Are you choosing the right provider for your brand and marketing results?

Just as eggs, sugar, flour, and butter are crucial parts of a non- glutton- free cake recipe, design, marketing, and public relations are key elements of a brand, but individually are not as effective as the whole.

I was recently in conversation with marketing colleague Dana Sidberry of Motivation Marketing.  We had an interesting discussion about the fact that branding has become a new buzz word on a personal and small business front.  We also noticed how the “brand and marketing expert enthusiasts” are showing up in droves.  Much like the popular overuse and catchall of being a coach* in recent years (yes I went down that road too), everyone seems to be a brand and marketing specialist now.

You wouldn’t go to your physician for repairs on your vehicle would you?

I applaud and support anyone who has the courage to pursue his or her entrepreneurial dream … to that end I say .. believe it, claim it, and go all out for it.  Of course you already know a BUT is coming, so let’s get to it.  I respect all my peers in the media, marketing, public relations, design world, but as a professional branding consultant, calling yourself a car makes you no more a car than slapping up a nicely designed photo layout and calling yourself a media (read previous title variations) expert.

I’m not able to lay out 4 years of my marketing education for you in one post, but please know, the majority of the strategy, analytics, planning, and yes even the design concept of a good brand with great potential is done well before a high gloss event photo shows up on the scene to be marveled at.

 

As with any professional whose assistance you choose for a service of any kind, success leaves footprints.  Does your services provider have as a minimum of the following?

Specific education in his or her chosen field …

Continues to invest in their craft with continuing education .. (yep that education thing is BIG)

Show experience in the area that YOU require assistance with …

Proven results.  No hype or fluff … “Show me the numbers” they speak for themselves.

Buyer beware, be sure to ask questions and receive answers that relate to your situation, after all, it IS your reputation at stake.

Are you a media, marketing professional, or in another line of business all together and see similar situations?

 

*P.S. I AM la Brand Media maintains the utmost respect for professionally certified coaches and up and coming persons and their respective craft.  

 

As always,

Brand Responsibly