personal branding
What is a personal brand?

It is you. Your story. This intimate story is portrayed via an overall message that weaves throughout your communications and social media platforms. 

Just as major consumer brands have well-known, universally recognized images, individuals can have them too. But more than just a mere surface image, it is important to have a deeper story too. This serves as the backbone for all you are about, who you are and why you do what you do. How successful you are in telling your story will determine how deeply it resonates with your audience and will ultimately determine the success of your brand. When you are first learning about social media, you are usually unaware that you are creating an online persona for yourself with each post, status update and tweet. It is all experimental at this point as you learn how to navigate the various mediums.

The essential element in creating your personal brand is to be authentic. ee cummings said, “it takes courage to grow up and be who you are.” Don’t copy someone else’s style: be yourself! Being an imitation of the most fabulous thing imaginable is still just an imitation, and people catch on to this behavior very quickly. Consider your avatar to be your logo: keep it fresh and real.

Be outstanding

Each person has unique qualities and gifts that make them special. Find yours and amplify them. If you are hesitant about what image you are projecting, find interesting blogs or links to share that fit within your strategy and build up your confidence as you go. Pay attention to what people “like” or retweet; figure out where you are connecting with your followers and build on that. Above all, please be interesting! You may start with a little kindling and end up with a big bonfire if you create the proper base.

Consistency is key

If your goal is to be viewed as a professional, this needs to be seen across the board throughout all of your social media efforts. The language that you use is the currency and relevancy to your message. Make wise choices and remember that the internet is permanent. Linking your social media channels together makes it seamless for a follower to travel from your Twitter bio or other social media page over to your blog. This does not mean that you should show all your tweets on LinkedIn and tweet your Facebook statuses. A separate, similar message is fine — no need to be redundant.

Your personal brand will evolve over time but you start projecting your brand from your very first tweet or post. You might not think you have a personal brand yet, but you do. Consider what this might be and polish it up if necessary. It is not just your avatar but all your interactions woven together to create a personal story: your personal brand. Make it a good one!


Image courtesy of Carolyn Conner licensed via Creative Commons.
 
 

Google+ cover photo
Today Google+ made an update and changed all the sizes for your profile images. The new art required is broken into three definitions and sizes:

1.  Profile picture — larger than before with a minimum upload of 250 pixels X 250 pixels and a recommended format of jpg or png.

2.  Cover photo — a large panoramic style photo that goes behind and extends past your profile picture on the right side. This new format ties the images together nicely, making a lot of impact. It can also create a beautiful branded image for you and/or your company. The size is 940 pixels X 180 pixels and the recommended format is either jpg or png.

3.  Scrapbook photos — these can either be five individual photos or one large photo cropped into individual squares that are 110 pixels X 110 pixels. The recommended format is jpg, png, or gif.

So, you have the option of using one large cover photo, five individual photos or five coordinated photos that make one long image (see image above). The cover photo is deeper and extends further across than the scrapbook configuration with the five square photos.

Once you have chosen your photos, go to the profile and click “Edit Profile” to edit your photos. Alternatively, if you mouse over the cover photos, it asks if you would like to “Change Cover Photo.” There are two small graphics over the scrapbook photos where you can choose a template for the large cover photo or the five scrapbook photos. 

You can preview your work before making it public, which is always a good thing. Enjoy!

More information can be found on Google.
 
 

redesign, ogle, Google+
Admit it; you don't go on Google+ very often because you aren't sure what the heck to do. Get over yourself and join the conversation. 
Now that we have that out of the way, I am going to share ten things to get you excited about Google+ and really get you grooving!

Google+ is an exciting way to show the world who you are with a beautiful visual display and more customizable, editable text. These elements can take your brand to a new level, generating new followers and interest in your message. Use this to your advantage and have fun in the process.

