“Rita Hayworth gave good face” is taken from Madonna’s song Vogue. What is good face? It’s the ability to project emotions through hip facial expression.

See. Rita’s got it!

So what does this have to do with you? Well, how’s your face?

I recently had a client into our studio looking to make 2010 her company’s big year. You know, that year when a small business owner starts making money. It does take some time for this to happen, but if you are good at what you do, have a brand that not only stands out but stands for something great, it will happen. I promise.

My first suggestion was that she had to get out there and be seen. She is an expert in her field, and in my opinion, the absolute best at what she does in her market. But she is working IN her business too much. To make it to that next level as a small business you have to realize that working ON your business is just as important as working IN it. Time can be an issue, and with her it is. That’s where the right people come in. It helps by hiring professionals to do the things that A) Your not good at B) You don’t want to do C) You have no time for. This cost money. But we all know you have to spend a little to get a lot.

So how can she “get out out there” and be seen? By using her face.

Up until very recently when you spoke of brands you were talking about a company or business. A lot has changed hasn’t it. Look at Martha Stewart, Christine Magee of Sleep Country Canada, that PC commercial guy. They have good face. They are a person representing a brand.  And that’s big business. More likely than not, if you’re a small business owner you not only represent your brand, you are your brand. Your actions, words, clothing, style, haircut and the computer you use all become part of your company’s brand. It’s not just your logo. It’s you.

On our site we use  a lot of images of everyone working at kitestring. Why not hide behind a website with no images? What are we afraid of? Nothing! We have four of the most talented creatives working here. Part of our brand is that we are very transparent in everything we do. As soon as you visit the site you get that. I know many companies who refuse to add images of their team to their site. This gives them that “Wizard of Oz” look. If you can’t see behind the curtain, you think the Wizard must be a whiz of a Wiz! If ever a Wiz there was. But giving good face can do so much more for you and our business.

Someone sees me on my site.

They follow me on twitter.

They see me at a networking event.

Oh, I’m on the local TV lifestyle show.

By the time they meet me in person, they know me. They feel comfortable talking with me about their business. They have a relationship with my brand and  my face (pardon my french).

Giving good face isn’t for everyone. If you’re a shy person who feels more comfortable being behind the scenes, that’s cool. There are others ways to stand out. But if you have no issues with being the Shirley Temple of the Entrepreneur Ship Lollipop, use that face of yours. It’s the face of your business.

About the Author: chris
These are the musings about a business brainchild contained within a creative confectionery of a mind. His blog entries often look at how making friends and building your brand online is a lot like making it on the playground.

Comments