The Hidden Contract

The executive tosses and turns in his sleep. He's having a nightmare. In his dream, his board of directors comes to him with the news: Sales are tanking. You've signed an important contract. You MUST deliver on that contract. ARE you delivering on that contract? WHO wrote the contract? WHO signed the contract? WHAT'S in the contract WHY aren't we fulfilling the contract.WHAT are you going to do about it? Of course, because this is a nightmare, the executive has no answers. He doesn't know about the contract either. No one in his company knows about the contract. He's furious, but helpless. He doesn't know how to fix the problem, and his company is in jeopardy.Fiction? Of course. Fact? Absolutely.I call this the hidden contract. It's your brand. Your brand is the contract your customers create with your company. Yes, you heard right. It's YOUR brand, but THEIR contract. It's their set of emotions, expectations, needs, egos, aspirations, affinities, beliefs and loyalties that customers create and carry in their minds when they choose to buy your product or services. Your customers write the contract The contract is housed in their head. As long as you fulfill their list of expectations, they keep coming back. If you stop delivering on all or most of them, they choose to go to a competitor.


Thus, the earmark of a brand: It exists in the mind of your customers and it is emotionally charged. So when you consider developing, codifying, launching or repositioning your brand, it's imperative you start with research to learn specifically what they are thinking and feeling... about you. Otherwise, you won't know what's in the contract. If you have success, you won't know what you did right (so you can repeat it.) If you fail, you'll never know where you broke the promise - and that's a waking nightmare!Strong research should inform every step of the brand development process, and strong research should support the ongoing management of a brand. The intimate knowledge of what your customers think about you and your competitors provides a platform for a strategic brand. You'll have a brand that will drive awareness, increase leads, push sales, increase market share, put you at the top of the consideration set, and create a price premium. All the things that CEOs care about.But, there can be no strategic brand without knowing first what's in the hidden contract.

How to Break Through the Clutter With Brand and Design

As a designer one has to take a step back and understand what the TRUE intention is in the work they create. The art of design is different than that of a fine artist, in that it's true intention is to communicate with a focused group or target audience. If you fail to create this connection with your audience, the piece of design has failed its intrinsic purpose.Take a Multi-Level Approach
In order to "break through the clutter" my designs communicate on a multi-level dimension. This multi-level approach draws from human behavior and the emotional connection and responses that one gains from communicating. Primary visual points such as text, copy, color, photography, and illustration engage a viewer. There is however an intangible aspect to design that is ultimately where the communication with your audience resides. A designer's ability to merge these physical elements and connect them with the viewer on an emotional and mental plane is where breaking through the clutter occurs.Decipher your Unique Design Aesthetics
Unfortunately the environment is saturated with bad design. However, people unknowingly are drawn to good design. They don't know why they will stop and interact on a website that has clear lines and negative space. They just know that the design is welcoming them in and asking for their attention. It's within this simplicity that we see design working at it's most fundamental state. As a trained and intuitive creative thinker, I understand these micro and macro elements of communication and this is where the differentiation of my design work steps out against the clutter.


Design FOR Your Consumer
The consumer is a powerful individual and drives the core of this countries economy. They are also highly intelligent and have evolved as marketing tactics have shifted and changed. They are savvy. Staying in-tune with the world and its events are part of the continuing evolution of my design career and process. I continue to feed my creative mind, not only with the inviting artistic world around me, but also the scientific world of human nature. If you want to communicate, you have to understand your audience. The better you know WHO your audience is, the better connection you will make in a visual way.Find a Designer that Understands both Macro & Micro Elements to Design
In today's world if you want to communicate you HAVE to have a designer that understands the importance of these micro and macro elements. This designer will draw out the larger picture, engage and ultimately direct the viewer to act. Your customer is OUR customer and understanding their needs is as important to us within the design of your site as it is to you.Please check out a short introduction video created by Hybrid Color Films in connection with Bianca Frank Design to give you a snapshot as to WHAT branding is and WHY it is so important to your business.Do you think you could use some help branding your business?Do you need a culture video like the one shot here that evokes your brands and connects your message?

Mobile Marketing - Branding on the Go!

