I guarantee you, on that all important event, on a rainy day, you'll be glad you spent that little extra time choosing something of quality – that's fit for purpose. And you'll stand out compared to all those other people getting rained on or being unsupported by a flimsy lesser option. We live in the UK people, rain is gonna happen. It's as certain as taxes. Just don't be the one holding the handle with no structure – chose wisely and something that's right for you.

One of the simplest things for a #brand to get to grips with when trying to start something special is to tell the truth. It's the very least you owe to your audience and yourselves. With the truth we can tell our story with clarity and with pride. And if we don't like the truth we have we can ask questions, analyse, improve, challenge and create a coherent strategy that gets us to where we want to be working with it.

It might be dull for some me talking of truth and being authentic with my BRANDLURN content, but it's what I am as a person and as a service provider. I believe (and know) it's part of what sets me apart. Not everyone will like what we are nor need it/care for it, which is why we need to be authentic imho. Those that do see your skills, your true value and believe in your ethics, product and service – will. That's your audience.

When I refreshed my own brand identity for my creative and design services a couple of years ago I wanted something that had intrigue. Here's the rationale ;) If it hasn't got a relevant story it won't be distinguishable – be different for the right reasons regardless of the budget. Quality matters.

I recently supported Maurice Malone and the Birmingham Irish Association creating a digital #OOH Ad for their historic 50th St Patrick's Day Parade celebration event within the city of Birmingham.

You'll see this on the impressive Ocean Outdoor's D6 network (125 selected screens and locations in and around Birmingham's commuter arterials). I love this medium, used a few times now and it's a great way to advertise. Give me a thumbs up if you see it anywhere ;)

There's all this talk of brand...brand...brand and like most things it's knowing when and where to start. Here's a simple tip to get the ball rolling...

What are you great at?

You don't need a brand identity and brand strategy to do 1,001 things from the get-go, that all grows in time. In truth, imho – less is always more. Be individual, to communicate your organisations messaging, it's unique mission, vision & values etc. And be consistent and relevant.

Shown are the core principles set out by Rob Strasser for Nike in 1977. Impressive right! As we can now see what was planned and in the nearly 50 years thereafter worked towards as part of their story and #brand. I think we can safely say it helped.

When it’s not defined and aligned the message is hard to believe in and/or work with or towards. It's all about clarity and direction. Brand strategy can help with this, and so can I. 

#Marketers and #Brands – Which side do you really want to be on?