As businesses, our goal is to provide something of value to our customers in return for payment (usually in cash). We’re very thankful and appreciative of our customers for purchasing from us – because we get to keep providing products and services. We take our income and in turn spend it on products and services from other businesses and so the economy works (for the most part). While we’re all in business to make money (and hopefully do something you’re passionate about), what we hope for is that we’re providing something that our customers value and are thankful for.
branding
Say What You Mean and Mean What You Say
If you’re going to make some sort of guarantee or have a marketing message, it’s very important that you say what you mean (and vice versa). When consumers go out of their way to pick your brand based on your message, you want to make sure that they get what they think they’re getting. If a customer thinks you mean one thing, and finds out it isn’t so, they won’t just be confused, they’ll be a little peeved – which can undo all the effort you’ve spent marketing the message in the first place.
What’s Your Business’ Personality?
People like to attribute human characteristics to things and companies are no different. When we think of a business or a brand, we think of all the emotions and experiences we’ve had related to it. We usually tie up all these feelings into a sort of personality for that business. Apple is thought of as hip and probably a bit snooty. Facebook is that friend that you liked to party with in college. Nike is way into sports, but likes to look good doing it. You get the picture. What personality does your business have?