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INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3,3,'2007-09-13 13:16:00','2007-09-13 17:16:00','The days of the Pony Express are long gone, and Brand Iron decided to get up with the times. Now instead of the Bi-monthly newsletter sent to your mailboxes, you will be able to keep up with us through our freshly-prepared blog.','NEW Pony Express','','publish','open','open','','new-pony-express','','','2007-09-13 13:16:00','2007-09-13 17:16:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=3',0,'post','',0),(4,1,'2011-09-06 06:25:09','2011-09-06 06:25:09','','Portfolio','','publish','open','closed','','portfolio','','','2011-10-03 21:49:27','2011-10-03 21:49:27','',0,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/?page_id=4',0,'page','',0),(5,1,'2011-09-06 06:24:23','2011-09-06 06:24:23','','About','','publish','open','closed','','about','','','2011-09-06 08:14:33','2011-09-06 08:14:33','',0,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/?page_id=5',0,'page','',0),(6,1,'2011-09-06 06:24:52','2011-09-06 06:24:52','','Strategy','','publish','open','closed','','strategy','','','2011-10-03 21:49:33','2011-10-03 21:49:33','',0,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/?page_id=6',0,'page','',0),(7,1,'2011-09-06 06:24:10','2011-09-06 06:24:10','','Auto Draft','','inherit','open','open','','5-revision','','','2011-09-06 06:24:10','2011-09-06 06:24:10','',5,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/?p=7',0,'revision','',0),(8,1,'2011-09-06 06:24:10','2011-09-06 06:24:10','','Auto Draft','','inherit','open','open','','6-revision','','','2011-09-06 06:24:10','2011-09-06 06:24:10','',6,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/?p=8',0,'revision','',0),(9,1,'2011-09-06 06:24:09','2011-09-06 06:24:09','','Auto Draft','','inherit','open','open','','4-revision','','','2011-09-06 06:24:09','2011-09-06 06:24:09','',4,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/?p=9',0,'revision','',0),(10,1,'2011-09-06 06:25:28','2011-09-06 06:25:28','','Blog','','publish','open','closed','','blog','','','2011-10-03 21:49:18','2011-10-03 21:49:18','',0,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/?page_id=10',0,'page','',0),(11,1,'2011-09-06 06:25:36','2011-09-06 06:25:36','','Contact','','publish','open','open','','contact','','','2011-10-03 23:42:28','2011-10-03 23:42:28','',0,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/?page_id=11',0,'page','',0),(12,1,'2011-09-06 06:25:21','2011-09-06 06:25:21','','Auto Draft','','inherit','open','open','','10-revision','','','2011-09-06 06:25:21','2011-09-06 06:25:21','',10,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/?p=12',0,'revision','',0),(13,1,'2011-09-06 06:25:21','2011-09-06 06:25:21','','Auto Draft','','inherit','open','open','','11-revision','','','2011-09-06 06:25:21','2011-09-06 06:25:21','',11,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/?p=13',0,'revision','',0),(26,1,'2011-09-06 06:47:06','2011-09-06 06:47:06',' ','','','publish','open','open','','26','','','2012-08-17 20:15:40','2012-08-17 20:15:40','',0,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/?p=26',16,'nav_menu_item','',0),(27,1,'2011-09-06 06:47:06','2011-09-06 06:47:06',' ','','','publish','open','open','','27','','','2012-08-17 20:15:40','2012-08-17 20:15:40','',0,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/?p=27',15,'nav_menu_item','',0),(2254,1,'2012-08-17 15:44:37','2012-08-17 15:44:37','','Portfolio V3','','inherit','closed','open','','2253-revision','','','2012-08-17 15:44:37','2012-08-17 15:44:37','',2253,'http://10.1.1.200/general/2253-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(29,1,'2011-09-06 06:47:05','2011-09-06 06:47:05',' ','','','publish','open','open','','29','','','2012-08-17 20:15:40','2012-08-17 20:15:40','',0,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/?p=29',8,'nav_menu_item','',0),(30,1,'2011-09-06 06:47:05','2011-09-06 06:47:05',' ','','','publish','open','open','','30','','','2012-08-17 20:15:40','2012-08-17 20:15:40','',0,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/?p=30',1,'nav_menu_item','',0),(1329,1,'2011-11-15 16:43:33','2011-11-15 16:43:33','','Brand USA','','inherit','closed','open','','basic-rgb','','','2011-11-15 16:43:33','2011-11-15 16:43:33','',1328,'http://www.brandiron.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/USA_1720_vert_p5.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1330,1,'2011-11-15 16:37:31','2011-11-15 16:37:31','The process of developing an identity and marketing plan for a company is no easy task. It involves delving into the very heart and soul of the company and creating an image that has to speak volumes about its inner workings, missions and intentions to its potential clients. Taking this into consideration, how do you create a logo for an entire country? But not just any country, how do you create a logo and marketing strategy for the United States of America? Other countries such as Peru and Mexico have successfully developed identities giving homage to their centuries old cultures. The United States is a noted melting pot of all cultures. How would you define that?\n\nThe Corporation for Travel Promotion (CTP) was given this lovely task. Saddled with a not-so-modest marketing budget of up to $200 million* annually, CTP looked to create the first unified marketing strategy aimed to promote tourism in the United States to international vacationers. What they came up with was <a href=\"http://www.thebrandusa.com/\">Brand USA, Inc.</a> with the tagline, “The United States of Awesome Possibilities.”\n\n(photo)\n\nAccording to Brand USA’s website, the identity is meant “to capture the American spirit and create a fresh new brand identity that welcomes the world to come experience the boundless possibilities in America.” The marketing campaign includes a consumer website, DiscoverAmerica.com, meant to offer a user-friendly experience of planning and traveling the U.S. It offers general guides for major cities, a deal finder (coming soon), and U.S. travel tips. The campaign, scheduled to launch in the spring of next year, ultimately looks to generate more American jobs through the boost in international tourism.\n\n*Rest assured taxpayers, no tax dollars were spent to fund the Brand USA. As stated on the website, half of the budget will be funded by private investment and the rest comes from a $14 visitor fee from the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) when traveling to the US from countries that do not require a visa.','Marketing for America','','inherit','closed','open','','1328-revision','','','2011-11-15 16:37:31','2011-11-15 16:37:31','',1328,'http://www.brandiron.net/general/1328-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(39,1,'2011-09-06 06:24:23','2011-09-06 06:24:23','','About','','inherit','open','open','','5-revision-2','','','2011-09-06 06:24:23','2011-09-06 06:24:23','',5,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/5-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(40,1,'2011-09-06 06:25:28','2011-09-06 06:25:28','','BLOG','','inherit','open','open','','10-revision-2','','','2011-09-06 06:25:28','2011-09-06 06:25:28','',10,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/10-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(41,1,'2011-09-06 06:25:09','2011-09-06 06:25:09','','PORTFOLIO','','inherit','open','open','','4-revision-2','','','2011-09-06 06:25:09','2011-09-06 06:25:09','',4,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/4-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(42,1,'2011-09-06 08:54:47','2011-09-06 08:54:47',' <div class=\"about-left\"><p>Conceiving, shaping and transforming brands since 2002, we partner with companies looking to achieve specific goals. Over the years, we\'ve collaborated with more than 200 clients in our backyard and across our borders to ultimately forge brands and drive revenue. </p>\r\n              <p>With a mix of backgrounds and various industry specialties, our team tackles the issue from every angle. We believe this strengthens our ability to create sound strategies. We blend a team-oriented approach with inherent entrepreneurialism to build the strongest brands. Among other things, we are creative thinkers, problem solvers and can-do-ers. </p></div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\"></div>','Who We Are','','publish','open','open','','who-we-are','','','2011-10-17 23:22:12','2011-10-17 23:22:12','',0,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/?p=42',0,'post','',0),(47,1,'2011-09-06 08:48:19','2011-09-06 08:48:19','','Who We Are','','inherit','open','open','','42-revision','','','2011-09-06 08:48:19','2011-09-06 08:48:19','',42,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/42-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(48,1,'2011-09-06 08:53:14','2011-09-06 08:53:14','<div class=\"about-left\">\r\n\r\nOur philosophy is based on inspiration and innovation. We encourage companies to think beyond a marketing-only approach, and instead, challenge them to find \"own their space\" in the marketplace. We define a brand by identifying its unique position and arm our clients with strategies that make the competition irrelevant.\r\n\r\nWe believe that brand equity is an asset that holds supreme value. The brand affects a company’s ability to attract clients and prospects, grow market share and increase revenue. We help business owners think holistically. The brand must account for every aspect of the organization: sales, marketing and operations. The brand is the whole package - it must effectively reach and attract customers, communicate differentiation of services and products, and deliver on promises made about those differentiating points.\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\n\r\nWe start the process by diving deep into the competitive landscape of any client to explore the challenges and opportunities that exist. Beyond defining the brand and identifying the “marketplace position” that will allow for the company to capitalize on the greatest opportunity, we work to create focused marketing strategies, designed to enable organizations to achieve tangible results.\r\n\r\nWe use a <a href=\"http://www.brandiron.net/dev/strategy/#7-step-process\">7-step process</a> to “Forge Brands, Drive Revenue.”  Along the way we establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure we are gaining the necessary traction to accomplish goals. This innovative approach resonates well with the accountability to produce positive results. We forge brands that drive revenue!