Almost every successful business uses some form of advertising.  This may include anything from newspaper advertising, business cards and stationary building to vehicle signage.  Does your business provide a consistent image across of its marketing activities? I encourage you to take a look at your company's branding.  Would a client reading your brochure recognize your newspaper ad?   Does your brand reflect the image that you want for your business?  My experience suggests that many small-medium size businesses just don't find the time to develop a consist brand.  Many others haven't updated it since they opened their doors. A few guidelines to consider when using your brand:

• Be consistent in the use of colour. Don't use blue in one ad and red in another.
• Be careful not to overuse sub brands, they can confuse the customer
• Guard your brand as carefully as the large corporations. (Do you have a guidelines for your employees when wearing company apparell?)

Next week I'll talk about using  signage as the foundation for your branding.  Between now and then take a look at the exterior signs and vehicle graphics you pass on your way to your office.  How does the signage make you feel about the businesses they represent?