The new branding awareness is about when you take ownership of a commodity, a special talent, concept or product. What is it that you stand for? What you stand for is an experience that your customers feel from you.

Don't be Shy

When it becomes for you to take a stand, you cannot be shy about it, you need to back it up totally, no matter what other people think of you, say about you, you need to promote it and be it.

Your brand needs to be value-based, like giving extra WOW customer service and being good corporate citizens will build brand equity, the end result will lead to more sales. The good feeling experiences you provide, is what will count for the customer to buy from you. Did you know that 72% of North Americans prefer to buy form value-based companies?

Developing your brand starts with you, from the inside out. The first step in branding you is learning to be who you are and if you don't like who you are then you need change your attitude. If you are losing customers and you don't know why, ask them. You may discover some great feedback.

What's your attitude like?

Do you go to work with it's an exciting new day! Do you rejoice in it and give thanks for your new day? Or do you start the day with oh, it's Monday or it's just another crummy day. Your attitude or the stand that you take in how you begin the day makes a difference. If people see that you are smiling, friendly and helpful they will pick up on that energy and feel good about you and even perhaps themselves.

A true story of an Actionable act of Branding with a co-worker.. A girlfriend of mine,(we'll call her Connie) was getting upset the other day, saying some people just don't get it. What she was talking about was the lack of compassion people have for each other, whether it was her boss or people in general. Connie said, "She smiles at people in the grocery store, makes idle chit chat when standing in line, and sometimes people just don't respond." A few of us girls discussed this with her, and we all agreed that if we each person would continue to be friendly, like her, that soon everyone around us will become more friendly. All it takes is one person, who is willing to Pass it Forward can and will make a difference for someone else.

For example, Connie just found out about a co-worker that was in the hospital and went to visit him. (we'll call him Brent) It turns out that Brent has prostate cancer and was given not long to live. Connie asked, Brent what would help him be more comfortable? Brent said "An X-Box would help him pass the time."

Connie, went to her boss the sales manager and asked him if the company would buy him an XBox? Her sales manager said, NO. She was stunned, by his answer. Connie thought that he was not being very compassionate and not getting it. After all, Brent has been working for the company for eight years. She pursued the matter and contacted the Head Office, and talked to someone in HR. Connie, asked if something like this could be done for Brent? The Head Office, wasn't aware of this employee and his condition as said, absolutely YES, do it.

This simple little story an act of Branding of paying it forward, tells of how a simple concern will build your presence or brand. Your customers, employees need to feel this in your presence. Connie's Brand or Presence is that you feel genuinely cared for around her. For as long as I have known Connie, she truly helps her customers above and beyond her job description.

Written by Mari-Lyn Hudson ? Managing Director of Heart@Work Business Development Group. You can reach her at: 1-866-667-0166 or kindnessinc@myway.com