international movies and binge on countless series in my pajamas.

My son and I spent his high school years bonding over the thrilling series Breaking Bad. Occasionally, we would delve into a Bollywood film, and it’s truly gratifying to see the plethora of movies that represent my culture.

Here are a few of my favorite movies and shows on Netflix.

ROMA This award-winning drama film tells the story of a maid working for a middle-class family in Mexico City in the 1970s and explores issues of race, class, and gender.

BEEF This comedy special featuring comedians Ali Wong and Lee Sung explores topics such as marriage, motherhood, and the challenges of being a working mother.

PAD MAN: This Indian biographical comedy-drama film tells the story of a social entrepreneur who invented a low-cost sanitary pad-making machine to promote menstrual hygiene in rural India.

ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK: This American comedy-drama series features a diverse cast of women inmates in a federal prison and explores themes of race, gender, sexuality, and social justice.

NEVER HAVE I EVER: This coming-of-age comedy series, created by Mindy Kaling, follows the life of a first-generation Indian-American girl and explores themes of identity, culture, and adolescence.

THE LUNCHBOX: This Indian romantic film tells the story of a mistaken lunchbox delivery that leads to an unexpected connection between a young woman and an older man.

INDIAN MATCHMAKING: This reality TV series follows a professional matchmaker who helps her clients, mostly Indian Americans, find suitable partners for arranged marriages.

BRIDGERTON: A diverse period drama set in Regency-era London, based on Julia Quinn’s novels. With inclusive casting and challenging historical fiction norms, the show has captivated audiences worldwide.

How can you apply the growth mindset to your brand?

Curious baby boy playing with toilet paper

Childlike curiosity is a valuable trait that can be applied as growth mindset. Whenever I come across old photos of my son, such as this one, I’m reminded of how naturally curious he was about everything – like a simple roll of toilet paper.

Children have an insatiable appetite for learning and exploring the world around them. By adopting a childlike curiosity, we can develop a growth mindset that encourages us to approach challenges with a sense of wonder and openness.

To apply childlike curiosity as a growth mindset, we can start by asking questions and seeking out new experiences. Rather than being intimidated by the unknown, we can approach it with excitement and a desire to learn. We can also challenge our assumptions and beliefs, asking ourselves “why” and “what if” to uncover new perspectives and ideas.

 

A few examples of fixed mindset that can come in the way of growing your business.

  • I’m not good at sales. I’m not a natural salesperson, and I can’t learn to be one.”
  • I’m not tech-savvy, so I can’t build a successful online business.
  • I’m not confident enough to put myself out there and network with other entrepreneurs.
  • I’m not good with numbers, so I can’t manage my finances effectively.
  • I’m not a natural leader, so I can’t effectively manage and lead a team.
  • I’m not good at public speaking, so I can’t put myself out there on social media.
  • I’m not good at self-promotion, so I struggle to market my business effectively.
  • I don’t have the connections or resources to grow my business beyond a certain point. 

How you can potentially work on your growth mindset.

Entrepreneurship demands the ability to wear multiple hats as you grow your business. However, staying stagnant and not growing from where you are now can hinder your business’s potential for success.

To avoid this, start by identifying the areas where you need to improve and seek support. Remember, you don’t have to go it alone, as there are various tools and support systems available to fast-track your knowledge and growth.

For instance, being tech-savvy is crucial in building a successful business online. While it may seem intimidating at first, implementing backend systems can significantly enhance your business. Before outsourcing various tech tasks, it’s important to understand the strategy behind them to delegate effectively. Not having a basic understanding of technology can hold back your growth.

After implementing the necessary systems, concentrate on your strengths and keep flexing your growth mindset to continue expanding into new areas of your business.

Alpana Aras is a Visual Branding Coach and Strategist, internationally published Photographer, and Storyteller based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She helps women entrepreneurs craft their brand stories for impact and influence so that they can become cover stories of their brands.

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👉🏻 Women entrepreneurs and thought leaders hire me to grow their brand’s visibility by unleashing their inner star power.

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