Developing a brand is a difficult challenge even for the most experienced executives. This is mainly true in hard financial times when consumers tend to forego known brands and names to buy less expensive replacements. Even big established companies have problem with branding in new markets. Oftentimes, launching their products in other countries that have different language creates different meaning or interpretation to their brand name.

It is a fact that a good brand name is important. To the outside world, the brand name represents who you are and what you do. What kind of business do you have? How does your business differ from others? What is your business focused on doing? And what makes you unique, after all? Brand names are especially important for independent professionals and small business because they face tighter competition. And a well designed and created brand name can help them appear more professional, compete on a larger market and stand out in the crowded marketplace.

When you have decided what brand to create, you have to vigilantly reinforce it every moment you are in business. Web site content and domain names should likewise reinforce your brand. Keep in mind that your brand needs to affect all things your business does and every bit of information that comes out of your office. Everywhere you use your brand with uniformity, you are communicating with the voice of your company.

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Question: Why are my affiliates asking for brandable reports? How am I supposed to manage that?

Dear Affiliate Manager,

What tools are you providing to your affiliates? If it’s just a standard button or text link, you’re only doing half your job. Not only is it less productive for you to have a group of affiliates half-interested in promoting your product, but it’s just irresponsible to have an affiliate program without helping your affiliates to make money.

You heard me. I’m sick and tired of it and I’m speaking my mind.

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Question: My affiliates keep bugging me about my articles. Why do they want my articles and should I let them have them? What do I get out of it?

Dear Affiliate Manager,

You hit on my pet peeve. Stop hoarding your articles already! Do you want your affiliates to promote your program repeatedly to their lists and on their sites or don’t you? Isn’t the goal to get your website exposure all over the internet? The more sales your affiliates make – the more money you’ll BOTH make.

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Question: Why aren’t my affiliates promoting my affiliate program? And, how do I get more to sign up?

Dear Affiliate Manager:

I can tell you in a heartbeat whether or not your affiliate program is attracting loyal, motivated affiliates. It’s easy. Just put yourself in your affiliate’s shoes. If you’re not creating loyalty in your affiliates, they’re going to look for a better program to promote, and you’ll be left in the dust.

Now that I’ve got your attention, let’s go through some key components of making your affiliate program attractive to affiliates, so they don’t start shopping around.

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