Deadlines are a part of business, particularly in the business of design. Clients often approach me in the 11th hour, expecting a miracle. The truth is, while accomplished designers can create extraordinary artwork in a shorten amount of time, it's more advantageous for business owners to afford the designer ample time to go through her/his creative process. Sure, I can pull some rabbits out of my hat and work some minor miracles, but you'll get some much more out of your investment if you allow ample time.

You might just use your logo on your own computer in Microsoft Publisher, or you hired a designer to create your logo that will be deployed across your web site, apparel, brochures, banners, advertisements and more. In either case, I promise you that taking a moment to internalize this article before you really settle on a logo will save you loads of time, money aggravation in the long run.

Knowing a little about logos ahead of time will save a lot down the road.

1. Their guarantee. Only work with designers that stand 100% behind their work.

This is an easy way to identify if the designer is an expert and a reputable

artist - ask how he/she stands behind the work and service.

2. Their current portfolio - Does their portfolio have the quality of work that

you want and expect?

3. Past testimonials - What have past clients said about them?

4. Their willingness to educate you and your staff - Will the designer take

A few days ago, I mentioned that an easyJet flight to Venice had provided me with an insight to Stelios (Haji-Ioannou), the founder of the ground-breaking low-cost airline, which has revolutionised European air travel.

He was listing his top five things he 'wished I had known when I started'.

Previously I mentioned that he wished he'd been 'clear on his strengths and delegated the rest'. If you missed it you can find this on the 18th of November entry of my blog, through the link at the bottom of the article.

I shop therefore I am? As Ireland's largest shopping centre opened in Dundrum
and consumer spending rocketed across the country, 2005 was a year in which our
love affair with brands showed little signs of abating.

"You had me at hello," those famous words from the movie Jerry McGuire let Tom Cruise know that Rene Zellweger's character was hooked from that point and the rest of his talking was unnecessary. When in networking situations, many small business owners leave people with a slightly different feeling. If questioned for the truth, what would likely be said is, "you bored me at hello!" That is definitely not a great way to grow your business into a powerful name brand. Networking works, but not if you leave your prospects bored.

Todays competitive marketplace for consulting services is no longer responsive to the marketing strategies that worked in the past. The services you provide should speak volumes about your consulting business. Think about what happens when you hear phrases such as the ultimate driving machine, dont leave home without it, and just do it. Chances are good that you can immediately associate them with BMW, American Express, and Nike. These companies have mastered brand brilliance. Brand your consulting brilliance because the future of your business depends on it.

When building a business as a brand it's important to avoid
a myopic view and consider another important aspect of the
business game as well-- investing. After any amount of toil
and hard work to create a valuable product, service or
company the big game is when you go public-- when
money-minded people want more, they want a piece of your
brand pie.

Sometimes the best inspiration comes from hearing about the deconstruction of other company's names. For you, I am happy to share how I came up with"Slice A Day :: your slice on marketing"...

The strongest and longest lasting brands branch off of an
existing category. Branching takes patience and time.
There are two speeds for launching a brand, each one with
its own pros and cons.

Speed A, like a hot air balloon, takes a long time to
prepare before the actual launch. PR, media marketing,
favors A. Longevity success favors A. A tree grows
stronger with a well-established roots. And this can only
occur with good soil, careful fertilizing, watering, and
time.