Wednesday, November 25, 2009

ELTON BROWN & OPORATION WE CARE - PRESENTS "FEED THE NEED"

click to see larger image



AS ONE NEWSPAPER REPORTER PUT IT, IT MAY NOT BE FASHIONABLE OR POPULAR TO TALK ABOUT THE POOR BUT THE MILLIONS OF AMERICANS STUCK AT THE BOTTOM OF SOCIETY THAT DESERVE TO BE HEARD AND DESERVE TO BE CARED FOR." THE REPORTER FUTHER STATED THAT " THE QUESTION IS NOT WHETHER ADVOCACY FOR THE POOR IS POPULAR- THE ONLY QUESTION IS, IS IT RIGHT?"

REPORTEDLY, 37 MILLION AMERICANS LIVE IN POVERTY AND WITH A BATTERED AND BLOODY ECONOMY IT IS PREDICTED THAT THE NUMBER OF THE HOMELESS AND HUNGRY WILL GET HIGHER.

WITH THAT SAID, ON NOVEMBER 26, 2009 AT 11:00AM THE MOTION COMMUNITY HOUSE & ELTON BROWN IS ORGANIZING FREE MEALS FOR NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS WHO MAY BE DOWN ON THEIR LUCK OR MAY JUST WANT TO COME AND BRING THEIR FAMILIES TO SHARE IN THE SPIRIT OF FRIENDSHIP, NEIGHBORLY LOVE AND THANKSGIVING.

WITH THE SUPPORT OF MANY GOOD HEARTED AND SPIRITED CITIZENS WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SERVE OVER 500 MEALS PER THANKSGIVING FOR THE LAST 19 YEARS. THIS YEAR THE DEMAND MAY BE HIGHER, THEREFORE WE ARE CALLING ON YOU ONCE AGAIN; COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS, BUSINESSES, CHURCHES AND RESIDENTS TO COME FORTH WITH TRUE WORSHIP IN THE SPIRIT OF THE CHARITY AND LOVE.

WORSHIP SERVICE BY LIFE ALTERING MINISTERIES, PERFORMED BY FOUNDER AND SENIOR PASTOR JOHN L. SOLOMON, REVEREND ROBIN BROWN, MOTHER OF ELTON BROWN, OF THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE HAS CONSENTED TO SERVING AS THE MISTRESS OF CEREMONY.

IF YOU CARE TO SHARE IN THE SPONSORING OF THIS EVENT, PLEASE MAKE ALL CHECKS PAYABLE TO ROBIN BROWN- MILLER INC, SO THAT YOU MAY PROPERLY RECEIVE YOUR TAX EXEMPT CREDIT IF YOU CHOOSE TO TRAVEL THAT ROUTE. OR CONTACT SALIMOT AKANDE AT 980-216-0331 OR SALWELLCONNECTED@LIVE.COM ALSO CONTACT OPORATION WE CARE AT (206)350-4780 OR EMAIL US AT oporationwecare@gmail.com

This event is co-signed by ya boy "Cool V" and the good people of "Oporation We Care"
Because We Care............ Do You??????? If so then join us TODAY!
WWW.OPORATIONWECARE.NING.COM
WWW.OPORATIONWECARE.BLOGSPOT.COM
WWW.OPORATIONWECARE.COM (COMING SOON)
WWW.MYSPACE.COM/OPERATIONWECARE
WWW.TWITTER.COM/OPORATIONWECARE
EMAIL US AT OPORATIONWECARE.COM OR JUST CALL US AT 206-350-4780