With the proliferation of SmartPhones (3G iPhones), and now SuperPhones (4G Android OS), it has never been easier for consumers to connect on social media channels, surf the web, and make purchases online wherever and whenever.When an advertisement sparks your interest, pertinent and relevant information is immediately available on your SuperPhone. New technology enables you to simply scan QR Codes with an App on your SmartPhone, and be instantly connected to a website, a video clip, phone number or to whatever the online marketers opt to link to that QR Code.According to ComsScore's new Mobile Metrix 2.0 report highlighted USA SmartPhone users vs Desktop users on Facebook:SuperPhone: 441 mins. per month (7 hrs. and 21 mins.) vsDesktop Computer: 391 mins. per month (6 hrs., 31 mins.)Shared AdvantagesMobile branding shares many of the same advantages of Internet marketing. However, the First Mover Advantage (FMA) for marketers and businesses, unlike more traditional forms of media, is that the results of Internet and mobile marketing are measurable and traceable. Online marketers can now see the efficacy of certain Internet campaigns, they can track who is accessing their website, the means of access, and the duration of the visit. The consumer may feel somewhat uneasy with this tracking feature, but marketers find the information invaluable when determining the effectiveness of campaigns and the measurable results attained. Additionally, although the cost of mobile and Internet marketing is considerably less than traditional media, it offers a local and global reach. Why spend tens of thousands of dollars on TV commercials that are broadcast in but one specific region and language, when at a fraction of that expense, your mobile message would enable you to reach potential customers on a global basis 24/7/365? On the flip side your mobile client is always moving, easily distracted and highly demanding. Speed of execution and a focused and relevant content strategy are critical to your campaign's long-term and short-term success.


Mobile Website Checklist:- Create a Mobile Search Plan- Understand Search Engines for Mobile(Google Mobile, Bing Mobile, Yahoo Mobile, etc.)- Add a Click-to-Call Button and Additional CTAs- Build a Mobile Website Map and Keep Your Code Clean- Optimize Browser for SuperPhone Speed- Install a Sensor to Confirm Browser Device (iPhone, Android, Blackberry, etc.)- Keep it Simple with Streamlined Features (I.e., avoid flash intros, etc.)- Be aware that Websites are designed to be viewed on a 20" monitor vs a 3.5" HD SuperPhoneFirst Mover AdvantageAcknowledge that the mobile device has become the ultimate source of information and research for many global users. Only a handful of B2B and B2C companies actually tailor their websites to mobile devices, thus the user-friendly mobile website optimized for a mobile search is an indispensable component of any company's brand marketing and business development plans. If your site is not easily accessible, your target audience instantly exit your site and enter your competitor's.

Logo Design Could Mean A Lot To Many Companies and Graphic Designers

Choosing a logo design for a company can be a big decision. It is one that is going to stay with the company for many years. Most companies do not change their company logo very much, if they change it at all. This is something that is very important to consider.Graphic designers work hard to make sure that the best designs are created. They will work with the owners or managers of these companies to make sure that something is created to their specifications. Many company owners will already have a design in mind, but do not know how to get it on paper or on their website.This will be printed on all of their sales flyers, order forms, stationery and much more. It is something that companies will use to stand out from other companies. They want something that closely matches what their company is all about. They also want something that is eye catching and looks great.The actual design of it is very important. The shape of the logo, what it says and much more is what will last the longest. The colors are also important. Some companies will change this over time though.Many graphic designers use a computer program to help them figure out a design too. Instead of using many pieces of paper and scribbling different designs on each one, designers are able to use a computer program and can come up with many different designs. There are many possibilities.There are a lot of things that are going to be very important when choosing a design. The size of the design is very important. Many companies will put this in many places. It needs to be able to look good big or small.There are several things that people want in their design. The graphic design artist is going to work closely with the people who need the design. This is something that is going to be very important for them.