  1. Get photo fabulous! The optimized photos on Google+ are amazing and really catch your eye as they update on the stream. Choose the best photos from your last trip and share them! Picasa is a great way to share and tag your photos. All your photos on Facebook? Use Move Your Photos to transfer them. Photos are organized quite nicely with photos from your circles, photos from your phone, photos of you that you were tagged in, photos from your posts and albums that you created.
  2. There are tons of really cool Chrome extensions to trick out your G+. I particularly like Favorite Posts for Google+ and Extended Share for Google Plus. Extended share gives you little chicklets to easily share to your other social media platforms. Spend a little time loading a few free extensions and make your G+ rock!
  3. Create an AH-MAZING bio! Google+ gives you the absolute best profile in social media: plenty of places for links, huge section for an introduction and a visually appealing presentation of YOU! Don't miss your opportunity to shine and show people why they should circle you. Make sure you link to all your other social media platforms!
  4. It’s really easy to find people to circle! Here is a list of public circles that you can search. Pick an interest and find some like-minded people. Then join in the fun.
  5. This just in… there are games. Who knew? Oh… they have Angry Birds!
  6. Meet new people. You may have lots of Twitter followers but Google+ is a way to connect in a much more significant manner. The commenting style is a combination of Facebook and blogging so the conversations are very interesting. Look around and find one!
  7. A great place to share all your amazing finds from Pinterest.
  8. Google+ plug-ins for WordPress make it easy to bling out your blog and connect with more Google+ fans. I really like the Google+ widget that you can add to ask people to circle you on Google+; it is easily customizable and looks great.
  9. Lots going on every day, check the search for the daily activities: Science Sunday, Travel Tuesday, Wine Wednesday, and my personal favorite… Caturday! You can use a hashtag or just search in the search bar for something fresh going on in Google+land. It’s like having Julie, The Love Boat Cruise Director, but better.
  10. Foodies! All the foodies are out in full force on Google+, you can always find a great recipe or something yummy to look at. Why? It’s fun! And who doesn’t like food?
You will find that Google+ is an awesome dichotomy of super smart, fun and sometimes downright silliness. You can make it exactly what you would like; all you have to do is give it a try. 

Take your social media brand to the next level and get in there with the big boys. What are you waiting for?

Image courtesy of trp0 licensed via Creative Commons.
 
 
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Whether you like it or not, people DO judge a book by its cover. Fact of life.

Just as you wouldn’t apologize for brushing your hair or brushing your teeth in the morning (in fact, it would be embarrassing if you didn’t!), one also shouldn’t need to apologize for wanting to present themselves or their business in the best possible light.

If you are the face of your company or the passion you wish to share with the world, making a good impression is that much more important. And it better be an effective one!

Professionals with poor brand images suffer the consequences or at best, are simply ignored. Just like companies and products. One could have the most impressive list of experiences and talents in the land; a company could provide the best services and products ever seen but with poor branding the perception will be less than the reality. And no matter how successful they may already be, they will be penalized. Perhaps in ways not readily seen, but they will be penalized nonetheless.

People can always be more successful; businesses can always have a larger following. There can always be “higher quality” clients that are more aligned with your passions; your unique talents can always be shared with more people; your beliefs can always have a greater impact.

This is important because it is part of the human condition: we want to do better. It is innate.

Is “personal branding” becoming a dirty word?

“Personal branding” is the buzz word tossed around these days for creating a palpable presence that gets noticed in a busy, distracted world. Important stuff for those who, just like any business or product, have a desire to let the world know “what they’ve got”.

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Over time, popular buzz words (as in “buzz word” itself) always seem to create a backlash. It happens to media stars who rise to the top only to crash and burn later, becoming the next fallen star. Naysayers of personal branding seem to focus on those who build false images where real substance is lacking. True, there are many. But I believe there are many more who are looking for the best, most honest representation of themselves that will simply get them noticed. 

It is quaint to think that a good reputation and doing good work is in itself enough to get noticed. I have been guilty of that myself only to see the “talkers” get more recognition. The same is true of those who know how to self promote, including branding and other tactics to get noticed. As a sales executive revealed to me early in my career, bullshit sells. I think those with substance also deserve a fighting chance.

When it comes to an individual whose name is the same as their business name or who’s product or passion is closely associated with them, it only makes sense to make their personal name visible and recognizable. It is the only way to get attention for whatever it is you desire the world to know and increasingly so in such a competitive, noisy world. Being good is not enough.

Rebranding personal branding 

Maybe it is simply the talk about people as “brands” that gets some people’s underwear in a knot. Personally, I preferred the term “corporate identity” a lot more before everything became called “branding.” Before then, brands were things like “Tide” and “MARS Bars.” But at some point in the 90’s, it was all suddenly called “branding.” Fine.

Admittedly, the word “branding” itself can have as many negative connotations as it does positive ones. We have learned to live with the term as it is applied to big consumer companies and products. But when we apply the term to a person things tend to get muddied. 

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Done correctly, what we call personal and business branding should get to the essence of who and what you are, embodied in all the ways one engages with your customers, audiences and communities while encapsulated in a simple but powerful brand image that resonates with people. Nothing more, nothing less. 

