Is it Time to Re-Fresh Your Brand From Frump To Fab?

It's a word which is mis-used and over-used each day. The word is Branding. Branding is best defined as a consistent reliable experience derived from a product which the consumer believes is the best of its kind.

For example, the golden arches and McDonald's french fries. conjures up a unique experience each time. Would you agree the taste of the french fries is the same anywhere and any day? Probably yes.

As consumers we love consistency, not boredom. Is your brand consistent and sexy?

As the CEO of the company -- you are your brand. The minute a person meets you, regardless of how dynamic you are, you are being challenged on 1) Authenticity of Information 2) Perception.

How you present your information-- everything from colors to paperstock, and, how google-able you are, especially in a world of digital and social media is key. Also, the perception of your brand in the marketplace now more than ever will seal your success or failure in attracting opportunities.

Smart and strategic branding is essential for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and part-time CEO's. Is it possible that your brand might need a fresh coat of paint... some re-freshing? Here are some tips to Re-fresh your brand from frump to fab on a shoestring budget:

1) Give your brand a makeover. Just as you paint your office each year, your business might need the same. Re-fresh your logo, update the content on your website, launch a new service or product, every six months. Collect data from the visitors to your site and give them a reason to come back. Don't allow lack of creativity and dollars to cripple you.

2) Be Savvy with Social Media. It's free and the Internet is a force, are you participating? Start a free blog (go to http://www.blogspot.com); answer questions on LINKEDIN.com; be a key influencer on Twitter and Facebook, offer exciting business tips; start writing a monthly newsletter to your clients; and, create a commercial showcasing your brand, it's easy as 1-2-3.
Check out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGcc3sm6VG8

3) Become An Expert and Promote Yourself.
Remember, you are an authority in your field, begin to visualize and execute your plan as if you were a rock star. Pluck a story from the headlines and write from your perspective as a business owner. How has the recession impacted your business, have you lost government contracts; laid of employees; and, hired more freelances? Write for your favorite business journal, newspaper, magazine and get a byline. Impressions are key and you will become a go-to source for the media.

4) Create a 30 second elevator pitch. Make a promise to go out twice a week with your new pitch and secure new business. Networking is key to grow your brand.

5) Build a Media Empire. Write a 50-page E-Book on your industry, business success/pitfall; become a radio host (Blogtalkradio.com). Remember, it’s all about exposure. Once it becomes a bestseller, make it a soft cover book and get an agent.

6) Tap Into Your Network to Increase Your Net worth. Most people don’t tap into their contacts; your contacts can lead you to opportunities, meetings, and business leads, which can increase your bottom-line.

7) Be Wacky to stand out. Make your own rules. Send Christmas/Holiday cards in June; Valentine Cards in December. Set your own tone and be noticed.

8) Polish your image (outward and inward).
Are you sending out the message that you want? If so, what is that perception? Ask your friends and family members what impression they have of you.

9) Empower Your Life.
Give back. A great deal of business is done while volunteering, which can provide you a legitimate aura of leadership, dedication and commitment. Expand your base of key contacts. Become a board member and create a positive perception of who you are.

Karen Taylor Bass, www.karentaylorbass.com, The PR Expert is known for helping clients clear the clutter, while working towards the finish line.

Your Message: From A Whisper To A Scream - Getting Your Product Out There On A Shoestring Budget

Happy 4th of July family. Here is an article that I am quoted throughout. Good information to help you become A Brand New You.

Your Message: From a Whisper to a Scream

Check out these low-cost marketing ideas for your new business.

By Gwen Moran | Entrepreneur's StartUps - June 2009

URL: http://www.entrepreneur.com/magazine/entrepreneursstartupsmagazine/2009/june/202090.html

You’ve got a great idea and a plan to turn it into a business. Now all you need are customers--and to get them, you need to spread the word about what you’re doing. One problem: Your marketing budget makes your grade school allowance look like a princely sum.

