BRANDING AND MARKETING CONVERSATION
We had a great Webex Session today on Branding and Marketing. It started a conversation.
Here was the homework for those of you who were participating: write down your next step, when you’re going to have it done, and email it to me at julia@mentaliron.com.
here is the response I am getting: “I GET IT!” “I get the concept about BEING your business brand. It’s about integrity and truth. How do I decide what to do next? I’m stuck.”
Here are the steps. Many of you are stuck because you’ve missed a step or you aren’t clear on it: (or you have never been to my “STRETCH” Workshop). Or you don’t have a written business plan because you’re just starting out, or transitioning into a new business, or adding another business to your protfolio. Or you never wrote your business plan (spank spank). If that’s the case, substitute the word “review’ with the word “create”!
Step One: Review your vision statement.
Step Two: Review your values.
Step Three: Review your mission statement.
Step Four: Review your business goals.
Step Five: Review Your Business Plan to achieve those goals.
Those 5 steps are the foundation, on top of which are built your marketing plan, your strategies, your action plan (tactics) and all the systems and structures which are in place to support you in your business.
Step Six: To help you start creating your brand:
a) Review the profile of your ideal client…in detail
b) What makes you unique in the market? What is it like doing business with you? What are you like in the process? Who are you being? List them all. Here’s where the honesty comes in: ask those around you. Better yet, have a third party ask your clients, colleagues, associates, and competitors what you are like and what it’s like to do business with you. Get the adjectives. Send a survey to your past clients.
c) What do you bring to the table? (”what’s in it for them”?) Write it down.
d) How does the public perceive you personally? Find out and write it down. Ask acquaintances, associaties, friends, and your family (now it’s really getting dangerous!!) How do they describe you?
e) What words resonate with you? Write down words that excite you, words that will keep your vision alive.
f) Play around with some tag lines. Be creative.
Step Seven: Contact Carol Cartier carol@catatilla.com or Bill Dolan bill@spiritmedia.com and ask them to meet with you on the phone or in person and discuss. Now you are getting somewhere.
Remember this is a process. If you already have a brand, daily ask yourself “Am I being my brand?”
Okay, to remind you, here is your homework: email me julia@mentaliron.com and let me know what step you are currently on, and what your next step is, and when you will take it.
“People do not attract that which they want, but that which they are.” Jim Rohn
copyright 2008 Julia Marrocco All rights reserved
