How Strong is Your Business Brand?

 

Every business owner wants to give their company the best chance of success. Having a thriving business is certainly the dream for every entrepreneur, so finding ways to give your business the extra edge is vital. To achieve this, you may spend huge amounts of time developing new products or investing lots of cash in advertising to promote your business. However, one area that is often overlooked is a company’s branding. 

Ensuring that your business has a strong brand is absolutely vital to its success. A strong brand can take your business far, yet its importance is often underestimated. Many of the most recognizable and successful businesses on the planet have strong brands. So, being mindful of this and ensuring that you work to develop a strong brand for your business is absolutely essential. It doesn’t matter how small your business is, having a strong brand will always be fundamental to its success. Here are some of the ways that you can create a strong brand for your business:

Communicate Brand Values

Many people associate branding with logos and signage. It’s true that these elements are a crucial part of developing a brand. However, the foundation of a brand is its values. Your brand’s values should clearly state what your business stands for and what it represents. This could be communicated through your brand story and the reason why you started your business in the first place. For example, maybe you started your business as there were no other companies offering an eco-friendly version of a certain product, so you launched your brand to fill this gap in the market. In which case, your brand’s values would center around being environmentally-friendly. You would then design your branding to reflect these values, such as producing your products using renewable energy and using recyclable packaging.

Develop a Visual Identity

Once you’ve established what your brand represents and its values, it’s time to develop its visual identity. This involves designing a logo, deciding on corporate colors, and thinking about how these can be incorporated in your products. 

When you start developing a visual identity for your brand, it’s vital you keep your brand values in mind. The visual representation of your products should perfectly match the brand image you are hoping to represent. For example, a luxury brand may feature a monochrome corporate color scheme with metallic lettering. So ensuring that your brand’s appearance matches its values is a must.

Create a Cohesive Aesthetic

Once you have established your business’s branding and understand how you want to represent your brand, it’s time to start producing your brand collateral. Using the same printing service to produce items such as business cards, product labels, and packaging is a good idea. This is because it’s essential that your branding is cohesive and used consistently. Consistent branding will help to encourage brand recognition and improve brand awareness among your target audience. This is a really helpful way to differentiate your products from your competitors  and stand out.

Is your Business Vulnerable? Find out Here

Do you worry that your business isn’t as secure as it could be? If so then now is the time to change that. If you don’t put the work in now then you may find that you end up struggling to keep your company afloat. When hackers know you have a weakness, they will stop at nothing until they exploit it, so you need to take steps to make sure that this doesn’t happen. There are many ways to do this, but ultimately, it starts with you pinpointing your vulnerabilities first.

Finances

Many factors come into play when it comes to business vulnerability. One of them is your finances. If you aren’t tracking your finances then you may find that you are only ever one big expense away from not being able to keep your company afloat. If you want to do something about this then take the time to assess your accounts and hire someone to manage them for you. Find out if your financial data is safe too. If you don't keep your financial data encrypted then it is very easy for a criminal to steal it and use it for malicious purposes. This is the last thing you want, so if you have any vulnerabilities, make sure that they don’t directly impact your finances because if they do, you may find that you end up in a very dire position.

Growing Cyber Criminals

There are millions of cyber criminals all across the UK. If you want to make sure that your business is not at risk then one thing you need to do is make sure that you look at how secure your business is right now. It may be that you invest in penetration testing or that you give some thought to how criminals work. Some of them work alone but others work as organized crime groups. If you want to protect yourself then make sure you hire an expert in cybersecurity and that you take the time to make sure that you are always taking your company's security very seriously.

Weak Links

Another thing you need to look out for is your weakest link. Your employees might be your greatest asset but at the end of the day, you do need to make sure that they are not putting your company at risk. It’s a good idea to train them in how to be responsible and how to be aware. You need to show them what steps they can take to try and protect themselves and you also need to help them to set strong passwords. Things like this can help you more than you realize, so try and make sure that you are not overlooking things like this. If you do then you may find that your business ends up being compromised and that you end up having to pay out a small fortune when in reality, all of this could have been easily avoided. If you can keep things like this in mind, you'll be able to protect your business going forward.

Viscata Announces Mediterranean Dreams, Its First Collaboration with International Artist JJ Walker

Disclosure: Susie's Reviews receives compensation or products from brands in exchange for the posts on this site Our opinions are honest and our own.