\r\n\r\n</div>','Approach','','publish','open','open','','approach','','','2012-06-27 15:12:46','2012-06-27 15:12:46','',0,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/?p=48',0,'post','',0),(49,1,'2011-09-06 08:50:22','2011-09-06 08:50:22','<div class=\"about-left\">\r\n\r\nWe believe that differentiation is the essential component to developing strong brands. We work to achieve differentiation for our clients because it’s how we have maintained consistent growth for the past decade. What truly separates us from our competitors is the holistic approach we use to align overall marketing efforts with the company’s sales and operations efforts. All three parts of business (sales, marketing and operations) must work in unison.\r\n\r\nBrand Iron integrates brand development with marketing implementation and results tracking to ensure that the tactics implemented are producing tangible, real-life results. If not, necessary modifications are made and adjusted accordingly to make sure the new efforts are producing results. Our goal is to make sure that our clients have a positive “brand experience” when they work with us.\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\n\r\nOur 7-step process and focus on accountability through the use of KPIs − combined with our entrepreneurial approach − is what makes us unique.\r\n\r\n</div>','How We\'re Different','','publish','open','open','','how-were-different','','','2012-06-27 15:27:13','2012-06-27 15:27:13','',0,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/?p=49',0,'post','',0),(50,1,'2011-09-06 08:49:26','2011-09-06 08:49:26','','Approach','','inherit','open','open','','48-revision','','','2011-09-06 08:49:26','2011-09-06 08:49:26','',48,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/48-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(51,1,'2011-09-06 08:50:14','2011-09-06 08:50:14','<div class=\"about-left\">\r\n              <p>Our philosophy is based on inspiration and innovation. We encourage companies to think beyond a marketing-only approach, and instead, challenge them to \"own their space\" in the marketplace.  We define a brand by identifying its unique position and arm our clients with strategies that make the competition irrelevant.</p>\r\n              <p>We believe that brand equity is an asset that holds supreme value. The brand affects a company\'s ability to attract clients and prospects, grow market share and increase revenue. We help business owners think holistically. The brand must account for every aspect of the organization: sales, marketing and operations. The brand is the whole package - it must effectively reach and attract customers, communicate differentiation of services and products, and deliver on promises made about those differentiating points. </p>\r\n            </div>\r\n            <div class=\"about-right\">\r\n              <p>We start the process by diving deep into the competitive landscape of any client to explore the challenges and opportunities that exist. Beyond defining the brand and identifying the \"marketplace position\" that will allow for the company to capitalize on the greatest opportunity, we work to create focused marketing strategies, designed to enable organizations to achieve tangible results.</p>\r\n              <p>We use a <strong>7-step process</strong> to \"Forge Brands, Drive Revenue.\"  Along the way we establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure we are gaining the necessary traction to accomplish goals.    This innovative approach resonates well with the accountability to produce positive results.  We forge brands that drive revenue! </p>\r\n            </div>','Approach','','inherit','open','open','','48-revision-2','','','2011-09-06 08:50:14','2011-09-06 08:50:14','',48,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/48-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(52,1,'2011-09-06 08:50:16','2011-09-06 08:50:16','<div class=\"about-left\">\r\n              <p>Our philosophy is based on inspiration and innovation. We encourage companies to think beyond a marketing-only approach, and instead, challenge them to \"own their space\" in the marketplace.  We define a brand by identifying its unique position and arm our clients with strategies that make the competition irrelevant.</p>\r\n              <p>We believe that brand equity is an asset that holds supreme value. The brand affects a company\'s ability to attract clients and prospects, grow market share and increase revenue. We help business owners think holistically. The brand must account for every aspect of the organization: sales, marketing and operations. The brand is the whole package - it must effectively reach and attract customers, communicate differentiation of services and products, and deliver on promises made about those differentiating points. </p>\r\n            </div>\r\n            <div class=\"about-right\">\r\n              <p>We start the process by diving deep into the competitive landscape of any client to explore the challenges and opportunities that exist. Beyond defining the brand and identifying the \"marketplace position\" that will allow for the company to capitalize on the greatest opportunity, we work to create focused marketing strategies, designed to enable organizations to achieve tangible results.</p>\r\n              <p>We use a <strong>7-step process</strong> to \"Forge Brands, Drive Revenue.\"  Along the way we establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure we are gaining the necessary traction to accomplish goals.    This innovative approach resonates well with the accountability to produce positive results.  We forge brands that drive revenue! </p>\r\n            </div>','Approach','','inherit','open','open','','48-revision-3','','','2011-09-06 08:50:16','2011-09-06 08:50:16','',48,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/48-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(53,1,'2011-09-06 08:51:04','2011-09-06 08:51:04',' <div class=\"about-left\">\n              <p>We believe that differentiation is the essential component to developing strong brands.  We work to achieve differentiation for our clients because it\'s how we have maintained consistent growth for the past decade.  What truly separates us from our competitors is the holistic approach we use to align overall marketing efforts with the company\'s sales and operations efforts.  All three parts of business (sales, marketing and operations) must work in unison. </p>\n              <p>Brand Iron integrates brand development with marketing implementation and results tracking to ensure that the tactics implemented are producing tangible, real-life results.  If not, necessary modifications are made and adjust according and make sure the new efforts are producing results.</p>\n            </div>\n            <div class=\"about-right\">\n              <p>Our 7-step process and focus on accountability through the use of KPIs − combined with our entrepreneurial approach − is what makes us unique. </p>\n            </div>','A true branding firm','','inherit','open','open','','49-revision','','','2011-09-06 08:51:04','2011-09-06 08:51:04','',49,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/49-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(54,1,'2011-09-06 08:48:47','2011-09-06 08:48:47',' <p>Conceiving, shaping and transforming brands since 2002, we partner with companies looking to achieve specific goals. Over the years, we\'ve collaborated with more than 200 clients in our backyard and across our borders to ultimately forge brands and drive revenue. </p>\r\n              <p>With a mix of backgrounds and various industry specialties, our team tackles the issue from every angle. We believe this strengthens our ability to create sound strategies. We blend a team-oriented approach with inherent entrepreneurialism to build the strongest brands. Among other things, we are creative thinkers, problem solvers and can-do-ers. </p>','Who We Are','','inherit','open','open','','42-revision-2','','','2011-09-06 08:48:47','2011-09-06 08:48:47','',42,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/42-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(55,1,'2011-09-06 08:37:38','2011-09-06 08:37:38','<div class=\" about-left\">\r\n\r\nA brand is more than a cool name and a snappy logo, and it’s not synonymous with “marketing.” Your brand should be an entire story. It starts with a memorable image and a clear message. This is your introduction to the marketplace - the first image customers recognize, remember and respond to. We believe that a company’s brand equity – i.e. the financial value of the company – is an asset that can hold supreme value. However, unless you have a strong business model to support the brand, the image means nothing. To truly forge a strong brand, you have to build a business from the inside out…and then ultimately be able to deliver on the brand promise.\r\n\r\n</div>','What is Branding?','','publish','open','open','','what-is-branding','','','2012-06-27 15:31:54','2012-06-27 15:31:54','',0,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/?p=55',0,'post','',0),(57,1,'2011-09-06 10:36:55','2011-09-06 10:36:55','','Auto Draft','','inherit','open','open','','55-revision','','','2011-09-06 10:36:55','2011-09-06 10:36:55','',55,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/55-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(58,1,'2011-09-06 10:37:38','2011-09-06 10:37:38','<p>We believe that differentiation is the essential component to developing strong brands.  We work to achieve differentiation for our clients because it\'s how we have maintained consistent growth for the past decade.  What truly separates us from our competitors is the holistic approach we use to align overall marketing efforts with the company\'s sales and operations efforts.  All three parts of business (sales, marketing and operations) must work in unison.</p>\r\n              <p>Brand Iron integrates brand development with marketing implementation and results tracking to ensure that the tactics implemented are producing tangible, real-life results.  If not, necessary modifications are made and adjust according and make sure the new efforts are producing results.</p>\r\n            </div>\r\n            <div class=\"about-right\">\r\n              <p>We believe that differentiation is the essential component to developing strong brands.  