They have many options when choosing the different colors. They need something that is going to look good. This will only have to be designed once and can be used on all different types of things that they will have printed up for them.They have several different designs that will be chosen at first. Narrowing these down to one design will be the most difficult part. Many times, there will be several that people will like.It is something that the company is going to be known for. It helps people recognize the company without reading the words. Everybody will look at different things when they are looking to purchase from a certain company.There are a lot of choices that everyone has when they want to buy any type of product. They have several different reasons that they will choose certain colors or certain designs. Many times, it will have something to do with the products that they have or with the location of the company.There are many different options that people will choose. There are no designs that are going to be wrong when they are being designed. They have several different types of things that their design will be used on too.A logo design is something that should be designed before anything else that a company has is designed. They have many choices that are going to be considered closely. Every company wants something different and has different products or services that they are offering to the public. There are some companies that will only service areas that are close by around them while others will service people around the world.

Are You An Expert Or A Thought Leader?

I remember when I first started my coaching business and the idea of saying I was an expert gave me a queasy feeling in my stomach. After all, who was I to say I was an expert? Wouldn't that be bragging or worse - wouldn't I be laughed at if I didn't know the answer to a question?These thoughts and feelings come up for many people when they begin their businesses. Yet it's a necessary evil because having expert status has always been a cornerstone of your brand.After all you don't typically see commercials for "we kind of know what we're doing" you see commercials for "we are the BEST at solving your problem."Positioning yourself as an expert is important because people want to work with service providers that deeply understand what they're going through and can expertly guide them to a solution. They are going to hire the person they trust to take good care of them.The problem is that when everyone is positioning themselves as experts it becomes increasingly difficult to stand out in the marketplace, and naturally a new echelon of expert as emerged - the thought leader.A thought leader goes beyond expert status- they aren't just sharing knowledge, they have a message to share and challenge the way you think about a subject.


It's a term I've been hearing more and more over the last year. I've even been using it myself when I describe my ideal clients.You see an expert possesses a special skill or knowledge in a particular area. They are a trusted adviser, they can do things for you, or tell you how to do things you couldn't do yourself because you haven't reached the same level of mastery.A thought leader doesn't just tell you something though, a thought leader helps you experience it for yourself and draw your own conclusions.A thought leader has so much expertise in their area that they have the confidence to challenge the status quo and introduce new paradigms. They demonstrate their mastery by stepping out of the box.They have a mission and a message that they are passionate about sharing with the world.If you want people to hire you to do something then being an expert is enough. If your goal is to effect change and inspire people to change the way they look at the world then positioning yourself as a thought leader is essential.So the question is, are you an expert or a thought leader?

Start A Staffing Agency: The Owner As A Recruiter

Lost Coverage as a PercentageEmployees you send to assignments at any given time will call to either cancel a shift, calls due to illness, car trouble etc. The loss of coverage over a 6-month period of time can be calculated as a percentage.Say you have 300 hours you regularly book on a weekly basis, calculating a loss of revenue at 10% due to your employees not showing up to the assignments for any of the above reasons. 10% per week times six months equals 720 missed billable hours. If you are billing at a rate of $60 per hour, you have a gross loss of $43,200. Hence, you must continually have a quota to hire 1 Full Time Employee per month. You need to make adjustments depending what position your company is in at this point. The larger your medical staffing agency, the higher the loss due to hours missed.The Recruiter's Daily TasksYou will find that if you are wearing two hats both running your medical staffing agency and recruiting, your daily tasks will be tremendously overloaded with interviews.Prioritizing is essential given all the issues you will be dealing with on a daily basis. The convenience you offer your potential candidates generally places the burden on you to be available at their schedule.


I have found that the task that will provide "Value Added" need to be the first priority in any decision making process. It is important to focus your energy on those tasks first, then be able to delegate smaller tasks that require less effort.The Owner as the RecruiterTruth be told if you are starting a medical staffing agency you are the owner and recruiter, the marketer and secretary, the operations manager and business developer as well as the hr representative and scheduler as well as payroll representative.If you are planning on hiring a recruiter, you will need to provide a salary plus commission. You can pay a recruiter between $30,000 to $45,000 with commissions based on FTE and PTE. Make sure the commission is given after the employee's work at least two weeks.Commissions work to motivate and excel the growth process for your company. Motivation can come in different ways, but the true motivator many times in the potential money reward that will be realized a the end of this journey. The biggest challenge for you will be to followup on what is expected of both your employees and your business.

Give Your Brand the Right Start With a Memorable Logo Design!

