This is anniversary number 13 and it is sweet and humbling. And I am forever grateful for our team, clients and advocates.

13 is a lucky number.

It represents fearlessness. And, although at times fearlessness is hard amidst all that is going on with our business, clients, family, and in the world, for our business and me it is a guidepost.

Today I’m sharing 13 branding and marketing truths that still ring true, to celebrate our 13^th year of doing what we love.

1. Branding – Start-ups and small to midsize businesses who have defined and live their brand architecture achieve their business goals.
2. Conviction – Successful businesses and business leaders articulate their brand. They know it stands for a specific and meaningful promise. These business leaders champion it internally as well.
3. Consistency – Our clients deliver on their brand at every point of contact, internally and externally. They understand if they don’t it will dilute the competency of the organization.
4. Connection – The relevancy and persuasiveness of a brand must be realized by the business’ target. Emotional connections make target audiences more predisposed to your company and its products or services.
5. Knowing you are not your customer.
6. Yet, knowing who your key client or customer targets are key.
7. Defining and monitoring the competitive landscape.
8. Creating and integrating key messages into all communications.
9. Being grateful for your relationships. Give back to those who support you. Encouraging them and providing help to them professionally or their businesses along the way.
10. Networking – This doesn’t have to be large groups, weekly or monthly meetings. But those help. Always be open to meeting new people and trying to help or connect with them.
11. Email marketing is the bomb. Don’t underestimate its power.
12. Having and trusting strong account managers, creative directors and content specialists. They make magic happen.
13. Work with people who you love, for those you love, creating and executing work you love, whilst taking care of your loves.