10 Branding Brownie Points « Small Business Branding

10 Branding Brownie Points

Posted on October 29, 2008 by Ed Roach

Good branding practices are not always the big stuff.

There is also the small things that makes a big impression on your audience and goes a long way in moving your brand forward.

Heres are 10 moves that will paint your brand golden:

• Pay your bills in reasonable time-frame.
Cash flow is the heart of all businesses, paying your bills is honoring your word.

• When you get paid on an invoice, thank your customer. Humility is a great brand value and it shows your respect for your customer.

• Ask suppliers how they are doing from time to time.
It shows you care about their success.

• When booking an appointment with a new customer (or even an existing one)
offer to pick them up a coffee on your way in.

• If you get free offers from time to time, share them among your customers. Ie: I get offers for free printing on specific items – I offer them to my customers. Big smile stuff.

• Always be on the look out for business for your customers. Perhaps a few of your customers might be a great fit for cross-promotional opportunities.

• Pass along publicity opportunities you feel might be beneficial to customers. Reinforces the fact that you are on their team.

• Pay attention to customers’ hobbies or favorite charities.

• Encourage your staff’s input in promoting the company. Corporate fashion is usually worn with pride.

• Contact a long past customer (one with whom you have no contact) and compliment them on something that they are doing that you honestly admire, especially if it is being done by a competitor.

This is only a short bit of wisdom, I’ve picked up over time that helps me keep The Branding Experts’ brand in good stead. You no doubt do things that keep your brand in the “I love ‘em category,” – share them with us here.

What can you add that you found is a small effort with BIG impact? Brag about how your brand shines because of them!

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About Ed:
For 25 years or so I have developed positioning strategies for small businesses that helps to differentiate them. I appreciate working with companies who see the value of going beyond mere slogans and have a desire to sell from compelling positions. Opportunities come to light in every discussion. I consult predominantly with small business and and implement the solutions developed. I've had the pleasure of being interviewed in all media regarding branding small business, most recently in "America's Best" magazine and the "Christian Radio & Music Industry" trade magazine. I am available for speaking engagements and I have authored "The Reluctant Salesperson", an Introvert's Guide to Selling. Contact me if you are looking for practical advice on bringing your corporate brand to the next level. I also have international speaking experience including a recent event in Prague, Czech Republic. I am currently working on a branding conference in Mumbai, India for next year. I can be contacted directly at: 519-324-9536 or ed@thebrandingexperts.ca Blog: TheBrandCorral.com Twitter: BrandCorral Facebook

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Discussion: 9 Comments

9 Responses to “10 Branding Brownie Points”

Maria Reyes-McDavis Branding

- 29th Oct, 08 08:10am

These are such great tips, I agree, ultimately it begins with the little stuff

Reply to this comment
Michele Price

- 1st Nov, 08 06:11pm

This is a great list. Thanks for giving us some thing we can remind ourselves how simple it is to be successful. One step at a time.

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Kris Bovay

- 2nd Nov, 08 07:11pm

Good points! I’d like to add to your point 6 (Always be on the look out for business for your customers) that you can also refer great networking opportunities to your customers. For example, I received an invitation to attend an event where a large number of my customer’s clients would be – I made sure to forward an invite to my customer (and he attended). He was grateful that I forwarded the opportunity.

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Pinnacle Trade Show Displays

- 3rd Nov, 08 08:11pm

hi Ed,
I wouldn’t mind if someone called ahead and offered to bring me a cup of coffee. A simple and great idea I had never though of. Excellent list. It’s just a matter of remembering the little things… they can add up and have a big impact.
~ Steve from Pinnacle Trade Show Displays
PS. For anyone stopping by, I take my coffee with two creams and one packet of sugar.

Reply to this comment
Ed Roach (author comment)

- 3rd Nov, 08 08:11pm

Kris, great move. I’m always on the lookout for my clients. Small world – you know. Hey Pinnacle Steve, you outta cut back on the sugar. I’m a tea toddler myself – black.

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Andee Sellman, One Sherpa

- 7th Nov, 08 06:11pm

Hi Ed,
I just love the simple way you put things and that they make so much sense.
Thanks for the post

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Ed Roach (author comment)

- 9th Nov, 08 05:11pm

Thank you Andee.

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Exhibitions

- 11th Nov, 08 04:11am

Some good points there Ed thank you. I especially agree with the part about showing an interest in your suppliers, especially the smaller scale suppliers you may have. Building a relationship with suppliers is equally as important as building a relationship with your clients and in the long term could see many benefits

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