We work to achieve differentiation for our clients because it\'s how we have maintained consistent growth for the past decade.  What truly separates us from our competitors is the holistic approach we use to align overall marketing efforts with the company\'s sales and operations efforts.  All three parts of business (sales, marketing and operations) must work in unison.</p>','What is branding?','','inherit','open','open','','55-revision-2','','','2011-09-06 10:37:38','2011-09-06 10:37:38','',55,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/55-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(59,1,'2011-09-06 08:51:22','2011-09-06 08:51:22',' <div class=\"about-left\">\r\n              <p>We believe that differentiation is the essential component to developing strong brands.  We work to achieve differentiation for our clients because it\'s how we have maintained consistent growth for the past decade.  What truly separates us from our competitors is the holistic approach we use to align overall marketing efforts with the company\'s sales and operations efforts.  All three parts of business (sales, marketing and operations) must work in unison. </p>\r\n              <p>Brand Iron integrates brand development with marketing implementation and results tracking to ensure that the tactics implemented are producing tangible, real-life results.  If not, necessary modifications are made and adjust according and make sure the new efforts are producing results.</p>\r\n            </div>\r\n            <div class=\"about-right\">\r\n              <p>Our 7-step process and focus on accountability through the use of KPIs − combined with our entrepreneurial approach − is what makes us unique. </p>\r\n            </div>','HOW WE\'RE DIFFERENT','','inherit','open','open','','49-revision-2','','','2011-09-06 08:51:22','2011-09-06 08:51:22','',49,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/49-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(60,1,'2011-09-06 08:50:19','2011-09-06 08:50:19','<div class=\"about-left\">\r\n              <p>Our philosophy is based on inspiration and innovation. We encourage companies to think beyond a marketing-only approach, and instead, challenge them to \"own their space\" in the marketplace.  We define a brand by identifying its unique position and arm our clients with strategies that make the competition irrelevant.</p>\r\n              <p>We believe that brand equity is an asset that holds supreme value. The brand affects a company\'s ability to attract clients and prospects, grow market share and increase revenue. We help business owners think holistically. The brand must account for every aspect of the organization: sales, marketing and operations. The brand is the whole package - it must effectively reach and attract customers, communicate differentiation of services and products, and deliver on promises made about those differentiating points. </p>\r\n            </div>\r\n            <div class=\"about-right\">\r\n              <p>We start the process by diving deep into the competitive landscape of any client to explore the challenges and opportunities that exist. Beyond defining the brand and identifying the \"marketplace position\" that will allow for the company to capitalize on the greatest opportunity, we work to create focused marketing strategies, designed to enable organizations to achieve tangible results.</p>\r\n              <p>We use a <strong>7-step process</strong> to \"Forge Brands, Drive Revenue.\"  Along the way we establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure we are gaining the necessary traction to accomplish goals.    This innovative approach resonates well with the accountability to produce positive results.  We forge brands that drive revenue! </p>\r\n            </div>','Approach','','inherit','open','open','','48-revision-4','','','2011-09-06 08:50:19','2011-09-06 08:50:19','',48,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/48-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(61,1,'2011-09-06 08:51:48','2011-09-06 08:51:48',' <div class=\"about-left\"><p>Conceiving, shaping and transforming brands since 2002, we partner with companies looking to achieve specific goals. Over the years, we\'ve collaborated with more than 200 clients in our backyard and across our borders to ultimately forge brands and drive revenue. </p>\r\n              <p>With a mix of backgrounds and various industry specialties, our team tackles the issue from every angle. We believe this strengthens our ability to create sound strategies. We blend a team-oriented approach with inherent entrepreneurialism to build the strongest brands. Among other things, we are creative thinkers, problem solvers and can-do-ers. </p></div>','Who We Are','','inherit','open','open','','42-revision-3','','','2011-09-06 08:51:48','2011-09-06 08:51:48','',42,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/42-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(62,1,'2011-09-06 11:01:04','2011-09-06 11:01:04','<p>We believe that differentiation is the essential component to developing strong brands.  We work to achieve differentiation for our clients because it\'s how we have maintained consistent growth for the past decade.  What truly separates us from our competitors is the holistic approach we use to align overall marketing efforts with the company\'s sales and operations efforts.  All three parts of business (sales, marketing and operations) must work in unison.</p>\r\n              <p>Brand Iron integrates brand development with marketing implementation and results tracking to ensure that the tactics implemented are producing tangible, real-life results.  If not, necessary modifications are made and adjust according and make sure the new efforts are producing results.</p>\r\n            </div>\r\n            <div class=\"about-right\">\r\n              <p>We believe that differentiation is the essential component to developing strong brands.  We work to achieve differentiation for our clients because it\'s how we have maintained consistent growth for the past decade.  What truly separates us from our competitors is the holistic approach we use to align overall marketing efforts with the company\'s sales and operations efforts.  All three parts of business (sales, marketing and operations) must work in unison.</p>','What is branding?','','inherit','open','open','','55-revision-3','','','2011-09-06 11:01:04','2011-09-06 11:01:04','',55,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/55-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(63,5,'2008-09-09 18:49:54','2008-09-09 22:49:54','Brand Iron’s new website, which was designed and developed in-house, is featured on <a href=\"http://cssheaven.com\">CSSHeaven.com</a>. CSS Heaven is a web design gallery that showcases innovative CSS/XHTML web designs submitted by web designers and developers from around the world. CSS Heaven’s objective is to provide its viewers a central resource to experience a wide range of eye-catching and innovative web designs. We are proud to be featured on this site, which showcases today’s most innovative web sites.  Contact us to learn more about how we can help you achieve great web design and results.\n\n<a href=\"http://cssheaven.com\"><img title=\"Screen Shot\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/screenshot.jpg\" alt=\"Screen Shot\"/></a>','Brand Iron featured on CSSHeaven.com','','publish','open','open','','brand-iron-featured-on-cssheavencom','','','2008-09-09 18:49:54','2008-09-09 22:49:54','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=63',0,'post','',0),(65,1,'2011-09-06 11:42:53','2011-09-06 11:42:53','<iframe width=\"460\" height=\"264\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZwUPy1nLSwU?rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>','Gary Hamilton','','publish','open','open','','gary-hamilton','','','2011-10-03 18:11:52','2011-10-03 18:11:52','',0,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/?p=65',0,'post','',0),(66,1,'2011-09-06 11:44:24','2011-09-06 11:44:24','<iframe width=\"460\" height=\"264\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/a-VA2QUX3Pk?rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>','Charlie Knight','','publish','open','open','','charlie-knight','','','2011-10-03 18:12:06','2011-10-03 18:12:06','',0,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/?p=66',0,'post','',0),(68,1,'2011-09-06 11:38:24','2011-09-06 11:38:24','','Auto Draft','','inherit','open','open','','65-revision','','','2011-09-06 11:38:24','2011-09-06 11:38:24','',65,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/65-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(70,1,'2011-09-06 11:44:50','2011-09-06 11:44:50','<iframe width=\"460\" height=\"264\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/8fkWD1nL-4k?rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>','David Puchi','','publish','open','open','','david-puchi','','','2011-10-03 18:12:36','2011-10-03 18:12:36','',0,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/?p=70',0,'post','',0),(71,1,'2011-09-06 11:39:04','2011-09-06 11:39:04','','John Smith','','inherit','open','open','','65-revision-2','','','2011-09-06 11:39:04','2011-09-06 11:39:04','',65,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/65-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(72,1,'2011-09-06 11:44:42','2011-09-06 11:44:42','<iframe width=\"460\" height=\"264\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/ShpQsZ0tn1M?rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>','Frank Hofmeister','','publish','open','open','','frank-hofmeister','','','2011-10-03 18:12:26','2011-10-03 18:12:26','',0,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/?p=72',0,'post','',0),(73,1,'2011-09-06 11:44:34','2011-09-06 11:44:34','<iframe width=\"460\" height=\"264\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/Tc_ETsKZiFQ?rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>','Lloyd Gottman','','publish','open','open','','lloyd-gottman','','','2011-10-03 18:12:16','2011-10-03 18:12:16','',0,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/?p=73',0,'post','',0),(74,1,'2011-09-06 11:43:30','2011-09-06 11:43:30','<a href=\'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/‪funny-accidents‬‏-YouTube.flv\'>‪funny accidents‬‏ - 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Not only do I like to see how candidates position themselves, but how they position their opponent.