Marketing Your Brand

My niece has an infatuation with stickers. It doesn't matter what type of stickers, she constantly is peeling and sticking them on her body like a work of art. After a trip to Balboa Park riding the merry-go-round and eating lots of candy and ice cream (lucky I'm the aunt and get to spoil her) we were heading home in the car and I looked back and noticed she had peeled the sticker off a banana and placed it on her forehead. She fell asleep with her mouth hanging open, head collapsed against her car seat and looked absolutely adorable with a banana advertisement posted on her forehead like a billboard.

It got me thinking how we as individuals brand ourselves. Stickers, tattoos, hair color, nails, clothes, coffee, cars and on and on. Walking billboards to advertise product to consumers who love to consume it! My business partner makes it a point to speak with at least 2 people per day about real estate. The "Barista" at the local coffee shop, his mechanic at the car dealership, strangers in the grocery store and anyone else who will listen. He recently dropped coffee mugs with his real estate logo and company information on it to a local neighborhood in which he sells frequently, to gain more exposure. A friend of mine working for a local builder has promoted her company by paying for another patron's coffee and leaving her business card at her coffee shop. These are great ideas to move your brand to the next level. And although I may not be as bold as my niece with my logo placed across my forehead, here are some thoughts to consider when marketing your brand:

1) Provide Value-A really great dining experience will be remembered, cherished and passed on to friends, family and colleagues. Customer Service plays a huge part!
2) Emotional-It's great when my grocer remembers my name, but a friendly smile or greeting can make all the difference not only in mood but how much you may spend!
3) Consistent- It may take several times of repeating yourself before your idea "sticks", but consistency plays an integral piece in consumer confidence.
4) Act- Follow-Up on all referrals and always send "thank-yous". Those that have worked with you in the past or have followed your brand are your best clients.

Until next time, "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail"-Ralph Waldo Emerson.