"What is your brand?"

Recently I have been given the opportunity to help a local business build their brand.  What a pleasure that has been.  In doing this I realized that we all are a brand both professionally and personally.  For the sake of words I am going to focus on the professional.  If you are in the early stages of your business development or you have been in business for years, make sure your brand is is very clear.  Schedule a brand analysis day where you have scheduled time to meet with someone you trust to give you real answers regarding your brand and its message.  Request complete honesty no holds bar,  no sugar coating just the facts.  Straight-up, no ice, shaken not stirred.

 Actions you can do to build your brand :
1.)  Pay attention to the ALL of the details small as well as XX large, i.e.,  does your packaging match your brand? What does your invoice reflect? What is your return policy? (adopt the kiss approach)
2.)Does your website reflect the real you? You have only seconds to create an impression, what impression are you creating?  When in doubt surf the net and you can do your research regarding first impressions with just a click of your mouse.
3.)Do your employees mirror your brands message or do they deflect from it?  Employee attitude starting at the top and working down.  What is the strength of your leaders?  Your front line?  Your back office?  Getting to know the strengths of your employees is critical for growth.  Invest in them and they will invest in you.
4.) Look at everything and always ask yourself is this supporting my brand?
5.) Study your brand under a microscope, what do you see?
6.) What is your companies philanthropic endeavors?  Do they match your brand?

Steve Jobs advised people to focus on one thing and do it very very well.  Other opportunities will present themselves after the fact.  Be aware that distractions will always show up so take a step back, regroup, refocus and blaze ahead, infinite possibilies await you.