Not to worry. There are plenty of ways to promote your business without spending a lot. The key to effective penny-pinching promotion, say marketers Travis Miller, 32, and Jimmy Vee, 33, founders of Orlando, Florida-based Gravitational Marketing, is to apply creativity to established techniques and emerging opportunities to reach a specific audience. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Get Profiled
In 2007, when Seth Mendelsohn founded Simply Boulder Foods LLC, a Boulder, Colorado, company that makes gourmet sauces, he started posting profile pages on MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites. Mendelsohn, 31, estimates he has “a few hundred followers, and they all want to hear about our company,” which has projected 2009 sales of more than $100,000.

Some of these sites allow users to start special interest groups or fan pages, which Miller says you can use to talk about your products and build bigger audiences.

Make Yourself a Star
Perhaps you’ve never thought of yourself as the next Larry King, but today’s media vehicles make it possible for you to host your own show--for nothing. PR expert Karen Taylor Bass, 42, author of You Want Caviar, But You Have Money for Chitlins, hosts her own show on the free network BlogTalk Radio, a social radio network where hosts can create free, live, call-in talk shows using an ordinary phone. The shows are archived and available for download as podcasts. You can also post podcasts to your website or shoot your own videos and place them on YouTube or in your blog. “Don’t forget public access television, where you may be able to create your own show and reach local audiences for free,” Bass says. Business owners should check with their local cable companies for terms and restrictions.

Pluck from the headlines
Publicity 101 tells you to build a media list and send relevant news releases to the contacts on it. That works, but Stacey Dolezal Susini, 35, a former TV news reporter and the founder of Zontis Public Relations in Dallas, says you can get even more mileage by watching what’s in the news. First, understanding the beats--or specific topics and regions--each reporter covers can help you better target your list. In addition, by piggybacking on existing headlines, you can put yourself in the spotlight. “Is there a charitable organization in trouble? If so, host a food, coat or clothing drive for them at your place of business,” she suggests. Then call your local media and tell them what you’re doing.

No time to compile a media list on your own? Try services like Contacts on Tap, (which costs as little as $395 for a year-long subscription (and offers a 15-day free trial), or use a service like Bulldog Reporter (bulldogreporter.com), which lets you build a list, then pay $2 per name.

Go for the Demo
By demonstrating your product or service, you get to show prospects firsthand why they should buy from you, Mendelsohn says. While he now has a hectic grocery-store-demo schedule, he got his start at local farmers markets that only charged him a percentage of the day’s sales.

“Look for local events where you can connect with a lot of people, then let them know where they can buy your product in the future,” he says. Get more mileage by filming your demo or presentation and posting it online.

Find businesses in your backyard
Got local businesses that would be good customers? Susini suggests offering employee incentives to various businesses. Call their headquarters and ask how you can offer discounts or other special offers to their employees. If it’s a good fit, the HR department will promote your business to staffers without you having to do more than ring up sales. Similarly, she says, you can cross-promote your business with other businesses, offering discounts to their customers--and vice versa.

Be a Winner
Jenny Hwa, 31, founder and creative director of Loyale, a New York City sustainable clothing company that saw first-quarter sales growth of 70 percent, scours magazines and trade media on the lookout for awards competitions. In 2008, she was honored in awards co-sponsored by Glamour and O magazines, as well as one from iconic fashion designer Eileen Fisher. Another award she won was judged by editors from Glamour, Lucky and InStyle magazines, as well as popular website DailyCandy.com. “It was a big year for us,” she says, “and we got a ton of great publicity and met some important contacts because of the awards we won.”

Give it Away
Free stuff is always a hit. Miller suggests offering free reports or special offers on your website in exchange for the prospect’s e-mail address. Retail businesses might consider a small gift with purchase or other loyalty program for customers who make repeat purchases.

