Muhammad Ali: A Boxing and Branding Champion

Muhammad Ali was so much more than a decorated fighter; he was a man who managed to create his own brand by remaining firmly rooted in what he believed and giving voice to those without an outlet. In his own right, Ali was a marketing genius.

By 1960, Muhammad Ali proved that he was the best boxer in the world. In 1965, he won the Heavyweight boxing title. As Ali’s career skyrocketed, he used his fame inside the ring create change outside of it. In a world that so readily turned a blind eye to injustice and forcefully resisted change, Ali was known as both a boxing great and a social revolutionary.

No matter what he was recognized as, Ali was always recognized, and not just by one generation, but by nearly everyone who lived during his lifetime, and now, surely by those who will come after him. He built a brand around his career, his passions, and his beliefs, and that image has not faltered.

Branding can make or break a business. A consistent, strong brand helps a great business, or in Ali’s case, person, withstand the test of time. Like any truly great businessman, Ali built his brand through practice, belief, goal setting, and tenacity.

Practice seems the most obvious component of Ali’s recipe for successful branding. No champion has ever been made without hours upon hours of practicing, strategizing, and preparing, the same can be said for a truly successful business. Ali once said, “I hated every minute of training, but I said, don’t quit. Suffer now, and live the rest of your life as a champion.” By taking the time to refine your skills and build an earned sense of confidence, you are preparing to tackle your professional feats like a true champion.

If nothing else, Ali believed in what he was fighting for both inside and outside the ring. As a professional, belief is paramount to success. Believe in what you are creating, promoting, and or delivering, and why you are doing it. If you can’t confidently say that you believe in yourself and your product, invest more time in your training to find the missing piece.

Setting goals puts us one step closer to achieving them. Muhammad Ali knew this better than anyone else. “I know where I’m going, and I know the truth, and I don’t have to be what you want me to be. I’m free to be what I want,” he said. When something gets in the way of achieving your goals, whether personal or professional, find a way around it. Let the hours you’ve devoted and the belief you’ve developed push you to the next level.

Though he’s recognized as the best, perhaps of all time, Ali saw his fair share of defeat; but, he always came back stronger. In building a business and a strong brand, you will certainly face setbacks. Take a page out of the champion’s book and learn to see these setbacks as learning lessons, rather than reasons to give up.

Muhammad Ali set a shining example of what it means to persevere and fight for what you believe in. He made something great of his humble beginnings and left behind the inspiration to build yourself and your business from the ground up. Use Ali’s wisdom to knock out any obstacle in your brand’s way. For more information regarding Muhammad Ali, [Click Here].