Valerie & Company Blog

The Women’s Business Conference is a one-day event filled with networking and professional development opportunities for women at all levels in their career. The Conference, entering its 14th year, will feature nationally renowned keynote speakers, business workshops and seminars, a bookstore and networking.

REGISTER NOW!

2009 Speakers Include:
(Breakfast and Luncheon Keynotes to be announced next week!)
 
 

Erin Botsford, CFP, CRPC – President and Chief Executive Officer, The Botsford Group

Allison Cerra – VP, Marketing, Alcatel-Lucent

The Honorable Kathy Taylor – Mayor of Tulsa, Oklahoma

Valerie Sokolosky – Founder, Valerie and Company

Merrie Spaeth – President, Spaeth Communications, Inc.
                                                 President, The Institute for Strategic Communication

Agenda:

7:30 a.m.
Registration

8:00 – 9:00 a.m.   

BreakfastBreakfast Keynote  

9:15 – 10:15 a.m.
Concurrent Breakout Sessions

10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Concurrent Breakout Sessions

11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m
LunchLuncheon KeynotePresentation of the 2009 ATHENA Award 

1:15 – 2:00 p.m.
Book SigningsNetworking  

2:00 – 3:00 p.m.   
Closing Keynote

I’ve known business owners who wanted nothing more than to capture 100 percent of the market. Really? Yes, they thought 100 percent market share equaled success. 

However, there’s nothing that dilutes a brand faster than being all things to all people. It’s not possible and it’s a toxic expectation for any business – because any brand that creates customer passion is, by its own definition, not for everyone.

Recently I came upon a product from an online beverage firm, specializing in chai drinks and latte mixes. It was love at first sip! 

Shortly after we had finished our first cup, I was at my computer, looking for the company where I could order more of this amazing drink…and was shocked to see how “niche-y” the company was. Nothing but chai and latte products.

But it made perfect sense! By specializing in products that, indeed, created passion among their customers, this company could focus on what it does best…finding products for people who enjoy a daily cup of chai or latte to create an “experience.” No, the company offered nothing else, just chai and latte mixes…but their brand had tremendous impact because it established an identity “at first sip”.

In other words, they had defined their customer by simply carrying a small sliver of the beverage product spectrum. If they had attempted to be everything to everybody, this brand would have had no identity and no customer loyalty.

It’s a brand strategy worth considering. Know your product – know your target audience – and be all you can be to that specific demographic. Then, build your brand by focusing on your niche in the marketplace. If you build your brand, the – your passionate customers – will come!

If you wish to read more articles like this I invite you to sign up for my newsletter here:

http://www.valerieandcompany.com/valeries-voice.html

Valerie

Branding is not just for products anymore. YOU are a brand.

Personal branding has become a MUST, not a maybe, if you want to progress in your career or transition into another one, build your own business, add value to your company and stand out from your peers and competition. Personal branding shows your uniqueness, your value, your goals… it’s the reason people choose you above your competition.

Five Key Things You Will Have Accomplished by the End of the Session

1. Understand your unique promise of value
2. Identify your personal attributes
3. Understand the VP’s of Brand You
4. Learn ways to “stand out” and be outstanding!
5. Learn the value of Social Networking

If you are serious about your career and are ready to proactively manage it then this program is for you! Join me for an interactive 60-minute webinar.

Free Webinar: Stand Out by Building Your Brand
- How to Brand Yourself to Success!
Presented by Valerie Sokolosky
Date: Thursday, September 17, 2009
Time: 2pm ET

Click here to register.

Hope to see you on the call!

Valerie