Speak Up
From local chamber of commerce meetings to national trade events, booking yourself as an expert speaker can be a great way to get attention--and new business. While it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, Bass says, many events and meetings are hungry for good speakers who can share valuable information, rather than an overt sales pitch. Best of all, she says, you can recycle your speech by turning it into a podcast for your website, a blog post, an article for a trade publication or even a series of Twitter posts. While you’re at the event, be sure to collect contact information from the people there and follow up. Says Bass, more than 70 percent of prospective leads are never pursued.

Get Sourced
When reporters need sources, they may turn to a handful of services. Help a Reporter Out, also known as HARO, started as a Facebook group and is now a service with more than 50,000 subscribers, connecting reporters and sources. Sign up for free at helpareporter.com. Similar services charge fees such as PR Leads--which helped Hwa get interviewed by national magazines--and Publicity Hound.

Don’t do it
There are some things that aren’t worth the money, no matter what your budget. Here are a few:

Going after Oprah: Yes, The Oprah Winfrey Show is the gold standard of publicity; but it’s a long shot. If you spend all your time and money going after this, you could miss valuable, revenue-generating publicity in smaller vehicles that are easier to crack, says Jimmy Vee of marketing agency Gravitational Marketing.

Printing costly press kits: PR expert Karen Taylor Bass cringes when she sees glossy printed media materials. She says, “It’s far more effective to use e-mail.”

Hiring a big agency: If you need to hire help, find a good service provider who works with startups and understands budget constraints, Vee says.

Michael Jackson, We Will Always Love You

Michael Jackson, you will always be loved, admired, mis-understood and remembered. All your PYT's (Pretty Young Things) will never forget you.

I came home from the office last Thursday when I received a text saying Michael Jackson was in a comma. I was numb, heart racing and a whole lotta emotions. Most of all, I could not believe it... did not want to believe it. Still don't want to believe it. Turned on CNN, saw the updates and knew it was true. Michael Jackson dead at 50.

Michael Jackson was a one man, cultural icon who changed the landscape of pop culture. Do you know how powerful that is? Michael raised and CHANGED the GAME.

Think about it... One person with a dream can CHANGE the world. He had the vision, determination and gift.

To all the racist media out there -- STEP BACK & BE RESPECTFUL to Mr. Jackson's family, children and fans. Who are we to judge a man? That's not our job. Jeffrey Toobin, CNN's Legal Analyst, I am appalled at your comments and venomous reaction to the death of Michael Jackson. For shame.

I loved Michael simply because:
1) He was fine
2) Wasn't Afraid to smile
3) Had quiet power
4) He was a one man stimulus package (he brought the music industry back in the '80's and kept it going for 4 decades)
5)He loved people and gave millions of dollars to so many causes
6)He understood the power of the media and used it well for many decades
7) He loved his momma, sisters and brothers
8) Married Lisa Presley and had Elvis rolling in the grave
9)He gave us "Ben," "Off the Wall," "The Wiz," "Thriller," "She's Outta My Life," Wanna Be Startin' Something," 'Remember The Time," and countless hits
10) Michael & The Jacksons Christmas album will always be my favorite
11) What can I say ... Motown 25th and the Moonwalk

Mr. Jackson, I hope your soul is at peace. Your fans will always love you and stand up for you.

God Bless The Jackson family and provide them strength and love.

LeBron's Magic Shot, Do You B.E.? Xerox Says... Yes We Can!

President Obama Taps Judge Sonia Sontomayor For The High Court The Face of A New America

It's a new day for all Americans. There is something to say about folks from humble beginnings, excellent work ethics and HUGE dreams. We salute our hermana, Judge Sonia Sontomayor!

A Great Time To Be A Woman. Xerox Appoints Ursula Burns

We are seeing the Obama Factor, Michelle that is ... Black Woman are SO in. It's no secret to US-- we have always been smart, talented, beautiful, diverse, multi-lingual, sexy and B-A-D! Congratulations to Ursula Burns, the FIRST Black Woman to take the helm of a Fortune 500 company.

