Ten absolutely, necessary, brand considerations

1. Have you determined your "Brand Identity?" - in one of my previous posts I briefly discussed DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), science's version of who we are. So in business the question becomes: what is your DNA - Distinguishing Nature About you? Who are you? What do you stand for? A strong brand identity is far more than a logo. It makes a statement. It sets you apart from your competition. It gives a unique voice to you and/or your company.

2. Are you building a business or a brand? - A few things to think about:

A business has a business plan. A brand has a story.

A business has customers. A brand has fans that rave about who they are.

A business employs people who need a job. A brand inspires people to want to work there.

A business engages in transactions. A brand builds relationships.

So which are you building?  Maybe its both.

3. Have you got your rebel jeans on? A business that impacts the market in remarkable ways does not follow the rules. There may be some conventional behaviour on some level, but overall, innovators and creative businesses typically march to the beat of a different drummer. They build new ideas or re-interpret old ones and become market leaders in their respected arenas. The road less travelled is a difficult one but as the old saying goes. . ."anything worth having is worth fighting for."

4. What's your vision? - In order for success to be achieved (however success is defined) there has to be a big picture in place. This driving idea is the umbrella over which all other plans, strategies and tactics seek refuge under. Everything you say, do, write, build, and put into place is for the sole purpose of this vision. This is the sail that determines the direction in which your boat goes. With no vision, no sail. . .you are directionless and nothing is worse than going nowhere fast.

5. Will people need, want or desire what you are offering? - At the end of the day this is what it's all about. Is there a market for what you are offering? If you are pushing a business venture and no one wants what you are offering. . .that's a problem. In many ways it seems like a no brainer but how many times have you seen a commercial offering something you would never spend your money on? Another point-in-case: useless apps that people don't want, need, or desire on Facebook. TechCrunch posted an article entitled The Average Shelf Life Of An iPhone App Is Less Than 30 Days.  Why is this? The app is providing something most people don't care about. 

Ten absolutely, neccessary, brand consideartions, pt 2 . .