Have you ever noticed that we forget what we read and hear, but we often remember the images we have seen? In fact some logos leave such a profound impression on the viewers that they might forget the product or service but they remember the company by its logo. No wonder, a logo is the most crucial component of any company's branding. It is the graphical representation of your company's message to the prospective customers. It is the image that will speak a thousand words to your audience on behalf of your brand. That is why you should pay special attention when ordering a logo for your firm.Fortunately, it has become pretty easy to get a custom-made logo for your company. You can hire from the unlimited number of design services available on the internet with their cost ranging from the minimum to the maximum. And, do not get turned off by the services that charge low. In fact getting a cheap logo designed is an intelligent move, here is how:A high-priced design service isn't always necessarily all that great. Now with the increasing competition in the market, even reasonably priced graphic design agencies are offering multiple concepts for logos, unlimited revisions and quick turnaround time. You can get more than one creative concepts for your brand at a fairly low price. Remember, an affordable logo design is a smart choice. All you need to do to choose the right graphic design firm is to follow these steps:


1. Interview the designer thoroughly2. Check out their previous work samples3. Find out their turnaround time.4. Find out how many number of concepts are they offering.5. Most importantly, see if they are willing to listen to your ideas or not.6. Compare the prices and find out if they are affordable and are they really offering value for money or not.Once you carry out this research, you'll pretty much know which company is the best to create your brand logo. Consider it a success if you get a great logo design from a cost-effective service. After all why pay a huge cost if you can get all the perks of a highly creative and professional job done at a pretty reasonable price. Whether you choose to go for an expensive design service or an affordable one, make sure that you get a unique, timeless, memorable and simple design.

How's Your Online Presence?

Working for a client recently required me to visit the websites of more than thirty firms of varying sizes. In the process, I was shocked to discover that the vast majority of these websites (easily 85%) were... how do I say this nicely... seriously outdated, did not present a professional image of the firm and were awkward to navigate.It seemed obvious to me that most of the websites hadn't been touched in years.As a first-time visitor to these websites, I would be unlikely to contact any one of them to find out more about their services. The decision might not even be conscious, but I would have left each website within seconds of arriving.Unfortunately, many small business owners are so busy trying to build their business that they don't take into consideration how their online presence (website and social media) and other branding (flyers, business cards, signage) are impacting their business.While perception may not be reality, sometimes it becomes reality. How we position our business online, how consumers perceive our brand through what they see and experience online, will impact our business. Sadly, we may never know this first-hand - but there will be indicators, if we know where to look.Your online presenceBuilding an online presence is no longer an option for any business serious about developing and growing their business and profitability. It doesn't matter whether you are a home based business or a Fortune 500 company, a realtor or a small business with 10 people on staff, an artisan or a plumber. Today, consumers expect to be able to find out about you and your business online BEFORE they call or email you, usually.And, this means both your website and your social networks! Your website, for almost any business, is the hub of your online presence. Spending time and money on social media and driving traffic to an outdated website is counterproductive.It's not about having the best website in the world! It is about having an attractive, functional, easy to navigate website that is informative, helpful and easy to view on mobile devices, of any size. A website that visitors find useful and relevant. And, seriously, don't neglect relevance - it is becoming more and more important all the time, in driving search traffic to websites.With social media, it isn't about being on every network on the planet, or even all of the so-called 'top' social networks. Less is often more when it comes to the number of social networks you're on, unless you have the time and money to manage and work them, and they are right for your business.Social Media BasicsJoining one or more social networks is just the start of the journey with social media. There are some basic, but important, things you need to do at first, and others you need to do on an ongoing basis. Here are a few of these:

Complete Your Profiles: Make sure you have completed your social network profile. Bare minimum: profile photo and/or cover image, about section and other pertinent data, distinct URL - if not automatically set when setting up the account.

Ensure Consistent Branding: Ensure your branding represents your business well and that it is consistent across all your online networks and print materials. Visitors should be able to tell, without trying, that your website and social networks are tied to the same business.

Share Content Regularly: Post updates to your social networks regularly - and regular means different things for different networks. Take advantage of social media management tools like Buffer, HootSuite or others. Facebook's post scheduler is also a helpful tool for scheduling posts on their network only.

