How's Your Merchandising?

There is something about walking past a storefront that is beautiful that just hits us and makes go "WOW". Even if you don't like to shop, you can't stop but to admire it. As long as it's not overpowering you with a million bottles of over-sprayed teen cologne (*cough cough*) or jammed with too many racks of disorganized clothes once you get inside, that visual merchandising can make you stop for a moment and really fall in love.

What makes the merchandising of a retail store so effective? 

Think about the sensory effect when you walk past the store in the mall. This is a 15 second marketing message in which a company introduces a prospect to the brand, its message and it's product and knows that they are about to make a choice. They invest in this 15 second impression more than almost any other part of their process because this impacts every other experience that client will then have with their brand. Merchandising is key because they have taken the time to invest in their brand and the presentation of it to their clients - not just the ones that they are trying to get, but the ones that they already have as well.

They impale your senses from every direction and take no chances on that "call to action". They want to make sure that there was nothing they could have done better or said in a different way that could have changed your decision, if you are their target market, right? When you walk past that store, it shines with their message. You can see plainly what their brand is, what the current trend or sale is. You see, smell, touch, hear, and sometimes even taste it. They've researched this, they make sure they get it right.

Merchandising elicits emotion. It creates connection, reaction, and interaction with a brand. I know that with the recent changes in our beloved {hated} social media, it's become harder and harder to do so - but I challenge you that maybe it's just that we need to get more involved in our merchandising strategies. Did you know that most (read: pretty much ALL) retailers have look books in which they outline their specific merchandising all the way down so that it is unified all the way across the board for every campaign they run?

I'm here to tell you, you can do this, but merchandising over social media needs to be strategic and cannot be accomplished with a one and done mentality. It is complex, planned, and integral to an actual marketing tactic. You need to put a strong marketing message in place, and then create ways to deliver the message to appeal to the range of senses over the course of a week at a time. Focus on a sensory appeal for the day, and make sure to hit it with strength.

Let's Analyze! How are your displays? When you're building your posts on social media, are you considering the senses? The 5 seconds (if that - your time is shorter on social) that you have of their attention to give them an introduction to your brand and message? How will you hit them hard and make them WANT to know more, to do more, to share more about you? This is about the click, the like, the share, the post. We need to generate movement. This is something you need to take the time and invest in. Your clients want to be invested in - they want to be important enough to you to be invested in.

First, create your action plan. Think about the stores your target market shops at. Research online and look at their visual merchandising, their window displays. Do Google image searches, look at their websites. Read the words they use, look at their social media campaigns, see what their Facebook pages look like, how they tweet. How do they interact with their clients? Take notes. Write down things that appeal to you. Can you make this work for your brand? Do you know how to do this for your business? What are they doing that is so different from you? Better yet - go shopping! Go to the mall and check it out (the store fronts, not the merchandise!)

Now, how to translate it. This is something you'll want to plan out as a campaign for things like Facebook and Twitter. With the Blog and Website it can take on more of an actual floor-set mode. I'll explain that in a minute. Let's get to starting your "look books".

Facebook and Twitter Campaigning/Merchandising Style: 

• With Facebook and Twitter you'll want to identify a message to communicate for an entire week, but spread it out incrementally over the full week. Make a daily plan. Write out your message for that day and what elements you'll use to share it (photos, video, blog, etc). Choose the time of day, and then share it throughout the day. 
• You're giving out pieces, sneak peeks, parts of the design throughout the whole week so that the audience needs to interact the full week to get the full experience. Build excitement, let them know there is more.
• The point of a campaign is to get reach across the brand. It could stretch into photos, videos, your blog, a tab, questions, your website, an event, a download - as long as it's something in it for them in the end and not just a win for you. 
• Ask people to share your posts/photos, etc with their friends. You don't get what you don't ask for.
• Another key is do not cross post from FB to Twitter. Yes, its easier, but people on Twitter want different information. Give them different tidbits. Shorter info, different links. Take them to different photos, different tabs, different exclusive content. Make them feel a different kind of special. Ask them to RT (retweet it), and use hashtags (#). 
• Use a different medium each day. Don't just hit a single sensory contact each day, try for a mix - and don't miss a day. Try vision/hearing, etc. 

