Successful Blog

Put a Face to that Name! Use Images to Build your Personal Brand Online

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By Diana Gomez

For many small business owners, their integrity is the backbone of their enterprise. Loyal customers depend on them to reliably deliver exceptional goods and services. This personal trust is a key reason that many of these “Davids” can successfully compete with the “Goliaths.”

As more products and services are transacted online, it has become more difficult for small businesses to maintain the personal relationships that can provide a competitive edge. This is why it is so important to cultivate personal identities and relationships on the web as well.

One easy way to get started is to incorporate personal photos into your online activities. A good approach is to treat your personal profile as if it is your brand. After all, in many ways it is!

images for personal branding

Take a cue from savvy brand marketers:

• Packaging is everything: Consumer products companies spend millions of dollars to design packaging that is appealing to the customer. Make the effort to take some good photos of yourself as well. In most cases, this would be a professional, recognizable head shot. Remember, unless you happen to be a big-time wrestler, you want your image to be friendly and portray trust!

• Be Consistent: Brand marketers generally try to display their brand consistently across all products and media. The same goes for your photo. Consider using the same one in all of your on-line activities. In a way, your photo becomes an instantly recognizable brand logo in the online community.

• Protect the Brand: Many companies go to extraordinary lengths to protect their brands. You should do the same with your online identity. Be careful how your profile and photos are distributed and portrayed on the web. Monitor your online persona. Take corrective action to remove posts that aren’t “on message.”

Once you’ve defined your personal brand, it’s time to publish it. Here are a few places to start:

• If you have a Facebook or LinkedIn account, it’s likely that you have already posted a personal photo. Start by reviewing these and any other photos already on-line and consider replacing them with some that are more suitable.

• If your business has a website, you will want to personalize it with photos. This is one of the few venues where photos other than headshots may be appropriate. Just make sure that they are professional and consistent with your strategy.

• Consider adding your personal photo to your email signature. If you decide to do this, resize the photo and be selective in its use. Some recipients discourage this practice as it can add to the size of the email, but most email providers now make it easier than ever to add images.

• Some integrated phone systems such as Microsoft Lync enable you to add photos to your profile. The system will display these personal images in contacts, email, phone and IM communications.

• By adding a photo to your Google+ profile, it will be accessible from other Google offerings such as Authorship or Hangouts. These applications will link to your profile and further expand its reach. Your photo can even be displayed in Google search results.

• Blogging tools such as WordPress can incorporate your photo. This same image will then be displayed in your posts on all WordPress Blogs. While many people use avatars for blog posts, consider adding your headshot instead.

• Of course, you can also add a photo to your profile on a multitude of individual sites such as Twitter, Skype and Yelp. Be sure to take advantage of these whenever you can.

The old adage that “a picture is worth a thousand words” is just as true today as it was a hundred years ago. Incorporating personal photos into your online activities will help you build and maintain valuable relationships with your customers. Goliath won’t have a chance!

Author’s Bio: Diana Gomez is the Marketing Coordinator at Lyoness America, where she is instrumental in the implementation of marketing and social media strategies for USA and Canada. Lyoness is an international shopping community and loyalty rewards program, where businesses and consumers benefit with free membership and money back with every purchase.

Photo Credit: Brian Auer via Compfight cc

Leaving Your Mark: 7 Popular Logo Design Trends

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By Teddy Hunt

A logo is one of the most powerful weapons you have when it comes to annihilating your competition and standing alone as the most powerful company in your industry. Conversely, having a poorly designed logo is the equivalent to shooting yourself in the foot. When creating your company’s logo, make sure that it’s something that positively stands out and attracts potential customers and clients in the blink of an eye. 

With that said, here are seven popular logo design trends that you should consider using if you haven’t already. 

1. Purposeful Negative Space

FedEx logo design

Image via Flickr by adactio

Negative space, also known as white space, is essentially space that doesn’t include content (it doesn’t have to be white — it can be any color as long as it doesn’t have content). The purpose of negative spacing in logo design is to draw attention to a specific object without having their eyes wander all over the place. Combining design and negative space in a clever way is also effective. The FedEx logo is one of the best when it comes to using clever design and negative space (take a look between the “E” and “x”). 

2. Dynamic Letterpress Techniques

 
This is one of the newer techniques used by logo designers, adding depth to objects within the design. The technique essentially elaborates on original letterpress design, providing a new look that’s appealing to the eye. Letterpress was originally done in print, but graphic designers are now using computers to recreate their own unique styles of this technique. If you want to follow the newest trend out there, this is the one. 

3. Line Art

Line art is an image that has distinct straight and curved lines placed against a plain background, without changes in shade or hue to represent either two or three-dimensional objects. Graphics designers usually use a pen tool in Illustrator to create a clean and thin-shaped logo using this type of art. Here are some great examples of line art used in logos. 

