4 Easy Ways To Build Your Brand

As a startup or young business, creating a personal brand is essential. Thankfully, there are a few simple ways to begin and gradually build over time. Any successful business should establish a brand, no matter where you are on your timeline. A long-standing business may want to re-brand how their audience sees them. Brands can even go beyond organizations and apply to job-seekers who are interested in sticking out!

So, you want to make your brand known, or change the way your brand is perceived--but where do you start? BBB has four ways to start branding yourself early!

1. Create a personal and up-to-date website. Your consumers are looking online to find out more about you! Your website should have a modern look and be easy to navigate. Have as much information about your business as possible, along with how to contact you. If you have a budget, check out affordable website platforms that allow you to design your page with templates and areas you can customize. If you don’t know where to start, here is a comprehensive review of popular website builders.
2. Boost your social media. Even if you have an awesome website, you may not get many organic views. You can link to your page via your social media accounts to help gain visibility. Think of which social media platforms make sense for your industry, and be active on them! Post relevant content that will engage your consumers and really show off your mission and brand to your audience. Social media is a great and easy way to put some personality into your business!
3. Host an event. Consider having a small event, launch party or open house at your business! Invite consumers and other businesses in your community to check out your space and what you do. You can set a theme, have deals, inexpensive snacks and drinks and even a prize raffle. Be aware of what is going on in your community and play off of another event that could help you gain more traffic. Talking to people face to face and allowing them to see your physical presence and employees is a great way to personally establish your brand.
   
4. Build a brand that will stay with you. It’s important to be true to yourself and not to bend over backwards and try to be something you aren’t. Businesses have to look at current trends and be willing to adapt, but you should be able to back up your image. Find what is great about you or your business and really show it off. Be proud of what you’re building and others will realize how great your product or service is too!

For more information, follow your BBB on Facebook, Twitter, and at bbb.org

This post was written by your BBB Serving Central Ohio's Content & Communications Coordinator, Jordan Abbruzzese.

8 Ways to Boost Your Recruitment Strategy

Small businesses are faced with a challenging labor market. Deciding to hire someone is more than gaining a new employee--it’s welcoming someone else into your tight-knit family. As an entrepreneur, how do you hire top talent when other small businesses are competing for the same types of workers? BBB has 8 ways you can step-up your recruitment strategy to help get the employees you need!

1. Don’t be afraid to reach out. If locals aren’t answering your calls for employment, look to neighboring communities to see if anyone is interested. The right candidate may not mind making a farther commute or moving for the position.
2. Check out who’s looking! Visit job sites and relevant newspapers to see what kind of jobs candidates are searching for in the “jobs wanted” sections. Are you looking for recent grads to fill your positions? Make sure your job postings are on social media networking sites like LinkedIn and Indeed.
   
3. Ask for referrals. Your current, successful employees may know someone who would be a great fit for your business! Investors in your business may also have a connection with a qualified candidate.
4. Look inside. Do you have an internship program? Consider taking on your intern full-time. Interns have the benefit of seeing how many departments operate and experiencing your business’ culture first hand. If they are currently benefiting your business, use their talents for the future!
   
5. Be flexible. Candidates are interested in perks, and benefits don’t always have to be in the form of a dollar sign. New hires are often satisfied with a well-rounded package of salary and benefits. Many millennials are even willing to accept a lower salary if the workplace is fun with a positive social atmosphere. Consider offering telecommuting as a reward, or having regular work social events as an incentive.
6. Try something new. Consider hiring a freelancer or a contractor on an as-needed basis. Freelancers often come with a diverse portfolio and are excited about helping a growing business. They can learn something new while contributing to your brand.
7. See if you click. When interviewing, make sure that the candidate’s personality is a plus. Skills and experience can be taught, but someone being a good fit is a must. Ask yourself if you’d enjoy getting lunch with this person. See if the potential hire shares your enthusiasm and vision.
   
8. Really talk it out. When interviewing your candidate, have a genuine conversation. Ask what they like to do outside of work. Their hobbies and interests could unveil a gem or hidden skill set that could benefit your business. See if they’re connected with other organizations or charities you’d be interested in working with. Employers should want to hire ambitious candidates who know their future goals. These types of workers will hit the ground running.

For more information, follow your BBB on Facebook, Twitter, and at bbb.org

This post was written by your BBB Serving Central Ohio's Content & Communications Coordinator, Jordan Abbruzzese.