.::Branding with a Message - What Exactly are You Saying::.

One key thing about branding, whether it be personal or professional is the message. I recently did a brand consultation where I blatantly put it "What the hell are you saying and how are you saying it?"

That's what matters. Underneath all the logo design, web presence and shangrila-la-la, you have to have  a solid, concise message that you deliver upon with everything you say, every interaction you have, and every relationship you build. When you do not have a concrete brand message, your peers/audience/consumer base will create one for you. Do you want to create your own identity or be a product of what someone else sees for you?

Your message has to be what you stand for, what you promise and what people can expect from your Brand at all times. Regardless of crisis, success, failure, you must deliver on your Brand's promise to be and do what you say it will.

Are you with me or am I by myself?

To help you construct your Brand's message, I want you to reflect on a few things:

• What exactly do you do and what do you offer?
• What are the core values of your brand?
• How do you want your brand to be perceived?
• What can and will you deliver on a consistent basis?

Once  you can confidently answer these questions, create your brand statement IN 7 WORDS OR LESS.

Then, my friend, you have your brand's message.

Next up, you need to figure exactly how you're going to spread the word.

Until then, much love and success

#AmericasTweetheart

.:The #BrandBaby Theory - The Immaculate Brand Conception:.

Earlier today, I did a small Twitter talk (mostly with myself but it's like that sometimes lol) about my theory about the branding process.

Last year I worked with AfrosNBabyHair on the branding process. We had a HUGE lightbulb moment where we made the connection that developing a brand is like raising a baby (or at least what I figure it's like. I have no little ones of my own.) This revelation was so huge that Baby Hairs had to wrap her head up in her winter scarf to keep her brain from falling out (lol)!

What I've decided to do is break it down by parts in a series of posts so we can all get through this together.

Brand Conception
When you first think of a brand, your initial idea is the conception. All it takes is one faithful night, right? Once it hits you, you have to do everything in your power to prepare the womb. This means nourishing it with proper planning and research (What to Expect When You're Expecting, anyone?), doing concept development to make sure things are just right, going to Lamaze class and of course regular doctor visits for health checks.

These doctor visits are key for your #BrandBaby. And by a doctor visit, I mean getting yourself a business advisor/mentor or someone in your field you can trust that can offer sound and well thought counsel. A lot of times we set out on these grand adventures to raise a #BrandBaby thinking we have all the answers. "Lean not on your own understanding." Especially if you're a first time parent, would you go without making sure the baby is healthy and you yourself are healthy enough to carry this #BrandBaby to term? you need someone on the outside looking in to help you better determine these things.

Besides your doctor, you gotta pick out some god parents. People who are in the cheering section supporting you and your #BrandBaby; helping to pick out room colors, suggestions on names and overall being another source of advice and assistance.

Now, a #BrandBaby can have more than just god parents to help raise it and all that good stuff. There's also grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. You need more than one avenue of counsel. Get a board of directors for your #BrandBaby if you have to! Every bit of wisdom counts!

That's it for now... Next week I'll give some insight on the birth of your #BrandBaby. Those Lamaze classes will come in handy, I promise. ;-D


Much love,
#AmericasTweetheart

::Social Profit - Using Twitter for Business::

(Kicks down your firewall like the Kool-Aid man)

I've been gone practically all summer but I have returned with savvy social media advice and all types of martketing goodies! I hope you're ready to get to work in order to enhance your brand and better you business efforts overall. ;-D

With Twitter being such a big channel for marketers and companies making advancements to reach their end result customers, I figured I'd give you a few tips to help you along the way with your brand's Twitter takeover.

Authenticity is EVERYTHING
First thing's first, as with any attempt to market yourself and build a credible rapport,  you must be genuine. This is especially true with social media networks such as Twitter. Users are able to quickly decipher between authentic personalities and a fabricated branding strategy. This is why it is crucial to find your voice and be human. (There is a strict NO SPAM policy in authenticity)

Understand exactly what message you are trying to send and in what way you will deliver it. Will you use humor, Twitter chats or just diving in and going with the flow of daily conversation, re-con style, to gather information about your business sector & target market. Whatever you decide, you must have a plan in doing so and stay committed to your actions. This includes creating an activity schedule to optimize your online visibility. A high level of visibility is key in creating value and community. Which leads us to our next point: Community Engagement

Create a Community Around Your Brand
Twitter is a big party consisting of many different communities, as opposed to the family reunion feel of Facebook. At a family reunion, you know everybody for the most part, with the exception of a few distant family members here and there that you eventually get to know over the course of a weekend. With a party, you have to put yourself out there and be willing to get to know total strangers based on their interests and daily Twitter activity.

You can start by using key words to find users that have something in common with your brand. I suggest first creating a list of 20 words that are directly related to your brand. Then, using the handy dandy Twitter search, search each term and seek out the conversations surrounding those keywords. Then, join in!