4. Gradient Mesh Adds Depth

It’s said that gradient mesh is one of the most powerful tools in a graphic designer’s Illustrator toolbox, but it isn’t easy to master the skill of using it. One of the biggest benefits of being able to use this tool effectively is that it helps you provide depth to a logo in ways that other tools can’t, enabling your to recreate shadows and highlights that give your logo a unique perspective. Here’s a beginner’s tutorial on how to use the gradient mesh tool.

5. Contrast With Dual Impact

Simply put, graphic designers use the dual impact technique to create a double impression in a logo. If you look at this dual impact logo example, you’ll notice an outline of a buck within an elephant. This dual impact design provides a clean and clever logo that’s perfect for a wildlife zoo. 

6. Geometric Abstract Polygon Styles

One of the most popular and common technique in logo design in 2014 involve geometric abstract polygon styles. Although the name of the technique sounds complicated, it simply refers to making different abstract shapes stand out within one or multiple areas of the logo. If you’ll still not picturing clearly in your head, take a look at this logo example that highlights the concept and technique. 

7. The Overlap Technique 

The overlap technique in logo design has been around for ages, but it’s especially becoming popular this year. Graphic designers using this technique allow different elements of a logo to overlap one another, making it possible to add depth to it in a way that makes it interesting but not distracting. eBay’s logo is a great example of overlapping typography to create a unique look, making it a logo design that’s effective. 

It’s more important than ever to have a logo that stands out and says that your company matters in the world. Applying the right technique and design can make all the difference. 

What new logo designs have you noticed that are stellar? Leave a comment below and let us know. 

Author’s Bio: Teddy Hunt is a freelance content writer with a focus on technology. When not behind a computer, Teddy spends the majority of his free time outdoors and resides in Tampa, Florida.

5 Brands Using Instagram to Grow their Business

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By Ryan Harris

Analytics company Nitrogram recently released a list of the the top 50 brands on Instagram. Rankings included numbers of followers and mentions on the popular photo-sharing site.

At the top of the Nitrogram 50? Nike, Starbucks, Forever 21, the NBA, and Adidas.
These brands have hundreds of thousands – even millions – of followers who post their own photos with the brands’ hashtags.

#Awesome. But what do these brands have in common that helps them succeed on Instagram? Take a look at the top 5 brands on Instagram to find out what they’re doing right.

1. Nike

Number of followers: +1.8 million
Number of mentions: +14.2 million

What’s Nike doing right? The answer is simple: high-quality photos and videos with inspirational captions. Uploads include colorful Nike sneakers, action shots, and athletes in Nike gear. A recent post, a close-up of a flexed foot in a lime green Nike running shoe, is simply captioned “Innovation is the antidote to limits.”

Nike Instagram photo

Photo credit: http://instagram.com/nike#

But Nike isn’t number one just because of its photos. The brand is integrating Instagram with their business in innovative, exciting ways. Nike PHOTOiD allows users to design their own custom Nike footwear based on their Instagram photos. Just upload an Instagram, choose a Nike shoe, and check out a unique design based on the colors in your photo.

2. Starbucks

Number of followers: +1.3 million
Number of mentions: +3.6 million

Starbucks sticks to the classic Instagram formula: simple pictures that somehow look both artistic and amateur. Starbucks’ uploads aren’t glossy, in-your-face advertisements. They’re photos with artsy angles, muted filters, and simple subjects. This post, captioned “Enjoy the little things,” shows a flower-filled Starbucks mug in front of a stack of unfinished canvases.

Starbucks Instagram Photo

Photo credit: http://instagram.com/starbucks#

But Starbucks’ greatest strength on Instagram? Their lack of self-promotion. Most of Starbucks’ posts include minimal references to the brand. One, a summery shot of an iced coffee by a fountain, is only recognizable by the ubiquitous green straw. Some, like a photo of a father and daughter playing in the ocean, don’t have any brand references at all.

3. Forever 21

Number of followers: +1.5 million
Number of mentions: +1.6 million

Forever 21’s young fan base lends to their success, since most of Instagram’s users are between 18 and 29. But Forever 21’s photos are classic Instagram, too: artsy snapshots with vintage filters. Many of Forever 21’s uploads show partial shots of complete outfits — the post below depicts just a pair of bright blue pants and a hand with a matching manicure.

Forever21 Instagram

Photo credit: http://instagram.com/forever21#

Another one of Forever 21’s strengths is its use of Instagram to interact with customers. Rather than just posting photos of their products, Forever 21 encourages fans to upload their own ensembles for the chance to be featured on the brand’s Instagram account. Fans get instant Instagram fame– and Forever 21 gets more followers and more mentions.