Website and Blog/Floorset Mode:
First, I'll explain what a floor-set is. A floor-set is kind of like a map that retail managers are given when they need to lay out the design of a store's merchandising displays to maximize the sales and the displays of merchandise. It helps plan where the merchandise should go based on sales projections, planning, goals, basic merchandising structures, store layouts, marketing plans, and business structure. It's built around the brand and helps guide the business to make the right decisions about how to plan the layout of their marketing and sales decisions from the design on up to really maximize their profit for the upcoming season. Obviously, this is used in stores with actual space, but for right now, your space is your website and your blog and you need to make sure you maximize it wisely!

This is a lot about basic branding, but it's also about content and making sure that your merchandising is well thought out and all of the elements are in line with the impression of your brand and your experience. When you look back on the research you did or even through the images on this post, what was the impression you had of these brands? Would you shop there? What would people think of your photography business if they saw your website or your blog? What would they think if they read your blog posts? Is there a lot of fluff and junk that isn't selling you? Are you hiding your message or not showing the best of the best?

You've only got a few moments of your clients time when they first enter your site to hit them with your Visual Merchandising to make that impact decision of "do I stay, or do I go?" This is why you do not want to skimp on this. Focus on your visual merchandising of your blog and website just as much as you do your Facebook and other social media.

Are your blog posts engaging, well written, and not overwhelming? Do they show only the best few images? Are you being selective and speaking to both your current clients and prospects or are you posting just to post? This is your voice to your clients (past, present and future), how does it sound?

And just like the outside, the inside (offline) interactions are dripping with merchandising as well.

• Email
• Welcome Packets
• Phone
• Consults
• Session
• Sales

 How do yours stack up? If you need to revisit your merchandising, do it now! It's all about the first impression.

Featured Photographer: Debbie Ellis Photography

Debbie Ellis Photography

Residential Studio Photography

Online: Web, Blog, Facebook

Serves: New England and beyond

Market: Newborns, Children and High School Seniors

Go to Gear: Nikon D90, 35mm 1.8, 24-70 2.8, 70-300

I used to be not so into kids. Didn't really want to "hold the baby" when a friend or family member had a new one to share. Almost ten years ago, that began to change. My oldest was born in January of 2002.

As I embarked upon my Photography career, there was that nagging question that was always there..."what will you specialize in?". So in my first couple of years of business I have been trying everything on to see if it fits. I have done kids' birthday parties, second shot weddings, small children running all around with me chasing them up and down hills throughout a park, maternity, families, corporate headshots, dance performances, theater performances. I may even get a brandie newborn baby shortly after birth next week in the hospital...so excited at that prospect.

The one I have really been enjoying is newborns! It takes a lot of patience and you have to like getting to know strangers as you will be spending two plus hours with them. This is no "mini session" that's twenty minutes and you're done.

So, how do I do it?

I have a "Residential Studio"; aka it's in my finished basement. A few days ahead of the session, I send the new mom a detailed email with everything from what to expect, what to bring, when to feed and let them know I have a non toxic home (we don't use any chemicals to clean) but, we do have pets. Full disclosure is key so there are no surprises or allergy attacks. (In the new year, I plan to mail this to them instead of emailing it)

I set the stage with my over-sized bean bag known as a newborn nest, drape a cozy blanket (only used for my sessions...I don't just pull them from my children's beds) from the background stand over the newborn nest. Position the 4x6 Larsen soft box, hair light and reflector for the set up. About an hour before, the heat is on. I like to have it about 80 degrees. Because of this, I usually wear a tee shirt with capri yoga pants and bare feet (only if properly pedicured). I run the air purifier the whole night prior to the session.