Lebron James ... Pure Magic

This is my favorite time of the year to watch basketball ... the well marketed and 'corporate ties NBA Playoffs. I love sports... especially basketball... it's refreshing and sexy to watch well compensated athletes W-O-R-K it O-U-T. Of course, you might catch some magic here and there. This past Friday, did not disappoint with 1.0 seconds on the clock and Sir James with a basketball. Cleveland listen up - play 48 minutes against Orlando, each player needs to step up and you must win on Tuesday!

Do You B.E.?

I love Black Enterprise - let me say that from the jump. Wasn't really certain about going to Detroit for the Entrepreneur Conference -- given the state of the Motor City. Well, I came out stronger, better and more thankful. Met Pam Perry of Ministry Marketing Solutions for the first time since our first encounter 2 years ago via the web; we did a FREE PR Bailout Boot Camp together in the Big D; almost 60 people deep on a rainy Saturday with Congressman John Conyers, Jr.

I would say my best memories from this year's conference was:
1) Town Hall meeting discussing President Obama's Economic Agenda: A Boom or Bust for Black Business? moderated by the distinguished Professor Charles Ogletree, Jr., Harvard University, with a spirited panelists including Tara Wall (Washington Post) and Warren Ballentine (syndicated radio host). 2) Entrepreneur Awards Luncheon with special guest Spike Lee. It was refreshing to hear Spike complete sentences and not be so vague. 3)Chris Bryant, founder of Rapport Strategies giving a dynamic presentation on "Preparing the Work Force."
Next year's conference will be in Atlanta and the networking and knowledge is well worth the money and energy. We must invest in each other.

John Conyers Is He Smoking ? What Do You Mean A Performance Tax For Radio? Many Radio Stations and Black Artists Will Be Impacted
Call Your Local Radio Station and Legislature To Learn More

Conyers Makes Statement Regarding The Performance Rights Act (H.R. 848).

Conyers Makes Statement Regarding The Performance Rights Act (H.R. 848).

Rep. John Conyers, Jr. , (D) MI-14 made the following statement, on May 13th, 2009, at a Judiciary Committee hearing before offering an amendment to the Performance Rights act insuring that the needs of small, minority, religious, and non-music broadcasters are taken into account as he and other Members of Congress continue to work on the legislation. The statement indicates his intentions to improve the legislation.

As everyone in this room knows, the Performance Rights Act is one of my top priorities this Congress.

On one hand, I believe that the time is finally ripe for establishing some form of equity for recording artists – allowing them to be paid fair compensation for their creativity.

On the other hand, I am concerned about the economic impact this bill may have on broadcasters, particularly smaller broadcasters.

I know times are tough, and it is not the intention or goal of this legislation to drive broadcasters into bankruptcy or to bring about a widespread consolidation of the industry.

That is why I have been, and remain, committed to finding a middle ground on this issue. I believe a number of steps we can initiate today will help us achieve this result:

First, I – along with a number of my colleagues – will be offering a managers amendment that addresses several of the concerns that have been raised at our hearings and subsequent meetings.

The Managers Amendment provides a number of accommodations, including delaying the bill’s effective date, reducing the royalty payments due, and insuring that the needs of small, minority, religious, and non-music broadcasters are taken into account.

Second, today’s markup is not the end of the legislative process, and I remain ready and willing to work with all interested parties in developing any necessary further accommodation, as long as they are willing to work with us in good faith.

Third, I am requesting – along with Ranking Member Smith and Reps. Jackson Lee, Gonzales, and Lungren – a GAO study to analyze the economic factors for radio broadcasters and performing artists and copyright owners related to this Act.

This does not mean that we do not have enough information to move the bill forward at this time, but that as we move forward we can and should supplement the information available to the rate-making authority.

Fourth, I plan to remain diligent in ensuring the vibrancy and competition available in the broadcast and other relevant markets. The last thing any of us wants to do is preside over a broadcast market that becomes more concentrated, and less diverse.

I therefore plan to work with Subcommittee Chairman Johnson, Ranking Member Smith and Subcommittee Ranking Member Coble in planning hearings on this subject in the very near future.