In fact, this process should be one of the most honest things a person and/or business will ever do. It takes self analysis and uncommon self awareness. Possibly even a gut check. Then it takes more guts to lay it all out there for all the world to see. One’s “brand” should say “this is who I am” and “this is what I stand for.” Clearly, compellingly, powerfully.

But maybe a new name is needed since the word “branding” can imply, among other things, a false image like so many of those created by legions of ad agencies, merchandisers and downright hucksters that advertise and sell products through crass commercialization and manipulation. We are in a new era of social engagement where people have a voice and reject any sign of being sold to. Perhaps “personal branding” just doesn’t cut it anymore.

If personal branding were instead called “one’s true self, encapsulated so others understand what you’re about in a quick glance” or “ your earned reputation, honestly represented and packaged in a well-defined, simple, recognizable identity,” maybe it wouldn’t be vilified the way “personal branding” is starting to be by some people. But those names suck. Perhaps personal branding itself needs a rebranding. 

“Self-potential declaration.” I’m sticking with it.

So what do you think about “personal branding”? Do you think it needs a new term or is it just fine the way it is? I would love to hear what you have to say in the comments below.


This post was inspired by a Twitter conversation and friendly debate I had with Olivier Blanchard, author of Social Media ROI. My partner, Peggy Fitzpatrick, created this Storify which captures much of that discussion and I think you will find it very interesting: Personal Branding.
Images courtesy of tj scenes licensed via Creative Commons and stock.xchng 
 
 
Part 3 of a 3 Part Series on Branding by Paul Biedermann and Peggy Fitzpatrick.

butterfly, sparkly butterfly, brand butterfly
Many brands are caterpillars, lounging and crawling along without a clear message and without direction. But realizing this is just the first step to progress, next comes the cocoon stage in which dreams begin to be shaped into something palpable — a dynamic brand that commands attention.

The planning phase sets the stage for your brand, supporting its evolution into a butterfly. Once your brand’s core message is in place and your unique story is defined; once you determine exactly whom you want to engage and what you want to accomplish: it’s time to spread those wings and fly!

Many brands fall short and fail to execute properly. Don’t skimp on these final steps — refine your image and turn it into a dynamic brand force! A carefully-executed, smart design will polish your brand and give your message the professionalism and oomph it needs to make one clear, powerful statement. A well-crafted brand takes everything you are and distills it into one succinct, compelling message that is packaged in a way that slices right through today’s busy, noisy world.

Consistently used throughout all of your media touch points, both online and offline, your fully-evolved brand will speak with the same, unified voice no matter where it appears. The hard work of your brand evolution pays off in its authenticity, it’s clarity of message, its focused strategy and its intelligent design that is both appropriate for your audience and packs a punch.

But remember: your brand cannot forego visual impact! So much more than trite decoration, it is what delivers your message and gets your brand noticed. Strategy and message alone won’t cut it — a strong brand will unify both for an effective, integrated program in both traditional and new media.

Just like the most wonderful of butterflies, your brand needs to soar and captivate its audience. The wind beneath its wings is your carefully crafted brand message that comes only from determining who you truly are and what you really want.

Design built upon strategy: the secret sauce to becoming a beautiful butterfly and for realizing your full business potential. Now fly!


This post first appeared in Business 2 Community.
 
 
Part 2 of a 3 Part Series on Branding by Paul Biedermann and Peggy Fitzpatrick.

cocoon, cocoon phase, brand cocoon, brand planning
Once your brand has passed the caterpillar stage of being stuck and it’s not sure of the best way forward, it is time for some serious evolution! This begins by defining your core values.

Take the time to assess, evaluate and examine the unique elements of your brand that will transform it into a beautiful butterfly. There is no rushing and skipping the cocoon phase. Think and reflect — what makes you and your business special? Try to go beyond the obvious to get to “a new obvious”. Ask others what they think and listen to what they have to say. The answers may surprise and even enlighten you.

Perhaps using self-evaluation tools will help get to the root of who you are and what you do. No doubt, this is not always an easy process. We become so used to who we think we are and what we think we do, that it can be difficult to see past these preconceived notions. But soar beyond the obvious you must, because that is where the sizzle is that will set your brand apart from the rest.

Shape a dream into a reality by defining clear goals. After allowing the proper time for self-reflection and determining the best, unique you, make sure that your goals are realistic and sustainable. Be clear and defined. Don’t let things just happen anymore and don’t be fuzzy — that’s for caterpillars! Let the spark and sizzle of your ideas inspire and invigorate your brand. Take charge now and make it happen!