Monday, November 23, 2009

Importance of your Promo Package & Resume

Another Throwdown on the Money & Music Show, big part in Thanks to our callers, our Go-Getters listening in & Major League Thanks to our Special Guest, Elton Brown OL, from the 2009 Superbowl Cardinals. Elton was able to join "Cool V" & "Money Mike" on the Money & Music Show in between his event sponsorship on Thanksgiving in Virginia. For more details, on getting involved with providing for the Homeless for this Special Event, please see details below. If you are not in the Virgina area, that does not mean you can't get involved call in a town near you. Contact "Cool V" & Oporation We Care. EMAIL: OPORATIONWECARE@gmai.com OR JUST CALL 206-350-4780.
REPORTEDLY, 37 MILLION AMERICANS LIVE IN POVERTY AND WITH A BATTERED AND BLOODY ECONOMY IT IS PREDICTED THAT THE NUMBER OF THE HOMELESS AND HUNGRY WILL GET HIGHER.WITH THAT SAID, ON NOVEMBER 26, 2009 AT 11:00AM. THE MOTION COMMUNITY HOUSE & ELTON BROWN IS ORGANIZING FREE MEALS FOR NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS WHO MAY BE DOWN ON THEIR LUCK OR MAY JUST WANT TO COME AND BRING THEIR FAMILIES TO SHARE IN THE SPIRIT OF FRIENDSHIP, NEIGHBORLY LOVE AND THANKSGIVING.
IF YOU CARE TO SHARE IN THE SPONSORING OF THIS EVENT, PLEASE MAKE ALL CHECKS PAYABLE TO ROBIN BROWN- MILLER INC, SO THAT YOU MAY PROPERLY RECEIVE YOUR TAX EXEMPT CREDIT IF YOU CHOOSE TO TRAVEL THAT ROUTE. OR CONTACT SALIMOT AKANDE AT 980-216-0331 OR http://SALWELLCONNECTED@live.com/.

If you missed last night's show, this one is for everyone out there who wants to get ahead & stay ahead, like the Professionals on this call who have reached enormous heights in their professions. This week's topic focused on the Foundation to your Successes, and the "Importance of your Promo Package & Resume" and without one available at the click of a button, you may be the next to be passed up on that next deal, offer, job, or gig. So tune into this one & hear it first from the likes of an NFL Superstar & of course ya boy boyee "Cool V" & financial partna "Money Mike".

MONEY & MUSIC SHOW - GET YOUR FINANCIAL TIPS RIGHT HERE!

Definition:
A promo package is your introduction to the world. Since you can't personally go to talk to you everyone with whom you might want to work - labels to managers, agents, promoters, the press, team, employer, and so on - a promo package and or resume does the work for you. Some promo packages are actual packages you send through the mail, and others are electronic promo packages, or electronic press kits, that you send via email. No matter how you send it, a promo package should always put your best foot forward. Some things to include in your package are:
* A short demo (or in the case of an electronic press kit, an mp3 clip of your music)
* A neatly assembled collection of any press you have received
* A one page press release detailing what you are presenting with the promo package, be it a new album, a tour, a new single or something else.
* A short bio (one page)
* A color photo (if the promo package is going to the press)

Now, you see the GREEN Button, DON'T PRESS IT!!! It's like the Bat Mobile, you don't know where it will take you.

Promo packages are most often used as a tool to promote to record labels, to the media, and to managers/agents/promoters. Any music industry person can use a promo package to promote the projects on which they are working, however, and many do.

Having an informative and professional promo package can be the thing that sets you apart from others, whether you're approaching record labels, promoting your own music , trying to get a gig, or interview, or if you're an indie record label trying to drum up some interest in your bands. The following steps will help you put together a promo package that will rival any promo campaign run by a pricey PR company.

Here's How:

1. Choose the Music - The point of your promo package is of course to get your music heard, so choosing the music to include in the package requires some thought. Whether you're trying to get the attention of a label, an agent, the press or radio stations, remember that these people receive A LOT of music every day. They can't possibly sit down and listen to every album from start to finish. Make a short demo cd with your best two or three songs, preferably songs that have strong beginnings, so they capture the listener before they can push "next."

2. Write the Bio - Your promo package should include a short -one page is ideal - artist bio a.k.a RESUME. This step is where a lot of people fumble. Don't try to be overly cute and don't make it read like it was written with your thesaurus firmly in hand. The people who do decide to work with you on the basis of your package are going to need some useful information about you and your music, but they don't need to know which song is your Mom's favorite or that you "knew you were going to be a musician the first time you picked up a guitar/heard such and such a song/etc." Go for professional over cheesy.


3. Write the Press Release - If you're sending a demo to a label or trying to get a gig, you may not have a specific event to promote that requires a press release. However, if you're trying promote a new album or a tour, your promo package should include a press release detailing the specifics of the thing you are trying to promote. The same rules that apply to band bios apply to press releases - keep it shortand include useful information instead of "clever" fluff. Remember, the point is for someone to read that press release and use it to write something about your band. Give them something to work with.


4. Create a Press Pack - If you have a stack of press clippings featuring reviews of and interviews with your band, include them in your promo package. Of course, if you have several you'll have to make some choices about what you can send. Go for clippings from the highest profile publications you can find. To make good copies of clippings:

* Cut out the article, the masthead/title of the publication, and the date/issue number.