\n\nWe are in the thick of election season, and it is getting ugly.  We see ad after ad of candidates attacking each other and all I can really think is, who is their right mind would want to put themselves in a position to get bludgeoned, attacked, smeared and investigated on television, in blogs, in the paper and on flyers.\n\nLet’s face reality: it is strategic branding at its finest.  Planning, punching, counter-attacking, and going after your opponents, while positioning yourself to get the “mother load” of undecided votes.\n\nWhat was once just a dance around the ring has turned into a full-on blood bath.  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Over the years, we\'ve collaborated with more than 200 clients in our backyard and across our borders to ultimately forge brands and drive revenue.</p>\n            <p>With a mix of backgrounds and various industry specialties, our team tackles the issue from every angle. We believe this strengthens our ability to create sound strategies. We blend a team-oriented approach with inherent entrepreneurialism to build the strongest brands. Among other things, we are creative thinkers, problem solvers and can-do-ers.</p>','Blog Post Title 3','','inherit','open','open','','121-revision','','','2011-09-07 06:20:43','2011-09-07 06:20:43','',121,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/121-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(124,1,'2011-09-07 06:19:37','2011-09-07 06:19:37',' <p>Shaping and transforming brands since 2002, we partner with companies looking to achieve specific goals. 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Among other things, we are creative thinkers, problem solvers and can-do-ers.</p>','Blog Post Title 2','','inherit','open','open','','120-revision','','','2011-09-07 06:20:39','2011-09-07 06:20:39','',120,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/120-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(126,1,'2011-07-07 06:41:12','2011-07-07 06:41:12','Food?','Beastly','','draft','open','open','','beastly','','','2012-01-06 18:33:02','2012-01-06 18:33:02','',0,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/?p=126',0,'post','',0),(131,1,'2011-09-07 06:41:09','2011-09-07 06:41:09','Short blurb. More \"fun\" than what\'s in the capabilities deck. Short blurb. He likes to eat gelato. Short blurb.','Patches','','inherit','open','open','','126-revision','','','2011-09-07 06:41:09','2011-09-07 06:41:09','',126,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/126-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(132,7,'2008-12-12 18:10:44','2008-12-12 22:10:44','It’s true, for a relatively cheap investment anyone can “design” with the same tools as a professional designer. However, there are countless reasons why you should work with a professional designer, such as; quality, dependability, and experience. Designers seem to be a dime a dozen, but there are a few qualities that set good designers apart from the herd.\n<ol>\n	<li>Passion – This is the real weapon of a good designer, it cannot be imitated.  A real designer is passionate about his/her craft; it is not just a job or a career but a lifestyle. Regardless of what you might say, first and foremost a graphic designer is an artist. Artistic intuition cannot be taught, passion cannot be taught; you either have it or you don’t and that is why not everyone can be a designer. Brand Iron is proud to have a passionate design staff that creates passionate work day-in and day-out for our clients.</li>\n	<li>Don’t just re-design, but re-align – You may have heard this in the past, “it’s outdated, your website needs to be re-designed.” There is more to it. Not only does it need to be redesigned, but realigned with the brand. Good design transcends technology, trends and must be aligned with your brand; something that I’m sure you’re neighbor’s 9th grader probably is not capable of.</li>\n	<li>Evolve – A lot of designers think that they get a degree and they’re set for the rest of their lives. Sorry to break it to you but it doesn’t work like that; the design industry is constantly evolving, the technology is constantly changing and in order to create successful design a designer must be constantly evolve with the industry.  A degree is a good start, but it takes continuous research and learning, determination, attention to detail and hard work to be a successful designer.</li>\n</ol>\nAs a business owner you should not expect anything less than what was mentioned above, and if you are, you are literally gambling with your livelihood. Perception is everything, and your brand needs to be perceived as the best. Quality branding is what Brand Iron does best; we forge brands and drive revenue.\n\n<em>Written by Andrew Hoffman\n</em>','My Neighbor’s son has Photoshop…we just have him design our stuff','','publish','open','open','','my-neighbor%e2%80%99s-son-has-photoshop%e2%80%a6we-just-have-him-design-our-stuff','','','2008-12-12 18:10:44','2008-12-12 22:10:44','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=132',0,'post','',1),(135,7,'2008-12-18 18:29:22','2008-12-18 22:29:22','Brand Iron is proud to report that our client, Gene Gioia of Gioia Gaming Systems, has been nominated in the category of \"Innovator of the Year\" - in the <a href=\"http://pokereuropa.net/content.php?id=18\">European Poker Awards</a>.\n\n<img class=\"alignleft\" src=\"http://lh5.ggpht.com/_r5Cc5VYffnw/SUrJZz0T_PI/AAAAAAAACk4/0OXStyEXVWA/s400/gene.png\" alt=\"\" padding=\"5\"/></a>\n\nGene Gioia has turned his life-long passion for poker into the development of system that uses real cards and a real deal in an online poker room. Players can trust the system because it deals hands based on the automatic shuffling of real cards - and NOT random number generators. His development comes at a time when the industry needs it most. There have been a couple high-profile accounts of cheating and insider manipulation in the industry - and the Gioia Gaming System will revolutionize the way online poker is played - and will dramatically increase the level of trust from players. With the Gioia Gaming System, players can also call for an audit of any questionable game and will receive verification that the game was fair.\n\n<a href=\"http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/syyWNiEI95SGjnaLmnXorQ\">\n</a>\n\nCongratulations Gene, and good luck at the awards.\n\nThe award ceremony will be held during the annual Euro Final of Poker - in mid-January.\n\nFor more information on Gioia Systems, <a href=\"http://www.gioiasystems.com\">visit their website</a>.\n\nGene Gioia and the Gioia Gaming Systems were also recently featured in <em>The Denver Business Journal</em>, <a href=\"http://denver.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2008/09/15/smallb1.html\">click here to see the article</a>.','European Poker Awards nominates Gene Gioia as Innovator of the Year','','publish','open','open','','european-poker-awards-nominates-gene-gioia-as-innovator-of-the-year','','','2008-12-18 18:29:22','2008-12-18 22:29:22','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=135',0,'post','',1),(140,1,'2011-09-08 07:52:30','2011-09-08 07:52:30','A Colorado girl through and through, Michelle graduated as a Buff and has been hanging her hat at Brand Iron ever since. With her background in Finance, Michelle brings an analytical spin to our marketing approach, making her a valuable asset to both the brand management and operations team.','Michelle Hamilton','','publish','open','open','','michelle-hamilton','','','2012-10-02 15:45:30','2012-10-02 15:45:30','',0,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/?p=140',0,'post','',0),(1689,1,'2012-04-06 17:14:03','2012-04-06 17:14:03','[gravityform id=2 name=DACMarketing Request Form title=false]','DAC Newsletter Submission Form','','inherit','closed','open','','1196-revision-11','','','2012-04-06 17:14:03','2012-04-06 17:14:03','',1196,'http://www.brandiron.net/general/1196-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(1690,1,'2012-04-30 15:42:41','2012-04-30 15:42:41','','MD Head Shot','','inherit','closed','open','','md-head-shot','','','2012-04-30 15:42:41','2012-04-30 15:42:41','',148,'http://www.brandiron.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/MD-Head-Shot.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1570,1,'2011-11-10 20:15:47','2011-11-10 20:15:47','<div class=\"about-left\">\r\n\r\nEvery business evolves. As yours does, we’re here to support you, and the brand, every step of the way. From concepts in start-up, to businesses preparing for a transaction, to owners looking to exit, we know what it takes to get you through your current stage and into the next.Based on the experience we’ve had with multiple businesses in multiple stages of business, we have defined the five most common and most critical business lifecycles. They include: Inspiration, Introduction, Expansion, Transaction, and Revitalization. By understanding your place in the lifecycle, we can help define the best and most appropriate branding strategies. As a business matures and begins to cycle into a new phase, this evolution dictates the shift in marketing and branding strategy.From our first meeting, we begin to determine the stage in which your brand is currently growing, and are pre-equipped with the tools you’ll need to overcome the obstacles associated with where you stand in your business evolution. We’ve worked with brands at every point in the lifecycle. In fact, much of our passion is fueled by the results our clients achieve as we help them move through these phases of business.Regardless of your place in the business lifecycle stage, we have experience and knowledge to help.\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\n<div class=\"inspiration\">\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Inspiration</strong> – The concept of a new business idea is in place and the need is to create awareness is of the utmost importance. It may be a spinoff opportunity, it may be an emerging technology, or it may be a radical idea.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"introduction\">\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Introduction</strong> – It’s time to introduce the product or service to the marketplace through differentiation. The concept is off the ground and has viability.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"expansion\">\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Expansion</strong> – Businesses in this stage are seeking and possibly already on the verge rapid growth and creating sustainability through customer expansion and retention. They seek to increase valuation through a “self-revival.” Ask yourself: Are we staying true to the core brand?