Honing your core values and unique story into a sharp, clear, concise message will take you to that next level of brand evolution and growth. No more waiting on a branch searching for that next leaf to eat! Plan your metamorphosis into a dynamic brand by:

 Defining your core values
  Finessing a dream
 Creating your message

Next? Become a butterfly.


This post first appeared in Business 2 Community.
Image courtesy of borman818 licensed via Creative Commons.
 
 
Part 1 of a 3 Part Series on Branding by Paul Biedermann and Peggy Fitzpatrick.

caterpillar
Stuck. This is the caterpillar — slow, fuzzy and… stuck! As in a crawling-around-a-branch-all-day kind of stuck. Let’s face it… being a caterpillar is not very exciting. It also won’t create the awareness you need for your brand or business.

So, how does one get unstuck and evolve past this sorry state?

First, stop for a second. Listen and focus. All the answers are there. You may think you are just another typical business owner with just another product or service to offer just like everybody else, but that will never bring the attention you crave. Why would it? You are thinking just like everybody else!

Think: what is it you are really offering people? Is it financial security so that people can buy that vacation home or start that pipe dream of a business? Is it beauty so that people can feel secure and be who they really are, allowing them to be the best they can be? Or is it a series of seminars, thereby imparting knowledge and maybe even inspiring others to achieve new things they didn’t know how to do before they met you?

Discovering who you truly are and the wonderful impact you have on the world, will give you all you need to craft a message that resonates and gets you out of the caterpillar stage. This will take time, effort and careful planning but everything worthwhile in life does. This is not the place to rush and go with something half-baked — don’t fall into the trap of doing something “good enough”, thinking that you will just change it down the road. That never works, because you will soon have so many materials and online pages that it will be a major inconvenience (and expense!) to change it all later. And you will be stuck with a brand image you can’t stand. Do it right the first time!

By the way, this is exciting! Don’t rush the process. This is the heart of your new brand and is where you lay the groundwork for all that comes later. Your powerful, new brand will focus all your business efforts like a laser beam exactly where they should be — on the target and with the clarity of message you need.

Before there is a brand, there is a spark; an idea; a twinkle in an eye somewhere. Capture and harness this, so your brand can zip out of the caterpillar stage and metamorphosis into a full-blown butterfly!


This post first appeared in Business 2 Community.
Image courtesy of jimmyweee licensed via Creative Commons. 
 
 
Second in a series of posts by Peggy Fitzpatrick and Paul Biedermann.

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Attention spans are short. Do you know how long your brand has to hit your target audience? You have only a few seconds to make your first impression. “The addictive nature of web browsing can leave you with an attention span of nine seconds — the same as a goldfish,” said the BBC in this article.

“Even if a brand could reach everyone, it still can’t break through most of the time. People simply shut out a message by fast-forwarding or clicking to the next one”, says Sally Hogshead in her book “Fascinate”. Can you and your brand break through the short attention span of the people you are trying to reach?

Roger Ebert wrote a brilliant post on “The quest for frisson”, which is the French word for “a brief intense reaction, usually a feeling of excitement, recognition or terror”. This translates into online behavior as the need to “Like,” Plus One and Tweet away — searching for the next buzz.

It may be a challenge to capture your audience at warp speed but it is not impossible. To give yourself half a chance, your brand must be targeted and effective. In order for brands to be successful, they must be:

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1. Sharp
Run-of-the-mill won’t cut it. Get rid of those old hand-me-downs and get stylish already! Remember: image is everything. Frumps need not apply.

2. Succinct
Get to the point and shed those extra words. There is no room for verbose fluff, and nobody will read that dense text anyway. So, make sure your most important points are seen loud and clear! Bonus points for making them memorable.

3. Quality
People recognize quality when they see it. Even if only subliminal, high quality is recognized and rewarded. Don’t be mediocre — strive to be the best!

4. Consistent
Brands must present a cohesive message and image, so each time somebody experiences the brand it correlates to the larger whole. The all too-frequent alternative is a disjointed, fractured image that fights itself. There is no difference between a brand with mixed messages and a competitor’s message — they both fight your own brand in the exact same way! There is no room for confusion in branding.

So, what is your brand's message? Can you summarize it in eight to nine seconds or are you missing the mark?


Want to check your attention span? Try this: Psychology Today Attention Span Test
Image of dartboard courtesy oraspberreh and licensed via Creative Commons. 
 