The Mediterranean Dreams Collection, Viscata's first artistic collaboration with JJ Walker

Viscata, one of Spain's most authentic and original footwear brands, is thrilled to announce a ground-breaking artistic collaboration with international artist JJ Walker to celebrate the excitement of Barcelona as host city of the 2024 America's Cup. This exciting partnership marks Viscata’s first-ever collaboration with a contemporary artist, and it promises to captivate shoe enthusiasts and art aficionados alike. Watch JJ Walker discuss the inspiration behind Mediterranean Dreams in this short video.

The Mediterranean Dreams collection comprises three exquisite designs:

The Dreamer

A whimsical pair of handmade espadrilles that transports you to sun-kissed beaches and azure waters. The Dreamer captures the essence of carefree summer days with a beautiful woman floating effortlessly under a Mediterranean sun. Her flowing hair becomes one with the gentle rhythm of the sea as a passing sailboat catches the wind. Available in two stunning styles, these comfy Barceloneta espadrille flats or the elegant Escala espadrille wedges. Slip them on and show your Mediterranean style.

The Diver:

Let The Diver take you deep below the surface in search of a Mediterranean adventure. This unique design pays homage to Barcelona’s rich maritime heritage and embodies Mediterranean adventure and self-determination. With its Mediterranean colors, feel the sun's warmth in the radiant reflections and transport yourself to your own Mediterranean Dream. These summer beauties are available in the comfortable, handmade Barceloneta flats (for easy-walking) and the glamorous Escala wedges for true summer style. Explore below the surface with these stunning shoes, inspired by "The Diver's" daring spirit.

The Port:

Inspired by the bustling port of Barcelona, The Port combines comfort and style. These shoes take a more masculine approach to color with a design based on the city's unique grid system and it features the brighter tones of Barcelona's Port Olympic (the centre point of many of the activities surrounding this year's America's Cup). The design even features the Port's GPS co-ordinates, so you'll always find your way back. And every pair is embroidered with the artist's personal monogram for extra exclusivity. These stunning men's shoes are available in these comfortable Begur men's flat espadrilles. These casual and comfy shoes will be the perfect talking point for all the barbecues that are coming this summer.

Availability

The Mediterranean Dreams collection is now available on the Viscata website. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of wearable art that celebrates Barcelona’s timeless allure.

About Viscata

Viscata is a leading espadrille and premium shoe brand that combines classic Mediterranean style with modern design. Their shoes are handcrafted by skilled artisans in Spain using only the highest quality materials. With a range of styles and colors, Viscata has something beautiful for everyone. Viscata is a slow fashion brand, driven by sustainable production. All their shoes are made to keep their impact on the planet low.

Five Ways To Ensure Your Business Is Set Up For Success

According to a recent report, over 595,000 businesses close annually, many of have only been open for a handful of years. Fortunately, however, many of the challenges that lead to closure are prevetnable, providing you’re willing to put the necessary work in.

With that in mind, here are five ways in which you can ensure that your business is set up for success.

Take advantage of your USP.  Being able to identify what sets your business apart will help you to take advantage of this. For example, you can then ensure that your USP is embedded into all of your marketing campaigns, making it easier to prove to potential customers that you are bringing something new to the table. 

Ensure your practices are above board. Landing your business in legal trouble is sure to put you on the path to premature closure. As such, you should ensure from the outset that all of your practices are above board. For example, filing for an FEIN should be a priority ahead of your launch, as, without this, you are unable to open a business bank account or trust or hire any employees. 

Don’t hire until you’re ready to do so. While you may be keen to reduce your workload by expanding your team, it's important that you do not do so until you are sure that your startup is ready for its first employee. For example, you should ensure that you have enough additional work to make hiring an employee more beneficial than outsourcing. Similarly, you should ensure that you’re in a strong financial position and that you’ll be able to offer them a fair and competitive salary, and that you are prepared to take on a leadership role.

Write a business plan. Then, rewrite it. Putting together a business plan can also help ensure that your business is set up for success. This is because it then serves as a guide that you can use to stay on track for your short and long-term goals. As a general rule, your business plan should be as detailed as possible and should be split into numerous sections. For example, it should touch upon any market research you’ve carried out and provide the reader with insight into your target audience.

However, its important to remember that your business plan is something that you should update continually, especially as your business undergoes a period of significant growth. After all, updating your business plan meansthat you’re able to factor in any changes you are experiencing, such as shift in customer expectations. 

