Geek Babe Barbie is the new KEWL

Tons of buzz going around about Computer Engineer Barbie. I'm thrilled personally. I remember when it wasn't cool to be a geek. Now, it's all the rage.Which is great but I'm sure we'll get some posers but that can be easily remedied because they will be called out as us geek gals have no problem telling it like it is. Those of you that know me, I'm pretty geeky and never hid it. I love anime, code and design, twitter, video games and Mythbusters, among 100s more. I come close to looking like geek barbie minus the extra pounds... I'm tall with my long blonde hair, blue eyes, and glasses, tho I don't have a pink laptop BUT I do have a red one. Does that count?

I'm surrounded on a daily basis, via Twitter, by awesome geeky gals (@kristy, @katemorris, @katebuckjr, @vicequeenmaria, @lyndseo, the list goes on and on). It's good that the movement is catching on. We deserve our time in the sun and I'm proud to be one of them. I am looking forward to proudly displaying my geek barbie in my office... next to my anime figurines. What... I did just say I love anime right!

Are you a geek gal? If so, tell me. Follow me on twitter, @amandastewart! I'd love to connect. Geek Gals Unite! Maybe I'll even compose a list... MAYBE!

What is in a brand?

Lately, the increase in small business owners coming to us to help establish a brand has been amazing. These days, small business owners are trying to figure out who they are and how they can become more established with the local community.

When it comes to the service industry, its more work to establish a brand or name for yourself. You have to prove yourself, show that you have the background and years in the field. Still the common mistake made is by describing what you can do, INSTEAD of describing how you can help make the prospect's life better by using your services.

Branding is not all about colors or the logo/mascot. It's about your message. What makes you unique from the mass of competitors? How can you show that being a small company is a benefit not a draw back? These are questions that should be answered while establishing a branding for your business. If you can have a tag line that is 7 words or less and doesn't leave the prospect confused of what you offer then you have done a good job.

How do you present your branding? The first thing that is given is normally a full color business card. That is the first impression of your brand other than yourself. Yes, you are your brand. Present yourself as such. Make sure that your business card clearly states your tagline, your website, and of course 3 bullet points to how you can help them. That way, even after you leave, they will still know what you do.

These simple questions will help you determine the brand for your small business.