* Arrange these items on one sheet of paper, with the title and date at the top, and photocopy the paper. Keep clippings of all of the press you get, and of course, don't send the bad reviews!

1. Include a Photo (Optional) - If you're sending your promo package to magazine, website, or newspaper, include a color photo in your package. A hard copy of the photo or a disk with a photo file will work equally well. The media is much more likely to run a photo if they don't have to chase it down, so including one in your package dramatically increases the chance they will actually run a photo. You should always send a color photo, because many publications demand color photos, and the others can always print the color photo in black and white. Be sure to include the photo credit information.


2. The Personal Touch - Adding a short, personal note to each package is a nice touch, especially if the package is going to someone you have had dealings with in the past or to someone whose attention you are especially anxious to receive. If you have any promotional material, like stickers or badges, throw a few into every package as well.


3. Reach Me At... - Last, but certainly not least, make sure your contact information is clearly printed on your demo, your bio, and your press release. You can include a phone number, but you should never ONLY include a phone number. People will be hesitant to call you; include your email address and you will be much more likely to get a response to your package.

Tips:

Stay on Point - Although it is nice to include some personal touches in your promo package, avoid taking the "everything but the kitchen sink" approach. In other words, a sticker or two is nice. Fifty stickers, t-shirts in every color and a copy of your favorite novel? That's just overkill. If your promo package has too much stuff, the person opening it will be tempted to roll their eyes and put it aside to deal with later.

Perfect Timing - You can send your demo to a record label any time, but if your promo package is to be used to generate attention for a new release or a tour, then timing matters. You can to get your package to the right people in enough time to let them act on your information, but not so soon that they forget about you by the time your big event is actually happening. The best way to figure this out, especially with the press, is to call up your targets and find out what kind of publication deadlines they have.

I'm Talking to You - Speaking of the people to whom you send your promo packages - find out who they are. You won't always be able to find just the right person at the label or the magazine to address your package to, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't try. You're more likely to get some kind of response if you don't fling your package out there and cross your fingers but instead make sure there is a specific person on the other end of the line.

Press Release Help - Need some help writing the material for your promo package?

"Cool V" will be able to point you in the right direction, while linking you to the many networks and resources Money & Music have available. Remember, Image is Everything, and being Proactive is being a Professional. No matter what Profession you are in Music, Sports, Medical Profession, Business Owner...etc..etc... Like Elton Brown said, you don't want to know you dropped the Ball, and another person in line got in front of you, because you were not Prepared & Proactive enough to get the Job, whichever industry you are in.

And for more information for Business Owners & other Professionals on how to build your Resume, here is a an excellent link of many different examples & professions, that as "Money Mike" put it, no matter where you are in your career should always have in your Files, Updated, and available at anytime because you never know when the next Opportunity may come knocking on your door. http://tinyurl.com/y8tfqzr.

Until next week, ENJOY your Thanksgiving & Remember it's a time to say Thanks & even greater opportunity to show your appreciation to this great nation by Giving to those less fortunate. Thank YOU to ALL OUR TROOPS, Retired & Serving, WE THANK YOU!!!

HUSTLERS!!! Don't Forget to scoop up & ROCK your HATERZ Shirt, Order yours Right Here: http://www.moneynmusic.ecrater.com/, before them Haterz DO!!!

Monday, November 16, 2009

"Importance of Diversification" Part 2

This week ya boy boyee Cool V & financial partna "Money" Mike picked up from last week, and went in on dropping some heavy on the importance of "diversification" with your personal & business planning. A special thanks, goes out to one of our caller's, associate's, friend, as she to has been doing her homework on positioning herself on how to get ahead with her financial future, none other than "Killa Diva". It's not often do we get it straight with just real hard information that can be applied in our everyday activities, whether we are an individual, family, business owner, entrepreneur, artist, model...etc... So as always if you missed this week's Money & Music Show, you know we got you, so listen in, catch up, and step your game up, right here:


MONEY & MUSIC SHOW - GET YOUR FINANCIAL TIPS RIGHT HERE!

So long as you have your pencils, notepads, and thinking caps on, just click the button, sit back, and enjoy!!! the show.

Our financial partna "Money" Mike dropped some heavy, and as he always stresses, when someone talks over your head, be very wary, take a step back, and begin to educate yourself and ask the questions that you need answered in your own mind. As he promised, when determining your investment or the type of investor you are, it's important to first know the Purpose what you are trying to accomplish.