When the Mom/Parents come in with the baby, we go over my simple contract, and head downstairs. (after I oogle over their beautiful new baby, of course)

In my studio, I have a basket of wipes, newborn diapers, and towels. Yes. Babies pee, and poo, and they will on you and your oh so cute blankets and props. It's totally ok and expected, I tell them it will happen and we usually are laughing about it. I have asked the mom to feed the baby right before she comes over or when she gets here so the baby will be ready to sleep. (Pee and poo tends to shortly follow!)

We then work together to get the baby to sleep. This is the hard part, as you know if you have children. Sometimes they follow along just perfectly and other times...not so much. I have a white noise maker and will keep the room darker, I recommend binkies and movement. When it's time, we get the baby set up in a comfy cozy position on the newborn nest or in another prop we have chosen.

The most important key is safety. There are photos you will see of "hanging babies" but I have learned how to do this safely. I won't go into it as that would be a whole other post. Please, always be right next to the baby, or have the parents be hands on. You can remove them in photoshop.

Another important thing is to get the mom in the photos. New moms feel fat, and well, they may be bigger than they used to be. But, getting them holding their baby and the connection....you can feel it from the photos. They love them, even if they didn't want to in them, and always buy them. And, get a few with eyes open...try to avoid the cross eyed ones, but the big dark glassy eyes are way cool.

A typical newborn session, we will do about three set ups and one to two different poses in each set up. I recommend they bring props or heirlooms like dad's blanket that his grandmother made for him when he was a baby. They always buy that for Grandma.

Props are so fun! I love finding new props. Doll beds are perfect for newborns, as are sturdy wicker baskets (rectangle and round ones), I have a big plastic tonka truck, wooden boxes, hats, bows, blankets, blankets and more blankets!

Before they leave, we schedule the viewing session, usually about a week out. When they come back for the viewing session, I am on full baby duty so they can make decisions with no concern of the baby. My goal is to make mom cry when she watches the animoto video; I have been pretty successful thus far!

It's best to get the baby in asap after they are home. They are still all curled up and sleep more when ten days and younger. I have done them as old as six weeks for a newborn session and made it work.

You just need to love babies, feel comfortable holding them and moving them around.

Thank you for reading!

Web, Blog, Facebook

Want a Little One-on-One?

The Studio Trainer is opening up a limited number of Mentorships for the 2012 year. This Mentor Program runs from January to December 2012.

This is a One-on-One program designed to help you grow your business, and includes:

1 hour/week phone call with Kate

1 chat per month as a group with the other mentoring members
Access to a secret FB group with Kate and the other mentor members

Unlimited emails

Registration to all of our online classes

All of our newsletters

Website critique

Ongoing gallery critique

Culling of up to 10 sessions per month

50% off of all document creation and other services

This is a value of over $6000 in services. 




There is only 1 spot left in this amazing program at  
90% off the value!



 Contact us for details.

We do have flexible payment plan options available, and it is first-come, first served.

Payment Plans:

1. In Full, Up Front
2. Split (2 Equal payments. January/June)
3. Monthly

Policy Planning

No, this is not a post about health insurance. Well, not directly. It may save your health to have these policies in place - or at least your sanity.

Every business has policies. Policies are guidelines and rules that help a business and the consumer when situations arise. As a business owner, they give you something to stand on when you're faced with a tough situation, and it ensures that you won't let your clients walk all over you. It's company policy, after all!

When you're creating your business policies, you may come across recommendations on other websites, forums or groups that sound great. I want to caution you, before you put them into practice, please do two things for me. 1) Ask yourself if it's brand right for your business; and 2) Check your local laws to make sure you can legally have that policy.

Policy creation can be very exhausting and a little overwhelming. So often, we strive to be flexible with our clients and even more-so as small business owners. They feel they can push a little more, and we feel inclined to give in a little more. Policies are here for your protection, and for you to bend as you see fit. Don't fold on a policy unless the benefits to your business outweigh the possible negative repercussions.