Timely Responses: Respond to visitor comments and inquiries in a timely manner. Again, each network is somewhat different as to what is acceptable but as with most things customer related, faster is usually better.

Customer Focus: Post content that customers and potential customers will find interesting, helpful, inspirational and/or valuable. Social media is not traditional advertising and content needs to be seen as useful to those you are hoping to reach. If not, people will tune you out.

Strategic Content: Share content that includes a link back to your website where it makes sense. This may be to a blog post, information related to a frequently asked question, a free resource download, contest information, product information, sales information, etc.. As noted in #5, think "interesting, helpful, inspirational and/or valuable" for customers and potential customers.

Images: Use images to help get your message across. Images tend to cause what you are sharing to 'pop' and can make the difference between someone checking out your post or passing it over.

Prepare to Pay: Be prepared to spend money to promote your posts and advertise your business, at least on networks like Facebook - and others down the road. Social media for businesses may have started out free, but it is rapidly becoming less so.

Persevere: Real progress or growth is often a slow, steady and sometimes painful process, especially when you are just getting started with social media. Like most anything of value, social media requires time, attention and especially perseverance to produce results.



The importance of your website and social mediaToday's consumers tend to go online first to search for information about a specific business or business person, before they call. They may also ask their connections for input on social media and then do a search online to find out more. And, of course, consumers search online for information about products and services in general.When first-time visitors arrive on your website or visit one of your social networks, within seconds they'll have made a first impression about your business. Will it be a favorable one?

Simple Ways to Impress the ECommerce Customer With Packaging

When it comes to any e-commerce business, packaging matters a lot. As per the findings of a particular study, almost 83% of online shoppers are willing to share the image of a creative and well-presented package on Facebook. This goes a long way in saying that the packaging holds the key to making an impact on the eCommerce customer. One of the reasons behind this is the absence of any physical outlet where the customer may visit and check things out for himself. In an online business, the customer needs to rely on the presentation and information that has been presented by the business. In such situations, if the packaging has been made nicely then people tend to relate that to the brand. Not only does this help to create brand value but it also helps to ensure repeat purchases. Here are some ways in which an ecommerce customer may be impressed with packaging designs.Achieve the Perfect Cost to Beauty RatioThe customer will always evaluate the package based on the shipping costs and other charges that have been levied for the particular order. Say for example, the customer orders a $10 product which has been slotted for free shipping. If this product shows up at the customer's house in a simple box with paper crumbles, or in a bubble wrap, then the value assigned to the package is justified. But if the customer has ordered a $100 worth product and has paid additional charges for shipping, then the presentation as well as the package design should justify the amount paid by the customer. Never think that the shipping charges are only for the actual transit costs. Customers have a different perspective to things, especially where their money is involved.Using the External Parts of the PackageThe external parts are the first things that a customer sees when the package is handed over to him. Putting a logo on the outside won't cost the business much but its presence will have a long lasting impact on the customers. Moreover, the branding also helps in promotion during transit. It would be beneficial to use a new box rather than a recycled one. Now this may sound a little out of the line but recycled boxes, especially the ones that have been recycled too many times, run the risk of losing their durability and the tapes also do not stick on that well. In case you do not want to invest in branded boxes, you can always put the logo on the tapes and labels. This is highly inexpensive and does not require hefty investment.


Breaking the "White Box" MythThe "white box" myth is one that has been made popular by some e-commerce businesses that believe in making use of a white box on which a clean image / brand logo may be printed. While this is a great idea but only till the time the package is at the fulfilment centre. The moment the logistic personnel get their hands on the boxes, the seemingly white boxes will become dirty. This is inevitable and no matter how much one may try to prevent it, there would be some form of dirt and damage to the box which would be highlighted due to the white background.The "Inside" StoryThe outside of the packaging boxes may be the first thing the customer sees, but it is not the thing that he has been waiting for. The moment he receives the package, he would want to just rip off the bindings and get straight to the contents. This is where internal branding comes handy. A few businesses have started portraying their brand inside the box. This is a bit expensive than regular considerations but considering the marketing potential that it has, it is a good and well thought approach.ConclusionThe customer deserves every bit of care and effort in packaging that is worth the investment made for a product. Branding the packages and ensuring better presentation really goes a long way in retaining customers and also providing the means by which the customers may relate to the brand. By using these simple yet powerful tips, your online business can make an impact on customers any day.

