The Anatomy of a Successful Business Branding Plan

What do March Madness, the Superbowl and the World Series all have in common? Yes, they are the pinnacles of the athletic seasons for college basketball, the NFL and Major League Baseball. Are you a dedicated fan or even just a fan dedicated-to-a-bf-who's-dedicated-to-them? (Kind of my category until the press calls. #Snap.) But wait, there's more, in the form of genius business branding lessons.

NOW, even if you're Lame, Party of 1, chances are probably super good that you not only know those games, but you probably know what time of year they fall because you are very likely invited to, or throwing, a party to watch them...and you don't even really care who wins, right?!?! #ThoughtSo.

So how is it that you get so wrapped up in the Final Four or the Super Bowl when you don't even know who is playing and pretty much couldn't give a flying fig as long no one goes home with a black eye (small jab at Super Bowl violence. Sorry, inappropriate)? Branding. Business branding. And if you're reading this blog post right now, this just might pertain to you. The genius of these franchises is that they have created such a whirlwind of excitement around these events, that everyone wants to be a part of them! So poach some business branding tips fo yo sweet self. Stat.

How do you create this business branding secret sauciness for YOUR business? Just WATCH.

In this clip from a segment I did on Fox Business with Lauren Simonetti, I cover 5 business branding lessons that we can learn from the NCAA.

Here's the Clip:

The key business branding takeaways are:

1. It's all in the name. (How's yours? Any alliteration?)
2. Consistency is key. (Simple but kinda hard sometimes.)
3. Timing is everything so "OWN your slot". CRUCIAL.
4. Offer fun, excitement, buzz and SOMETHING DIFFERENT to draw people in.
5. Tell a great story and go for the tears heart.

If you're building a business, it's not enough to be really good at what you do if you don't have the customers to support it. Kind of like that whole tree-falling-in-a-forest-thing. If no one knows it fell, did it? Well, sugar, if no one knows you have a gd business, do ya have one??

This is why business branding is so essential to the longevity of your success. In the Fox Business segment, it's the examples that Lauren and I chew the fat on to convince you how important it is to have an identity among consumers by creating a really, really good reason for them to get behind your brand (and tell EVERYONE).

But wait, there's more. Put These Pups Into Practice:

Make your business branding and promotions something that your customers can remember and look forward to.

When you think about the brands that you are drawn to, think about why they come to mind so easily. What is it that makes them so appealing to you? It could be their creative commercials, their slogan or their ability to just make you feel good...and laugh! You can create that in YOUR business...and if you do, your customer loyalty will soar through the roof!!! But create another snooze fest, and see ya, don't wanna be ya.

Don't forget to use your online component.

Technology is your friend...maybe your best friend if you use it right. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter...all FREE advertising opportunities that can create a buzz about what it is you do and grow your business. Did I mention they're free? BuzzFeed News says that "Sixty-four percent of consumers made a purchase decision based on social media content”. So whether you're selling a product or a service, it is time to ramp up your social networking and get noticed! (As if you need another reason.)

More business branding lessons from March Madness...

Make sure you're having fun with it!

Consumers want to escape their own realities and your promotions are an opportunity to take them to that escape! Having fun with your business branding not only makes it more interesting to create your branding material, but your customers will look forward to hearing from you. Chubbies, a new online company, is another great example of branding genius because their approach is so unique! Their writing is so unconventional and creative, it's laugh out loud funny to read their ads and you have to check out their packaging! These guys must be laughing all the way to the bank!

People love the underdog so don't be shy

Don't worry that you are a small business competing against big brand names. Focus on doing what makes sense to you and liberally and freely talk about your trials and tribulations. It makes you so much more, well, likable. There are plenty of opportunities out there, you just need to make people fall in love with your story.

What's Your Branding Story? Tell Us Your Favorite Tip:

What business branding ideas have worked for you? Give us your tips, tricks, feedback and resources in the comments below. And if you like it, wouldja be a sweetheart and share this post?

xx - Marley

Oh, and here's the video, which was the point of this whole blog. Branding lessons from the NCAA Tournament on YouTube!

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