I'm not going to tell you what your policies should be, I'm just going to list things you should have policies about.

Copyright
Model Releases
Session Cancellations and Reschedules
Appointment Cancellations and Reschedules
Refunds
Unsatisfied Clients - session/images
Unsatisfied Clients - finished orders
Digital Images
Sneak Peeks on Facebook and Blog
Session Scheduling and Collection of fees
Order placement and collection of money
Late charges, returned check charges, non-payment
Online Gallery (if applicable)
Retouching
Yearbook submissions (if applicable)
Discounts and Promotions
Portrait Programs
Shipping and Mailing
Proofing
Session Fees
Travel Fees
Large Group Fees
Holiday Fees/Weekend Fees
Turnaround time for ordering appointments
Turnaround time for finished orders
Reprints/Reorders
Missing Product
Changes to placed order
Non-orders
Exclusivity
Photography/Camera Phones
Custom Pieces design, proofing and approval
Portrait Care
Payment Options
Payment Plans
Social Media Tagging and Cropping
Pricing Guarantee
Location expenses/parking, etc
Reshoot Circumstances
Storage of ordered and unorderd images
Minimum purchase
Session Preparation
Illness/Emergency
Pricing Availability (in person only, online, etc)
Watermarking
Delivery of Finished Prints
Print Releases (if applicable)
Commercial work
Friends/Family
Sponsorships
Donations
Referrals

This should get you off to a good start. Can you think of any more you'd need to add? Let me know in the comments below!

Designing an Effective Email

Email marketing: is it in or is it out?

The verdict is still out on this one. As with radio or television, email is a medium we've become numb to. We delete messages in our inbox with barely a glance. Only the most important, legitimate or interesting things are saved and read. 

The same is true of your clients and prospects. And yet, you've sent out those emails, haven't you? You know the ones I'm talking about - the ones with boring, obvious titles; the ones with way too much information that it gets boring; the ones that just stink like spam and look like a cookie cutter of the same email you sent last week on that awful blah template that looks nothing like your cool site. "D'oh!"

If we know all these things, why do we keep doing it? And worse, why do we keep getting bummed when no one opens our emails?

Don't worry, it's easy to fix. 

The rules for creating an effective (read: will get opened) email are simple.

1. Create an Interesting, Relevant Subject. 

          Ask yourself "Would I open this email?" If you wouldn't, why would your clients?

2. Be Branded. 

          Have your business name in the "From" section, have a custom designed and branded base for your message layout (want an awesome host that will help you do this as a part of their services? Try MyEmma or ConstantContact.) 

3. Keep It Simple. 

          Stay on track with the topic of the email. Even if it's a newsletter, don't talk about more than 3 major things in the main body of the email. If you want to share more, host the rest online somewhere and include the "read more" link. Be positive, and don't give too much information - give just enough.

4. Stick to the Rule of 3. 

          No more than 3 paragraphs/sections. Your business name 3 times in the email. 

5. Clear Call to Action.

         Make sure the reader knows what to do next, and when to do it by. Don't hint - be obvious and ask for it.

6. Contact Information

         Make sure it is REALLY clear how to find you online, email you back and to call you if they want to. 

7. Use Real Clients

         In every email, include images (1-4) and make sure that at least one image has a quote FROM THAT CLIENT next to it. 

Keep in mind, using that rule of 3, that you'll want to send any promotion emails at intervals. I recommend sending the first email, and then 4 days later send a variation with the same message, and 3 days later (2 days before the event) send the message again. Consumers usually need to hear/see things in advertising at least 3 times before they will take action on it. 

Using these tips and a strong email base, you're bound to have success with your email marketing. Of course, I'm always available for pre-send tests and critiques. Just contact me for more information. 

