Brand building is for mega-corporations. Not true.
The idea of branding has been hijacked by the so-called marketing specialists and turned right into a mysterious world of ‘awareness quotients’, ”recognition metrics’ and ‘focus groups’. Because of this, many small business owners have started to believe that creating a brand is beyond their budget or either irrelevant to them.
It’s time to take the notion of brand building back to its essentials and show that it is just as important to your small, neighborhood business as it is to a multinational corporation. The difference is one of scale.
Firstly what is Brand? A brand is what your customers and prospects recognize and recall about your business; their general perception of you. Yes, it is all about your logo, your color scheme, the design on both sides of your trucks, or the style of your storefront, but it is also about the abstract things like your employee’s deals with customers, whether you have stock shortages or whether you deliver on time.
Everything you do and whatever you display to the external world becomes a part of your brand. But why is it important?
In precisely the same manner that we form quick impressions of the people we meet make similar conclusions of those businesses we encounter, even though we never purchase anything from these. Listed below are a couple of examples from my local place.
I recently transferred to a new locality. Just down the road from my house is a cycle store. I have been planning to buy a bicycle but had not got around to moving in. 1 night a car lost control and careered to the window on either side of the shop. That was three months before, but for some reason, they have not replaced the glass and the window is still boarded up.
I don’t know why this has not been mended, but exactly what it indicates to me is complete indifference. If they can’t be bothered to repair their store, what care would they take of me as a customer? Previously I had no particular sense for their brand, but I have a perception and that I won’t be purchasing my bicycle from them.
By contrast, within another street, there is a butcher store, which specializes in organic meat. The storefront includes a pleasing old-world design, the pub is always closely laid out, the meat seems tender and succulent and the team is dressed in pristine whites.
Exactly enjoy the cycle store, I have never been in, but I have formed a very positive impression. Just from what I have observed, I think that I would be served by friendly people that know what they’re talking about; that they’d sell me the best meat and though it will likely cost much more than my regional supermarket, it is going to taste great and will be well worth every penny.
The butcher has succeeded in developing a strong brand image in my mind. So powerful in fact that I’m already willing to pay, maybe for the adventure of appreciating a product and buying from him.
Today it may be that if I do go in, the service might not be as great as I expect. They might be condescending about my lack of knowledge of meat cuts and the item might not be as great as I believe, in which case, my perception of this brand is going to be tarnished. To put it differently, they have the chance but now they are doing great.
So how is your brand? Does your shop look enticing? Are your trucks immaculately turned out? Do your employees dress smartly and behave appropriately? Is your name or logo, exhibited across your screens, letterheads, adverts and business cards?
Whether your brand is about large quality and high cost or low price, fast shipping, Burke & Burke believes that the significant thing is the consistent support of this image you wish to portray. Don’t attempt and be all things to all clients; present yourself appropriately and pick your market far from being the land of important corporations, and keep in mind, a positive brand is essential for every business.
Why Business Branding Is So Important
Your “brand” extends well beyond the range of your ceremony or your widget. Your brand is your reputation. Your brand is how customers think about your business, how they talk about your business, and how they feel about your business. Yes, I said they feel about your business. You may be amazed to learn that an overwhelming majority of customer decisions are based in whole or in part on their connection to the person behind the business. That is even true to some extent in online business. That’s why online business owners maintain chatty, personal blogs and give away free, valuable information in their niche. The main purpose here is to keep readers coming back into the hopes (also to raise the likelihood) that they will become valued customers someday soon. Needless to say, this kind of branding is an increasingly significant element when it comes to owning and operating a local storefront, as the achievement of your business is highly dependent upon positive word of mouth among the local population, and repeat business is critical.
How To Establish Your Brand
As we have created, your “brand” equals much, much more than the simple product or service you provide. You know that it’s an important factor in the eventual success or failure of your business. So, how do you go about building your brand? You have a couple of options, here. You might want to consider using all of these.
Take Part in community events and organizations
Sponsor community causes and neighborhood school functions
Sponsor a wider cause and rally support via your Site
Get involved with social media marketing
BE YOURSELF! The only way to put yourself out there now is to let your personality shine through.
The #1 asset your business has that will help it to stand out from the competition is you! Ask yourself these questions. Answer frankly.
Why did I pick this business?
Why is this line of business important for me personally?
What is exceptional about my business?
What portion of my business am I passionate about?
How can I share this passion with my customers?
When you determine what makes your business special, you can capitalize on that to build your own personal, unique business brand toward lasting success!
The Bottomline for Branding
It sends a very clear message. Not many businessmen understand that practicing branding is one. If you’ve got the right brand, it will send out a powerful message to customers, even in the absence of advertisements. It is crucial that you thoroughly research to get a brand that complies with your customer’s requirements which sends them a message. The consumers will become your clients once communication’s bridge is formed.
It boosts business credibility. People trying to get successful leadership in business to recognize that credibility does not come easily. It takes constant innovation, intensive marketing and supplying excellent products and services. Along with the increase in the credibility of your company, people will start to readily associate your company with a brand. Once a brand starts to become recognizable, your institution’s credibility is going to have a base to be built on.
It creates a link between your products and customers. Folks can relate to some brands they love. This happens because, in every facet of life, a product or service has come to be a witness for failure or success. That is why branding is among leadership strengths. A powerful brand will develop a strong link between an organization’s products and clients.
It motivates buyers. Like it was said branding boosts a relationship between goods and clients. If this bond is powerful, the brand can inspire clients to continue purchasing your products and services. This is an immediate result of the bond which exists between your business and clients. Nevertheless, this is only going to take place if the brand that the organization has is one that people can associate with.
There are numerous ways in which you can improve your leadership in business, however, one of the most crucial leadership strengths is using a distinctive, attractive and recognizable brand, people can associate with. A powerful brand is vital for a successful pioneer in the business.