Branding For Business

Dear new and old business owners. If you are like me, then you are here because you get a thrill out of creating something that is successful, substantial and an extension of who you are and what you have to offer the world, or at least the economy. Business is not for the feint-hearted, it is a risk, it is stressful and with the current obstacles of inflation and competition, the challenge has become surreal. Don't let this put a damper on your quest though, if initiated intellectually and with the utmost optimism, the sky's the limit and you have exciting and prosperous times ahead!One such concern that needs to be approached with this said intellect and enthusiasm is business branding. You would be surprised how many start-up businesses fail to get this one right. Business or corporate branding is the process of developing an identity for your business, an identity that makes a lasting impression and perfectly portrays the goods and or services that you have to offer. This branding is a process that begins from the moment the "business idea" light bulb lights up your brain and is truly never ending.From the get go you need to put thought and creativity into your business's name, logo, slogan and other crucial strategies which are incorporated into your marketing choices. Owners of smaller businesses often have the mind-set that branding is something that is done only once the money starts rolling in and there is a budget for it. This is a misconception however, branding is vital for these businesses to have at least an opportunity to stand out and capture potential clients and it needs to be included into your capital right from the start. No matter how original and popular your product might be, the masses won't hear about it until an identity that is recognizable and effective has been established.Here, in my opinion, are five branding tips to consider:Tip 1: Conceptualize Your BrandOther than being tip one, this is also step one in the branding process. You have decided on the product/s you would like to sell or the service/s you want to offer. Now you have to consider who your target market is and how you would like them to react to your business model.Consider the following questions:• What do you want your brand to be known for?
• What will make your brand different from your competitors?Do you want to be known for your professionalism or do you want to incorporate humour and light-heartedness? Perhaps you want your ethical standards to be the backbone of your identity? Answering such questions will give you a clearer indication of your vision, purpose, and value of your brand.


Tip 2: Keep It Simple But QuirkyWe are a very busy human race and our tiny brains don't have the ability to absorb every bit of information around us. So simplicity here is key. Keep names, logos and slogans uncomplicated but ensure that you include popular design trends that offer a touch of quirkiness. Something catchy and easy to asses will leave audiences pondering about your business and you will have their attention.Tip 3: Keep It ConsistentThis mind sound boring and uniform, but really it offers a feeling of stability and success. From colour schemes and designs to staff uniforms and final touches - keep things consistent. What I mean here is that you need to decide on a name, a logo and a colour scheme and then maintain this decision throughout all of your branding endeavours. Your company website should complement the design of your actual store-front and the purpose of your business needs to be reflected in your logo.Tip 4: Market Your BrandIn business you have to advertise your advertising. Yup, nothing is ever simple. Don't assume that because you have established an amazing corporate identity that the money will be shipping in by the ton. Like mentioned before, we are busy people and we don't all have the time to absorb information, unless it is forced upon us. Take your brand and offer it to the world. Include it on your business cards, add it to your email signature and splash it online. Your marketing opportunities are almost endless.Tip 5: Be Proud Of Your BrandIf you are satisfied and proud of your branding, then you will promote it as such. Don't settle for something you are comfortable with, settle for awesome! Budget for quality and this will ensure that the quality of your business will shine through. No one ever said running a business is an affordable venture, so expect to pay for solutions that will surpass your expectations.Don't think of all of this as effort and please don't let it daunt you! This is an opportunity to get creative and make your business unique, to make it your own! Choose colours you love and a logo that fills you with pride. All of these additions might not seem very important, but they really really are. They set you apart from the rest; they attract your customers and establish the standards which are truly the backbone of your business.