 
First in a series of posts by Peggy Fitzpatrick and Paul Biedermann.

apples
Truly memorable brands, whether personal or business, sprout from their essence. Brands that resonate with people don’t just focus on the product or service they provide, but do something much more palpable: they dig down deep and find what makes them special, and by this we mean more than just their latest sales proposition.

Take a manicure salon for example — is it a business that trims cuticles and polishes nails or is it really more about making people feel good about themselves? What if this brand were to find that one thing that really makes it special: making people feel pampered. Obviously, this would make a far better emotional connection beyond the more ordinary promise of good personal care.

If you are an accountant, is it about how good you are at crunching numbers, or is it that you help people’s financial dreams come true, thereby changing lives? Which makes for a more interesting brand? Which message speaks to people and captures their attention? The more impact your message carries, the better your brand!

Speak to me

Remember, good branding speaks to people. This is as true for companies as it is for individuals. It is easier for businesses to forget this, of course, but there is a change in the air and the savvy business owner or CEO is getting with the program too, humanizing their brands as they increasingly listen to, engage and interact with their customers.

Who are you?

One way to go about defining you, and what your brand should be, is to think about the three things that exemplify your true essence or core. Then take these core brand values and weave them into your total branding message.

What things are as natural to you as breathing and are what make you uniquely YOU? What are your true talents and skills, and what impact might they have on the world? What have people complimented you on over the years? What has made you stand out?

Self-analysis can be a challenge, yet it is critical to brand creation. If you get stuck, you may also try asking close friends to share what they feel makes you the special package that is YOU. Define those elements you feel are most important in achieving your personal or business goals and those that best represent your brand. This is where your true interests and passions lie, and perhaps even intersect with a viable business idea.

What this process also does is guarantee that your brand will be an honest, organic realization of all you are and all you have worked towards. This is what makes great brands shine, but even more, it is also what will make you happiest as you pursue your dreams. Creating a brand for yourself or your business may seem daunting at first, but taking the time upfront to nurture and develop it gives your brand the best chance to grow into something original and long lasting.

Tell your story

If you are able to tie this all together into a captivating story, so much the better. This is what creates an irresistible brand and piques interest in your pursuits. People respond to heartfelt stories, so if you can demonstrate the genesis of how your brand came about and that it was through a natural evolution of who you are, then you could really be onto something special! It will then be more than just a business, and nothing short of the embodiment of your life’s work. Never forget that authenticity is key to any good brand — the goal is to reveal the most honest, real picture of you and/or your business to the world.

apple splash
Package your brand

Once you have done the introspection required and honed in on what your brand should really be saying, then you need to take it to the next level. Listen closely, because this is where so many brands falter: you need to package your brand in the best, most effective way possible that expresses all that you are — one that speaks to your market, community, audience, or constituency and conveys your message loud and clear.

Through the smart, strategic use of design and sharp, concise language that gets your points across clearly and succinctly, you will be able to communicate what you or your business is about in a way that engages and brings people into what you have created. Utilizing good typography, color, imagery and other visual components, you will bring your brand to life in a way that either excites or achieves its impact by more subtle measures. 

Do it right the first time

One would be wise at this crucial step to go the extra mile and not cut corners, as so many brands mistakenly do. Make your brand image the most desirable, effective one it can be. Many make the mistake of either throwing something together quickly just to get something out, or trying to do it all themselves when an experienced professional would be the smarter course of action. 

Please don’t fall into the trap of doing something “good enough for now”, in hopes of redoing it later when resources are more plentiful. Many brands end up dissatisfied with their image but feel stuck, because they feel their logo and brand image already has vested equity and they will lose brand recognition. False starts can doom your brand, or at least become a costly redesign later. 

Plan, budget and leave the proper time to get it right upfront. The old adage holds true: you only get one chance to make a first impression. 

Well-nurtured, shiny apples stand out and taste the best!

Smart, cohesive branding that is coordinated with all your other marketing efforts and touch points from the beginning, will continuously reinforce itself, speaking with one powerful voice. In today’s busy, distracted, noisy world, it is the only way to ensure your brand has the best shot at being seen and heard. Integrated with your core, your true brand essence, you will have the makings of a brand that cannot be ignored. 

Be your brand! And shine. 

Images courtesy of www.themeetingplacenorth.co.uk and *Brunna Peretti Loureiro* licensed via Creative Commons. 
 
 
essential ingredients for a logo
Your logo symbolizes all that is your company, product, service or event. It is also the “handshake” for when you can’t be there in person, so it is vital for a business to get the logo right from the very beginning. Conversely, if done incorrectly, it will be a poor reflection on you and your business for a long time to come.