</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"transaction\">\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Transaction</strong> – Owners in this stage have identified the next major milestone to maximizing value through a once-in-a-business-lifetime opportunity. Considering a merger, a sale or acquisition falls in this category. Companies preparing to go public are also in this stage. The business is on a mission to rapidly expand through increased scalability and significantly increase market share.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"revitalization\">\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong></strong><strong>Revitalization</strong> – The business has come full circle and the torch is about to be passed. The initiative in this lifecycle stage is to fortify the business to maximize value. A sale or leadership transition is in the offing as original ownership prepares to transition out of the business. Revitalization efforts play an important role both before and after the transition.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>','Business LifeCycle Branding','','inherit','closed','open','','357-revision-32','','','2011-11-10 20:15:47','2011-11-10 20:15:47','',357,'http://www.brandiron.net/general/357-revision-32/',0,'revision','',0),(1516,1,'2012-02-02 17:48:19','2012-02-02 17:48:19','Kim merges 15 years of business development and marketing experience from a wide range of industries to understand the needs of Brand Iron clients. She embodies Brand Iron’s outcome-based focus to ensure our clients’ marketing strategies are aligned with their goals. Her passion is contagious and sincere when she believes in something. She loves sports, with a particular affinity for the Buffs. ','Kim Moss','','inherit','closed','open','','1514-revision-2','','','2012-02-02 17:48:19','2012-02-02 17:48:19','',1514,'http://www.brandiron.net/general/1514-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(144,1,'2011-09-13 07:00:43','2011-09-13 07:00:43','Kaitlyn’s “go-getter” attitude for managing brands makes her an integral and exuberant part of the Brand Management team. Although she holds the record for messiest office, you’d be hard pressed to walk in without being greeted by her pearly whites. Whether she’s writing web copy, creating a Power Point presentation or choosing paper for business cards, you can catch this Colorado girl working away to the tunes of her favorite country songs.','Kaitlyn Anderson','','publish','open','open','','kaitlyn-anderson','','','2012-04-19 14:13:33','2012-04-19 14:13:33','',0,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/?p=144',0,'post','',0),(147,1,'2011-09-14 06:57:53','2011-09-14 06:57:53','Jim’s role in the growth and evolution of Brand Iron is focused on building overall operational efficiencies and ensuring the agency delivers a positive client service experience. He also leads the public relations efforts for Brand Iron’s clients and serves as a member of the agency’s executive leadership teams. Jim’s biggest contribution, however, is identifying hysterical, “must-see” (in his mind) YouTube video’s during staff meetings.','Jim Miller','','publish','open','open','','jim-miller','','','2012-04-19 14:10:44','2012-04-19 14:10:44','',0,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/?p=147',0,'post','',0),(148,1,'2011-09-14 06:58:22','2011-09-14 06:58:22','As Founder and CEO, Michael serves as the key component in linking all three points of Brand Iron’s holistic triangle: Sales/Marketing/Operations. Michael’s holistic ideology blends well with the rest of the team’s ability to bring vision to reality. As a result, every aspect of management and client services that delivers results. Known as a “whirlwind” -- both on his bicycle and in the office – Michael passionately follows every one of his projects to the very end of the trail.','Michael Doyle','','publish','open','open','','michael-doyle','','','2012-04-19 14:10:19','2012-04-19 14:10:19','',0,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/?p=148',0,'post','',0),(149,1,'2011-09-07 06:53:59','2011-09-07 06:53:59','','team-img','','inherit','open','open','','team-img','','','2011-09-07 06:53:59','2011-09-07 06:53:59','',140,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/team-img.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(150,1,'2011-09-07 06:54:24','2011-09-07 06:54:24','Short blurb. More \"fun\" than what\'s in the capabilities deck. Short blurb. He likes to eat gelato.','MICHELLE HAMILTON','','inherit','open','open','','140-revision','','','2011-09-07 06:54:24','2011-09-07 06:54:24','',140,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/140-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1694,1,'2012-05-01 15:22:12','2012-05-01 15:22:12','<a href=\"http://www.brandiron.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/kevinsystrom-instagram.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1692\" title=\"kevinsystrom-instagram\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/kevinsystrom-instagram-213x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"213\" height=\"300\" /></a>Kevin Systrom of Instagram- Instagram Co-founder and CEO Kevin Systrom has taken the mobile software industry by storm. The free photo sharing program has changed the way that we snap, edit, and share the photographs taken on our mobile devices. Facebook has taken notice as well, recently purchasing Instagram for a cool $1 billion. Know of a Brand Champion in your company, or want to know what it takes to become a brand champ, visit our nationally recognized site: <a href=\"http://brandchampion100.com/\">http://brandchampion100.com/</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Announcing April\'s Brand Champion','','inherit','closed','open','','1691-revision-2','','','2012-05-01 15:22:12','2012-05-01 15:22:12','',1691,'http://www.brandiron.net/general/1691-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(1523,1,'2012-01-14 00:09:12','2012-01-14 00:09:12','With an ability to problem solve and generate creative business minded solutions, Scott plays a key role in growing brands and driving revenue for Brand Iron clients. Using strong leadership and a ‘all-hands-in’ approach, Scott has a track record of developing emerging brands in both the agency and corporate setting.  As a “health nut” and former college soccer player for the University of Denver, Scott spices things up with his fresh approach to the brand development.','Scott Anderson','','inherit','closed','open','','1491-revision-4','','','2012-01-14 00:09:12','2012-01-14 00:09:12','',1491,'http://www.brandiron.net/general/1491-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(154,1,'2011-09-07 06:52:23','2011-09-07 06:52:23','Short blurb. More \"fun\" than what\'s in the capabilities deck. Short blurb. He likes to eat gelato.','kaitlyn anderson','','inherit','open','open','','144-revision','','','2011-09-07 06:52:23','2011-09-07 06:52:23','',144,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/144-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1531,1,'2011-10-06 16:48:49','2011-10-06 16:48:49','Michelle’s role as office manager at Brand Iron includes everything from event planning, assisting the team on client projects, and making sure the candy dish is fully stocked with M&Ms (all critical to the operations of Brand Iron). The team knew from the get-go that she was made for the job as her hair matched the bright orange of the office walls and logo, a match made in branding heaven.','Michelle Hamilton','','inherit','closed','open','','140-revision-4','','','2011-10-06 16:48:49','2011-10-06 16:48:49','',140,'http://www.brandiron.net/general/140-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(157,1,'2011-09-07 06:51:12','2011-09-07 06:51:12','Short blurb. More \"fun\" than what\'s in the capabilities deck. Short blurb. He likes to eat gelato. Short blurb. More \"fun\" than what\'s in the capabilities deck. Short blurb. He likes to eat gelato. ','IM MILLER','','inherit','open','open','','147-revision','','','2011-09-07 06:51:12','2011-09-07 06:51:12','',147,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/147-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(158,1,'2011-09-07 06:51:13','2011-09-07 06:51:13','Short blurb. More \"fun\" than what\'s in the capabilities deck. Short blurb. He likes to eat gelato.','Michael doyle','','inherit','open','open','','148-revision','','','2011-09-07 06:51:13','2011-09-07 06:51:13','',148,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/148-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1602,1,'2012-03-15 23:15:22','2012-03-15 23:15:22','','Auto Draft','','inherit','closed','open','','1601-revision','','','2012-03-15 23:15:22','2012-03-15 23:15:22','',1601,'http://www.brandiron.net/general/1601-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1522,1,'2012-02-02 20:28:03','2012-02-02 20:28:03','','DSC_2828-crop','','inherit','closed','open','','dsc_2828-crop','','','2012-02-02 20:28:03','2012-02-02 20:28:03','',1491,'http://www.brandiron.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/DSC_2828-crop.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(162,1,'2011-09-07 06:24:54','2011-09-07 06:24:54',' <p>Shaping and transforming brands since 2002, we partner with companies looking to achieve specific goals. Over the years, we\'ve collaborated with more than 200 clients in our backyard and across our borders to ultimately forge brands and drive revenue.</p>\r\n            <p>With a mix of backgrounds and various industry specialties, our team tackles the issue from every angle. We believe this strengthens our ability to create sound strategies. We blend a team-oriented approach with inherent entrepreneurialism to build the strongest brands. Among other things, we are creative thinkers, problem solvers and can-do-ers.</p>','Blog Post Title 2','','inherit','open','open','','120-revision-2','','','2011-09-07 06:24:54','2011-09-07 06:24:54','',120,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/120-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(163,1,'2011-09-07 06:24:49','2011-09-07 06:24:49',' <p>Shaping and transforming brands since 2002, we partner with companies looking to achieve specific goals. Over the years, we\'ve collaborated with more than 200 clients in our backyard and across our borders to ultimately forge brands and drive revenue.