A lot has been written about establishing a brand and how important it is. Over the years, I have learned that my brand goes way beyond my logo, website and marketing materials. It has a whole lot to do with who I am, personally, and professionally, and the role I play in everyday life – those things that I always seem to be asked to do; those things I am most passionate about doing.

For my clients, I usually suggest that they get together with at least three people in the following groups:

1. Friends

2. Family

3. Neighbors

4. Acquaintances

5. Clients

Then I tell them to connect with them and ask them to be totally honest in answering the following questions about them:

1. Tell you about a fun or unique experience they’ve had with them.

2. What three things/traits do they like most about you?

3. What are your top five personality traits?

Armed with this information you will begin to see a pattern develop. Once you have established the pattern it’s important to do a self assessment. Some of the things you might consider in your assessment would be:

· List three things that make you different or memorable.

· What were you really good at when you were a kid – that you still enjoying doing today?

· When people compliment you – what is it usually for?

· What topics in your personal life do you never grow tired of discussing?

· What topics in your professional life do you never grow tired of discussing?

This information will help you to establish your personal and professional brand in a way that goes far beyond your logo, letterhead and business cards that will also be helpful in establishing a niche, and a focused marketing message to help you attract your ideal client.

These personalities, traits, and business practices will help to determine what makes you unique and why clients will want to not only do business with you, but be loyal to you for years to come.

Clients do business with us because they know like and trust us. Understanding our own personal and professional brand will assist us in developing deeper and longer lasting relationships with people who will partner with us in growing a profitable business.

Even if it doesn’t help you to establish and broaden your brand, it will certainly yield some great information about how you live, work and play.

Jeannine Clontz, IVAA CVA, MVA, EthicsChecked™, owner of Accurate Business Services is a Virtual Assistant (VA). ABS provides ‘as needed’ marketing support and consulting to busy entrepreneurs. Clontz is a writer, author, VA Coach, and speaker on business topics including business ethics. For her free 10-Step Guide to Finding the Right VA, or her FREE Report, Social Media Marketing Benefits, send a request to: service@accbizsvcs.com. For more information visit: http://www.accbizsvcs.com, www.VAbizcoach.com or her book website http://www.entrepreneurialfreedom.com