Brand For Today Not For Forever!
Every day I meet another business owner who isn’t putting herself out into the world because she isn’t sure about her niche market, her tagline or her company name.
Can you relate? Do you find yourself avoiding networking events or not talking about your business at parties or events because you aren’t quite happy with the name of your business or you aren’t totally sure who you serve?
Worse, do you find yourself spending oodles of time writing and re-writing names, taglines, titles and web copy instead of following up with leads and bringing in new clients?
Well, I can tell you one thing for certain: If you’ve been trying to figure out your niche, tagline, name or some other component for more than 6 months – it’s time to stop. I’d like to help you make a decision and move forward – so you can concentrate on the important things – like getting new clients and making more money.
1. Remember my mantra “you are branding for today, not for forever”. The truth is that most business owners change their branding after the first 6-12 months. And then they will change it again in 12-24 months. It is almost impossible to pick a name, tagline, look and feel that is going to be able to grow with you indefinitely.
With the popularity of WordPress websites, it’s not so hard or expensive to just change the banner of your website when you change your company name or tagline. Then you just need to re-order business cards, and you are off and rolling.
For the record, the Revenue Breakthrough tagline has changed three times since its inception. Did you notice?
2. Given that you aren’t going to stick with your brand forever, the best thing you can do is to just make a decision and pick a name, tagline and niche that works for you right now.
3. Once you’ve made the decision – go and test. Talk to potential and current clients. See how people respond and how it rolls off your tongue. Test it for at least six months or so. Then change it if you need to.
Here’s the kicker – you can’t determine if your branding and niche is going to work from the confines of your home – or in the recesses of your mind. It requires you to go out into the world and get clients, to talk to people. It is in the act of doing that the answers will come.
If you are feeling particularly stuck. Just pick one or two solutions and go out networking. Ask people what they like.
Put yourself out there and let your future clients be your guide. And always remember, you are branding for today, not for forever.
Leave me a comment and let me know what you think.
