by Susan Twombly, Jan. 2008
If someone asked you what you had to say about your business, the answer would probably be "plenty!"
But the next question would most likely be "How?"… How do you say what you need to say about your business in a way that really separates you from the competition?
It's a question many small businesses are asking today as they attempt to rev up their branding efforts to bring in new business.
In fact, four out of five small businesses in the United States have attempted to differentiate themselves in the marketplace by creating marketing collateral (such as fliers and brochures), placing print/online ads and/or designing a company logo. However, most say they are unsure on how to stand out. (1)
That's exactly why HP just launched the "What do you have to say?" Small Business Contest, which will award one small business in the U.S. with an opportunity to build their brand and differentiate their business.
Logoworks by HP 'Start Up Package' One grand prize winner will have a chance to work with professional designers at Logoworks by HP, a web-based graphic design services firm that HP acquired in 2007. If you win the grand prize, Logoworks by HP will work with you to refresh or create your brand image to help you capture and keep the attention of new prospects and customers.
The Start Up Package includes:
- A Gold logo package of up to eight original logo concepts and an unlimited number of revisions. (Try different fonts and colors combinations for your ideal logo!)
- Customized stationery package
- Website design: basic, three-page design
- 500 business cards
- An HP Color LaserJet CP3505dn printer. Ideal for a small business space, this compact printer can help you make a colorful impact to boost the effectiveness of your marketing materials. Additionally, its fast speeds and incredible ease of use can increase productivity.
- A comprehensive supplies package, featuring a full set of toner print cartridges and a variety of HP specialty papers to vividly bring your brand to life.
- HP Marketing Resource Software, a suite of tools that can help you produce professional-quality marketing material with your own HP Color LaserJet printer.
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Yes! One second-place finalist will receive a new HP Color LaserJet, which comes with the HP Marketing Resources software. One third-place finalist will also receive an HP Officejet ProL7680 All-in-One. Both prizes come with a robust HP supplies package to bring out the best in your new brand.
This contest is open to small businesses with 99 employees or less located in the continental United States, Alaska and Hawaii. No purchase is necessary to win!
Visit http://www.hp.com/go/brandcontest to submit your entry. You must include an online essay of up to 400 words, describing your small business, your marketing and branding challenges, and why you would benefit most from refreshing or creating a new brand image for your business. You may also submit up to three digital photos to support your essay. (See link for photo format details.)
The deadline for entries is February 28, 2008. The grand prize winner's and finalists' entries will be posted online following the close of the contest. Good luck!
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To learn more about how HP can help small and medium businesses succeed, including business solutions, classes and special offers, visit http://www.hp.com/sbso/index.html.
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(1) |
International Communications Research, "Small Business Brand Identity," November 2007. |
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"What do you have to say?"
Small Business Contest
Start talking today! Deadline for contest entries is February 28th!
Branding 101
So, what is this thing called a "brand?" You see them every day, encouraging you to buy everything from software to soft drinks. Simply put, a brand is a name, logo, slogan or design theme that makes it easy for customers and prospects to recognize and remember your products or services.
You don't have to win the contest to build your brand. These online tools and resources can help you be an enterprising entrepreneur without being a master in marketing.
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