Brand It Essex
Every Move You Make

When you’re running a business you’re in the spotlight. Every move you make is under
scrutiny - by your customers, your suppliers, the people you meet at networking and
business events - and they all have an opinion.
If you want to stand out - for the right reasons - you need a strategy. In fact, if you have
employees you need more than a strategy, you need an ethos that is embedded throughout
the organisation.
It doesn’t have to be complicated - some of the most successful companies ethos is as
simple. For example:
Whatever it takes
The customer comes first
Delight the customer
What makes you stand out from the competition?
Look good
Your team don’t have to turn up in tailored bespoke suits, but wearing your brand is a
statement saying you’re proud to be part of the organisation. Your brand doesn’t have to be
a loud T-shirt, but it can be a subtle logo on a breast pocked, or integrated into a tie or scarf
pattern.
A good quality polo shirt that everyone wears can make just as good impression as a silk tie,
in the right situation.
If everyone wears matching gear - whether that’s cargo pants or a smart dress and scarf, it
makes a statement - ‘We’re professional and we pay attention to the details’. It may be a
subliminal message, but it all goes to make your team memorable.
Sound good
Every single person in your team needs to see the customer as the one who pays their
salary (because they do) and be pleased to see them or talk to them. Friendly and
approachable at all times is the rule of thumb.
Teach your team to start conversations with ‘It’s good to meet you’, ‘Great to speak with
you’, or ‘How can I help you?’ Add a smile and a friendly approach into the mix and your
customers will remember.
Everyone has the occasional bad day - but your customers don’t deserve to bear the brunt of that. Get your team to learn how to leave their personal issues behind when they interact
with customers. They’ll not only make a good impression, but will actually feel good too.
Do good
Little things make big impressions. It’s not just going the extra mile to help customers, but
being thoughtful about those extras that remind them of your first class service.
When it’s time to reward your customers or potential customers with a gift choose carefully. - What will they appreciate most?
Choosing corporate gifts can be a minefield. No matter how big or how small, you need to
choose carefully.
- Will a key ring be used? Is a mug or a mouse mat right for them? Do they need another
pen - and if they do, what will make that pen memorable?
Quality pays off and matching the gift to the company - or person - will ensure you’re
remembered for all the right reasons.