I’m a logophile, I admit it. I love words and language and communication. I love getting a particular message across to a particular audience, and I love helping clients do the same. It serves me well in my career as a brand consultant, as the visuals and the message are equally important.
What is it about some companies? You know the ones . . . the companies that you want to see do well, that you love working with, that you’re loyal to, or that you’re rooting for because they are special in some way. Sure it probably starts with a good product or service—but it’s way more than that, because lots of businesses offer good products or services. Is it good marketing? Well, sometimes good marketing helps, but it goes more to the core of an organization. We believe that these are the companies that have a clear and specific vision about why they exist (and it’s not just about making money) and are able to articulate it beautifully.
I’m a basketball fan by default. Having a son who could quote very detailed NBA player stats since he was about eight years old made it so. And in the throes of March Madness, that now 18-year-old George Mason freshman got me at least paying attention to this incredibly exciting March ritual. So, GMU was out early, but so were many of the top seeds. From the teams that make up the final four, only Kentucky was ranked in the top 10, with UConn, ranked 11th. But two teams, the no. 37-ranked Butler and no. 50-ranked Virginia Commonwealth have surprised pundits and upset many an office pool. What can businesses learn from this year’s March Madness?
I came across this link in a recent emailer from Applied Arts Magazine and thought it would be neat to share it with everyone.
Brand Identity: Prologue Logo
Our logo design for Prologue Inc.
Looking at the larger picture, our list of things to do can seem overwhelming. But do not fear! Take your time. Think about it. Each step we outlined is just one more way to lay the foundation right. If you don’t already have a business Facebook page made, don’t just throw one together. Prepare some posts or find some wonderful articles or events to share. Make your posts clever, and your page eye-catching and informative. If you haven’t checked your website lately, don’t just make changes for the sake of changing something. Think about it. Make each step along the way count. Enjoy yourself along the way.
Ever thought about learning more about a certain marketing topic? Now is your chance! Take time to read relevant blogs, books or magazines that address a business issue that you’ve been wanting to tackle. Fast Company comes to mind as one publication we regularly read or follow on Twitter. Some other good books on a topic many are asking about? Inbound Marketing by Brian Halligan and Twitter Marketing, by Hollis Thomases.
Here at insight180 we get a lot of questions from our clients regarding the importance of implementing social media into their marketing plans. Our answer is always “yes, invest time in this area.” Even if you’re just following and commenting on other blogs or using LinkedIn, social media is one way to stay relevant. However, the information you provide to others via your website, blog posts, LinkedIn communications and Facebook posts should be content rich and relevant. Make sure you are discussing something that followers can relate to or want to learn more about. Your followers are listening a lot more closely than you think, so say something worth hearing!
Experts are now saying that the best way to get your company found is by writing a blog. While blogging can take a great deal of time, the pay-off can be amazing. Chose a time frame. Write once a week, twice a week, three times a week—however often you’d like. Write about current topics, business buzz, or anything else that you think your clients would like to spend time reading about. The great thing about a blog is that internet surfers from all around may land on your blog by chance. Blogging helps your chances of being found on search engines —new content matching specific keywords will get you noticed.
. . .websites, that is. Is your site up to date? By that we mean, is news truly new? Do all of your outside links work? Do all of the page links lead somewhere? As time progresses and businesses transform, so do their websites. Links are embedded, pages are added, pictures are planted. Have you taken a look at your site navigation lately? Do all of the links still work? Does your site need an overhaul? Maybe have an outsider take a look — they may find things that you miss.
New buying behaviors, the social media explosion, fear of spending, a scramble to be all things to all customers — these are the stepchildren of the 2010 economic situation. But 2010 is gone. 2011 is here. And change is a-comin’. As we move deeper into 2011, we need to behave differently. It’s time to veer away from the deer in your headlights, get on with things, and do more than survive. Signs of economic turnaround are everywhere.
So, when was the last time you got out there to network? These gatherings can be a great opportunity to meet new prospects and just get your name out there. Pass out a few business cards, make a few connections, and meet some future clients. Even if the person you are meeting does not need your service right now, they may in the future. And so might someone they know. Events are happening all around our area and we highly suggest checking a few out. Happy networking!
