Branding Resources
Here is a list of a few branding resources that I found on the DHL small business website of all places.
http://www.dhlsmallbusiness.com/knowledge_sales.html
Articles
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Put Your Business Name to the Test — This test can help you determine how effective your name is in terms of marketing your company.
Branding Basics: Understanding the Brand Trilogy — A total approach to branding requires creating the brand, selling it and fulfilling its promise.
What Does Your Logo Say about You? — The right logo can be the anchor to your brand. Your logo should mean something to your customers; it should convey a message about your company and your offerings.
Small Business Branding: An Online Education Company — Branding education and resources for what site founder Michael Pollack calls “solopreneurs.”
Brand Aid: An Easy Reference Guide To Solving Your Toughest Branding Problems and Strengthening Your Market Position — This is brief review of the book Brand Aid, by Brad VanAuken, President and founder of BrandForward, Inc., which provides solutions for 22 common branding challenges.
Ouch!
On the link "What Does You Logo Say About You?" I found the next statement "Logos can be a powerful marketing tool. In some cases, young children recognize familiar corporate logos even before they can speak in complete sentences. Not everyone is going to be a Coca-Cola or a McDonald's, but a well-designed logo will help you stand out from the competition.
The cheapest way to create a strong logo is to adapt an existing graphic that you already own or to select one from a clip art catalog, such as the collection available at the iPrint Web site. If you want a custom logo, you could create one yourself, using a professional design tool such as Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator — a difficult task, but not impossible if you or someone in your company has a bit of computer knowledge and design skill. You could also work with an outside graphic designer to create a custom logo for your business. This is a more expensive proposition but is probably the best way to get a memorable logo that will distinguish your business. "
NO NO NO NO NO!!!!!!!!! It's unbelievable that you posted this link where it states that the work we designers do can be reduced to modifying clipart con Photshop with a BIT of cumputer skills.
I OBJECT!
Put Things in Context
It actually said "a bit of computer knowledge and DESIGN SKILL."
I'm confused... why would you OBJECT to gaining a better understanding of what small businesses are being told about the importance of a logo and marketing material? We've faced the challenge for years of companies thinking the secretary can create graphic design material because she can open Microsoft Publisher.
We'll always have those trying to save a buck by doing it themselves and it's not about to change any time soon. ANYONE with a computer can claim to be a graphic designer and we've seen the range of ability within our profession right here on this site.
Did you also happen to catch other statements of this offensive article? Here is one on logo design.
http://www.allbusiness.com/marketing/branding-logos/3966-1.html
There are four main ways to get your company's logo.
Option 1. Do it yourself. The cheapest solution, of course, is to do it yourself. But unless you have sophisticated design skills, you will probably get what you pay for. Most people can obtain access to an illustrator or graphic design program, but few people have the experience and necessary skills to use these programs and design a professional-looking logo.