1. Investment Objective:

In other words, why do you want to invest your money in mutual funds? Are you going to use them as a substitute for a traditional bank savings account? Do you want to accumulate money for retirement, your child's education, or a down payment on a house? Or are you trying to supplement the return from a risk-free investment vehicle such as a bank certificate of deposit (CD)? Be specific when answering this question. You may find that you have more than one purpose for investing. If this is the case, you must think about the amount of money that you want to allocate for each purpose. Because there are few single mutual funds that can successfully satisfy multiple investment objectives, you may be looking at the possibility of investing in several different funds.

Once you are able to determine the purpose of your money and what will be used for, it is then wise to make sure you determine, when will the money be needed.

2. Time Horizon:

How long do you intend to leave your money invested in a fund; or, over what period of time do you plan to continue investing regularly in a mutual fund? Again, it's important to clearly define your answer. You must consider your own age when establishing your investment's time horizon. Generally speaking, the younger you are, the more growth-oriented your investments should be. Because your time horizon is long, you can withstand the inevitable cyclic downturns and profit over the long term because historically the investment markets have always moved higher. As you age, you should periodically adjust the mix of mutual funds in your portfolio to favor more conservative funds that focus on the preservation of capital and also possibly provide a steady stream of income. Adjusting your investment to fit your age is a dynamic process. Regularly- scheduled reviews (quarterly, semiannually or annually) are essential to maintain the proper mix of funds in your portfolio.

When you are able to answer in your own mind #1 & #2, you can then determine how much risk you can take with your investment, and anything with more risk means there is more chances for losses, always keep that in mind.

3. Risk Tolerance:

How much risk are you willing to accept in return for a potential gain? Many investors assume that because most mutual funds are diversified, they're not subject to price fluctuations that are as great as those of individual stocks. Although this may be generally true, a specific fund's volatility could still be somewhat substantial. Some people can tolerate market drops better than others, and it's undoubtedly more distressing the older you get. If a 20- or 30 percent drop in the value of a particular mutual fund would disconcert you, then seek out a fund with less volatility. If you already own several funds, adjust the money you have allocated among them so that your overall risk is lessened. Or you can simply place your money in safer or risk-free instruments. Your goal in determining your risk tolerance is simple: to have as few sleepless nights as possible.

So you might be asking how can I figure out the type of investor I am & or what should I do with a particular investment. Find out here, if you are a Conservative, Moderate, or Aggressive Investor, FIRST! This is a simple basic, 10 question form, that will give you a good starting point for the next time you talk to an advisor, of knowing where you stand, and having the right questions for him or her. http://www.fmd.com.au/downloads/Risk%20&%20%20Profile%20Questionnaire.doc

And for all our savvy investors, who want to dig a little deeper and get more answers & understanding, here's an piece that you can also find at
mintcofinancial.com

"Basics of Diversification"
http://www.mintcofinancial.com/files/pdfs/Basics%20of%20Diversification.pdf

Till next week...

Monday, November 9, 2009

Live from the KOD Tour, "Importance of Diversification" Part 1

It was one heavy night and we first want to send a Special Thanks to Stevie Stone, Tech n9ne, Glasses Malone, Kutt Calhoun, and the entire KOD Tour posse for joining us and welcoming the Money & Music Show "Live" backstage from the bus, during their show in Rochester, NY. Their hospitality is just more proof why the KOD Tour is getting so much publicity, hype, and love from their fans and those of all walks of life.

If you missed this week's show, as always you know it's "Official" right here, listen in to why this week's topic focused on "Diversification"...
MONEY & MUSIC SHOW - GET YOUR FINANCIAL TIPS RIGHT HERE!

This week's show went "live" via ustream, with Stevie Stone, Glasses Malone, & Kutt Calhoun up close and in person so all of our listeners had the opportunity to get a true feeling of what it's like on tour for these hard workers. It's not the glitz & glame you always think of, but instead a grind you have to be born to love. If you haven't checked out one of the KOD shows, make sure you check the schedule and get your tickets immediately in your town. There is a reason why this show is picked as a MUST SEE. These guys all put on a performance with true passion for what they do, giving the fans everything and more for their admission costs.