</p>\r\n            <p>With a mix of backgrounds and various industry specialties, our team tackles the issue from every angle. We believe this strengthens our ability to create sound strategies. We blend a team-oriented approach with inherent entrepreneurialism to build the strongest brands. Among other things, we are creative thinkers, problem solvers and can-do-ers.</p>','Blog Post Title','','inherit','open','open','','122-revision-2','','','2011-09-07 06:24:49','2011-09-07 06:24:49','',122,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/122-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(164,1,'2011-09-07 06:24:43','2011-09-07 06:24:43',' <p>Shaping and transforming brands since 2002, we partner with companies looking to achieve specific goals. Over the years, we\'ve collaborated with more than 200 clients in our backyard and across our borders to ultimately forge brands and drive revenue.</p>\r\n            <p>With a mix of backgrounds and various industry specialties, our team tackles the issue from every angle. We believe this strengthens our ability to create sound strategies. We blend a team-oriented approach with inherent entrepreneurialism to build the strongest brands. Among other things, we are creative thinkers, problem solvers and can-do-ers.</p>','Blog Post Title 3','','inherit','open','open','','121-revision-2','','','2011-09-07 06:24:43','2011-09-07 06:24:43','',121,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/121-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(165,1,'2011-09-06 12:21:32','2011-09-06 12:21:32','','Web Sample 4','','inherit','open','open','','107-revision-2','','','2011-09-06 12:21:32','2011-09-06 12:21:32','',107,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/107-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(172,1,'2011-09-06 12:23:01','2011-09-06 12:23:01','','Logo Sample 4','','inherit','open','open','','99-revision-3','','','2011-09-06 12:23:01','2011-09-06 12:23:01','',99,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/99-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(173,7,'2009-03-12 16:27:18','2009-03-12 20:27:18','<p class=\"MsoNormal\">When in a service industry of any kind, the state of the economy can take a large toll on a company’s profitability.<span> </span>Lately, the economic downturn has forced many companies to cut budgets, freeze spending, initiate layoffs, or worse – close their doors.<span> </span>When speaking to many of our clients, partners and friends, it seems that many people are either suffering or prospering – there truly is a balance of good and bad right now.<span> </span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">However, it is difficult to ignore all of the negative media coverage regarding the current economic state.<span> </span>The media’s redundant message of “doom and gloom” eventually convinces us all that we must surrender and give in to the recession that is upon us.<span> </span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">Brand Iron disagrees.<span> </span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">As a company, we’re opting to not participate in the recession this year.<span> </span>Yes, you heard it here first.<span> </span>Brand Iron is not giving in to the “doom and gloom.”<span> </span>We challenge you to do the same.<span> </span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">Many companies are focusing on the positives and the new opportunities that this changing business landscape has opened up.<span> </span>For example, in an industry (luxury travel) where economic woes can take a gigantic toll on profitability Carnival Cruise Lines is saying “we will not go quietly into the night” and await the inevitable.<span> </span>Carnival continues to make strides towards out-of-the-box, interactive advertising.<span> </span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">I’m sure we have all seen the <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUtWVmjoqyU\" target=\"_blank\">commercial</a> with the large beach ball floating around downtown Dallas.<span> </span>That commercial was an extremely effective way for Carnival to catch the attention of the business-class professional on their lunch break.<span> </span>Throw a gigantic beach ball onto a bustling street full of unhappy professionals and see what happens – attention, positive feedback and enjoyment, that’s what.<span> </span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">Today, I came across an <a href=\"http://www.brandfreak.com/2009/03/carnival-cruise-lines-and-arnold-will-bring-the-ocean-to-the-city.html\" target=\"_blank\">article</a> about Carnival’s latest attempt at interactive advertising.<span> </span>They’ve managed to take advantage of the empty street-level office spaces in the Houston, Baltimore, Los Angeles, New   York and D.C. areas by installing “virtual aquariums” for all to interact with.<span> </span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">Picture this, you’re walking down a cold city sidewalk on your lunch break when you look to your right – no longer is there an empty office space with a broker’s contact information in the window.<span> </span>No, you now see a 12-foot digital aquarium.<span> </span>Not only is this virtual aquarium engaging, it’s interactive.<span> </span>In five easy steps, you can use your cell phone to design a personalized fish to appear instantly in that very same window.<span> </span>This is an example of a company seeing an opportunity that may not have presented itself before the downturn in the economy. This is brand evolution and adaptation at its best.<span> </span>If there are three pearls of wisdom that we should all recognize after this economic downturn, they would be: never stay static, always engage new ways of marketing, and consistently separate yourselves from the competition.</p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><em>Written by Nicole Salerno, Junior Brand Wrangler</em></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/aquarium.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"560\" height=\"357\" /></p>','The Economy is a State of Mind: Positive or Negative, Take Advantage','','publish','open','open','','the-economy-is-a-state-of-mind-positive-or-negative-take-advantage','','','2009-03-12 16:27:18','2009-03-12 20:27:18','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=173',0,'post','',1),(176,7,'2009-03-20 11:12:29','2009-03-20 15:12:29','It seems like all President Obama talks about these days is jobs, jobs, jobs. It reminds me what branding is all about:  results, results, results.  It really is that simple.  Brand and position yourself and your company to produce tangible business results.\n<ol>\n	<li>Powerful branding is all about branding yourself as unique, better, and different in comparison to your  competition.  In turn, you will be selected over your competitor, thus producing results.</li>\n	<li>Powerful branding starts from within and gets your company on the same page of what success looks like and just what it is going to take to get there.</li>\n	<li>Powerful branding requires that everyone in your company knows how to communicate what makes your company better than the competition.</li>\n	<li>Powerful branding helps your company gain the competitive edge and sets you up for positive results and success.</li>\n	<li>Powerful branding requires utilizing marketing activities that produce real leads that turn into sales and then real business results.</li>\n	<li>Powerful branding and sales results in job opportunities/job creation.</li>\n</ol>\nStart laying the groundwork for better results by better defining your brand, your position, the way you are going to communicate, and how you are going to effectively market to produce real leads and turn into real sales.  Next time you hear President Obama speak about engaging job creation, apply that passion and philosophy to your company.  Focus on building your brand to produce “results, results, results.”\n\n<em>Written by Michael Doyle, President of Brand Iron</em>','Obama is to jobs as brands are to results','','publish','open','open','','obama-is-to-jobs-as-brands-are-to-results','','','2009-03-20 11:12:29','2009-03-20 15:12:29','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=176',0,'post','',0),(179,1,'2011-09-06 11:01:36','2011-09-06 11:01:36','<div class=\"about-left\">\r\n              <p>Our philosophy is based on inspiration and innovation. We encourage companies to think beyond a marketing-only approach, and instead, challenge them to \"own their space\" in the marketplace.  We define a brand by identifying its unique position and arm our clients with strategies that make the competition irrelevant.</p>\r\n              <p>We believe that brand equity is an asset that holds supreme value. The brand affects a company\'s ability to attract clients and prospects, grow market share and increase revenue. We help business owners think holistically. The brand must account for every aspect of the organization: sales, marketing and operations. The brand is the whole package - it must effectively reach and attract customers, communicate differentiation of services and products, and deliver on promises made about those differentiating points. </p>\r\n            </div>\r\n            <div class=\"about-right\">\r\n              <p>We start the process by diving deep into the competitive landscape of any client to explore the challenges and opportunities that exist. Beyond defining the brand and identifying the \"marketplace position\" that will allow for the company to capitalize on the greatest opportunity, we work to create focused marketing strategies, designed to enable organizations to achieve tangible results.</p>\r\n              <p>We use a <strong>7-step process</strong> to \"Forge Brands, Drive Revenue.\"  Along the way we establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure we are gaining the necessary traction to accomplish goals.    This innovative approach resonates well with the accountability to produce positive results.  