Step 30: Map Your Legacy
In the late 1800s, George Cadbury and his older brother, Richard, inherited their father’s chocolate business, and created a new factory in Birmingham, naming the area Bournville.
George Cadbury was esteemed for treating his workers well, with relatively high wages and good working conditions.
In 1893, he bought 120 acres of land close to the factory and planned, at his own expense, a model village for his employees which would ‘alleviate the evils of modern, more cramped living conditions.’
Traditional in design, the homes had large gardens and modern interiors. The Cadburys were particularly concerned about the health and fitness of their workers and incorporated parks and recreation areas into Bournville, encouraging swimming, walking and sport.
Bournville is still a thriving town that still stands as testament to one’s man legacy that went further than making money.
Many have credited the village becoming the blueprint for many other model villages globally - laying the foundations for the development of garden cities and introducing the benefits of open spaces into modern town planning.
In essence, Cadbury Chocolate not only nourished tastebuds, but entire communities and towns up to this day. The moral of this story is that when designing your brand concept, strongly consider its legacy – what is the long-term vision and how will your brand permeate itself beyond making mere profits.
In order to truly thrive, your brand legacy also needs to cater to both your personal passion points as well as the needs you identify either in your employees, staff, customers or community.
Ask yourself:
What do you stand for?
What do you believe as a brand?
How do you want to be remembered?
What sets your heart on fire when it comes to helping others?
How could your brand impact communities, nations and humanity now and in the future?
Crafting your brand legacy could be the very reason your business thrives, fuelled by destiny, possibility and a legacy that could far outlive you.
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