Take advantage of this exciting opportunity to breathe life and energy into your business, providing something tangible for people to rally behind. And for Pete’s sake, don’t let your niece or nephew “do your logo” unless they have the proper training and professional background. Countless brand identities have been compromised and otherwise good businesses relegated to the lowly rank of amateur status, simply because their logos looked like Sally or Joey whipped them up in five minutes on their iPod Touches.

I hope the following list helps you understand all the things that need to be considered when designing a logo. It is much better to be prepared from the outset, rather than caught off-guard later in the game, with deadlines looming and business opportunities hanging in the balance.

1. Simple
Simple is anything but simple to do. Taking a complex set of business objectives and distilling them down into one simple symbol or logotype that encapsulates everything a particular business is about, while still accomplishing the eleven things that follow, is anything but simple.

2. Unique and memorable
We have all heard there are no new ideas, just a re-hashing of the old ones. However, a first-rate designer will find a way to give your logo a new twist that makes it compelling, triggering a positive association with your business every time it is seen.

3. Don’t be trendy
It is important for logos to be current, but that doesn’t mean trendy. Things that follow the latest gimmicks and hottest trends get old really quick. Shoot for quality design that will stand the test of time — I am sure your business plans to be around for awhile, so your business image should follow suit!

4. On target
No matter how attractive or memorable a logo is, it won’t mean much if it doesn’t satisfy the business and brand objectives determined at the outset (you did take the time to do this before beginning number 1, didn’t you?). As your business identity continually reinforces your brand, it should also be emphasizing the right things.

5. Work cross-media
Logos need to work both online and in print. Experienced designers account for this in the earliest stages and design accordingly. This needs to be addressed when producing final art files, as well. Depending on the particular circumstances, it may also need to work for things such as embroidery, engraving, etching, embossing, etc. These may even require alternate logo versions to be created but not all logos are that easily adaptable.

6. Hold up at all sizes
Logos need to look good when scaled up to the largest billboard or when reduced to fit the slimmest of pens. There is nothing worse than a logo that reveals its imperfections when giant or looks like a squished bug when small. And here’s one little tip: be sure your logo is designed in vector format (if you don’t know what this is, skip immediately to number 12!).

7. Effective in full-color and one-color
There will be occasions when a logo still needs to look great when there isn’t the luxury of using multiple colors and costly inks. From low cost promotional items to fancier items such as crystal awards, metal plaques, and embossing on special papers, one-color art is required that will exploit these special manufacturing processes to the fullest.

8. Ease of use
A logo that even a professional designer has trouble using is not a good logo. Nor does it help if the usage guidelines are complex and difficult to understand. In fact, it practically guarantees that the logo will appear incorrectly more often than not, thereby fragmenting the brand.

9. Mass appeal
While I believe strongly that there is good design and bad design, logos can be very subjective and what appeals to one person may not appeal to someone else. In fact, many people seem to enjoy shooting down logos as some new kind of blood sport. A quality logo, charged with functioning effectively in the world of commerce, should appeal to more people than not, leaving a positive impression that drives business.

10. Fit the big picture
A logo, no matter how good, is only one component of any comprehensive branding program. It should fit seamlessly with the overall design strategy, ideally forming the foundation of a cohesive program that speaks with one, powerful voice. In the best of situations, the logo provides the visual impetus from which everything else is derived.

11. On budget
Whether you are a fledgling startup or a huge mega-brand, there is a designer or agency that fits your needs. An expert designer will partner with clients to arrive at the best solution, while working within the available resources determined at the outset.

12. Hire a professional
To ensure that the 11 steps articulated above are taken into full consideration, work with a professional designer or agency. A professional will partner with you to create the right logo for you and your business. It will save time, headaches and money in the long run, and be one of the most important investments your business can make. Designers and branding experts enjoy seeing their clients succeed as much as the clients themselves — pick one you trust and see the results for yourself!

If accomplishing all this in one logo seems a bit like standing on your head, chewing gum and rubbing your tummy all at the same time, it is. Only more difficult.

Logos are widely misunderstood and their simplicity can deceive one into thinking they are easy to do. But if you look at the list above, I think you will see that a good logo which may look simple on the outside, is anything but simple on the inside. In fact, most designers consider logos to be among the most difficult of assignments.

So, what has your experience been with logos? Are you happy with yours and has it been effective for your business? Is there anything you would have done differently?


This post first appeared on the best list site on the web, 12 Most.
Image by Paul Biedermann