4. NBA

Number of followers: +1.2 million
Number of mentions: +2.4 million

It might be a surprise to see the NBA among the best brands on Instagram – basketball fans and photos with soft, artistic filters don’t seem to mesh. But the NBA’s Instagram account proves that they don’t have to. The NBA’s posts are typical sports photos: close-ups of athletes in action with minimal editing and no-nonsense captions, like this photo of Dwight Howard.

NBA Instagram Photo

Photo credit: http://instagram.com/nba#

The NBA faces a unique challenge on Instagram: keeping the attention of its fans and followers even after the season ends. The NBA accomplishes this by capitalizing on current events. Recent posts include NBA trades, ESPY award winners, and the off-season activities of its biggest stars; one shows Miami Heat player Chris Bosh on a trip to India.

5. Adidas

Number of followers: +799k
Number of mentions: +3.2 million

Adidas, which competes with top brand Nike in the athletic wear market, takes a slightly different approach. Their photos lack the artistic quality of Nike’s, instead trying for simplicity and consistency. Many of Adidas’ recent posts, like the one below, show nothing but a pair of Adidas shoes on a black background. They focus on the product rather than the presentation.

Adidas Instagram Photo

Photo credit: http://instagram.com/adidas#

Adidas also jumps on popular Instagram trends like #tbt, or Throwback Thursday, to promote their brand. Each week on Throwback Thursday, millions of Instagram users post old pictures with the caption #tbt. On a recent Thursday, Adidas posted a #tbt of several classic Adidas shoes, inviting followers to comment with their favorites.

Want to make the most of Instagram for your brand but not sure where to start? Take the lead from some of these big brands and apply them in the same way. Take simple photos and pair them with memorable captions that evoke a certain feeling you want to associate with your brand. Or go the way of Starbucks and go less promotional, more personal, which is what Instagram does so well thanks to its photo filters. Above all, be ready to engage with your customers by encouraging interaction with your posts, and maybe even asking for user submitted posts.

Author’s Bio: Ryan Harris is an Internet marketing strategist and copywriter who specializes in working with businesses large and small to develop strong brands. He writes for a wide array of tech sites including DSL.com. Connect with Ryan directly via email.

How do you label yourself?

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When I was in 8th grade, my math teacher had a tradition of writing down little pithy comments about each student for the yearbook. She read them out loud at the end of the year, in front of the whole class. Her quote about me was: “pretty, pert little lady with an unexpected smile.”

It’s been 35 years since she gifted me with that observation, and it has stuck with me all this time. The power of labels runs deep.

But labels can either empower you or disable you—it’s your choice. How you identify yourself to the world, and how others publicly identify you, makes a big impact on your success. If you commit to a label strongly enough, behavioral science tells us that others will reinforce that label as well.

Labeling behavior happens applies to you as a business person, as well as your website or blog. Don’t forget to clarify your website’s purpose while you’re considering your own “tagline.”

How you label yourself

When you tell someone about your business, or your job, do you use the word “just” (e.g.,, “I’m just a blogger”) or do you minimize your accomplishments (e.g., “I run a small marketing agency—you’ve probably never heard of us”)? Stop doing that.

Be ready with a memorable response when someone asks you what you do for a living. “I’m the creative force behind ABC Agency,” or “I dish out innovative PR advice on a daily basis at the ABC Blog” or “I’m a wild and crazy guy!”

How others label you

Are you paying attention to how others describe you in conversation or online when they introduce you? Do other people know what your secret sauce is, well enough to relay it to others?

Try this experiment today: go ask a few people how they would introduce you at a networking event. Get a nice sampling from your family, a friend, a colleague, and an online acquaintance. I’ll bet the results are revealing!

Use your new “personal tagline” in your online profiles, bios for your guest posts, and corporate marketing materials. Use it when anyone asks you what you do. Remember, it’s perfectly acceptable to evolve your tagline over time.

And don’t forget to smile.

Author’s Bio: Rosemary O’Neill is an insightful spirit who works for social strata — a top ten company to work for on the Internet . Check out the Social Strata blog. You can find Rosemary on Google+ and on Twitter as @rhogroupee

Stand Out From the Crowd: 5 Personal Branding Tips for Entrepreneurs

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By Ava Morrison

Entrepreneurs often become the public faces of their companies. Follow these five branding tips to build a reputation for yourself as well as your company.

Branding Tip #1: Use a Consistent Voice That Emphasizes Your Identity

Consistency is a key component to effective branding, especially when it comes to the voice and personality that you portray online. No matter what platforms you use, you want to maintain a voice that your fans and followers can easily identify.

Assuming that you have a personality that your target audience will like, you just have to be yourself. Everyone has off days, though. Always read over your posts and tweets before sending them out. You don’t want to distance your fans just because you’re having a bad day.

