It does not matter where you are in the world, grab a can of coke and it tastes the same in New York City as it does in China. The very same thing can be said about a Big Mac for McDonald’s. One thing for sure is that the brand managers of these global companies work tirelessly to make certain that their products and services always represent the core values and brand image of their companies.
The fact is, there are certain brands that never disappoint. I can speak from personal experience having traveled to several different countries. One thing for sure, if I was traveling overseas and wanted to eat simple, safe and inexpensively, I’d look for the nearest McDonald’s. The thing that makes them attractive is the reliability to always deliver a consistent product. The proposition of product consistency is quite reassuring to any group of people who are loyal to a brand. More importantly, the results achieved by this consistency equal the kind of brand loyalty that most business owners crave.
However, the idea of brand consistency for some entrepreneurs and small business owners remains a challenge. As I consult with some of them, it appears they have yet to grasp what brand image really is. They appear professional on their websites yet post inappropriate material like jokes or photographs on their social media pages. It seems that many entrepreneurs fail to realize that everything they say, do and even post on-line via social media reflects their brand.
One thing is for certain, if you want to elevate your brand and make it to the next level of success, you will need to focus on a few key areas. Check out my list including 5 easy ways to elevate your brand image.
Make a Lasting Impression
Making a great first impression is always memorable. Be sure to put your best foot forward when you have the opportunity to engage with your target audience. Show off some of your personality and what sets you and your brand apart. Let your audience know what you’re all about, what makes you special and why they should be loyal to you.
Assess the Audience
When you’re enhancing your brand you want to make certain to take the pulse of your target audience. Who is best suited to purchase your product or service? This segment of people are referred to as your ideal clients or target market. Figure out what pains, challenges and needs they have that you can address or solve. Determine what the latest trends are in your industry. Provide value to your target market consistently by educating them about industry trends as much as possible. Once you do this consistently, your prospects will begin to self qualify and want to work with you.
Craft a Magnetic Core Message
Figure out the most critical things you want to get across to your target market. Make sure that you communicate in a language they will understand and relate to. Not just any message will do. You must address a point of interest with this group. More importantly, you must make the message so magnetic that they can’t help but to stand up and take notice. Understand that magnetism in your message may be from a point of pain or gain. Either way, you must over- deliver on everything that you claim.
Review Your Brand Identity
Take the time to review your brand’s identity and determine if it is time for a face lift. Do you need to sharpen your logo, revise a slogan or tag-line or redesign your business cards? Make sure your on-line identity matches your off-line identity. Does your image maintain consistency from your website to collateral materials? It’s important to assess your brand image in relationship to your marketing plan. Of course if your marketing plan has changed, you will need to determine if the look of your brand is still relevant.
Invest in Your Personal Development
For many business owners, they are the brand. With that said, making an investment in continuing education is also investing in your brand. There is nothing wrong with getting training, hiring a mentor or taking a class to stay current on your business development and sharpen your acumen. Most successful entrepreneurs attribute a portion of their accomplishments to mentors or coaches they gleaned from. Be sure to keep a line item in your budget for investing in yourself and sharpening your skills…it will only further enhance your brand especially if it is one in the same.
Your assignment:
Assess your brand image and determine where you may need to make improvements. If you determine that you need help in this area, you may need the Brilliant Business Branding Package™ a tool-kit that will teach you everything you need to know about how to elevate your brand. Learn more, CLICK here.
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This article is written by Lori A. Manns. Want to use this article for your website, blog or newsletter? No problem. Here’s what you must include: Lori A. Manns, CEO of Quality Media Consultant Group your marketing and sales success mentor, and founder of Marketing For Trailblazers™ & ABC’s of Successful Sponsorship Sales System;™ that shows you how to get more sponsors and sales for your business, guaranteed. To purchase consulting services on marketing, advertising or sales and, learn how to increase your revenue and grow your business; please visit www.qualitymediaconsultants.com.