Have you ever really thought about how you represent yourself? How about how your company represents itself? Branding your business is now more important than ever. With the explosion of social media, there are now more ways than ever to show off your company and what you stand for. If you haven’t developed a strategy to engage customers at every turn, you are missing out on new business and maybe losing existing business.

NOBODY CARES ABOUT YOUR MISSION STATEMENT

I have seen so many boring presentations from sellers and they all begin with a PowerPoint slide showing their company's mission statement. News Flash: nobody cares. Your potential client wants to know what you can do for them. They want to feel heard and they want to know how you are going to help them solve their problem. Ask them questions and let them tell you what they need. Consider your branding the best way to prove your value. Gimmicks aren’t going to do it.

WHO IS YOUR AUDIENCE?

Today’s consumer is savvy. They have already looked at your website, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. They know the specials you are running and have an idea of what you have to offer before you even speak. Make sure your marketing is making them want to speak with you and not chasing them away. Don’t use the same post across all social media platforms. Nothing makes me stop following a business faster than seeing the same post 5 times a day. Each platform carries a different mainstream audience. Figure out who that audience is to you, and make them want to engage.

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

The more educated you are, the more comfortable you become in a relationship. This is true for a professional relationship as well as personal. Keep your client educated. Are you offering a rewards program or have new incentives? That is great branding, but only effective if they know how to use it. Is there new product info that you need to share? Make sure that info is reaching your client. What do you do better than your competition? Knowing that answer is so important; it is how you turn a new sale into a long-term client. In the end, you need to be a problem solver. Keep reminding your clients of the value you have to offer and make sure your branding is always selling your value.