Organizing You, part 2

Welcome to part 2 of organizing you, and your business. The last post, I talked about studio management and workspace; This time I will talk about laying out a workflow and managing your client base.
Missed part 1? see it now!

Workflow
This question comes up time and time and TIME again. How do you keep your workflow organized? The secret is a wall mounted whiteboard. You can make one yourself, or purchase one online from places like Photography Concentrate or Design Aglow. You can also use your Studio Management software, plus your desktop to keep you organized.

A basic workflow chart could include these steps (will vary):
Consultation Scheduled (opt)
Choose Location (opt)
Session Scheduled
Collect Session Fee
Send Confirmation and Receipt to Client
Send Reminder to Client
Contracts and Releases signed
Photographed
Ordering Appointment Scheduled
Send Confirmation to Client
Upload Images
Cull Session
White Balance and Basic Editing
Import into Presentation Software
Organize Presentation
Build Composites for Showing
Send Reminder of appointment to client
Post teaser on FB (opt)
Ordering Appointment
Final retouching and cropping
Send order to lab
In production
Blog Session
Awaiting packaging
Packaged and Ready for Delivery
Contact clients
Delivered

If you're using a CRM or Studio Management solution, you can usually automate many of these steps based on what they call "triggers" so that you don't need to remember to do all of them individually.

As you can see, a lot of this crosses over into Client Base Management. I do a mix of online and offline for my clients. Every client is entered into the Customer Relationship Management software (CRM). Active clients also get file folders.

I use regular size manila folders. On the tab, I have their client number and name. They are filed alphabetically by last name, so that is listed first. Inside the file, I have a data sheet with basic information about the client: Name, address, phone numbers, email, how they heard about us, what kind of session, and any notes. If you're using a CRM program you can print this from the program itself. Also in the folder goes copies of all communication, all invoices, anything with signatures (except cc receipts), and copies of the order submission to the lab and retouching notes. Do not keep their cc number in their file for security (and legal) reasons.

When you close out the file, I recommend keeping everything that has notes and signatures. I like to staple them together and mark it on the front with last name and year. Many states require you keep this information for a designated period of time - do some research on the laws in your area.

In my CRM, I make notes of anything we talk about, and I send emails to the clients through their "file". This allows me to track exactly what was said and sent, and when. Get as many personal contact options as you can from your clients. Many CRMs will also have "status" options that you can change, much like the workflow board.

Also make sure to note how they heard about you, whether they are a referral (who referred them), if they are a return client. Try to also keep note of any plans/programs they belong to with your business and their running total of spending with you for the year.At the end of the year, I send out appreciations to that years clients and this information helps me know what to send.

That's the basics of getting things set up so you're off to an organized start :) Want to know something specific? Leave me a comment and let me know!

Senior Reps, pt 2

Wow, this has been a much anticipated post ... and long-awaited.
Missed part 1? See it here!


How do I do things? My program is benefit rich. As I've said before, I give a lot to my senior reps... but they give even more back to me.


Basics: They get free sessions. They get cool tools to use both online and offline and something for mom to show, too. They earn credit and bonuses. They don't have to order until spring of their senior year, but are offered an early order bonus. They have a group on Facebook, have very few requirements and I keep the lines of communication as open as possible. They do pay to take part in the program (but it is used as credit towards their order if they actively participate). 


Reps usually come from recommendations from former reps or clients. When building a new rep program, I get referrals from school counselors, youth pastors, current clients, the blog and Facebook. I like to use Facebook ads to promote during the recruiting time. 


Reps go through an interview process. I call each rep and ask them specific questions designed to tell me if they're a good fit for the program. If they are, I set up an in person, group style orientation. If not, I refer them to a website that has further questions. 


Once they're invited to the orientation, I send them a welcome packet with a quick overview of the program plus a handwritten note with confirmation of their time and date. Parents are encouraged to attend this, as orientation is when they actually enroll and forms/money will need to be signed and exchange hands. 