I understand this is an important an emotional issue for many. Creative rights go to the core of our cultural and intellectual health as a society. Broadcasters are a vital cog in our local communities and our political debates.

I believe we can encourage creativity, while at the same time protecting the economic viability of local broadcasters, and I believe today’s markup represents a good first step towards protecting both.

###05-14-2009###

Caviar & Chitterling - http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Caviar--Chitterling TONIGHT @ 8PM
Exclusive with Thembisa S. Mshaka Author
Put Your Dreams First- Handle Your Entertainment Business

Call-in Number: (646) 200-4565

Upcoming Show: 5/26/2009 8:00 PM

Host Name:	Caviar & Chitterling
Show Name:	How To Put Your Dreams First & Succeed In The Entertainment Biz
Length:	30 min
Description: h:19057 s:545022	An exclusive interview with Thembisa S. Mshaka, author of Put Your Dreams First - Handle Your (entertainment) Business. Put Your Dreams First will help you... 1)Break In or Transition 2)Work Smarter 3) Separate Sex From Business 4)Be The Force Behind The Boss 5) Start Your Own Company or Label

GameFace Brand Makeover
Philadephia
Tweet me @ PREXPERT
Facebook @ PREXPERT
http://www.taylormademediapr.com
http://www.karentaylorbass.com

Available for Speaking Engagements

Don't Give Up... Its Closer Than You Think

Hi, thank you for reading my blog. As we face this turbulent and challenging financial times, I want to encourage you to never give up. Spoke with a colleague this week and he was so close to giving up and I had to remind him now is the best time to reinvent. There are no rules in a recession, whatever worked before ... is not working now. Please realize the best way to find a job is to volunteer your time and energy. Let people see you in a positive light by giving back and organically things will start to happen. I can only stress that impressions is everything. Stay involved and active. The perfect opportunity won't find you, you must create it

We are all in this together.

Listen to my BlogTalk Radio show every Tuesday at 6pm for Tips from top Career executives and coaches. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Caviar--Chitterling

It’s Time To Become A Brand New You! –
Re-Invention Tips To Weather Any Storm

April 21, 2009, New York, NY…It’s no secret that given the economy, it is imperative to market your true authentic self when seeking clients, employment opportunities and growing a business. In an unsettled economy– everyone must develop a BRAND NEW ATTITUDE to “standout” from the competition.

I have put together a PR Re-Invention Plan to help individuals get the opportunity they desire using PR as an empowerment tool. Keep in mind these tips have worked for her past clients from Citibank, Sony Music, D’Angelo, Jill Scott, Mariah Carey, NBA’s Ray Allen and Chris Webber to name a few. Taylor Bass says, “Now is the time to make the economy work for you and be fearless. Sell and position yourself/brand like nobody’s business. Be Your Own Publicist. For every job posting you have thousands of applicants. It is imperative for each person to stand-out and secure the opportunity.”

Here are some sure-fire ways to get your brand noticed, secure the perfect job, market one’s business and STANDOUT, mentioned in my condensed learn as you go soft cover (108 pages), “You Want Caviar But Have Money For Chitlins” A Smart Do-It-Yourself PR Guide For Those On A Budget.

Tips to implement as you create awareness and grow your brand, right now:

1) Think Linearly.
Act with a plan. Identify where you want to work, what salary you want to make, and how you can be an asset to the corporation

2) Be prepared. Is your portfolio screaming, “hire me, I’m desperate?” Keywords are important for coding and garnering an opportunity. Ex: PR Expert instead of Publicist in the experience column will send a stronger message to employers. Play yourself up.

3) Be Viral. The Internet is a force and you must participate. For companies/clients to find you must participate in social networking- for example: (Blogtalkradio, LINKEDIN, MySpace, Facebook, Twitter). Blog 2x a week; e-blast newsletters; Sign up today and start blogging to get your name out there. Prospective Employers are using Google© to learn more about the candidates. Also, it is imperative to have a web presence with a functional, smart, attractive website. A website will give your brand a global presence.

