Too many of the small business owners I visit with scoff at the idea of branding. “That stuff is for big companies, why do I need a brand.”

Here’s the scary part: Every business has a brand. The only real question is whether is was created intentionally or by accident.

You need to put yourself in charge of creating a brand that works for you

For the small business owner brand creation really just comes down to defining and communicating a couple of simple things.

A narrow target market
A unique benefit or point of difference
A core message that provides a solution
Marketing materials to match

I could use a bunch of marketing and branding mumbo jumbo here to fill up the page but when it comes right down to it branding for the small business is – Telling someone who cares how you are uniquely qualified to solve their problems or finding someone who wants something and giving it to them.

Try to get past being something you’re not and keep it simple.