At orientation, I do a presentation of slides and talk about the program in depth. It is very interactive and fun, with snacks and samples and lots of great information for them. I also take plenty of time to answer any questions. 


If they choose to enroll (and over 90% do), they schedule their session and let me know which brand training they can attend, pay their rep fee, and get their Guidebook.


As a Senior Rep they get some awesome freebies, like a Rep In/Out Studio Session, Stylized On Location Session, Sibling Session, Family Session, Update Session (spring of sr year), Prom Session, Spirit Session, and Grad DVD. 


I know, it seems like a LOT of free sessions. Only one is required (the Rep In/Out) and the rest are optional. Not every rep takes advantage of every session, and only about half do more than 1. These aren't all at once, and they are spread out over the course of the time they are a Rep. There are black out times when their free sessions aren't able to be scheduled (busy season).

The more you can keep new images filtered in for the rep, the more excitement builds, and the more they have to show off and share (and eventually, the more they order from).

They get a lot of tools to get their images in front of other people. They get a portfolio book from their main session and mini portfolio books from any of the optional ones they do alone. They get 70 printed referral cards (to start, more available at any time) with an image of their choice. They get a digital kit that includes a digital referral card, a video short (Animoto style) and a video montage of recent seniors images. They get a photo from their session posted on FB monthly where they are tagged, and they are tagged to all promo images or notes online as well. They also take part in a Rep Sale.

I keep reps in the loop by using a Secret Facebook Group, monthly newsletters, and updates. Every week I send them an email of how many people have mentioned them as their referrer, and every two weeks I send an update of their credit. Credit is only earned once the referral is photographed. 

Rep images are featured on the FB page, the website, the blog, mailers, email advertising and as samples.

They can earn credit in over 20 ways. I try to make up new ways to earn credit every month, so there is a lot of variety and something that appeals to everyone. Credit is in the form of print credit or free products, and ways range from referrals to assisting at shoots. I offer bonus levels at increments for referrals. 

They are required to pay the Rep fee (I sponsor 1-2 per year for hardship cases), turn in an email list of kids from their senior class they think would be most interested in our work, to participate in the rep sale, abide by copyright laws, tag photos and share photos and posts, and allow images to be used unconditionally. They are required to also attend brand training. There are no minimum requirements for the number of referrals. 

------------------------------

This is an overview of how I do things. If you need any clarification on any of this, comment below. 

If this sounds like a good fit for you, contact me about a Custom Rep Program just for your business. 

Organizing You, part 1

I get a lot of questions about keeping your business and workspace organized, laying out a workflow, and managing your client base. I will do this in two parts. This one will cover business and workspace.

The first thing to set up is Studio Management. Find a good Studio Management software, pair this with an accounting solution, and if necessary, a Customer Relationship Management program. Let me go in to some detail about what these are, what I recommend, and why you need them.

Studio Management -
This software will allow you to organize your client images, show them for ordering presentations, create professional invoices/receipts, schedule sessions and appointments. Many can run reports to help you assess your marketing efforts, and can even help with workflow. It takes some time and patience to set this up, but it means bye-bye paper notes and can really finish the feel of your brand to your clients.

What I recommend:
If you're on PC, I would choose StudioPlus Software (not Mac compatible without parallels).
On a Mac, StudioCloud would be my choice. Many photographers use Successware and Proselect.
If you're unsure of what solution is best for you, I would try the trial of each and go from there.

Accounting -
Even if you have a CPA (please get one if you don't!) you should have some sort of accounting software. At the very least, it should have the ability to manually enter expenses and income, print reports for taxes and sales, and sync to your bank accounts. There is nothing worse for an audit or filing taxes than shoebox accounting. I cannot stress this enough - you don't want to mess up your taxes, and accounting software will keep that in check.

