We’re often asked why businesses should hire us, over other firms, to do their branding. It’s an important question, because the answer’s a big part of any brand. It speaks to differences, after all, and those are what your brand strategy uses to stay in clients’ and potential clients’ minds.
So, let’s get to it!
Reason 1: Our “why.”
We tell the world we do this so we can give business owners a shot at a better life. That’s very true, and here’s why.
For years, my parents ran a cleaning business in Jackson, Michigan. Most of their business was through word-of-mouth, and it was feast or famine. My sister and I were enrolled in private schools, however, and never knew just how bad it could be. They always made sure we were taken care of, many times at their own expense. It was my great dream to retire them, myself. When dad died, so did that dream.
As silly as it sounds, I regret not having the knowledge then that we have, now. I know branding would have gone a long way toward making their business successful.
In the years since, we’ve seen the same thing happen to those we’ve come to know as friends. And I take it very personally.
Reason 2: We’re a really good team.
I type that with full confidence because we hear it a lot from our clients. Of course, we think half the reason they say that is because they enjoy the show. Vanessa and I have worked together so long, we’ve naturally developed a rapport that’s hard to emulate in business. And that rapport shows as we fire quips at each other during client meetings. I mean, c’mon, our name’s not Mayniax for nothing!
What our clients don’t see, however, is how well we work together behind the scenes. There’s a lot of research, a lot of brainstorming, and a lot of trips to Starbucks to give us the change of pace that tends to help us push through that final brand strategy block.
And yes, there are a lot more quips.
Before I tell you the third reason, I want you to think about the following:
1. Apple, the number one brand in the world, according to Interbrand, didn’t get that way because they went after every target market with all kinds of products. They got that way because, when Steve Jobs came back, he eliminated a lot of extraneous lines.
2. If you read our Lego blog, you’ll see they did the same, eliminating any and all lines that didn’t focus on who they are as a brand. And that’s those little building bricks.
3. Five Guys Burgers and Fries has kept their menu extremely small. Two years ago, they were lauded as America’s Fastest Growing Restaurant Chain.
4. Chipotle only sells Tex Mex food made from whole foods, and is growing pretty quickly!
On the flip-side, Sony’s electronics division is bleeding money. Big time. Why? Because they put their name on everything! Sony can’t stand for one thing in someone’s mind when their logo’s plastered on every single kind of electronic product out there. Fun Fact: Sony actually makes money by selling insurance in Japan.
The point is, the more focused your product / service, the more likely you are to have success. It’s been proven time and time again in the history of business.
Reason 3: We’re the only team in Washtenaw County – Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Saline, Chelsea, Dexter, Milan, Manchester, and Barton Hills – and one of only two teams in Southeast Michigan, to focus entirely on branding.
So, when the time comes for you to research branding teams, and you notice the other ones offer several services, you’ll know they don’t know what they’re doing…because they can’t even brand themselves.
And with those wise words from Admiral Ackbar, take care, and as always…
Stay gutsy!