Creating the "Brand YOU"

If you are a business owner, you should be developing your brand. When people think of your product or offering, is it synonymous with YOU?

People need the marketing to be simple, repetitive, and clear for them to start identifying with your brand.

*Is it clear what is special about your company? (What is your competitive advantage?)

*Who is your target market and how are you reaching out to them? Are you identifying with their need?

Branding should be specific. Highlight your skills as an expert in your field.

Make your advantage clear. Accentuate your competitive advantage over other organizations.

Use your visual identity. Make your brand powerful and unique, and that starts with you. Be sure to identify yourself with visuals in all of your marketing. Make sure your image is always professional and memorable.

Networking, networking, networking! Offer something of value to your network. Use your alliances to build new business relationships.

Define your target market. Identify who you want to do business with, and then determine the "what's in it for me?" for your target market. You must offer something of value to them.

Recommended read on branding: The Female Brand: Using the Female Mindset to Succeed in Business. Catherine Kaputa (2009). www.femalebrand.com