No More Discount Brands and Businesses

Whether you’ve just started your business, thinking about what business you’d like to create, or you’re seasoned in the game, it is HIGHLY important that your brand remains priority in your business. “Well DUHH! I knew that!” NO, you didn’t. You see, it’s not so much that you don’t understand the importance of a quality brand, but it’s how you are establishing your brand that is where the problem begins. And our advertising and brand standards have everything to do with it.

As a woman in business, especially in Advertising, I am constantly attending events, networking, doing research, keeping up on new trends, and so forth. But one of the absolute biggest catastrophes that I experience time and time again is when I meet a brilliant, educated and passionate business owner or entrepreneur and we have a great conversation about their business, what they do and/or their upcoming event. Even if I have no interest, they have given me such a compelling story and description about their business or upcoming event that “I just HAVE to go to.” They go into detail about how their business came about or what makes their service unique, benefits of working with them and so on and they leave me saying “WOW! That’s great!” and I end up reciprocating to them how amazing they are! 

“Sooo what’s the problem? Everything sounds great so far!” 

(*SIGH*) This is where it all comes crashing down for their business and brand. So they hand me their business card or whatever printed material they have on hand but when I go to look at what’s received, it looks NOTHING like the beautiful story painted before me by that person! The graphics are not up to par, the overall design looks like a young boy/girl in middle school made it in computer class. Then on top of that, the picture of their product or material is being taken from their camera phone then they proceed to have the photo blown up to fit the scale of their design. Problem? Now the picture is blurry and not a great representation of who they are. In some cases I’ve even seen a photo or two where I could barely tell who the person or product was, because it was that blurry and ill printed. So me being the curious Creative Advertising individual that I am, I proceed to look at the websites and social media pages provided (if at all). Let’s just say that those same pages look no different from the materials given to me when they introduced me to their business.

So now that you understand the dilemma (and I KNOW you’ve thought of a few tragedies that you’ve experienced yourself), I’m now shifting gears to you and your brand or business. Yup! That’s right! YOU. So here’s what I want you to do. Pull out all of your printed materials that you’ve created for your business (business cards, flyers, stickers, you name it), including your company or personal web pages. And lastly, I want you to think of the brand or company that you most admire or aspire to be like one day.

Now ask yourself:

- Does my business match the story I want to portray?
- Does this match the vision I have been trying to create all along?
- How does my material compare to the people and businesses I look up to?
- Does it even look like we’re in the same league? Even close? Do I have a shot based on what I see?

If your answer was “NO” to ANY of these questions, we have some work to do. If it was a “YES” to ANY of these questions, congratulations! Not only that, but personally email me at Contactme@DominiqueHart.com with links to your online presence AND a photo of your materials. I’d love to take a peek and see the awesome brand that you have created for yourself (and maybe offer you a free critique or two).

The way in which people perceive your brand is important when it comes to Advertising. You have to understand that costly mistakes like this not only have potential to be embarrassing for your brand, but damages all the greatness that you’ve poured into your brand. It’s not all the time that you’re going to have the opportunity to tell your compelling story behind your business. That one time a potential customer or client comes across your website or visits your Facebook page may be the last time. So give them a reason stay. Intrigue them! Make them want what you have to offer in your business. You know that your product/service/event is exactly what they need to change their lives so don’t shortchange that when it comes to the first thing they see about your business. Believe it or not, that could be the difference between your first client or a flood of clients asking you for more. It could also mean the difference between a couple hundred dollars and 2 million dollars. So don’t give them a reason to leave or forget about you when it can make all the difference. People love quality brands and businesses. Make people want to attend your events, sign up for your courses or choose you to consult their business. You have what they may need so don’t give them a reason to say no! Let them say no because they’re not a perfect fit for what YOU’RE looking for in YOUR business, not because you didn’t put your best brand forward. There are too many FREE tools and resources out there for you not to shine!

So, I’ve come to declare to you, NO MORE DISCOUNT BRANDS AND BUSINESSES! I understand that “you’ve just started your business” or “you just don’t know how and you’re doing what you can with what you’ve got.” But this is 2014! You have no more excuses! Technology is out there and being created EVERYDAY by some awesome innovators and entrepreneurs to make your job easier. Excuses have LEFT the building a long time ago everyone! Now, let’s give our brands and businesses the attention and representation it deserves. This is Dominique Hart signing out and I look forward to better and greater in your advertising and branding. START NOW!

If you’d like to keep in touch with me, you can come on over and sign up for my Creative Advertising tips, tools and updates at www.DominiqueHart.com and of course Social Media @MsDominiqueHart. You can also look at what I’m creatively up to with all of my clients using hashtag #DominiqueCreates.

Written by: Dominique Hart

Hailing from Queens, NY, Dominique Hart is a dynamic Advertising Creative and Entrepreneur who is passionately creative, and is no stranger to a challenge. Dominique also has extensive knowledge in marketing and of course social media. She championed her B.A. degree in Advertising (Art Direction) and certificate in Entrepreneurship from Temple University in the Spring of 2012. With Dominique's ability to merge concept, content and design, it has allowed her to collaborate with a wide range of clients and sectors that range from well known advertising agencies to the major non-profit organizations. She is currently accepting projects and contracted proposals from advertising agencies, medium-sized companies and direct clients. Among the many, she is also building her new company "Dinamic Endeavors" (@DinamicEndeavor). To sign up for her Creative Advertising tips, tools and updates, visit www.DominiqueHart.com and of course stay in touch wither her on Social Media @MsDominiqueHart. You can also look at what she's creatively up to with all of her clients using hashtag #DominiqueCreates or #DinamicEndeavors.

