Never before has the concept as brand positioning for small business owners, been more important or critical – especially now as small business owners turn to the cyberspace to grow their businesses.

Because people still want to do business with people they know and trust, part of your success as a small business owner will come as a direct result of your online likeability, believability, and credibility.

Forming relationship s on the internet takes the same quantity of effort, interest, and “give and take” as any traditional relationship does.  The difference of opinion is that your prospects are not interacting face to face, but as an alternative gaining confidence and trust through your online correspondence and presence.  It’s important for women business owners to become known on the internet regardless of whether they own a brick and mortar business or work from home.

The purpose of brand positioning is so you become the expert in your field of choice..  Your purpose is to prove yourself as the expert person in your field of study.

The first step in branding “You, Inc” is to create a headshot photo that can be used on your website or blog, business cards, and other correspondence.    This professional image can be uploaded for free at Gravatar.com – a service that will link your photo anytime you comment on an article, a blog, or other online media.  As people get familiar with your face, they also get familiar with you, and the walls of distrust will begin to break down.

Next, create a professional profile on LinkedIn.com. This is also a free tool that will allow you to position yourself as the expert in your field.  Be sure to fill out the complete profile including your picture.  Google loves LinkedIn, and this is one easy way you can begin to grow your online presence.

When you are brand positioning yourself, remember that your product or service becomes secondary in the importance of promoting you.  Successful online marketers will secure a personal domain name and create a web presence such as www.JaneDoeInc.com.  This will allow you to truly brand yourself as an expert in your field, and will also provide you with a personalize d email address.  Of course, all links from your personal site will direct a prospect or customer back to your central page where you can provide further content from your profession.

An additional way for small business owners to brand themselves is to use a business card with their professional image included.   Real estate agents have been using this selling strategy for years which allows prospects to connect with the agent even before there is any verbal or email communication.  Putting your picture on your marketing correspondence is a avid way to personalize your business, and show your customers that you are the person responsible for their experience with you, or your firm.

Lastly, don’t forget to connect in a personal way.  Take the time to reply to email and phone messages in a personal way.  Prospects will begin to feel appreciated by your quick response and feel connected with you.  You can even use autoresponders to respond for you;  just make sure your message is clear and authentic.

As you go forward, education is the key to success and brand positioning is a determinative first step while continuing to empower yourself with useful online strategies.

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!