Tara, your posts on Twitter are so inspirational. One tweet will be about branding, social media savvy and smart marketing. The next, you remind people to be true to themselves, to believe in dreams and focus on goals. Are these themes equally important to you. Inspiring the professional...nurturing the person?
Yes, they are. Social media has become a huge part of my life now, so much so that it became one of my businesses. I believe that it is important to remind people to stay authentic online and to make friendships a big part of what they aim to achieve. Social media is not just about selling as we all know. I also get a great deal of satisfaction in helping people. There are so many business owners out there who don't get the support that they deserve and I want to give that to them. I was in a relationship for many years that beat me down emotionally and left me feeling totally inadequate and worthless. It took friends to inspire me to push forward regardless. I aim to attract small business owners. I believe that they may not have the finances to invest in social media coaching eventhough they need it, so I try to give them tips. Well, as best I can in 140 characters! LOL! They are the ones who often feel isolated, without a strong support network that larger businesses have. I have received some messages from people who have found the courage and strength to press on thanks to my words and for these blessings I am truly grateful.
Tell us about your view on branding today, and the role social media plays in business branding - and personal branding.
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| Tara and her three mermaids. |
Branding is a very personal thing. Some people brand their businesses and others brand themselves. I am a firm believer in personal branding for the small business. You are promoting your strengths and expertise. However, it is true that the company no longer controls their own brand. Nowadays it is the audience who dictates the future of your company and also controls your branding. Social media has given the consumer such a powerful voice that businesses have to adapt to provide what their customers need.
Does every company really need to be on Twitter?
YES! LOL! Oh my goodness! So many businesses don't believe that they need to be on Twitter, or they feel obliged to be so they set up a rather basic account and do nothing with it. It astounds me that people cannot see the reach that Twitter has! I absolutely love it. Twitter is fast and furious and the interaction, although short, is immense. With one little tweet a business can, quite literally, reach thousands of people. It is also one of the very best platforms for driving traffic to your website. Never underestimate the power of the bird. If you, as a business, are not on Twitter then you need to be!
What is the best advice you share when it comes to tips on identifying one's personal brand?
Many people are in business to make money, well I guess in reality we all are, but money is not enough to keep you going. Some people come to me and have no idea of what business to be in, and the truth is that it has to be something that you love. All the biggest and the best 'gurus' teach you to love your business. The easiest way to do that is to make what you love into your business. Take the one thing that you absolutely adore doing, the thing that comes naturally to you, the one thing that you would gladly do for free and actually would feel guilty about charging for and make that your business! Because it's a long day if you don't like what you are doing. Plus your customers can see if you really love your product or service and if you don't they won't come to you.
Tara, real quick...soup or salad?
Salad
Now...real quick...coffee or tea?
Coffee
What do you feel is the factor people IGNORE when it comes to building a branding campaign for a small business. What are the pitfalls the happen to start-ups, for example, when they are creating a branding platform?
People neglect to build relationships into their campaign. They create amazing graphics and tips, and sales pages but they don't make themselves accessible. They forget to tell the audience that they are human too. There are 2 small stores in the village where I live. Both sell pretty similar items, although one is slightly larger and has more choice. The larger one may also have a few cheaper items in store. I do not, however, shop at the larger of the two stores. I always choose to take my business to the small shop because I like the owner of the store. He is funny, he makes my kids laugh and we feel welcome there. Online it is the same, if not even more important. A business must build relationships with their customers both existing and potential. People will choose to work with you if they like you. It's not about what you sell it's how you sell it.
Is there a company or person you admire most...when it comes to how they leverage their brand?
Leveraging is very important in business. I actually have two examples. My first is Kristin Sweeting Morelli. This is an amazing lady who has chosen the power of leveraging to gain exposure for her business boot camps and other training products. She has a whole army of women entrepreneurs who work hard to promote Kristin. My second is Forever. It too has a fabulous system in place that rewards people for teaching others how to leverage. Both offer incentives for others to help them so increasing their leverage power.
Does every expert have to write a book? Is this the "must do" element of all personal branding initiatives?
I don't believe that they 'have to' but I do believe that they 'want to'! LOL! it seems to be the next progression. Choose a field, study/train, become an expert and then write a book! Many people do see someone who has written a book as an expert so it does give you a certain standing. On a side note, I have no intention of writing a book at present ;)
Do you tweet every day?
Every day and many times a day!
What advice would you like to share with businesses or individuals trying to assemble a checklist of "things to do" in order to better market their products, services or expertise? What would be a branding checklist for them to follow?
Be clear on what you want to achieve and who you want to attract.
Different audiences have different needs.
Put yourself in your customers' shoes.
Work out what they want and why.
Don't talk about what you 'do' that doesn't interest people.
Talk about how you can help them, what you can do for them.
For example don't tell people that you offer the highest quality weight loss products, made from all natural ingredients.
People don't care about that!
Tell them that you have a product that will help them lose up to 12lbs in 9 days!
That's what they want to hear, that's the information they are looking for.
Once you have defined your ideal client and market then do everything aimed at them
Choose your branding colours to attract them
Write your tagline with them in mind
Create a marketing message to attract them
Use images that will appeal to your ideal client
There are many aspects of branding, too many to go into here but I will say one thing. Talk your ideal clients' language!
Don't use fancy words, keep it simple. Help them to understand.
Final thought: What ONE SENTENCE sums up your view on the importance of SMART BRANDING?
You only get one chance to make a first impression, so make it count.
For more Tara:
http://tarachatzakis.com/
http://tarachatzakis.myforever.biz/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tarachatzakis
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaraChatzakisServices
Google+: http://gplus.to/tarachatzakisservices
Linkedin: http://uk.linkedin.com/in/tarachatzakis
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