Welcome to the 1st edition of Branding Bytes. This first issue of Branding Bytes consists of questions I am frequently asked in my branding workshops. For style purposes, I've converted the questions into "myths". How do these myths compare with your understanding of what good branding is all about?

Myth #1

Marketing and branding are one and the same.

Reality

Branding is less about marketing, advertising and public relations, and more about good leadership, appropriate and ethical behavior and an organization's commitment and ability to fulfill the covenant, or promises, its brand represents. A brand reflects everything associated with an organization, including, but not limited to, the quality of its:

Work
Reputation
Leadership
Staff
Culture and core values
Programs, services and products

Think of it this way, the brand characteristics you appreciate and admire most in the companies and organizations you like doing business with should be the same brand characteristics to model and nurture in your own organization.

Myth #2

Once we have an attractive logo and catchy tagline, we have our brand.

Reality

Many organizations spend an inordinate amount of time, energy and money developing logos and taglines believing they are creating their brands, when in fact a logo and tagline are simply the banners for the brand. Your brand drills much deeper into the core of your organization (see Myth #1).

If all you have is an attractive logo and tagline without the commitment and ability to fulfill whatever promises your brand conveys, then what you have is all sizzle and no steak--and it won't take long for your target audiences to see the smoke and realize there's no meat.

Myth #3

Branding is the responsibility of our communications/marketing/public relations/external affairs departments.

Reality

Branding is the responsibility of EVERYONE, from board members to support staff. If it helps, consider the person who answers your phones your "Director of First Impressions."

You might hear, "I work in finance. What does that have to do with branding?" Just ask the folks who worked for Enron, Arthur Anderson, World Com, Global Crossing and a slew of other for-profits and non-profits, alike, how much their finance folks had to do with their organizations' brands--and their livelihoods!

Myth #4

We don't have a budget for branding our organization.

Reality

If you effectively leverage your current resources--namely your board members, staff, volunteers, customers, etc. — you may not need much of a budget to better brand your organization.

Your brand is only as good as the people who live it day in and day out. Board members, staff and others who are knowledgeable about what your brand represents, take pride in their work, feel secure in their jobs and are appreciated for the good work that they do make excellent Ambassadors for your brand.

Consider: The founders of both Google and Amazon.com relied exclusively on word of mouth to get their companies off the ground.

As always, I look forward to receiving your feedback, questions, success stories and branding challenges. Also, if you are in need of a motivational speaker, trainer, branding consultant/coach, or management consultant who can help you answer the questions: Who are we? What do we do? How do we do it? And should anyone care? I invite you to for more information.

In the meantime, good luck with your branding! — Larry

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