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What the Heck is Branding and Why Should I Care?


There's been a lot of buzz lately about branding. But what exactly is it, and who needs to do it? Simply put, a brand is what makes your business uniquely YOU! It's the way you present your business and how the world perceives it. And, importantly, it's the way your clients remember you when it comes time to make another purchase. Branding encompasses your key marketing messages and tagline, logo, marketing materials, image, and your clients' complete experience with you from start to finish.

Do you think branding is just for those big companies, like FedEx and Coca-Cola? No way! Branding is just as important to small business owner like us. By creating a unique image and message, we tell the world what we're all about. And if potential customers like what they see, they're sure to become money-making clients!

Okay, so you have a great logo, and you use it on your brochure and business card. That's a great start to building an image for your company. But, have you taken it any further? Perhaps you have a unique concept that identifies your company, or a specific clientele, or a great customer service policy.

However your brand yourself, make sure you're carrying it over to ALL aspects of your business. Consistency in your image and message is so important to portray your company's vision. When potential clients see your brochure or web site, they get an idea of your services, your personality, your commitment to them as customers, and the way you do business. Don't have an identity crisis by mixing messages. Stick to one key concept, and do it well!

GETTING STARTED

While branding your business may seem overwhelming, it's really quite simple! Ask yourself these questions:

1. "What services or products do I offer?"
2. "What do people think when they hear my name?"
3. "What sets me apart from others in my field?"
4. "What do I want my clients to remember about their experience with me?"
5. "What type of clients do I want to work with?"

By answering these questions, you're on your way to determining not only your key marketing message and tagline, but also your choice client and unique position in your industry.

CONSISTENCY ACROSS THE BOARD Are all of your connections with your clients consistent? Make a powerful presence in your industry by incorporating your branding into every opportunity for client contact:

? marketing materials (brochures, business cards)
? web site
? letterhead and thank you notes
? newsletters and e-zines
? proposals, invoices, receipts, and other forms
? postcards and other keep-in-touch direct mail methods
? presentations, handouts, and report covers
? advertising and media interaction
? thank you gifts
? your 60-second commercial
? voice mail messages and on-hold music
? email signatures
? your personal appearance

Remember, your brand is your promise of the experience that your clients expect and receive from you! I encourage each of you to take some time this month to determine and declare your brand. You'll make it easy for your clients to have a distinct mental image of you. And not only will your clients better understand your offerings, YOU will declare your position to yourself, helping with all future marketing efforts!

Copyright 2005 Time to Organize. All rights reserved.

Sara Pedersen, author of the FREE e-zine "The Marketing Fairy's Guide to Simple Self Promotion," is a professional organizer and marketing specialist. She helps small business owners make their marketing dreams come true. Sign up today at http://www.time2organize.net to receive your FREE monthly subscription.


MORE RESOURCES:

International Projects by CBX Win Awards for Store Design and Branding
MarketWatch - 10 hours ago
NEW YORK, Dec 03, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- CBX, the strategic branding, design and consultancy agency based here, has been honored with awards for ...


Judge blasts Mesa-Aloha branding deal
Bizjournals.com, NC - 1 hour ago
... to license the brand to Mesa, whose interisland airline go! was seen as a primary cause of Aloha’s bankruptcy and shutdown in March. ...


A New Look for McDonald's
BusinessWeek - 52 minutes ago
But New York-based brand consultant Dean Crutchfield notes that similar mass branding projects at giants like Unilever (UN) have cost from $50 million to ...


Enhancing Marketing ROI with Master Branding
MarketWatch - Dec 2, 2008
This single consumer decision shows the power of a master brand in boosting marketing return on investment (ROI), according to Roy Levitt, a Principal with ...


Bike to Work Book offers free cover branding
Bike Biz, UK - 7 hours ago
The personalisation is for bike companies, bike shops and bicycle campaign groups. In the US, the first advocacy group to get a personalised copy is from ...


News 10 Now

JCC unveils new logo, tagline
Newswatch 50, NY - 8 hours ago
“We were gratified by the students’ interest in this branding process,” said Karen J. Freeman, Marketing and Public Relations Officer for the college. ...
JCC reveals new logo, motto WatertownDailyTimes.com
JCC launches new identity News 10 Now
Jefferson Community College Unveils New Marketing Campaign WWNY TV
all 4 news articles


Vertical Branding, Inc. Announces License Agreement With Global ...
MarketWatch - Dec 1, 2008
"We are very excited that Genius has selected Vertical Branding to market these products in the United States," said Vertical Branding CEO Nancy Duitch. ...


Branding Briefs: Nina Sky, Beyonce, American Express
Billboard Business News, NY - Dec 2, 2008
By Kamau High, NY - Twin sister duo Nina Sky will star in a print, TV and online ad campaign for their line of shoes for Fila. ...


Intertainment Media Inc. Announces Subsidiary Funding
MarketWatch - 5 hours ago
The Itibiti platforms provides clients with custom branding, loyalty and revenue opportunities allowing them to extend their "Brand Experience" to the ...


New MD for Switch Branding and Design
Bizcommunity.com, South Africa - 17 hours ago
Robert Havik and Adam Botha have recently been appointed MD and creative director of Switch Branding and Design (a division of the Switch Group) ...

Branding - Google News

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