Make certain your incorporate your tagline into all your emails to build brand awareness.

4) Be prepared for the opportunity. Let people know who and what you have to offer. Be your own publicist and bring the hype. Create an electronic media kit listing your skills, accomplishments, and awards. Make certain your presentation is creative, “out of the box” approach and appropriate for your industry. Compose a press release lauding your best work/project.

5) Promote yourself.
Brand you. Remember, you are an authority in your field, so begin to visualize, and execute your plan as if you were a rock star.
Write an Op-Ed piece in your favorite newspaper, journal, magazine and get a byline (this means that you get credit for writing the story) Service the byline to the companies you want to work for and be on their radar. It’s all about impressions and follow-up.

6) Authenticity. You must appear sincere and approachable. Employers/clients want to know that you can deliver. If you say you are the best -- then bring it. Show letters of recommendations, praises from your former boss/project managers, and colleagues. Volunteer your time at a non-profit to keep your skills razor, network and secure job leads.

To purchase "You Want Caviar But Have Money For Chitlins"": A Smart PR Guide For Those On A Budget, visit-- http://www.karentaylorbass.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.target.com.

Words are powerful. I am a woman of power. Indeed.

This past February, I attended the 4th Annual Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit at the fabulous Ritz Carlton in Orlando. It was my first time attending, and certainly not my last.

OK... let me say the staff at Black Enterprise under the guidance of Mr. & Mrs. Earl Graves sure know how to plan, promote and execute an outstanding event. I had the BEST time.

Everything about the conference was memorable; the food was freakin' delicious; the keynote speakers, especially, Robin Roberts was the B-O-M-B. ... awe inspiring; morning workout with Dr. Amin ( too much sexy in the morning) was uplifting and tiring; the modules ranged from reinvention to retirement. Trust me ... well worth the investment.

My Top Reasons Why You Should Attend

1. You are a woman of power. Act like it.
2) Networking. Deals are made.
3)Golf, tennis, Spa anyone?
4)Power workout AM session
5)You are not alone in your phase, struggle and success
6)Hear from the best about re-invention, packaging, loving, and health & wellness
7)Learn how to crack the dexterity code, executive coaching, financial
8)Standout speakers like Carla Harris, 'The Power of You"
9)Check your emails all day with the Verizon Internet Lounge
10) Macy's fashion show sponsored by Verizon and hosted by the amazing Audrey Smalls
11) Reconnecting with good friends and simply sharing.
12)Most importantly, you will be Re-Charged and that has no price ticket.

See you next year in Palm Springs.

Chris Brown - Man Up!

All I have to say is Chris Brown needs to man up.

You need to step to the podium and issue a real statement, show remorse for your actions and have a plan of action to deal with your demons. A reconciliation and promising never to do this again is sooo classic battery/abuse/Ike Turner behavior.

Chris Brown fire your "spin" team, they are not helping your profile. You need to turn this around and fast for all concerned. As a mother of 2, with a young daughter, I am drawn to this DRAMEDY. I hear young Black girls and boys on the bus talking... "What did she do to piss him off?" "She had a good thing going with Chris and messed up.? Are you freakin' kiddin' me

This kind of behavior is not normal. Chris Brown has serious problems and the good guy image turned psycho is not sexy. Chris Brown, man up. A generation of folks will think this is normal behavior courtesy of the popular machismo image seen all over the media courtesy of too many young and paid celebrities.

Chris, please take this situation under control and do the right thing.

1) Cease speaking through your representatives. Issuing statements are not working.
2)Fire your over-paid spin doctors
3)Publicly apologize, show remorse and take action for your awful behavior
4)Other than praying and speaking to your pastor, take some real actions
5)Volunteer at a youth center for 1 year (minimum) and mentor young kids about expressing their anger through communication.
6)Volunteer at a group home for girls and listen to their pain
7)Record a song and all the proceeds should go to an organization empowering battered teens/women/men
8) Ice yourself after all this. We need you to go away for a moment.

Chris Brown, Man up!