As we read various posts, articles, and commentaries, we often see branding, marketing and selling used interchangeably. Each is distinct and plays a vital role in brand loyalty. We are writing this post in order to shed clarity on these three important words.
Branding is a name or an image of a company. This is a form of communication that occupies a place in a consumer's or target market's minds. The brand is also seen as the answer to their target customer's prayer, and the solution for their problem or mindset. This engenders customer loyalty to the brand.
Marketing is the brand's presentation to the consumer or the target market. Marketing is matchmaking. It requires concisely communicating the essence of your distinct promise of value to your ideal target market as you address their most pressing needs. If your communication is clear your ideal prospects should instantly recognize that you, not your competition, are the right match.
In this instance, the target market rules, because it represents your ideal client. In other words, marketing looks at what the consumer needs and wants, and focuses on meeting those needs in their communication. In other words, if the target market, still has the paper delivered to their homes, the smart thing to do is have ads in that publication. " Marketing done right makes sales irrelevant!" (Peter Drucker).
Selling is trying to convince those prospects that are not really a match to you that they should work with you, or buy from you anyway. The need to sell comes from the false notion that there is a scarcity of ideal clients out there. But, the truth is that the time you waste trying to win over non-ideal clients and slogging your way through difficult transactions distracts you from opportunities to meet and work with perfect matches.
Selling may give you the immediate gratification of momentary wins, but it will burn you out in the long run. Furthermore, selling will not engender brand loyalty, it may also give you a bad reputation...