Branding Tip #2: Establish Your Twitter Handle

Twitter is a great branding tool that lets you send out short messages to your followers. You can use it to comment on current events, mention upcoming promotions for your business, or just make random observations about the world.

Justin Bieber has the world’s most popular Twitter account. That’s partially because he’s one of the world’s most popular entertainers. Give the young man some credit, though. He uses the Twitter machine to deliver positive messages daily. He releases info about his own work, but he also promotes other stars and lesser-known artists.

Even if you’re not a fan, following his Twitter feed will show you how to use the platform well.

Branding Tip #3: Register Your Own Name as a Website Domain

Having your own domain name makes it easier for you to separate yourself from similar entrepreneurs. Many people use their websites to showcase their careers. You can also use it to help people connect to the other platforms that you use, like Facebook and Twitter.

You don’t have to spend a ton of money registering a .com domain. For example, the popular Pastor Ed Young uses a .info page that provides information about himself and his work. It’s basically a comprehensive biography of his work and life.

He also has a .com page that emphasizes his entrepreneurial activities, such as book sales and speaking tours. That’s important, but his personal page offers straight-forward branding that avoids direct advertising.

Branding Tip #4: Update Your Blog Frequently

Your blog gives you a chance to talk about any topic that interests you. You’re not limited to 140 characters like you are with Twitter. Plus, you can use your blog content to push readers towards your static webpage.

Like any other type of branding, make sure you use a consistent voice that describes the world from your point of view.

Branding Tip #5: Use Social Media to Get More Followers

Currently, Facebook has more active users than any other social media platform. Having a personal page that’s separate from your business page will let you keep in contact with your fans and colleagues.

Facebook is a great tool because it can help you attract fans for your other social media pages and websites, too. Post YouTube videos, blog entries, and Twitter messages to Facebook to reach more people.

What other branding tips should entrepreneurs follow? Have you found online platforms that you like more than those mentioned above?

Author’s Bio: Ava is a freelance writer who resides in Tampa, FL. She likes to travel, workout and spend time with the people she loves.

How to Differentiate Yourself in Business

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By Deb Bixler

If you are looking for new strategies for selling you need to know what it is that makes you shine above your competitors.

Knowing what makes your business truly unique is what will help you thrive with your customers rather than just blend with the masses. Find out what helps you differentiate your business from all others by knowing just where to look.

Direct Selling Strategies

What are your direct selling strategies?

home party plan businessMany business owners don’t realize that they are literally driving their business into the ground by using the same old selling tactics as everyone else.

If your direct selling strategy involves a twist- be it a link to a website tutorial or a cute magnet or pen that showcases your company name- then you are moving in the right direction to make sure that your business is truly different in its own way.

Don’t be afraid to narrow your niche down. When you firmly believe in what you are uniquely offering you can then attract the ideal customer. Many believe the opposite that a narrow niche will eliminate some leads.

We are taught in direct sales that you should be marketing to EVERYONE but really it is impossible for everyone to be your ideal customer. Define yourself better and you will be defining your customer better.

Your business personality is part of your direct selling strategies.

Consider Your Business Personality

How is your business’s personality? There are literally 100’s of methods of direct Selling so what makes you different?

What is your sales personality?

Is it upbeat and friendly like every other business in your industry, or does it take on a more serious tone?

Does your business reflect a common ‘tone’ expected of your niche? If so, you may want to consider differentation by way of creating a whole new personality for your business.

Perhaps taking a ‘green’ approach to something that is normally serious, or adding humor to a positive atmosphere can make all the difference for your business and make you really stand out. Or is it the budget lessons or healthy tips that you offer or even are you more controversial than most?

This is branding YOU, not just your direct sales company! You need to sell yourself first and your company second.

Simple direct selling strategies will help you stand out. For some people, differentation is no piece of cake.

However, there are smaller ways to make your business stand out so you can have the edge on your competition without having to change your whole direct sales strategy.

Try switching from business cards to key chains, hire someone to check your email so messages can be returned faster than your competition, and make sure that you are choosing terms for your product(s) that your competition isn’t using.

Sometimes, simply going from ‘organic’ to ‘healthy green’ can make all the difference.

Make sure that no matter what differentation tactic you choose to use, it isn’t so different that it actually compromises the message of your business. While you want to remain unique, you don’t want to sacrifice your business’s overall integrity just to make it stand out. You want to differentiate, not reinvent your image, after all.

How do you make your business stand out from the rest?

Author’s Bio:
Deb Bixler retired from the corporate world using the proven business systems that made her a success working for others by incorporating them into her home business. In only 9 months Deb replaced her full time income with the sales and commissions from her home party plan business. Find her on Twitter at: http://www.Twitter.com/debbixler