Why You — Professional Identity Branding

Posted on September 24th, 2008 in Branding by admin

You can have first-rate products and services, but if you can’t establish the need, communicate the benefits and differentiate yourself from the competition in ways that make people want to do business with you, you’ll forever be selling up hill.

As Robert Krumroy, Identity Branding, Inc. says: “Branding is about the customer–who has never met you–being able to answer the question: ‘Why you?’”

Your “Value Proposition”

Your brand can be based in large part on your “value proposition,” which is what differentiates you from your direct and indirect competitionand, if it’s good enough, will draw people to you.

Your value proposition should be a clear, concise statement of why your business is unique and a better choice. Your market positioning, competitive analyses and SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) gives you everything you’ll need to develop a value proposition based on your strengths, your competition, what your “ideal” customer wants from you, and how this benefits people in your markets.

This message must be delivered to your markets consistently and repeated frequently. If prospects understand what they need, trust you and connect emotionally with your message, sales resistance melts before your eyes. Yes, it’s that powerful!

My Value Proposition:

First Impressions, Last

Short-term, smart professional branding gives you the immediate recognition, market access and momentum you need to attract customers and build sales; long-term, it can help increase market share, foster customer loyalty, sustain your client-building effortsand practically guarantee clients will eagerly refer you to others (”Hey, look what I’m part of! You should be too!”).

Branding should be part of your annual marketing/advertising expense budget. The Small-Business Administration advises entrepreneurs to use 5% of gross sales on advertising, but that varies depending on sales volume and location.

Everyone Has a Brand

“Everyone has a brand, like it or not,” adds John Melchinger, The Marketing Coach

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