GET YOUR BRAND ON!

What’s your BRAND story? part 1

So I can always say I am a marketer but what I really love to say and what I do best is that I am a BRAND storyteller. That is often followed up by “what is my story?” Your BRAND story can be told in many ways and should be consistent across all touchpoints. Your BRAND story is so much more than just what you sell.

This blog is part one of three of crafting your BRAND story.

If your BRAND is not about selling products but about providing services then the BRAND is all about YOU and why you do what you do. Your BRAND story should capture the passion that your bring to the service your provide. I always ask my clients, “What do you want to be known for?” Your personal story stakes your claim as an expert in your field. Remember you are more than a title on your card you. So tell your story and sell yourself as more than a service provider. Set yourself apart with your passion, and your story.

Tags: branding, small business, brand storytelling, service providers, advertising, personal story, marketer

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Categories client work, about me, storytelling, BRAND Buzz

love it! such lessons to be learned

23 Mar

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Categories blah blah blah, design, small business

a lesson from judy garland

20 Feb

I’m back. Yes I know I said I would blog regularly in 2012 but you know life happens and somehow I find it easier to blog for others than to actually think about my own…but here goes. Michael and I spent Valentine’s at the Guthrie seeing “The End of the Rainbow”. For those of you who know my background I will skip the critique and simply say it is a riveting portrayal and truly a great piece of theatre. So dramaturgy aside I have to talk BRANDing. I think so often icons like Judy Garland can be reduced to career highlights and of course their often untimely deaths. But she truly was a witty and brilliant performer and lady. Of course, we shopped the always wonderful Guthrie boutique and found this quote on a magnet.

“Always be a first rate version of yourself instead of a second rate version of somebody else”

–Judy Garland

Now see, I knew you all would like that and I’m sure you all see the connection to what we do everyday. Take it personally or professionally to your business life in the end it is about always being true to ourselves and those we serve. It’s like I tell my clients…yes you should know what the competition is doing but it’s not just about outdoing the competition. Be original at all times. Innovate when you can and do not force it.

So there is my thought to keep the blog going…stay tuned for more!

Tags: judy garland guthrie theater

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Categories about me, blah blah blah, design, innovation, small business, Uncategorized

a manifesto for 2012

6 Jan

So the holidays had me rushing for clients + wrapping up the year + car troubles + a trip to Kansas city + food poisoning, so it was a mixed bag of reflection and work…

In the middle of all that I was able to reflect on what has worked for me and BRANDtabulous over 2011 and what I want to do in 2012. It is NOT about resolutions but a TRUE MANIFESTO. So take a look at mine and consider what you can do in 2012.

Simply starting out with “I will” can propel you to think about what you can do differently and what you can achieve.

I challenge you to come up with at least 6 statements and share them with me or someone who can give you that kick in the a** over the year. I will gladly check in with you as needed.

thanks to all and big love to you,

ps I will blog and facebook REGULARY ALL YEAR

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Categories about me, blah blah blah, storytelling, Uncategorized

I believe….shout it, baby

20 Nov

Marillac Holiday Boutique Lesson #2 // so what I liked about the boutique was 150 vendors together in one room trying to put their best foot forward to attract customers who were often not aware of the BRANDS and may have little or no interest in the wares and services offered. For a marketing guy like myself it left me drooling to help some find their way while in true admiration of others.

It amazes me to what length or LACK there of that many of these businesses go to create the same store experience in a space often just 10′ by 10′. Some did a beautiful job with dramatic displays and enticing smells while others fell flat with unengaged employees and awful materials. To those who got it right I applaud but to the others I say step in the aisle and take a look at what the customers see.

Whenever your BRAND participates in an offsite event I encourage you to take the time to do it right…and maybe even a little better than you do at your brick and mortar or website. When you consider these events ask yourself: Is this a good fit for my BRAND and will it attract the customers I want to do business with? Or in marketing terms… Is it in line with my vision?

There has always been and will always be talk of mission statements, vision statements, target markets…you have certainly heard these. But at the end of the day I still believe it is about doing what you love…with and for people you like. Why sell or provide a service you don’t believe in or wouldn’t use to people you don’t like? Every day you do business you should STILL be motivated by the things you believe in about your business AND about yourself.

Yes, I know your business world is much bigger than 4 days in a convention center but sometimes it takes being separated by just a drape to see what the world around you is up to.

So here are a FEW of my beliefs…

I believe in the power of great BRAND storytelling

I believe in BRAND experiences which include the good, the bad, and the ugly

I believe you never underestimate a BRAND touch point

I believe everyone can afford good design because everyone appreciates good design

So here is your challenge… Consider at least 3 things you believe in whole-heartedly about your business and BRAND. Be proud of them, shout them out, and share them, because they will help you recommit to your BRAND and everything it means to you and your customers.

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Categories BRAND Buzz, client work, innovation, markets and tradeshows, small business, storytelling, trend

BRAND Identity Crisis

17 Nov

So, I just got back from a week in Kansas City at the Marillac Holiday Boutique. I was able to work with some favorite clients and hopefully pick up some new ones. With all that I learned I’d like to share and discuss some really important lessons here. I will share them over the next few posts. Above all, I am reminded that good design means EVERYTHING and women in KC will put rhinestones on ANYTHING.

The first lesson is that BRANDS can have an identity crisis or even different personalities. What I mean is that online and in print they just don’t look like the same business or BRAND. Here’s how it goes. They have to have a business card so they whip that up (usually through Vista or worse) and then maybe a flier and a banner, and well they should have a website and Facebook and on and on. What happens along the way is they can’t get the logo sized for FB and then no one knows what that actual shade of green is called and when laid out together it’s just not a pretty picture. These things are important everyday you do business but none more so than in a market setting like this where shoppers may not even know your business. Consider EVERYTHING and IGNORE nothing!

Add to all these poor design choices that sometimes the design and brand identity doesn’t match the merchandise or BRAND experience and consumers are left confused and disappointed. Yes, it works both ways and poor design is overshadowed by a blissful BRAND experience and wonderful merchandise. But remember… when EVERYTHING works together then BRAND awareness increases; word of mouth is positive and you are recognized not just for merchandise, a great shop owner, or a great website but having a great BRAND!

Tags: holiday boutique, kansas city, marillac