Having recently posted two articles on finding your niche that you are passionate about so you may live happily creating a business that aligns with your personal interests
today I want to address “branding for business“.

Back a few posts ago I wrote on discovering your niche. Once you feel fantastic and certain of the niche you want to pursue in building your business you need to consider how you will brand your business.

If you are having difficulty in discovery your niche, rest assured.  It can be a frustrating process on your own.  Coaching definitely helped me clear my limiting beliefs and re-discover my passion.  Believing in your ability and trusting that you have a niche that is viable may feel daunting.  Sometimes you feel the passion, but you have a limiting belief the niche could not possibly make money for you.  You may need support in releasing your doubts.  That’s ok, I can help you to discover your passion, or you can continue researching and learning more until you gain the confidence you are ready for this step.  I actually took a 21day course, that helped me discover how I held on to limiting beliefs and held myself in resistance of doing, being and having my desires for over 35 years. I would be happy to tell you what this course was and how you may take it, if you are interested.

So, what is a “brand” and why do I need to brand my business?

A brand is the identity of a widely recognized trademark. A brand may be any design or form the represent a specific product, company or service and may be in the form of a name, sign, symbol or slogan.

Designing a brand that clearly represents the message you wish to portray with your business can be the key for success when done consistently and originally.  Consider some company brands that have been around for many years, such as the Coca-Cola logo, the “K” for Kellogg’s, the slogan J-E-L-L-O, or perhaps the initials GM for General Motors. DQ for Dairy Queen, Golden Arches for the M in McDonalds.  Catchy brands grab the attention of viewers and  become constant reminders for who you are and what you stand for.

If you are marketing a specific product for your business, create a brand, slogan, symbol or picture that catches the eye of the viewers.

If you are marketing YOU as the main product of your business, whether as a coach, internet leader, speaker, trainer, mentor, interviewer, or many other possible scenarios here are some questions you may ask yourself:

• Who am I?
• What really represents me, as the marketable person?
  • Sophisticated, stylish, casual, country, city, in other words what do you feel comfortable doing, being and attracting?
• What audience do I want to align with, attract or get my message out to?
  • What problems do the people have in your area of expertise that you are offering a solution to.
• Am I willing to travel for speaking platforms, will I market only on the internet or will I market locally?
  • Determine what feels believable for you now, and in the future as to how far you want to take this business externally.
• How big am I willing to go, what is my comfort level with building my business?
  • Similar to the above question, but you are looking for the answers within yourself, as to your comfort level and whether you are willing to expand that comfort.
• What experience, personally and professionally do I bring to my business?
  • Everything you have learnt in life to this point is more than someone else has.  In other words you have a unique value to offer, and determining precisely what that value is will give you a clearer reflection on how to market yourself.  Sometimes asking people who know you well what they admire in you can give you a better perspective of how others perceive you.
• How do I want others to view me?
  • Be clear as to how you want to be perceived.  Everyone has different perspectives as they come from their own experiences and learned beliefs, but generally what is the message and vision you want to portray.
• What message am I passionate about to go 100% out on a limb representing?
  • This is extremely important!  Your passion may be the one thing that keeps you focused during the rough patches.  As you align with others your passion will grow and your enthusiasm will motivate and inspire others to take action.

Once you have complete clarity answering these questions then you gain a better perspective of how you want to “brand” yourself.  Expand your vision and allow yourself to feel as though your success has already happened.  Visualize your clients or customers, and what they represent to you.  How do you stand out in the crowd?  What makes you different?  What is the magnet within you that attracts your success?  This may be your brand.

Video marketing is taking off quickly!  Getting yourself, or your product in front of eyes, with your logo, your slogan, your personal message.  Through video you are allowing your clients/customers to have a visual memory of who you are, what you represent and why they need you.  Keep your message short, simple and to the point, always adding value with solutions.  Repetition, and consistency without spamming or becoming annoying keeps you in the forefront of the mind.

You may have a slogan, inspiring message, or a catchy tune that reflects your message and replays in the memories of your audience.

Colors relay certain messages and can stimulate or repress certain emotions. Use them with thought for how you want to portray your message.

• Red may evoke aggressiveness, passion or strength.
• Pink evokes softness, femininity, innocence.
• Orange can evoke a cheeriness or warm exuberance giving a positive energy as an outline.
• Green represents health, freshness or tranquility and paler greens can be soothing.
• Blue speaks authority, professionalism, dignity and security.
• Purple is more emotional, spiritual and evokes royalty.
• Brown is an earth tone and has a feel of subtle richness, and can signify importance.
• White evokes purity, truth, and refinement. It is a background for color or can portray a sterile environment.
• Grey tend to be somber and more corporate for conservative viewers.
• Black is serious, distinctive, bold and classic, and is a good border or background color.

Consider your brand carefully.  Come up with a logo that you may use on all marketing materials easily.  Keep your brand simple, yet recognizable from your competitors.  Your slogan that brands you should be articulate, and give a strong message within 30 seconds.

Be truthful, concise and aligned with your purpose.  Think about what you are attracted to when you are looking to make a purchase.  Do you look at something plain, no-name brand style that may represent a lesser price or do you choose a colorful, attractive branded product? Consider hiring a branding company that can design a specific brand for your company or product as this may be one of the most important identifiable marketing tool representing your business for years to come.

Keep in mind “green” packaging.  Less waste, recyclable, and simple seems to be at the forefront of most consumers and respected by the majority of consumers today.

If you are branding yourself as a person providing a service use a current professional photograph that represents the look you desire.  Use the same photo in all marketing to become recognizable.

When considering a name for your brand, consider your domain name being the same.  Be sure to clarify the name you are considering is available, and have some back ups.  Your domain name should be short, preferably one word if you can find any still available, two words are good and three words are average. Try to think of something that can’t be easily misspelled, and don’t include numbers as they can be misinterpreted for words. Avoid using foreign words that may have complicated pronunciation. Going for the .com as it is the most popular and will be found quicker than a country such as .ca for Canada.  Try not to hyphenate.

Google domain names to verify your name is available, or go to:

Dominize.com

Godaddy.com

Don’t get in a rush!  This is the foundation that your business is being built on.  Take the time to do your research and soul searching.

Lastly, having determined a niche, gaining clarity on the brand you want to use, and designing a business plan of action, make an appointment with a lawyer.  This is your future.  This is your business.

This will be your income for years to come.  Make the deliberate choice to do your groundwork so your future is secure.  Legal advice for protecting yourself and your company is crucial.  Get proper advice from a qualified accountant as well.  Starting out in business with the right bookkeeping system will save you $$$ later.

Once you have discovered your niche, determined how you want to brand your business, consulted with a lawyer and an accountant on what you are required to have to take action on building your business we will discuss designing your business plan.

You must have a business plan if you desire funding from a bank.  And, you must have a business plan to be successful.  I look forward to giving you some fundamental tips on business planning.  In the meantime leave me a comment, share my post with your friends on facebook, twitter or any other way you desire, and take action now in designing your awesome future!

Optin any time for a free consultation or to ask questions. (Box in the right column where you add your name and email address).

Check out my brand and other website at http://www.divorcerenovator.com