It seems like there’s always a new “hook” to get your company website to the top of popular search engines, boost followers on social media or attract new customers. How can you know what tried-and-true methods are best for your business? Our NAWBO members and leadership represent a wide range of business sizes and industries, and their tactics are just as diverse. Check out below what five NAWBO chapter presidents have to share about their branding and marketing strategies and results when asked the question:
WHAT INNOVATIVE WAYS HAVE YOU BRANDED OR MARKETED YOUR BUSINESS, WHAT HAVE BEEN THE RESULTS AND WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED THROUGH THE PROCESS?
“I have learned to use social media, particularly Facebook and LinkedIn, to ‘connect’ with my customers and potential customers. Sharing videos, photos, information and inspiration is a winning combination for marketing in the 21st century. Integrating social media platforms has given me more business and exposure not only for ForeverFresh, but has also helped to launch my public speaking career.” —Tanya Renee Allen, president and CEO of Forever Fresh and president of NAWBO-Greater Detroit
“My most innovative way for marketing my business would be having a legal blog at TexasLegalEdge.com. It has proven powerful in letting potential clients see the various topics that I am familiar with as an attorney and for them to become comfortable with doing business with me. Many of my business clients want to do their own research about whom they hire to assist them with their business, and this provides them the opportunity to learn more about me than just what an attorney website can offer.” —Trisha Barita, managing partner at Barita & Keough Law Firm, PLLC and president of NAWBO-Houston
“We have partnered with organizations like 2112inc.com, the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and NAWBO-Chicago to conduct intellectual property workshops to illustrate how trademarks, patents, copyrights and more can strengthen businesses and protect their intellectual property. We have used an aggressive and creative e-mail campaign to promote news of interest to our clients, prospective clients and friends of the firm. Of course, all of this activity is backed by a strong presence on social media. We find LinkedIn to be a great platform to coordinate ongoing promotion of Advitam IP—and our entire professional staff participates in the promotion of the firm’s marketing efforts. The workshops and seminars we present have generated several new clients or—just as importantly—strengthened existing client relationships.” —Michele Katz, partner at Advitam IP and president of NAWBO-Chicago
“We framed our start-up veterinary medical practice as an eco-friendly practice. Ohana Pet Hospital was featured in our national veterinary medical journal and has been recognized on a city, county and California state level for our efforts. This uniqueness helped us build a strong sustainable business as clients appreciate what we stand for.” —Janis Shinkawa, medical director and founding partner of Ohana Pet Hospital and president of NAWBO-Ventura County
“Acropolis Investment Management invested in articulating how our clients’ values aligned with our firm’s culture. This meant we spent time and energy deeply understanding client needs and supporting our employees in fulfilling those needs. Our branding and marketing amplifies our culture and steers our message away from the industry clichés. The confidence we gained from research and insight led to strategy, which continues to pay-off—for Acropolis and our clients.” —Dannelle Ward, founding partner and chief compliance officer of Acropolis Investment Management, LLC and president of NAWBO-St. Louis