The key to creating a community is making sure you make relationship building a priority. Always seek opportunities to connect with others and be open to new ideas and opinions. Everyone on Twitter has one ;-D

After you've become acclimated with the way Twitter works and are able to analyze how well people receive your brand, then you can take your community creation to the next level. Do this by continuing to implement your activity schedule, participating in Twitter chats and the big ringer, creating valuable content to share with other users. When you create content, you position yourself as an information source & users will look to you more often with their questions and comments, or to see what new product/service your brand is currently offering.

Using Twitter Lists
I think the use of Twitter lists effectively is an unspoken art. I use them for market research and as a tool for segmented engagement. My lists are created, again, based on my list of different keywords of and relating to my brand and sub-industries within my umbrella industry.

When creating your Twitter lists, i suggest using your target market as your guide. Go where your audience is and create conversation within those lists. Also, see what the buzz is about and also check for trending topics relevant to your field. This gives you a bird's eye view while still putting you at ground level with the people. Twitter lists are definitely your friend if you are smart about your brand.


Don't Get Lost in the Numbers
A lot of the time, Twitter users make a big deal about how many followers they have; making the mistake to believe that the bigger the follower count, the more important or better your brand is. I totally disagree with this thinking. What is important is consistent community engagement and quality. The numbers will rise over a period of time if you make a concentrated effort. But there is no rating system that measures your brand worth by the numbers.

What's important to understand is that social media value comes over the course of time. It's a process that can't be sped up by jumping on the #teamfollowback bandwagon to boost your numbers. This is definitely a case of quality of quantity.

The Sum of it All
This is only a small tidbit of the whole Twitter monster. But, it's enough to get you started on your way to building a Twitter empire around your business. Be sure to be genuine in your presentation and carry a level of transparency. Create a community around your brand by seeking opportunities to connect with others outside of your normal social sphere. Use lists smartly and don't let numbers be your sole measurement of progress.

I assure you if you commit to a plan and stay focused, your brand will reach new heights and markets.

For more Twitter insight and tips, be sure to follow me ;-D

Sweetly,
#AmericasTweetheart

::#BrandRant - Brand Authenticity and Cohesiveness::

So, today I took to Twitter for a #BrandRant. Lately I've been noticing that a lot of "Brands" and compaines are coming up with flash brand ideas and putting them into action without further attention to other aspects of the brand in it's entirety. Here's the screen cap below in case you missed it:

 May the #BrandForce be with you, my friends. ;-D

Much love,
#AmericasTweetheart

::Business Communication - Open Lines and Proper Timing::

One of the key important things to a business's success is it's ability to communicate successfully. So many things fall through the cracks of terrible communication. Don't let it be the the livelihood of your business.

This post may come off slightly irritated because in a way, I am. In the past few weeks, I have dealt with a few situations that left a bad taste in my mouth in regards to the way people do business and communicate with others.

Example 1: Never Do Any Type of Business Exchange Through Text Messaging
Text messaging is a micro communication channel. This means that the message is quick and condensed to be read and understood on the go. It is not intended to have complete transactions and deep conversation. When this happens, a lot can be life unsaid and misunderstood because of it's condensed packaging. Would you want your important business message to go misinterpreted? No? I didn't think so.

Take the time to call, e-mail or have a face-to-face meeting to convey your important business information, message or conversation. When you do so, the other party will get a clear understanding of what you are saying as well as respect your savvy business communication since the message doesn't look like this:

"Cn yu meet 2morro @ 4 2 discuz the 4th qtr projections and go ovr the client proposal?"

Also, if something is urgent, you don't want to leave it up to the receipt of lack thereof of a text message. Texting has left a lot of people socially awkward and communcation handicapped. Pick up the phone and actually use your voice to say what is important.

Example 2: Social Media Isn't Always the Answer to Broadcast Information
Social media is quickly becoming a monster that cannot be controlled. With this in mind, business owner and CEOs must strategically use it with the integrity of their business in mind. Once a tweet, Facebook status or Instagram update goes out, it's very hard to track where it goes and keep it on a leash.

There have been many a blunder where people have taken to social media to sound off about their dissatisfaction with a certain Brand or company and a thoughtless company representative has left a bad impression by responding too soon.

When using social media, pick your channel and pick your voice. Once you update, there's no turning back.

Example 3: Take the Time to Communicate Professionally Within the Culture of Your Brand
Each Brand and company has a different culture and personality. Whether it be laid back or corporate blue collar. Regardless of what your company culture is, you must offer a communicative voice that can be understood clearly between other businesses and consumers that your Brand interacts with. A lot of companies take this small trait for granted and don't see the damage the offer when sending out overly casual e-mails and letting a few simple colorful words slip here and there.

Example 4: Timing is Everything
Returning e-mails and phone calls is unacceptable. Period.

Clients get lost, meetings slip under the radar and opportunities become obsolete. It is imperative that business operators act with a sense of urgency when it comes to reaching out and getting back to those who reach for your Brand. When you don't, it gives the impression that you don't care or value your business or it's supporters.