Job Hunting And Social Networking: 6 Things To Think About

Most everyone uses at least one social network these days and the social networks used will continue to change over time. I still remember when MySpace was popular... maybe it still is, but I don't hear about it anymore. There's new one's popping up all over the place and some stick around for longer than others. No matter whether you use Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google+, or another social network, here are a few things to think about before posting that drunken party video all over the web:1. Companies Are There, Too
No matter what social networking site you use, companies are on these sites posting, reviewing, researching, and marketing as well. Many companies have one or more individuals who are responsible for updating their profiles and posting content. You can bet that these people know their way around the site and know how to find you if you're on there.2. Companies Are Looking Up Applicants
More companies are researching applicants on social network sites more than on job boards these days. Primarily because they can get a lot more information from a social network site than they can from a resume or job board. It may not be your professional and educational information, but it's information they will use to determine if they want to hire you or not.3. Watch What You Post
Since these companies are on these sites as well, they're going to see your embarrassing and inappropriate pictures, posts, and responses to other people. If you don't want your employer, or potential employer, to view a picture of you racing the guys to see who can down the most beers in one minute, don't post it. You don't have to be strictly professional on your personal social sites, but keeping it clean and mature can go a long way when an employer looks you up.Your posts and the language you use on these sites shows a potential employer your personality and how you spend your free time, and is a big determining factor they look at when deciding whether or not you might be a good fit for the company or if you would fit in with the company's culture.


4. Be Searchable
(Once you've cleaned up your social networks) Ensure you are searchable by everyone, unless you're under 18 years old. If you are 'of age' make sure you haven't hidden or blocked your social profiles from being searched by potential employers. I actually had an employer tell me that 'if you're not on a social network, then you don't exist.' While this obviously is not true, many employers think this way. They want to know who they are hiring before hiring you, and sometime even before they interview you.5. If You Must...
If you absolutely must post those really bad, embarrassing pictures and posts, I recommend having two separate profiles. One would be employer-facing where you have modest and mature posts and pictures, where you use appropriate language, and where you interact with others on a friendly level. The second one could be your 'bad' profile where you post those obviously-not-corporate-approved pictures and posts. This second profile should not include your real name or be linked to any of your 'good' social sites.6. DO Use LinkedIn
LinkedIn is the premier professional social networking site in the US. I highly recommend using this site, filling out your profile fully, and including all professional and educational experiences on here. This is one of the first sites an employer will look, so ensure they get a good idea of who you are professionally from this site.There are so many sites out there that a person can use. My advice is to just be careful how you portray yourself on any site you use to ensure you look professional and well-rounded in your life.

Brand Management - Crucial for Reputation

Nowadays there aren't one, two or a dozen leading brands in every market segment but countless brands jostling for attention within the same space.While the very term 'brand' conjures up ideas of fabulously huge international brands, there are also many smaller brands whose target clients are limited in number.
However no matter how big or small a brand, what unites them all is their aspiration to acquire a unique image or at the least, an image that endears the concerned brand to its target audience. Herein, comes the role of holistic or wholesome or all-encompassing brand management.Brand management consists of a large number of diverse tools as managing, maintaining and enhancing the brand image through social media platforms, various kinds of online promotions, organizing events that involve public participation and celebrity appearances and different kinds of offers and freebies for consumers. Brands may use one or all of the above options for bettering its image and wooing consumers.Sometimes large companies with an already well established support base wish to reach out to a different segment of the audience in order to expand their consumer base. In such cases, brands utilize all kinds of ingenious tactics to make their products or services seem alluring to those who have never used them before.
Top brands have huge expenditures in store to spend on promotion and enhancing techniques. Medium level companies also spend relatively large amounts of money on management.


With the internet gradually becoming an indispensable part of human existence the world over, brands cannot help but tap the full potential of this infallible medium. Subsequently, online promotions are becoming increasingly fashionable among leading brands for reaching out to the populace and generating appeal towards their brand.In this digital era, social media plays an important role to optimize the image of organization or company. Under these circumstances, several brands have endeavored to win over customers through social media platforms. Many experts regard these platforms as one of the most effective brand management tools in today's world.Therefore as we can see, brand management consists not just of a series of strategies but a wide spectrum of approaches and methods designed to popularize a brand among consumers and enhancing the brand image in the longer run.With competition among leading brands becoming steeper worldwide, marketing geniuses are devising new stratagems of brand management every day. The fickleness of popular tastes combined with the entry of new brands to the market on a daily basis has made smart brand management not just a business strategy but an intrinsic part of the business itself.