About You

What is your small business dream?

• Make more money?
• Control your schedule?
• Do creative or fulfilling work that you enjoy?
• Spend more time with your family?
• All of the above?

You can be "small" and successful.

Almost half a million men and women start a business in the U.S. every year.
Of the 23 million small businesses, 75% are run by a single owner.

Most small business owners aren't remotely interested in building an empire. They mostly want a business that enables them to enjoy professional gratification, financial freedom and a balanced life.

• Most people start a business because they want control, freedom
  and a flexible lifestyle.
• Most people who "love what they do" work in businesses they started,
  not in jobs defined by someone else.
• If they had the chance to start over, most owners would start the same
  or similar business.
• 75% of U.S. households with a net worth $1 million to $25 million
  are headed by entrepreneurs.

Do what you love, and the money will come.

Most of us are familiar with some version of that saying. But do you believe it? Until recently, following your passion was not an acceptable business strategy. But this is exactly what the most successful small business people do. Independent small business owners consistently measure success in this order: (1) balance work and life (2) make money (3) do good for community/employees.

Don't let poor marketing prevent you from
having the business of your dreams.

A recent Dun & Bradstreet survey showed 40% of small businesses close between the first and fifth years, another 27% shut down between years six and ten. The overwhelming majority of owners linked their business failure to poor financial and marketing skills.

When times are uncertain, it's even more important to know how best to use your resources. When you have a marketing plan, you won't find yourself chasing marginal opportunities or waiting for lucky breaks. Having a plan gives you confidence about what to do to take your business to the next level.

Create a marketing plan based on your Personal Brand

A marketing plan can make the difference between struggling to survive and achieving your business dreams. You can build a marketing plan based on one of the most powerful marketing concepts today – Branding.

Branding is one of the best competitive strategies for a small business. Branding principles can be used effectively in any industry, by any size company – even by a one-person or home-based business.

If you are the typical small business owner – or planning to start a new business – a Personal Brand may be the best strategy for your success.

Learn more about how to create a Personal Brand strategy.

 

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Resources Available On This Site

Brand Me, Inc - Small Business Guide to Personal Branding

Brand Me, Inc. is designed specifically for small business owners to develop a Personal Brand as a competitive marketing strategy, even if you are new to marketing.

Click here for details about Brand Me, Inc.

 

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Sources of facts about U.S. Small Businesses and their owners and characteristics of successful entrepreneurs: Inc. magazine; Stanley, Thomas J., The Millionaire Next Door; Collins, Jim, Good to Great; Covey, Stephen R., The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and The 8th Habit; Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index; Center for Women's Business Research; Dun & Bradstreet; Warrillow Weekly e-newsletter; U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Advocacy, U.S. Census Bureau Statistics of U.S. Businesses