In regards to branding for your company, your voice matters. Explore your options of how to represent your business to further your reputation and growth. If you are not sure where to start, you can start here!
Developing your brand
Create an “elevator pitch” that can explain what you do within the time it takes to ride an elevator. For example, mine is “I work with clients to design, print, and distribute materials to help grow their business. The most important part about my job is customer service. I love to be able to take a customer’s simple sketch, bring it into Illustrator, create a flyer, send it to plate and watch the pressman work his magic.”
Once you have this down, try expanding your story and customizing it to fit a variety of potential new customers. This information can then be used on your website and social media profiles, on your print media, and your resumé etc.
Focus on what makes you stand above the rest. Drill down into your company’s specific strengths so you don’t blend in with your competitors. Rather than saying you have the largest service network in your industry, tell them you have 300 trained experts located in 40 centers nationwide. Examine every claim and statement in your copy and see if you can make it more specific. Then be even more specific. This sort of information will stick with your hearers and help grow your relationship.
Growing your brand
Connect in every network you can. Joining social media networks like LinkedIn is a start, but what may set you apart is attending groups like your local business chapter, volunteer organizations, and workshops. The more you are out sharing your brand with others (and learning about their brands), the more connections you will make for your business. If this doesn’t sound like your scene, remember that there are still a lot of connections to be made within your current customer base. If you need to, reach each for the “low hanging fruit” before branching out or going out on a limb for new connections. And remember, when you are specific, your story becomes much more believable and compelling to potential customers. The tangible details you share will enable your hearers to connect with you and trust you.
Put your brand to the test
Have you ever googled yourself? One easy way to find out what people are saying about your business is through this simple test. Are you finding glowing reviews, or things that you regret have been made public? Are you finding anything at all? And finally, is the brand you developed initially being carried out in your findings?
Define yourself before others get the chance to do it for you. Best of luck, and happy branding!