Keep an eye on your competitors. Keeping an eye on your competitors can also help ensure your business continues to perform well moving forward. After all, when you share the same target audience, figuring out the steps they are taking to grow their customer case can be incredibly beneficial. While you should never copy the actions of another business, being aware of their movements means that you can take action to stay ahead of the game or remain as competitive as possible, no matter what industry you work within.

Join Choice Privileges Rewards: Stay 2X & Get a $50 Gift Card!

It may not the easiest way to earn $50, it’s definitely the most fun. 😎 Choice Privileges® members stay 2x by 8/5 to earn. T&Cs apply.

Summer is all about fun, adventure and getting the most out of the season. How will you savor every moment of yours? When you stay twice between June 5 and August 5, 2024, Choice Privileges will give you enough points to redeem for a $50 gift card to use on something to make your memories a little more special. It’s time to start writing your summer story. Terms apply.*

Start Earning a $50 Gift Card Start Earning a $50 Gift Card 

Complete two qualifying stays by August 5, 2024.

Redeem by October 5. 2024

Before you know it, school will be out and summer with the family will be in full swing, meaning there’s still enough time to plan one last local getaway— just for you. Stay at the Cambria Hotel Fort Lauderdale Beach and enjoy an upscale stay with elegant touchpoints, gracious amenities, and more.

Explore the brands of Choice Hotels. With more than 7,000 hotels open in more than 40 countries and territories, they offer travelers a wide range of lodging options.

• Book at Choice Hotels Official Site for Lowest Price Guarantee.

• Our Hotels Are Never Far From Where You Need. Discover The Choice Hotels Difference.

• Learn more about the special offers and discounts available at participating Choice Hotels properties.

• Earn 5X points at participating Choice Hotels® properties plus automatic Gold Elite status.

Book now at ChoiceHotels.com

What to Do if Your Pet Gets Bitten By A Snake!

As the temperatures rise, so does the activity of our slithery neighbors. Between April and October, venomous snakes are notably more active, increasing the risk of snake bites, especially for our curious pets. Always supervise your pets during outdoor activities and keep them away from tall grasses or underbrush where snakes may hide.

What Should You Do If Your Pet is Bitten by a Snake?

• Act Fast: Seek veterinary care as soon as possible. Prompt treatment may prevent the most serious effects of a snake bite and help quicker healing.
• Avoid cutting the wound, sucking on it, or tying off the affected limb.
• If it's safe, snap a picture of the snake for accurate identification, which can be crucial in treating your pet effectively. Do NOT attempt to capture the snake to bring it to the veterinarian.
• Keep your pet calm and quiet.
• Even if you believe the bite is from a non-venomous snake, you should still contact your veterinarian to see if your pet needs basic wound care and to confirm that the snake is non-venomous.

Signs Your Pet May Have Been Bitten

• Sudden yelp of pain, especially if your dog is playing in a potentially infested area.
• Rapid swelling on the legs or face
• Apparent, intense pain
• Fang/puncture marks
• Swelling and redness
• Oozing blood at puncture
• Drooling
• Rapid breathing
• Dilated pupils
• Pale gums
• Weakness
• Collapse
• Paralysis

Understanding Anti-Venom

Anti-venom plays a critical role by blocking the effects of certain snake venom. Administered in a timely manner, it can prevent further health deterioration, though it may not reverse damage already caused by the venom. However, not all snake bites require anti-venom; a veterinarian will carefully evaluate the situation to determine if it is indicated for your pet.

Remember, quick and efficient medical intervention is the best way to ensure your pet's safety in case of a snake bite. Stay safe and keep a vigilant eye on your furry friends!

In case of after-hours emergency medical care for your pet, LSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital on Skip Bertman Drive is available 24/7, 365 days a year. If you have pets or small exotics, call 225-578-9600; for horses and livestock, call 225-578-9500. For more information about the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, visit lsu.edu/vetmed.

 

About LSU Vet Med: Bettering lives through education, public service, and discovery.

Enter to #Win a $10 Amazon GC in the Berry Good #Giveaway Hop!

Welcome to the the Berry Good Giveaway Hop hosted by Mama The Fox. This event runs 6/1/24 to 6/15/24.  Enter below to win a $10 Amazon GC.  Giveaway is open to US/CA  Be sure to visit all the blogs in the hop for even more chances to win. Good Luck! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

MamatheFox and all participating blogs are not held responsible for sponsors who fail to fulfill their prize obligations.