We forge brands that drive revenue! </p>\r\n            </div>','Approach','','inherit','open','open','','48-revision-5','','','2011-09-06 11:01:36','2011-09-06 11:01:36','',48,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/48-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(180,1,'2011-09-08 10:15:38','2011-09-08 10:15:38','','Client List','','publish','open','open','','client-list','','','2011-09-08 10:15:38','2011-09-08 10:15:38','',0,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/?page_id=180',0,'page','',0),(181,1,'2011-09-08 10:15:25','2011-09-08 10:15:25','','Auto Draft','','inherit','open','open','','180-revision','','','2011-09-08 10:15:25','2011-09-08 10:15:25','',180,'http://192.168.2.1/shafaat/brand_iron/180-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(182,1,'2011-09-08 06:16:13','2011-09-08 06:16:13','','Web Sample 4','','inherit','open','open','','107-revision-3','','','2011-09-08 06:16:13','2011-09-08 06:16:13','',107,'http://realsitedesigner.com/theme/brand_iron/107-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(183,1,'2011-09-06 13:06:27','2011-09-06 13:06:27','','JE Dunn','','inherit','open','open','','90-revision-5','','','2011-09-06 13:06:27','2011-09-06 13:06:27','',90,'http://realsitedesigner.com/theme/brand_iron/90-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(187,7,'2009-04-03 12:04:16','2009-04-03 16:04:16','<object classid=\"clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000\" width=\"425\" height=\"324\" codebase=\"http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0\"><param name=\"flashvars\" value=\"link=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ecbsnews%2Ecom%2Fvideo%2Fwatch%2F%3Fid%3D4901018n&amp;partner=news&amp;vert=News&amp;autoPlayVid=false&amp;releaseURL=http://release.theplatform.com/content.select?pid=LjmMmw47mBdQtPO4hbLC_uWD4HvvwvsA&amp;name=cbsPlayer&amp;allowScriptAccess=always&amp;wmode=transparent&amp;embedded=y&amp;scale=noscale&amp;rv=n&amp;salign=tl\" /><param name=\"src\" value=\"http://www.cbs.com/thunder/swf30can10cbsnews/rcpHolderCbs-3-4x3.swf\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"324\" src=\"http://www.cbs.com/thunder/swf30can10cbsnews/rcpHolderCbs-3-4x3.swf\" flashvars=\"link=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ecbsnews%2Ecom%2Fvideo%2Fwatch%2F%3Fid%3D4901018n&amp;partner=news&amp;vert=News&amp;autoPlayVid=false&amp;releaseURL=http://release.theplatform.com/content.select?pid=LjmMmw47mBdQtPO4hbLC_uWD4HvvwvsA&amp;name=cbsPlayer&amp;allowScriptAccess=always&amp;wmode=transparent&amp;embedded=y&amp;scale=noscale&amp;rv=n&amp;salign=tl\"></embed></object>\n<a href=\"http://www.cbs.com\">Watch CBS Videos Online</a>\n\nAn interesting video on the history of blogging.','Blogging Through History','','publish','open','open','','blogging-through-history','','','2009-04-03 12:04:16','2009-04-03 16:04:16','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=187',0,'post','',0),(189,7,'2009-04-09 10:18:09','2009-04-09 14:18:09','“Luck? I don\'t know anything about luck. I\'ve never banked on it, and I\'m afraid of people who do. Luck to me is something else: Hard work -- and realizing what is opportunity and what isn\'t.”\n<em>-Lucile Ball</em>\n\nYou can’t avoid that these economic times are putting a lot of companies out of business. Here at Brand Iron, we have been constantly reminded of that; in the past 9 months, we’ve seen two, very local marketing companies close their doors.\n\nWe are happy to report that through a lot of hard work, our clients are going strong and Brand Iron is going strong. Everyone at Brand Iron is very excited that we are a finalist for the DMCC’s Small Business of the Year Award.\n\nWe wanted to pass on a few things that have helped us confront and dampen the economic blow:\n<ul>\n	<li>Build you database – broaden your world of potential clients</li>\n	<li>Go to where the money is – focus on your most profitable vertical markets or geographic areas</li>\n	<li>Keep your brand message relevant to your target market – adapt to their pain points</li>\n	<li>Increase your sales and marketing activity levels – it is vital to “touch” your prospects</li>\n</ul>\nAt Brand Iron, we don’t believe in luck – we believe in hard work, targeted work and working intelligently on the aspects of your brand strategy that make the biggest impact. Our goal is to help you keep your doors open, <strong>AND MORE IMPORTANTLY</strong>, to keep new clients and customers coming through them.\n\nPlease contact us today to learn more about how Brand Iron can help you develop a holistic brand plan that addresses your sales, marketing and operations.\n<em>Written by Josh Barker </em>','The Secret Sauce is Hard Work','','publish','open','open','','the-secret-sauce-is-hard-work','','','2009-04-09 10:18:09','2009-04-09 14:18:09','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=189',0,'post','',0),(190,1,'2011-09-08 17:53:58','2011-09-08 17:53:58','','Blog Post Title','','inherit','open','open','','122-autosave','','','2011-09-08 17:53:58','2011-09-08 17:53:58','',122,'http://realsitedesigner.com/theme/brand_iron/122-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(191,1,'2011-09-07 08:38:57','2011-09-07 08:38:57',' <p>Shaping and transforming brands since 2002, we partner with companies looking to achieve specific goals. Over the years, we\'ve collaborated with more than 200 clients in our backyard and across our borders to ultimately forge brands and drive revenue.</p>\r\n            <p>With a mix of backgrounds and various industry specialties, our team tackles the issue from every angle. We believe this strengthens our ability to create sound strategies. We blend a team-oriented approach with inherent entrepreneurialism to build the strongest brands. Among other things, we are creative thinkers, problem solvers and can-do-ers.</p>','Blog Post Title','','inherit','open','open','','122-revision-3','','','2011-09-07 08:38:57','2011-09-07 08:38:57','',122,'http://realsitedesigner.com/theme/brand_iron/122-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(192,1,'2011-09-07 08:39:10','2011-09-07 08:39:10',' <p>Shaping and transforming brands since 2002, we partner with companies looking to achieve specific goals. Over the years, we\'ve collaborated with more than 200 clients in our backyard and across our borders to ultimately forge brands and drive revenue.</p>\r\n            <p>With a mix of backgrounds and various industry specialties, our team tackles the issue from every angle. We believe this strengthens our ability to create sound strategies. We blend a team-oriented approach with inherent entrepreneurialism to build the strongest brands. Among other things, we are creative thinkers, problem solvers and can-do-ers.</p>','Blog Post Title 3','','inherit','open','open','','121-revision-3','','','2011-09-07 08:39:10','2011-09-07 08:39:10','',121,'http://realsitedesigner.com/theme/brand_iron/121-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(193,1,'2011-09-07 08:38:38','2011-09-07 08:38:38',' <p>Shaping and transforming brands since 2002, we partner with companies looking to achieve specific goals. Over the years, we\'ve collaborated with more than 200 clients in our backyard and across our borders to ultimately forge brands and drive revenue.</p>\r\n            <p>With a mix of backgrounds and various industry specialties, our team tackles the issue from every angle. We believe this strengthens our ability to create sound strategies. We blend a team-oriented approach with inherent entrepreneurialism to build the strongest brands. Among other things, we are creative thinkers, problem solvers and can-do-ers.</p>','Blog Post Title 2','','inherit','open','open','','120-revision-3','','','2011-09-07 08:38:38','2011-09-07 08:38:38','',120,'http://realsitedesigner.com/theme/brand_iron/120-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(194,1,'2011-09-08 17:55:27','2011-09-08 17:55:27',' <p>Shaping and transforming brands since 2002, we partner with companies looking to achieve specific goals. Over the years, we\'ve collaborated with more than 200 clients in our backyard and across our borders to ultimately forge brands and drive revenue.</p>\r\n            <p>With a mix of backgrounds and various industry specialties, our team tackles the issue from every angle. We believe this strengthens our ability to create sound strategies. We blend a team-oriented approach with inherent entrepreneurialism to build the strongest brands. Among other things, we are creative thinkers, problem solvers and can-do-ers.</p>','Blog Post Title','','inherit','open','open','','122-revision-4','','','2011-09-08 17:55:27','2011-09-08 17:55:27','',122,'http://realsitedesigner.com/theme/brand_iron/122-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(195,3,'2009-05-05 17:15:24','2009-05-05 21:15:24','I admit it, it’s taken me a long time to REALLY understand how to brand and position a company and produce tangible marketing results. The best companies don’t just blast a message out without careful thought and consideration. First and foremost, they take a step back and look at things strategically.\n\nOne of my favorite sayings is the old, “ready, fire, aim” analogy, which I see all the time when it comes to branding and positioning. The best companies take the time to, “ready, aim and then fire” when approaching their branding, their position and their go-to-market strategy. They really understand the value they bring to the marketplace and how to effectively communicate it.\n\nI can’t tell you how times I’ve heard, “we’re going to throw some stuff against the wall and see what sticks”. Bad idea. You will damage your brand by going straight to the market tactically without first figuring out strategically what you want your brand to be.\n\nWhy figuring things out strategically is so important:\n<ol>\n	<li>Throwing things at the wall and coming off half-cocked makes you look like you are still trying to figure out what you want to be when your company grows up.</li>\n	<li>I would estimate 90 – 95% of companies say what they do but not why they do it or why their product is better then their competitors’ products.</li>\n	<li>Do you really want to be just like everyone else? Or do you want to be original, unique and stand out from the crowd?</li>\n	<li>Do you want to be a leader or a follower?</li>\n	<li>Can you clearly and concisely communicate your value proposition in a compelling 30-second elevator pitch?</li>\n	<li>Does your brand help position your company for where it wants to go in the future (i.e., acquiring funding, going public, selling the business, etc.)?</li>\n	<li>Have you figured out how your brand is going to become a reality with a company-wide, holistic launch? What’s your plan to launch your brand internally and externally?</li>\n	<li>Will your brand have legs and resonate for a period of time or is it just a one hit wonder?