As many of our pasts shows, expressed the views of our guests, this week keyed on being diversified and when going to a Tech N9ne show, you really get an understanding of how many different audiences are out there with the love for their own style of music. We should all know by now to never "assume" and recognize that your clients, fans, customers, are your success. Without them you have no business, as the guests on tonight's show pointed out, a "Meet & Greet" custom of Tech N9ne's shows is something that allows for all audiences and people from different walks of life come out to treasure the opportunity that not all artists/entertainers ever give or maybe even thought to give before every show.

Let this week's show be a lesson, that not everyone has to like your style, flow, look..etc...but if you are able to reach a wide array of audiences, you are sure to be able to have more opportunities for success.

"COOL V'S TOP 5 TIPS ON APPEALING TO A DIVERSE MARKET & EXPANDING YOUR CLIENT BASE"

#Step 1

Do your research in order to formulate a plan to best reach your target market. Different cultures and groups perceive and react to advertising in different ways, so make sure you know enough about your target market to create an effective marketing strategy.

#Step 2


Avoid using ads that are stereotypical, racially or otherwise. All women are not mothers and housewives, and all senior citizens aren't meek grandparents rocking away their retirement on the front porch. Or any ethnic/sex or business stereotypes. Aside from being insulting and alienating, this type of ad only helps to proliferate these misconception and biases.

#Step 3

Place advertising with the specific media that reach your target group. Be it Radio, Television or Print ads or whatever promotional tool you see fit that would best fit your audience. However leave this to the experts consult a marketing consultant or advertisement firm but remember each does a specific task! This also includes going after non American outlets such as foreign language newspapers and radio if thats the market your trying to reach.

#Step 4

Leave your promotional material with businesses that already have a high percentage of customers from the group you're trying to target. For example, if you're trying to target the Asian market, ask to leave your advertising in grocery stores that specialize in Asian foods.(Or what ever age or race group or specifically targeting) Now-a-days word of mouth is not good enough you have to BRAND BRAND BRAND your product "VISIBILITY IS "EVERYTHING!!!!!!!"

#Step 5

Sponsor an event that will have a special impact on your target market. If your goal is to appeal to the gay community, sponsor a fund-raiser for AIDS research. Want to appeal to senior citizens? Support Alzheimer's disease research. This is a great way to appeal to the market, and you'll be doing something positive for your community as well. This also comes handy doing tax time and with give your company a great look because it shows you are NOT just concerned with selling your brand but you care about the people who purchase your product!



"WAIT A MINUTE" !!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kaftMdDr_c
Stay tuned to next week's Part 2 segment, as "Money" Mike will talk more about diversification with your portfolio, and what a diversified portfolio may look like, with the understanding that each individual, family, and or business is in a different position, so we'll learn more about what it means to be Conservative, Moderate, or Aggressive, and how we should look to position ourselves based on our time horizon, investment objective, and risk tolerance.

TECH N9NE TOUR DATES FEAT STEVIE STONE, SLAUGHTERHOUSE AND GLASSES MALONE

Nov 10 2009 8:00P Webster Theater Hartford, Connecticut

Nov 11 2009 8:00P Paladium Worcester, Massachusetts

Nov 12 2009 8:00P NOR VA Norfolk, Virginia

Nov 13 2009 8:00P Gramacy Theater New York, New York

Nov 14 2009 8:00P Gramacy Theater New York, New York

Nov 16 2009 8:00P State Theater St Petersburg, Florida

Nov 17 2009 8:00P Club Firestone Orlando, Florida

Nov 18 2009 8:00P Touch Nightclub Jackson, Mississippi

Nov 20 2009 8:00P Allen Event Center Allen, Texas

Nov 21 2009 8:00P Independence Events Independence, Missouri

Monday, November 2, 2009

M&M - PRESENTS KRS1 & BUCKSHOT "SURVIVAL SKILLS"

