In today's business environment, it's important we do not leave marketing to only the marketing department. It's everyone's job to market your business in one way or another another as they brag to friends about where they work and what they do.
With this in mind, educate your employees on your small business brand. It's time to hold a Brand Slam. Bring them all together and follow these 5 simple steps:
1. Share your personal business story
Whether a start-up or a multi-generation family business, you've got a story. Your employees need to know why you started this business, the passion that drives you, why you named it what you did, etc. They need to realize and proudly claim that they are now a part of the continued story in progress as you work in unison to achieve your business goals.
2. Express the meaning of your Tagline or Slogan
Your small business Slogan means something. It says something. It's goal is to clearly define what you do in a few simple words. The word slogan comes from Scots Gaelic where it means a battle-cry. Make sure employees not only know the words of your slogan, but understand the substance of your unique battle-cry.
3. Discuss what makes you different
Open up the room for discussion. Get your employees involved in the conversation. Spend some time talking about what it is that set set your business apart in your industry, your niche and your community. This is your Unique Selling Proposition and before you ever use it in marketing or slap it on an ad, you'd make sure all employees can quickly and effectively communicate it when asked.
4. Submerge them into your value system
For small business owners, your core values are personal. Your personal core values define who you are and what you believe in. They align your business with your true self, offering a clear path for the tough decisions every small business will face. Likewise, your employees will be making decisions for your business daily and even the smallest of decisions need to be aligned with your core values.
5. Include them in your business goals
Share your overall business goals and how each employee plays a major role in your success. Paint a vivid picture of where you want to be in one year, three years, ten years. Include their personal growth within your business goals and encourage them to stretch their personal skills and grow along with your business. Sharing and including employees in your small business goals will help to create a unified force march toward your business success.
Do not think about it. Schedule an employee meeting for this week and get your employee Brand Slam on.
Here's to Your Small Business Success.
