I was reading a post about branding today and it explains all the reasons companies spend gobs of marketing money on how customers and clients identify with your company. By the way my comment about branding was this: Branding is for cows, its so when they round them up to be slaughtered they'll know which one was yours before they chop them up into little parts. The funny thing is my marketing guy had several of us (branch managers and the three owners) take a test to see what our archetypal brand was, and we were considered Innocent (brand Type). And as Britney Spears would say I'm not that innocent. This does identify me as caring and nurturing with a deep respect for others feelings (OK thats me). So why am I talking about killing Cows? If you haven't figured it out yet I don't work for a national franchise, But I have a great local following with good market share and loyal clients. So what do I know that a marketing Guru doesn't want me to share with you.
Here it is, your success is about creating long term relationships with your buyers and sellers so you are the one they think of when it's time to sell or when someone asks them for a recommendation. Thats it simple right, well no it takes patience, practice, time and some amount of luck. But I guarantee you wouldn't be slaughtered if you don't change your logo, or the way you answer the phone. The key may be just being there to answer it, is the start of a meaningful business relationship. So attend a business after hours Chamber of commerce event, get to the movies early on date night, go to your favorite restaurant without a reservation and wait in the bar, and while you are doing these things meet a stranger or strike up a conversation with a local businessman.
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Hey Steve,
Interesting blog and you are right .. It take time, dedication and people skill (and work) to develop a strong following and be successful.... but a little branding always helps. As for cow branding ... Well, years back I had a co-worker who literally had his arm branded.... It was rediculous in my mind, but he and other liked it. Ohwell.....to each their own.
Sean Allen