Photobucket

TRACK LISTING:
01. Survival Skills Ft. DJ Revolution (Produced By Ill Mind) 3:53
02. Robot (Produced By Havoc Of Mobb Deep) 4:06
03. The Way I Live Ft. Mary J. Blige (Produced By Black Milk) 3:58
04. Clean Up Crew Ft. Rock Of Heltah Skeltah (Produced By Ill 3:56
Mind)
05. Oh Really Ft. Talib Kweli (Produced By Marco Polo) 3:13
06. Connection Ft. Smiff N Wessun (Produced By Moss) 5:22
07. Runnin Away Ft. Immortal Technique (Produced By Black Milk) 4:39
08. Think Of The Things Ft. K’Naan (Produced By DJ Mentplus) 4:03
09. One Shot Ft. Pharoahe Monch (Produced By Nottz) 3:46
10. Amazin Ft. Sean Price And Loudmouf Choir (Produced By 3:46
Khrysis!)
11. Hear No Evil (Produced By Khrysis!) 3:20
12. Murder 1 Ft. Bounty Killer (Produced By Coptic) 3:58
13. We Made It Ft. Slug Of Atmosphere (Produced By Ill Mind) 4:24
14. Past Present Future Ft. Melanie Fiona And Naledge (Produced 4:35
By 9th Wonder)

DOWNLOAD "HERE"

"Necessary Steps to Branding Your Company"

PhotobucketHey Readers!

We had a great show last night that featured 2 wonderful special guests Armondo Moran A.K.A "Mondo" KRS 1 Personal assistant and from "Temple of Hip Hop" & "Big Chan" the lead MC from Snoop's 1st female Group "Doggies Angels"

Big Chan, formerly of Snoop Dogg's, "Doggy's Angels" was able to give real insight on what it's like to start in the world of Hip Hop at a young age, and learn the importance of establishing that you are an Entity, you are a Brand, most importantly you are a Business. Big Chan, has risen to the top in the Music Industry while too making the same mistakes so many business owners and artists made in the beginning years. We are proud to say, Big Chan, learned from those same mistakes and has now developed a Successful Clothing Line, known as, Cyndarella Coutre. For more information on the various Celebrities that she has worked with enjoy by clicking www.myspace.com/cyndarellacoutoure

MONEY & MUSIC SHOW - GET YOUR FINANCIAL TIPS RIGHT HERE! If you missed this week's segment of the Money & Music Show, for all you artists & start-ups tune in & get your notepad's because we only drop it Heavy for you.


*HOT TIPS FOR BRANDING YOUR BUSINESS*

1. Think ahead.

If you will be developing a product line from your invention, will you need a "line name," as well as a "product name." How will the product names relate to each other? In the case of Nukkles, its cousins Nuzzles® and Snukkles®, have an auditory, oral, and functional similarity. But the seeds of this trio did not sprout until I discovered that different materials could be used in the Nukkles that would enable different massage effects... different strokes for different folks and kids and animals! From another line I created, HoundsAcrossAmerica®, came HoundBag® and HoundToy. Of course, look no further than Apple®'s "I"- "you're the apple of my eye"- products. IMac®, IPod®, IPhone®... now there was some planning for the future!

2. Know your market before you choose a name.

Will the product be sold on television, the internet, or in high- end retail? The more mass market your product, generally, the more your product name should say what it does. Names like Urine Gone! or Nicer Dicer, may not work well for Neiman Marcus, but will do super among infomercial junkies.

3. It's a new product. Give it a new name!

The name should not remind prospective customers of any product that is already on the market, especially ones similar to your product. Please don't say you've invented another ab machine; they are confusing enough as it is to identify. Ab Wheel, Ab Trainer, Ab Sculptor, Ab Roller, Ab Straps, Ab Incline, Ab Crunch,

Ab Board, Ab Slider, Ab Toner, Ab Shaper... most of these names are not trademarkable because they are descriptive words in common use. Mr. John Abdo was able to trademark his machine, the AbDoer®, because the brand comes from his own name and not the words "ab" and "do." Now wasn't that lucky!

4. Pick a short memorable name.

The majority of top brand names are two syllables; some three syllable names get in there, and four syllables will work if your name is Coca-Cola®. I was not a fan of the brand This Can't Be Yogurt® which is now called TCBY®.

One of the most important assets you can develop for your business is a powerful brand. Brands are not just logos or tag lines. Brands are the culmination of wh

o you are, how you’re different from your competition, and why a buyer should do business with you.

Whether you’re an established company or small start-up, a brand has tremendous impact. A brand instills confidence, creates loyalty, and many times can command a premium price. But most of all a great brand reduces a buyer’s perception of risk and makes the

purchase choice easy.

Developing a brand is much more than just deciding on a name or picking some colors. A brand is the sum of all you do. It’s derived from all your touch points with your customers and prospects. Developing a brand requires having a plan that consistently communicates what your company is and does, along with your distinct attributes, image, and personality.

Your brand purpose: a logical snapshot of what you provide the market.