What I recommend: 
Quickbooks 
If that's out of the budget, WaveAccounting is a good, free online option. It's only downfall is that it doesn't track goals.
If you want goals, Mint is great.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) -
This software will allow you to keep track of your clients and prospects in detail. Many suites will allow you to take notes, assign client numbers, send emails and automated communication and link all communication to that client file. It can save you a lot of time and keep you in check to make sure you never miss anything - and keep your clients feeling like they're your number 1.

What I recommend:
This is why I love StudioPlus so much - it has a CRM built in! Talk about perfect.
If you're not going with SP, then I would say check out ACT! or SugarCRM for good options.

***

Your Workspace will be strongly customized to how you work, and your brand.

At the very minimum, keep your branding binders close at hand, a desk calendar, a phone, a computer, workflow board and client files. Everything should be within easy reach.

My desk area has everything listed above, plus my label maker, a standing filer, general office supplies (pens, stapler, etc). I also keep a cropping guide nearby, as well as all of my current materials and prices/products. I have a couple of bins under my desk for current and ongoing larger projects so that I can keep things neat. I have my to do list on a clipboard next to my mouse, and my inquiry log sheet next to the phone.

On my computer, I keep my desktop organized with a custom background that works as a sort of workflow board. You can find something similar at Design Aglow, or on Facebook in the New Pros Photography Group. There is a desktop shortcut to all of my scripts, pre-drafter emails, and anything I use on a daily basis (this means that anyone using my desk can also easily send these things just in case).

see part 2

Branding Basics

There are a lot of things to think about when you're branding your business. To keep yourself organized, I recommend starting with a branding board. From there, you can place things into the branding binders and put things into action. 

Branding is ultimately the way that your business effects the senses of the public. It is your message, your personality, the vision, your experience, your feel, your smell, your "sound", the way the business "tastes" to your prospects and clients. It is the words, the emotions, the colors, the flow, the information, the layout, the vendors you work with, the clients you represent, and the life of your business.  

It is you, in business form - like your heartbeat, your dreams into a living being. It is what creates their memory and recall of your business, the connection and attachment that builds loyalty. It is how you're recognized. Your branding is your "special sauce".

Your images, your editing, the way you answer the phone, how your office looks, how you run your sales appointments, how you email clients, your packing and delivery, your mailers and promotions, the events you host, your URL, your writing style on your blog, your workflow,your prints and products, how many clients you take on, any special programs you run, even your pricing and package structure ... it is all a part of your branding. Your branding builds the expectation of the experience with you. 

Branding has to be authentic and realistic - so don't overpromise and under deliver. Hold yourself to the standard of your brand - every decision you make for your business will effect it.

Use magazines, pinterest, everything you can and cut out or print out things you love. Put them on the board under different headings. 

To start branding, choose:

• Name
• Colors
• Graphics
• Words
• Images
• Design (simple or detailed)
• Smells
• Experience
• Business Model (high volume, low volume, boutique, etc)
• Photographic Style and Editing Style
• Fonts
• Specific Target Market (age, spending style, where they shop, what they love, who they are)
• Marketing avenues (twitter, fb, g+, blog, website offline - how often, and what)
• Vendors that represent your brand well 

Things you need to brand:

•  Logo
• Tag Line
• YouTube Url and Design
• Twitter Url and design
• G+ profile and page
• Website Url and design
•  Blog Url and design
•  Facebook Page, welcome page, and tabs
•  Promotional Pieces
• Props, Backgrounds, Places your photograph and Sets
•  Inquiry Script
•  Booking Script
• Pricing and Packages and presentation of prices
• Events and Special Promotions
• Office Space and Desktop
•  Presentation and Ordering Process
•  Product Line
•  Email Marketing 
•  General Advertising Piece
•  Business Cards
•  Rep or Referral Programs
•  Checks and Credit Cards
•  Policies
•  Customer Retention Program
•  Email Communications 
•  Workflow process created
• Packaging and enclosures/gifts

If you're ready to move to Branding Binders, click here. 

More info on a Word Bank is here.

What about Branding Yourself?