Why Branding?

Having a concise, clear image that you project to your clients and customers is important in today's market. More and more people are leaving the job market and creating their own business, whether by choice or necessity, so the competition continues to expand. Therefore it is increasingly important to stand out among your competition. You want your business to be memorable!

Customers remember images and feelings that are evoked more than just a name on a business card. What type of feeling do you want your business to evoke in your customers / clients? How do you want to be remembered? Do you want to be the first one your customer thinks about over your competition? Of course you do. But what do you want to be remembered for?

?Your excellent customer service?
?Your winning smile?
?Your product?
?Your prices?
?Your logo?

How are you different from your competition? What makes your business special? Ask yourself these questions and then look at the answers. Maybe you are already projecting a particular image. It is cohesive, or is it sloppy? Do you even have an image? Do you have a brand name? Do you have any sort of identity?

What about your services? Does each one have a different look, feel and image, or does it tie into the image of your business? Can you look at your services and see the brand name, image or theme running through each description? Choosing to use the same logo on all your materials, sticking with a consistent color theme and playing off a specific theme is part of branding.

For example, a recent episode of Taking Care of Business on TLC television highlighted a company that custom designed baby gift baskets. Their logo, color scheme and theme were brought together to expand their image. The professional business mentors assisted the owner with creating press releases and media kits for his baby company that were done like birth announcements. This created visual interest, continued the theme of the company and along with the logo and color consistency, the branding was top notch. As a result, he had several articles written about his business in key magazines that target his specific market.

What about your company? Does your image reflect your product? Do your customers recognize you by your business name or a product name? Are you consistent with your marketing message? These are ALL important questions whether you are starting a business or looking to expand your existing business. So, ask the questions, listen to the answers and create a plan for branding your business!

© 2005 Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster is a managing partner in Baraka Bay, a visionary business and organization development consultancy. They offer unique knowledge, techniques, and expertise to provide solutions, services and products for businesses, organizations and individuals. http://www.BarakaBay.com

Publisher's Guidelines: You may freely publish this article online, in email newsletters, or in print so long as the resource box and byline are in tact. Author would appreciate a notification, but that is optional.

---

Hawaiian Heirloom Jewelry

Back to the era of the Hawaiian monarchy, the origin... Read More

Types of Logos

There are three basic types of logos: text, symbol, and... Read More

Pressure Washing Companies and Co-Branding

Pressure washing companies often miss what we call 'super niche'... Read More

10 Secrets for Free Media Placement

Why pay a high priced PR agent when you can... Read More

How Much Is A Great Business Logo Really Worth?

A great logo can help a business project a positive... Read More

Value-pricing Strategy: Were not The Cheapest but...

In this highly competitive online marketplace, it can be difficult... Read More

Are You Brand Worthy?

Branding is one hot topic, although it is wildly misunderstood.... Read More

Create a Niche: Stoke Your Market With Affiliate Branding

Propose success, demand performance, and brand your market with appeal.... Read More

Is Your Logo Helping or Hurting Your Business?

The quality of your logo can mean the difference between... Read More

Brand Identity and the CEO

This week I spent a few hours with a highly... Read More

Blonds Have More Fun!

In the book, The Blond Knight of Germany, American authors... Read More

Whats In A Name? When It Comes To Your Business, Plenty!

Q: How important is the name of a business? Should... Read More

Corporate Branding and Professional Logo Design

Any business with the minimum interest to be successful should... Read More

Wealthiest 10% of Americans Name Top Quality Brands for 8 Products in New Survey

The seventh in a continuing series of twice-yearly surveys by... Read More

Quick Tactics To Brand Your Business And Make More Sales

This may come as a surprise... to you, but Branding... Read More

A Lesson in Branding from Paris Hilton

I have never been a fan of Paris Hilton.I see... Read More

Branding Services - Brand Identity Guru

Branding Services is a tactic that marketing executives and managers... Read More

Does Your Message Pass the Test?

Develop an effective benefit message and you're well on your... Read More

7 Branding Secrets: Ready or Not?

Every company has a brand (how people think of them)... Read More

Boston Brand Building - Brand Identity Guru

"Make no little plans, they have no magic to stir... Read More

Brand Building 101

Building your brand into a brand leader isn't easy. There... Read More

Branding: You are the Brand

What's in a brand name? Everything! Think of these brands:... Read More

The New Branding Awareness - A Value Based Concept

The new branding awareness is about when you take ownership... Read More

Branding Your Business To Make More Money

Branding your comapny should be the first thing a company... Read More

Brilliant Branding Builds Business

Branding is more than product recognition or a simple logo.... Read More

Branding - More Than Just a Statement - A Memory Scar

Conjure up in your mind broad rolling meadows with runs... Read More

The Brand Called You

The best brands always try... Read More

Brand Image - Brand Identity - Brand Strategy - Brand Identity Guru

Consumers perceive and accept many brands within a certain trade... Read More

Brand Extension; Going from Consumer to Commercial

As more and more home pressure washers are sold at... Read More

Hiring the Right Graphic Designer for Your Small Business

Every small business needs it, but not many have it.... Read More

Revealing the Roots: The Process of Building Brand

How is branding different than marketing?Branding is not so much... Read More

Light Up Necklaces Help Promote Red Doors Movie at the 2005 Tribeca Film Festival Awards

June 13, 2005 -- Jane Chen (Producer) of the Red... Read More

Optimize Your Mailing List For Better Results

A list of customers who have previously bought from you... Read More