Branding - Brand Identity - Corporate Branding - Brand Development - Brand Awareness

Branding: Make IT! Own IT! Brand IT!

BRANDING - It Isn't Just For Animals!!!

I was once told the story of the brand on the livestock and ever since then, when I need to paint the picture to define branding, I tell this example.

To put an image into perspective I will use the example of livestock branding. Livestock branding is a technique used for marking livestock, typically cattle, in order to identify its owner.

Branding livestock dates back in origin as far back as the ancient Egyptians and ancient Romans, it was a technique used back then as symbols of protection towards any and all harm towards animals.

If you haven't seen a branding iron before, it is simply an iron rod with a symbol or mark at the end. The symbol is used by cowboys to identify there livestock from all other ranches so when it comes time to sell, they know who the livestock belongs to.

Corporate branding is no different. You the owner made the brand. You must now take charge, take control, own it and brand it as yours so when it comes time to get payed you can say $Cha-Ching!$

So how exactly do you develop a brand?

Brand Identity: What Makes U YOU!

You are an entity. Whatever you choose to be perceived as is completely up to you. Identifying your brand is like identifying your spouse, best friend and or relative, you just know who they are. Corporate branding is based on the same principles of great morals and ethical values.

Those who we love, care, trust and believe in, we associate ourselves with.

We as consumers buy based on preference. We buy from brands we know, love, trust and believe in.

As a corporate identity we must look at our brand from the outside looking in. Think from the consumers stand point. What can you do for them? How are you going to solve there problems, needs, wants, demands and or desires? What is in it for them?

Does your brand posses a personality? Is it driven and motivated build on a solid foundation of goals and aspirations? Does it have a long term committed vision?

Corporate Branding: Add Some Flavor To The Mix

What is your corporate identity? Is it boring, repetitive and non engaging? Or is it memorable, different, inspirational and entertaining?

Have you ever asked your customers and or clients how they perceive your company? What do they honestly think of your company? Remember, your brand isn't what you think it is, rather it is what your prospects, customers and or clients think it is.

- Learn to LISTEN!

- You must then Formulate a strategy based on your research to determine the best way to tactically
positioned yourself in front of your prospects. This can be accomplished by means of surveying, focus
groups, polls, social media communities and telemarketing.

- Finally, Understand the prospect, customer and or client.

Inspire! Educate! Entertain! Connect!

Make the impossible, possible! Don't just THINK...THINK DIFFERENT!

Chris Lara Marketing Consultant DesignLingo in affiliation with The Creative Legacy Agency

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