If you have to, take out a certain time of day to communicate. I have mine every morning at 10am, and it is named "Call Time". Works for me. Find what works for you.

Again, respect the communication lines and it will respect you back.

Those are only four examples I have for now. I have a few more up my sleeve but I don't want overwhelm you guys with blog post info overload.

I wish you happy communicating and I'll be back soon with more business tips for your Brand ;-D

Much love,
#AmericasTweetheart
@CharriseRenee

::Inside The Business Huddle - The Art of The Follow Through::

I think it's about time that you tighten up on yo' backstroke. No really, get that follow through together!

Each major sport has a follow through. The follow through ensures that you will hit your mark, put the ball where you want it to go, and score big. It is the concentrated action of continuing exerted energy from the point of contact all the way through the desired end result. As pictured

Here:

Here:

And here:


See where I'm going with this? No? Let's further get into it.

Your follow through is what gets you and keeps you in business. From when a client/customer first contacts you (or vice versa) all the way up until the service or a transaction has been made, it is essential that you keep up the integrity of your Brand.

If e-mails go unanswered and calls not returned, what does that say about your business? That you're not trying to hit that final goal. If you stop before you start, you won't see the results that you aim to acquire.

Proper follow through in business is all about timing. Being quick to get to inquiries and customer/client comments. Follow through is also not just about making sure you get new business. It is helpful to ensure repeat business. Go the extra mile to thank those who have done business with you, make sure they are satisfied with your product/service, offering specials/appreciation days, mailing lists, confetti, the whole shebang. These, my friends, are prime examples of follow through.




Play Until The Final Buzzer 
If you are not going hard and doing the absolute over-the-top necessary for your Brand, then who is?

**Crickets**

When you go the extra mile, that is reflected in the overall success of your business. This means in product/service, marketing, promotion, in-house policy and out-of-house presentation. Make sure that you are who you say your are and are able to always deliver on your Brand promise. Practice makes perfect so that you hit the jumper Every. Single. Time.

Don't leave the success of your business up to half-ass chance. That's the best way to get half-ass results...


So, to wrap up:

1. Blitz into the backfield and capture the attention of your desired client/customer
2. Go hard in the paint and turn up the zone offense
3. Step out of the bullpen up to plate and hit a home run out of the park, making sure you hit each base as your run the diamond  

Whether you win the 'ship or go home with the walk of shame is all dependent on your skill, desire, and will to follow through.

Got it? BREAK!

 


 Much love,
#AmericasTweetheart
Coach @CharriseRenee

::Business is Business - Operation & Protocol::

I'm no Donald Trump... I'm just a young lady who has a die hard passion for marketing, branding and business strategy. This is a DIABOLICAL (love finding reasons to use that word ;-D ) combination for some serious business know how and lesson writing. Class is in session. Let's get to work.


Line Up Those Ducks!
When you have a Brand that presents itself in the professional business realm, no matter what industry, you have to make sure all of your little duckies are in a row. Don't leave any room for holes and loose ends. Remember that a complaint travels farther than a compliment... So don't let that happen! How do you do this? Run a tight ship. Use the best products/equipment/etc. that you can afford in your line of expertise. This is also a piece of Brand management. Where your Brand falls short, you fall short.

This is where you invest in your industry and your Brand. What you cheat yourself on will show up in your bottom line. This all goes into education, licensing, products, equipment, digital presence, trademark/copyright, etc.

To me, education is a HUGE one. What you don't know will make your job harder and hinder your success. Industries are growing faster and faster by the minute and there is always something new that could rob you of your business's longevity in your field. Don't become ignorant to advancements being made. Where are your antennas?!?! Not up? Get to work on bettering your own understanding of your craft/field.


G-14 Classified: Operatives and Procedures
Do you have a business strategy? Are you doing EVERYTHING you can to make sure that success is inevitable for your Brand? If you answered No to either of these questions then Sugar, we're goin' down.

Even if you don't know diddly squat about business operation, educate yourself or find someone who does fill those gaps of what you lack. If you want people to respect you as a business then you have to operate like one. Bookkeeping, receipts, calendar management, giving great customer service, taking the time to cultivate and differentiate your Brand... All these things tie together to give you the result that you want and rightfully deserve.

You can't just throw up a building and call it the Trump Tower. Same with business. You can't just throw together a Brand and call it a success. You have to make sure that you take the necessary precautions to ensure that you bring in the cold, hard green backs. Then again, money isn't everything... You have to possess optimal amounts of desire, dedication, discipline & determination... But that's another subject. We'll talk passion and purpose at a later time.

I want to see you do well. I want your Brand to be top dog in the ring of fire. But I can't just want it for you. You have to want it for yourself. So,

• Educate yourself
• Fill those holes
• Get a strategy

Period.

I hope you've found this helpful... Let me know if you have any questions and how I can help you achieve your business goals. You know where to find me. ;-) @CharriseRenee


be undeniable. be remarkable. be great.

Much love,
#AmericasTweetheart