Editor’s Note

Hello and welcome to the second edition of the Profile e-newsletter.

This month we are going back to basics. When you think of your firm – Are all your employees, clients and target clients aware of who you are and what services you provide? Do they know what makes you stand out from the rest of your competition? What is your unique selling proposition? Do you have a strong brand? Does the sight of your corporate logo conjure up recognition among your target audience?

If you’ve answered “No” to any of these questions, then read on. This newsletter brings you some practical branding strategies that you might useful for your business.

If you find that you need further assistance, then purchase a copy of The Essential Marketing Toolkit for Accounting Practices which is a step-by-step guide to developing your brand and an action plan to effectively market your practice to your target audience. If you need assistance with defining your brand and determining your future vision, then sign up for the Bottom Line Success- Marketing workshop which will help you create a brand and corporate identity, as well as identify your marketing goals and develop strategies to achieve them.

Until next time…
I wish you marketing success!

Rebecca Laskary

In this issue

Strategies for Strengthening your Brand

Top 10 Business Tips

Marketing Solutions for Accounting Practices

Brent Livermore - A Story That Overcomes Adversity

It’s important for companies and associations to develop a brand and strengthen that brand by employing a few simple strategies that lead to brand recognition and brand loyalty from your clients.

The key components of developing a strong brand include:

Developing Key Messages. These may include a mission statement or future vision. Key messages are useful positioning statements which bring clarity about the role, purpose and function of your company to your clients and prospective clients.

Consistency in branding is vital for the sustainability of a brand. Innovation and change should be encouraged, but not at the expense of your brand. Care should always be taken to ensure that the corporate logo, colors, images, tag lines and key messages are used consistently.

Brand as a reflection of your mission, vision and values. A strong brand proclaims who you are and the purpose of your organisation to specific audiences as well as to the broader community. Your brand should reflect the future vision of your company and the values upon which your company is built and conducts business.

Your corporate identity manifests itself through visual identity. This is best achieved through consistency in branding and the development of material with visual representation that aptly depicts who you are and what you stand for. i.e. your visual identity should be intrinsically linked to your key marketing messages and mission statement.

Promote your brand through every means available and this includes business cards, brochures, marketing material, publications, website, events, etc.

1. You possess a superior talent that is an asset to your business. As the owner, don’t fall into the trap of trying to do everything yourself: your talent will be under-utilized while you are caught up with doing other things. Remember that you are your best employee.
2. Design your business so that it runs without you. Hire someone to handle the day to day management, so that you can focus on the bigger picture and growing the business. Then you have a saleable asset, instead of a job for life.
3. Your business is unique and provides excellent service. So do other businesses. Use outsourcing to engage experts, leaving you to concentrate on what you do best... [more...]

A set of 2 DVDs, each with a complete workshop presented by marketing and communications specialist Rebecca Laskary. Each DVD outlines a range of marketing strategies, practical tips and innovative ideas to assist accounting practices implement simple strategies that really work.

DVDs available separately (A$77) or as a set (A$143).

Learn more about these DVDs at www.marketing-for-accountants.com.au

Published by DreamWeaver Publishing.
Graphics, design and website by Weavers Design Group.

Since the success of Captaining the Australian men’s hockey team to our historic gold medal in Athens 2004 and along with my personal development as not only an athlete but as a person, a father of two, and as a businessman I have built an understanding of what it takes to succeed in life at the top.

As an elite sportsperson and property manager I have enjoyed a diverse incite in understanding and learning the skills it takes to succeed. By cross analyzing between both professions I understand the parallels of business and international sport... [more...]