Found date

Introduction

It marks the official beginning of your brand’s journey and adds a layer of credibility and historical context. Knowing when your brand was established helps build trust with your audience, showcases your experience, and provides a sense of legacy. This guide will explore why the Found Date field is important, offer friendly advice on how to determine and present this date, and explain how it influences other parts of your brandbook.

Why the Found Date Field is Important

1. Building Credibility:
   • Experience: A clear founding date can demonstrate your brand's longevity and experience in the market, which is reassuring for customers and partners.
   • Trust: Transparency about your brand's history helps build trust and authenticity.
2. Historical Context:
   • Brand Story: Your founding date is a key milestone in your brand’s story, providing context for its evolution and growth.
   • Milestones: It serves as a reference point for celebrating anniversaries and milestones, which can be powerful marketing opportunities.
3. Internal Alignment:
   • Cultural Significance: Knowing the founding date helps instill a sense of pride and belonging among employees, aligning them with the brand’s heritage and journey.

How to Determine and Present Your Found Date

Finding and presenting your brand's founding date can be straightforward and rewarding. Here’s a friendly step-by-step guide:

1. Check Official Records:
   • Incorporation Documents: Look at your incorporation or registration documents. The date you legally formed your company is typically your official founding date.
   • Licenses and Permits: Check any initial licenses or permits you obtained to start your business.
2. Consider Milestones:
   • First Sale or Product Launch: If there’s no formal incorporation date, consider the date of your first sale, product launch, or when you first started operations.
   • Significant Events: Sometimes brands choose to celebrate their founding date based on a significant early event, like a major contract or opening a physical store.
3. Be Consistent:
   • One Date: Stick to one founding date across all your communications to avoid confusion. It could be the legal incorporation date or another significant milestone, but consistency is key.
4. Celebrate the Journey:
   • Add a Story: Don’t just list the date—add a bit of history. Mentioning the challenges and achievements at the time of founding can make the date more meaningful.
   • Example: "Founded in 2020, during a time of rapid digital transformation, Planbrand set out to empower businesses with innovative brand management tools."
5. Display it Proudly:
   • Prominent Placement: Ensure the founding date is prominently displayed in your brandbook and other marketing materials. It’s a badge of honor!
   • Visuals: Consider using a timeline or infographic to visually represent your brand’s history, starting with the founding date.

Examples from Global Well-Known Brands

Here are examples of how well-known brands present their founding dates:

1. Nike
   • Founding Date: "Founded in 1964"
   • Presentation: Nike prominently displays its founding year as part of its rich history in sports and innovation, often highlighting key milestones over the decades.
2. Starbucks
   • Founding Date: "Founded in 1971"
   • Presentation: Starbucks uses its founding date to emphasize its long-standing commitment to quality coffee and community, sharing its journey from a single store in Seattle to a global presence.
3. Apple
   • Founding Date: "Founded in 1976"
   • Presentation: Apple’s founding date is frequently mentioned in its corporate history, showcasing its evolution from a garage startup to one of the most innovative tech companies in the world.

Future Influences and Auto-Generation

The Found Date field will influence several other fields and future auto-generations within your brandbook:

1. Brand Story:
   • Influence: The founding date is a key part of your brand story, providing context and continuity.
   • Auto-Generation: Timelines, historical narratives, and anniversary content will reference the founding date to create a cohesive story.
2. Milestone Celebrations:
   • Influence: Celebrating anniversaries and key milestones tied to your founding date can be powerful marketing tools.
   • Auto-Generation: Automatically generated reminders and marketing campaigns for significant anniversaries and milestones.
3. Marketing and PR:
   • Influence: The founding date can be highlighted in marketing and PR materials to emphasize experience and credibility.
   • Auto-Generation: Press releases, website updates, and social media posts can include references to the founding date to reinforce brand history.
4. Employee Engagement:
   • Influence: Knowing the founding date fosters a sense of pride and belonging among employees, aligning them with the brand’s journey.
   • Auto-Generation: Internal communications and engagement activities can incorporate the founding date to celebrate the brand’s heritage and culture.
5. Regulatory Compliance:
   • Influence: The founding date is often required in legal documents and compliance reports.
   • Auto-Generation: Legal and compliance documents will automatically include the founding date, ensuring consistency and accuracy.

Conclusion

The Found Date field is more than just a date; it’s a significant milestone that adds depth and context to your brand’s identity. By accurately determining and proudly presenting your founding date, you enhance your brand’s credibility, build trust with your audience, and provide a strong foundation for your brand’s story. This field will influence various other fields and auto-generations, making it a crucial component of your brand’s long-term success. Embrace this opportunity to celebrate your brand’s journey and share it proudly with the world.

‍