Your brand points of difference: things that are truly distinct that your competitors can’t copy. While great customer service is important, it’s not a point of difference; many of your competitors will claim the same thing. A point of difference can include a visual symbol, story, color scheme, proprietary process or product, historic milestone, physical characteristic, or combination of several of these.
Your brand personality: a collection of human-like traits and adjectives that best describe your brand.
Your brand promise: the emotional side of your purpose. If you were a tailor, your purpose would be to make and alter clothes and your promise would be to give people confidence when their clothing fits just right.

Define and Relate to your Target Audience
This means understanding your audience’s age, sex, ethnicity, income, education level and locale. What motivates them to buy? How do they think? What are their hot buttons? Set up customer profiles, even if it’s just in a simple spreadsheet. If you've done your homework in Step 3 and created your business plan, chances are you already have your target audience defined.

Choose a Brand Name
While your name is certainly not everything, it is an important piece to building a lasting brand.
Great brand names:
Are emotional
Stick on the brain
Have personalities

Have depth to tell stories and communicate with

As soon as you pick a name for your company, secure a domain name that is consistent with your brand name. You should also research trademark availability. Should a name be literal and descriptive or obscure and emotional? There are strong arguments on both sides. Leaning toward the obscure and emotional can lead to very distinctive brands, which the literal and descriptive can speed up the process of communicating your message to your audience. Each case is unique and sometimes brand names get passed down and changing them would take an act of Congress.

Be original
Generic names like Computer Solutions, Printing, or Innovative Technologies will just make you spend more and work harder at building a brand. They don’t have legs and will likely drown in the sea of sameness. Being descriptive - as opposed to being generic - is not a bad thing for names. Given your limited budget, it can actually be a great way to go. Try to be original so your name stands out, so it means something, so you can own it, and so it will be much harder to copy. Avoid names that are hard to spell or pronounce.
Name availability tools

BizFilings provides inexpensive solutions to check for and reserve your business name.
Name Check
Name Reservation

Ask yourself, how will the market receive the name? With supporting context, will the market get it? Will it jive with your strategic positioning of the brand? Are there negative connotations or associations with the name? Is there a magic, fool-proof method for testing names? No. In fact, sometimes too much analysis just delays decisions and defeats the whole mission of naming your brand before the next decade. I recommend that you test a little, listen a little to people you respect, listen to

your gut feelings, and proceed with a choice.

While the brand name is very important, a brand cannot survive on name alone. The brand name and how the brand is executed are equally vital for a successful and sustained brand life. A great brand name can serve as the anchor to your cause, a symbol to your story, a point of difference in your marketplace, a memory trigger, or just one important part of your branding arsenal

Create a Logo (http://www.createmint.com/)
A logo is the visual image of your company that will be used in a variety of applications. When you are considering a design, think simple. Some of the best logos are one color and for a start-up, this can save you printing expenses. Test how it photo copies and works in a digital environment. Sample other venues that you may grow into like an outdoor sign, moving vehicle, or promotional items like t-shirts and golf hats.

Make a List of all your Other Touch Points
Every time you touch a customer or prospect, you should feel your brand breathing. This can include your environment, other promotional activities, and even how your phone is answered. Remember the brand is the sum of you; infuse as many contact areas as possible with your brand essence or DNA .

Create a Demand for your Brand
Your product’s performance, your customer service, follow-through, and your communication add up to a brand experience. Great experiences turn your brand into a magnet for new and repeat business. Buyers will seek you out, tell their friends, and remain loyal. Your brand can make the buyer’s choice easy. That is the power of the brand.

Now, you see the GREEN Button, DON'T PRESS IT!!! It's like the Bat Mobile, you don't know where it will take you. So fortunately this week "Cool V" went ahead and pressed it for us, helping us to focus Branding, giving some basic tips on understanding how to begin building your company.


Now that you are Branded, make sure you do as "Money" Mike pointed out on the show, get INCORPORATED, if you missed last week's segment, go back listen in & read the archive, he was able to give a chart of the various methods of incorporation. However, as he always stress seek counsel as each and everyone's goals & concerns are different, there is a no one size fits all.


Have Questions? NEED ANSWERS?? They don't claim to know everything, but one thing they are sure to know how to point you in the RIGHT DIRECTION....till next week, I think the Dynamic Duo is planning something for us...tune in.
And for you Hustlers Rock the Shirt, before them Haterz DO!!!


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