There are many things happening behind the scenes here at Small Business Branding. The main topic on my mind over this weekend is choosing the music for the new podcast. I’m very funny with these things, I can churn things out pretty darn quick (you can just ask Ed ;-)) but the one thing I always sit and ponder over is the BEST picture to portray my thoughts for an article, and the BEST music for our new podcast. I’ve been over at www.musicbakery.com all week trying to find the most suitable music for the new show. If you’re looking…

Are you researching for a key branding project or marketing assignment you are working on? I know many of us turn to the web to find information perhaps about a potential client as we write proposals, about the industry sector a client is involved in so that we come well versed in their business and so we can identify where we can add value, or even checking out a competitor as part of the development of our brand strategy or marketing plan. A free tool I have recently come across which I think has tremendous opportunities for research is Yahoo…

Nearly 70% of business lost in America is lost due to post-sales apathy. Amazing isn’t it? We spend all this time and effort luring them to our business. We seduce them on the sales floor. We listen attentively to their problem and help them find a solution. We gave them a fair price. We smile and wave as they leave. And then, we ignore them. There is no hotter prospect than your current client. They know you. They liked you enough to try you once. Hopefully, they had a reasonable or even good experience the first go around. So why…

I’ve recently had the pleasure of helping a small business develop their positioning strategy and launch materials. The company, Paywiz, is a Toronto based firm specializing in Canadian payroll services. It is inspiring to meet entrepreneurs who see this economy as an opportunity rather than a hinderance. It is clear to me that Paywiz, in developing their brand strategy paid close attention to strong, positive brand values. They recognized the opportunity that the competition presented in the payroll category. Namely complete service in everything related to payroll in Canada. Paywiz management, having many years of experience inside the payroll industry…

Like so many startups, there was very little cash available to invest at the beginnings of my business. There was plenty of time though, so I often took a chance on software from people who were not in the software business for the long term. In many cases that also meant without support. Because I’m geeky, the hours spent trying to fix a software or force it to work the way I want to was worth it. Because of those experiences, today, I know exactly what to recommend a client, what not to recommend and why. I also built up…

How important a core difference is essential to marketing success. Quite often a small business owner will ask me to reveal the most powerful marketing strategy I have seen. The answer may surprise you. The most powerful marketing strategy I know has little to do with direct mail, adverting, special promotions, websites or referrals. No, before any of those ‘tactics’ will have any major impact on your business you must first find, commit and communicate a compelling difference between you and everyone else that says they do the same thing as you. Let’s do a quick mental exercise. Pretend that…

While there’s no such thing as a one size fits all marketing strategy – each strategy must be designed around your specific target audience, business model, and the size and goals of your company. That being said, there are several tools which every business must have in their marketing toolbox. Marketing Material Must Haves Business Card I know this sounds simple and basic however it is a proven fact that when you don’t have a business card with you – you’ll meet the one person you’d love to do business with. It may be in line at the grocery or…

I’m curious about the opinions of the small business owners who read this blog. Do you think that you have to have a public office space to be taken seriously as a local businessman or woman? A fellow shared an opinion with me recently that went something like this: If you don’t invest yourself into a physical presence in the community (ie: rent office space) other business owners will not respect you or send you their business. I was both surprised and to be honest, a bit peeved about it. In this high tech, high speed world I am 100%…

I’m stirred up and I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Marketing is something so important to us, yet alot of times we don’t take any time to implement them or we are so busy focusing on our customers that our heads are in a zone. So I’d love to hear from you today: If you could only use ONE marketing technicque, which would it be and why?

You’ve always dreamed of owning your own business, being your own boss and living the good life. You’ve got the perfect idea for a business and you’re ready to run with it. Now the question is should you create a home-based business or a traditional brick-and-mortar business? Here are some tips to help you decide which is right for you. Brick and Mortar is Rarely a Necessity In reality, there are many and nearly endless business ideas that can be run from home, especially with the Internet making it easier to receive and ship orders and communicate with clients and…