Interested in contributing? Email us at TheRisingPro2014@gmail.com.

Where Did the Time Go?: Preparing for Graduation

Ah yes, the time has finally come. It is your last semester in your undergrad career and your emotions are filled with eagerness, anxiety, hope, and fear. Well, much like yourself, I too, face the inevitable: graduation. There’s so much to do with so little time and every day is a day closer and a step further in the right direction.

But, how prepared are you? I’ve found that in my undergrad experience thus far, there’s some simple yet key tips to feeling as prepared as possible.

Know Yourself. What do you like to do? Whether it’s helping feed starving children, or counseling young men and women in all areas of life; I encourage you to find out. The sooner you know what you like, the easier it’ll be for you to know what you dislike --- which helps with future career decisions.

     Got experience? It is never too late to get an internship. The experience is what you need to help get your foot in the door. If it’s on campus, become a campus journalist or join your campus Public Relations Student Society chapter but don’t hesitate to get involved! The experiences you get add to your portfolio; your collection of all the things you’ve done within your undergrad career.

     Network, and follow up.  As a senior in college, there’s one thing I strive my best to do and that’s networking and following up. Check in with the lady that owns the business down the street. Follow up with the guy that’s starting his own PR firm. Following up helps establish the personal relationship and not just one of “I’m looking an internship!” Friends help friends, so establish a rapport first.

     Relax and breathe.  Harder than it sounds, trust me I know, but we’ve given it all we got. These next few months will fly by so enjoy life as an undergrad student, continue to work hard and relax! Everything will be under control!

Feel free to keep it touch!

Written By: Jasmine Smith

Twitter: _JasmineKatrina

Interested in contributing? Email us at TheRisingPro2014@gmail.com.

Five Things to Focus on in 2014

Since the beginning of time, the new year has caused millions to utter the words "New year, new me." While I am guilty of exclaiming the same idea in my youth, life has taught me that a new date and year do not create an instant change or a "new me." Rather, change is gradual and is caused by time, personal experiences, and self discipline. Time produces experiences and, as the old saying goes, "experience is the best teacher." So, I encourage you to focus less on the new you that suddenly appeared when the clock struck midnight on January 1 and focus on becoming a better you over the next 365 days. Here are five ideas to get you started:

• Your Sanity: Have "me" time. I'm all too familiar with the routine of working eight hours a day, coming home and having dinner, squeezing in time to catch up with friends and devoting a few additional hours to building my business. And did I mention finding time to get at least six hours of sleep? What I failed to mention, however, was taking time for myself. It's very easy to become caught up in work, social media, and reaching personal goals but don't forget to maintain your sanity by taking a few minutes or hours each week to relax. Consider taking a bubble bath or spreading out on the couch to watch your favorite movie. Have an interest that you don't quite have time to turn into a hobby? Indulge in it during your "me" time! Whatever you choose, be sure it deviates from the norm of your daily routine and make sure it's something you'll look forward to doing each week.

• Your Health: Create fitness and nutrition goals. Everyone becomes motivated to lose weight, tone up, or eat healthier at the start of the new year but not everyone sticks to it. Although it's easier said than done, maintaining a healthy weight and diet is essential not only to your health but also to your energy, skin, and immune system. To help you stay physically motivated in 2014, consider getting a workout buddy to join you at the gym so on days when you're not feeling the treadmill, someone will be there to hold you accountable for staying focused. Another idea to consider is downloading a fitness app on your smartphone or tablet, such as Nike+ Running, to help you keep track of your progress. Finally, maintain a weekly list of goals to help you take small but significant steps towards your ultimate fitness objectives.

• Your Wallet: Budget. Ever anticipate Friday's pay day arrival then go to happy hour or dinner, do some modest shopping, pay a few bills, and catch a good movie then wake up Monday right back where you started before pay day? I have! After getting my own place, I learned just how quickly money disappears and completely understood my parents' favorite saying, "Money doesn't grow on trees." And, sadly, it really doesn't. In 2014, make a habit of writing out a monthly or bi-weekly budget to manage your savings, bills, and miscellaneous purchases. While I have friends that use online programs like Mint, I prefer to play it safe and write my budget out with a pen and paper each month. You can also ask your employer to deduct a certain percentage from each check and automatically deposit it into your savings account. Having a savings is crucial so find a way to save a fixed amount of funds regularly.

• Your Network: Build your rolodex. Whether you're looking for a job or trying to advance professionally, networking is important and beneficial. Become a member of an industry specific organization to get you started. Consider local and also national organizations to help you build your network around the country so if your dream job becomes available in another state, you'll have a contact in that area and possibly a place to lay your head when you're called for an interview. Additionally, more job seekers are being hired through their personal networks than through blind resume submissions. According to a survey of over 50,000 clients from Right Management, 41% a landed job in 2010 through networking. With slim pickings for job seekers in 2014, a strong network is valuable personally and professionally.

• Your Community: Get involved. Giving back to my community is a rejuvenating experience that reminds me to maintain humility and gratitude for everything I have. There are numerous organizations that work with children, combat poverty, raise money to find cures for fatal diseases, and build homes for families. In 2014, become an active member of your community by signing up for weekly or monthly volunteer opportunities with your favorite non-profit. If you don't want to volunteer alone, encourage family, friends, and colleagues to join you. You can also talk to your employer about establishing company-wide support for a cause or organization. Find what fits your schedule and be consistent. Non-profits love additional help.

Do you have ideas to add to this list? Leave a comment below!

Happy New Year! 

Written by: Jenna Boyer
Twitter: @_JennaDanielle_