Many logos are simply graphics that are designed with little to no thought about how the logo becomes a brand.  There are many things to take into consideration when branding a small business because your brand is your identity to your customers.  However, does it make a difference in the marketing of your products or services?

In the case of Nike for example, the “brand” was already in place before a clever marketer made a slogan which will forever be connected with that swoop.  The phrase “Just Do It” in many minds is interchangeable with the “brand” itself.  So, did the swoop help sell shoes?  The answer is no, the brand in itself identifies the product on the shelf.  If a person is already looking for Nike shoes they will be able to pick them out.

There is no branding substitute for a good product and great service.  Nick Rice who writes for SBB had the following to say:

The design of your logo really doesn’t matter. Would you choose MSN as your search engine over Google because of their logo? No, having a nice professional logo is great, but it very rarely increases sales. I’m all for a professional logo, but don’t think you need to spend a fortune on it. It’s more important to include your logo on every piece of communication. Put it on business cards, letterhead, envelopes, invoices, yellow page ads, building signage, newsletters etc..

Stand for something. People latch on to something they can understand and appreciate. If you’re trying to be everything to everybody, chances are you’ll attract no one. If you think it’s too controversial to choose a niche, remember the power of being seen as an expert. Experts are not good at everything, they’re awesome at one thing. This allows you to better position yourself and charge more for your services. People seek out experts, not generalists

So, while it may not be a substitute for a great product, your brand may be the difference when you already stand out as a company.  Keep in mind that the Logo you choose will be identified with your company indefinitely.  Like a tattoo, make sure its something will be proud of and that you can live with.  While some companies have successfully done it, changing a logo years after you are established can be tough and risky.  It takes a sizeable effort to re-brand your company.

Personalized Engraved magnetic-pen This magnetic round desk pen stand with pen is supported in the stand with magnet. Personalize this gift by engraving a name or message or laser etch an order of 25 or more with a logo.

 Ribbon of Success Paperweight: This paperweight is different from the norm. Each one is hand created so no two are identical in size or pattern. Intricate and colorful ribbon swirls make this piece a beautiful work of art.  Add your logo for additional impact.

Unique Pen holder and Picture Frame Combination: A unique and useful desk item, this pen and pencil cup holder revolves to display 3 photographs. Comes in rosewood color or cherry wood color finish. 

Pop Up Business Card Holder and Frame: A gift that is versatile and unique. The business card holder and frame serve a dual purpose.

So why not help them lighten their load? With a couple of content changes and technical switches, you can create email lighter frequency lists that give your subscribers the options to get your broadcasts weekly, bi-monthly  or monthly. Here’s how:

Condense your content:

• Highlight the top news stories or tips each day
• Remove any announcements for timely events that will be obsolete
• Merge related articles
• Create topic lists that link back to the full story on your Web site

Tweak the Opt-In

• Make sure that your subscribers who opt in to lighter frequency aren’t still on the original daily deluge list
• Create a self-explanatory Web form for each list that makes it clear they are signing up for fewer emails
• Create confirmation messages that spell out what they have signed up for and when they will get emails

If you make the decision to offer lighter frequency email content, now may be the perfect time to reach out t your subscribers who haven’t opened your emails in a while. Send them an email that lets them know they can opt- in for your email lite version. Write a subject that lets them know it’s a new opportunity.  Ask them to select a frequency option and link them to a Web form that will set them up seamlessly. It may be just the way to get their attention again!

 Set Goals

I don’t know how many times I’ve read or heard the phrase “set goals for yourself”.  Most people shrug it off, but if you are going to run a business you can’t afford to.  One of the most important things you will do is set goals for your business.  Start simple, goal number one should be your start date.  Sounds easy and it may be, but keep setting goals and they will get harder and harder to reach, the satisfaction and profits will be well worth the effort.

 A System

One major thing small business owners forget to do or get so busy they forget they did it, is implement a system.  Many small business owners, even big business owners don’t have a business or accounting degree.  What they have is determination and that’s great, but if that determination doesn’t have a goal or a road to follow on the pursuit of that goal, then it’s wasted.  Get a system in place, stick to it and keep track of what you’ve accomplished.  If you’ve set the goals this is the map of how to reach them.

 Partner with a non-profit

Locate a local non profit in your area, for example find your local Breast Cancer awareness group and ask what kind of events they have going on in your area.  Depending on your business you could increase sales by offering up a pledge for certain items sold, this not only raises money for the cause it also gets more people through the door.  It’s never a bad thing to be socially conscious or donate to a cause.

 Press Releases

Send a press release to your local newspaper about special events, business news or anything exciting you have planned.  Starting with a grand opening or even a re-grand opening, don’t stop there, keep going with employees of the month, anniversaries, sales or new products.  Your community won’t know what you’re up to unless you tell them.

Website

The internet has put small businesses on the map, saved many from ruin and it can help you too.  Create a dynamic and informative website, put your products online, hit the free advertising sites and springboard into the world wide web.  Get on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and the dozens more networking sites out there.  With the potential to reach millions versus hundreds, creating a website is a no-brainer.

Gift Baskets

This is the most popular gift to give because you can give a basket for anything from traditional fruit and cheese collections to more unique items such as  an electronic lovers basket.  If you know what your client’s tastes are, you can easily create a themed basket that will impress!

Food

Another very popular item to give as a gift is food, especially around the holidays. From cookies to fruit to chocolate food one of those gifts that makes everyone happy. Keep in mind if you are sending food to a client and you are planning it to be a gift for the whole office you will need to make certain you order enough for the whole crew to enjoy.

Business Related Gifts

These types of gifts don’t have to be stuffy. There are many unique and useful gifts to give clients that they will use everyday, well past the holiday season. Findagift.com has many items such as the pop up business card box with a frame to handheld organizers and personal data orginzers.

Keep in mind there are a few gifts that you should avoid when sending business gifts. It’s a good idea to avoid religious type gifts, religion is a sensitive topic and you don’t want to offend your clients. Alcohol is another gift that should be avoided unless you have a personal relationship with the recipient and are certain of his or her tastes. Some people do not drink alcohol for a variety of reasons and you don’t want to offend.