</li>\n</ol>\nIf you are committed to getting your company to the next level, following these strategic guidelines will help you develop your company’s brand and position – and will greatly increase the chances of a successful implementation. Add that to a holistic, managed brand implementation while pro-actively getting your message out to your target audience – you have a winning recipe for success.\n\n<em>Written by Michael Doyle, President of Brand Iron</em>','Branding – It’s Not About the Tactics, Part 1','','publish','open','open','','branding-%e2%80%93-it%e2%80%99s-not-about-the-tactics-part-1','','','2009-05-05 17:15:24','2009-05-05 21:15:24','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=195',0,'post','',0),(198,7,'2009-05-13 10:35:09','2009-05-13 14:35:09','Protecting your company – or more specifically your “brand reputation” – is the ultimate goal during a time of crisis.  The ability to withstand and endure a few “chinks in the armor” goes a long way to maintaining a strong, stable reputation.\n\nMany companies, however, fail to develop a crisis communications plan thinking they can and will deal with it as necessary (in many cases they feel they are not susceptible to a business crisis).  As a result, the typical reaction due to unpreparedness is to hide in the corner and hope the problem goes away.\n\nBut enter social media.  With the explosion in recent years of YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, etc.,   information spreads more quickly than ever.  Last month’s Dominoes crisis where two North Carolina employees posted aYouTube video doing disgusting things to food should be considered Exhibit A.  Hiding in the corner won’t make it go away.\n\nHere are some questions to ask to determine your preparedness in the event of a crisis:\n<ol>\n	<li>Do we have a protocol in place outlining how we will react during the first few hours of a crisis?  Do we know where to funnel all information about the crisis?  Do we know who will serve as our company spokesperson?  How will we communicate the situation to our employees?</li>\n	<li>Are we properly prepared to deal with media?  Does our media spokesperson have a familiarity and comfort level in dealing with the press?  Who is monitoring the general media as well as the social media outlets so we can respond accordingly?</li>\n	<li>After gathering and reviewing the situation, how soon can we prepare ourselves with the facts to address our various publics (employees, customers, community, media, etc.)?</li>\n	<li>What is the best and most efficient method to communicate our message?  How do we respond to their questions and concerns?</li>\n	<li> During the initial days following the crisis, how can we best maintain and protect our reputation?  How can we show our willingness to be proactive in dealing with the situation?</li>\n</ol>\nFailing to address or “take control” of the situation can lead to more damage and deeper company wounds.  Taking hold of the situation, on the other hand, will have positive effects on your overall brand.\n\n<em>Written by Jim Miller</em>','Communicate Proactively During Time of Crisis','','publish','open','open','','communicate-proactively-during-time-of-crisis','','','2009-05-13 10:35:09','2009-05-13 14:35:09','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=198',0,'post','',0),(200,7,'2009-05-14 15:14:07','2009-05-14 19:14:07','I woke up the other day and was watching the news and I heard the newscasters talking about something called H1N1 and how it is spreading across the United States. My first thought was, “there another pandemic like virus in our country?” This new term caught my attention and I started to listen to what they were speaking about more closely. I quickly put two and two together and realized they were talking about “Swine Flu”.\n\nSo, why the new name? Right…\n\nIt turns out pig farmers of America have some media pull. Because of the uneducated general public’s fear for “Swine Flu” and the misconception you can get it from eating a pork product, people all but stopped buying pork products. The Swine Flu has been re-branded by name only to H1N1. I did look it up and it is a medical term for subtype form of influenza A better known as the “flu”. I still think H1N1 sounds just as scary.  Now I am not saying that H1N1 is something to not be worried about; it could still turn into a major pandemic.  I wanted to bring up that pig farmers in this country are seeing the effects of a branded name for a virus, which ultimately had an effect on sales.\n\nThis reminds me of a dietary supplement that was wildly successful in the 1970’s to mid 1980’s. The product was called “Ayds”. It was a supplement that was supposed to reduce your sense of taste to curb poor eating habits. Ironically around the same timeframe, just around the mid 1980’s the HIV virus and AIDs was largely becoming a social issue. The avid AIDs awareness in the media and public was the start of the down fall of the “Ayds” supplement. The company did not re-brand itself by name and clearly stating that this product is in no way related to the life threatening disease. So the Ayds product quickly stopped selling and eventually the product stopped being produced.\n\nLuckily the pig farmers in this case spoke up to have the media change the name of Swine Flu. Now they should actively campaign through commercials and other media outlets to educate the public that pork could in fact help prevent H1N1 by keeping you level of protein up in your body keeping you healthy which in turns helps your immune system. Just a thought.\n\n<em>Written by Mike Slife</em>','Rebranding','','publish','open','open','','rebranding','','','2009-05-14 15:14:07','2009-05-14 19:14:07','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=200',0,'post','',0),(201,1,'2011-09-06 06:24:52','2011-09-06 06:24:52','','STRATEGY','','inherit','open','open','','6-revision-2','','','2011-09-06 06:24:52','2011-09-06 06:24:52','',6,'http://realsitedesigner.com/theme/brand_iron/6-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(202,1,'2011-09-12 10:06:43','2011-09-12 10:06:43','','STRATEGY','','inherit','open','open','','6-revision-3','','','2011-09-12 10:06:43','2011-09-12 10:06:43','',6,'http://realsitedesigner.com/theme/brand_iron/6-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(203,1,'2011-09-06 11:01:44','2011-09-06 11:01:44',' <div class=\"about-left\"><p>Conceiving, shaping and transforming brands since 2002, we partner with companies looking to achieve specific goals. Over the years, we\'ve collaborated with more than 200 clients in our backyard and across our borders to ultimately forge brands and drive revenue. </p>\r\n              <p>With a mix of backgrounds and various industry specialties, our team tackles the issue from every angle. We believe this strengthens our ability to create sound strategies. We blend a team-oriented approach with inherent entrepreneurialism to build the strongest brands. Among other things, we are creative thinkers, problem solvers and can-do-ers. </p></div>','Who We Are','','inherit','open','open','','42-revision-4','','','2011-09-06 11:01:44','2011-09-06 11:01:44','',42,'http://realsitedesigner.com/theme/brand_iron/42-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(204,1,'2011-09-08 06:29:24','2011-09-08 06:29:24','<div class=\"about-left\">\r\n              <p>Our philosophy is based on inspiration and innovation. We encourage companies to think beyond a marketing-only approach, and instead, challenge them to \"own their space\" in the marketplace.  We define a brand by identifying its unique position and arm our clients with strategies that make the competition irrelevant.</p>\r\n              <p>We believe that brand equity is an asset that holds supreme value. The brand affects a company\'s ability to attract clients and prospects, grow market share and increase revenue. We help business owners think holistically. The brand must account for every aspect of the organization: sales, marketing and operations. The brand is the whole package - it must effectively reach and attract customers, communicate differentiation of services and products, and deliver on promises made about those differentiating points. </p>\r\n            </div>\r\n            <div class=\"about-right\">\r\n              <p>We start the process by diving deep into the competitive landscape of any client to explore the challenges and opportunities that exist. Beyond defining the brand and identifying the \"marketplace position\" that will allow for the company to capitalize on the greatest opportunity, we work to create focused marketing strategies, designed to enable organizations to achieve tangible results.</p>\r\n              <p>We use a <strong>7-step process</strong> to \"Forge Brands, Drive Revenue.\"  Along the way we establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure we are gaining the necessary traction to accomplish goals.    This innovative approach resonates well with the accountability to produce positive results.  We forge brands that drive revenue! </p>\r\n            </div>','Approach','','inherit','open','open','','48-revision-6','','','2011-09-08 06:29:24','2011-09-08 06:29:24','',48,'http://realsitedesigner.com/theme/brand_iron/48-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(205,1,'2011-09-06 11:01:28','2011-09-06 11:01:28',' <div class=\"about-left\">\r\n              <p>We believe that differentiation is the essential component to developing strong brands.  We work to achieve differentiation for our clients because it\'s how we have maintained consistent growth for the past decade.  What truly separates us from our competitors is the holistic approach we use to align overall marketing efforts with the company\'s sales and operations efforts.  All three parts of business (sales, marketing and operations) must work in unison. </p>\r\n              <p>Brand Iron integrates brand development with marketing implementation and results tracking to ensure that the tactics implemented are producing tangible, real-life results.  If not, necessary modifications are made and adjust according and make sure the new efforts are producing results.</p>\r\n            </div>\r\n            <div class=\"about-right\">\r\n              <p>Our 7-step process and focus on accountability through the use of KPIs − combined with our entrepreneurial approach − is what makes us unique. </p>\r\n            </div>','HOW WE\'RE DIFFERENT','','inherit','open','open','','49-revision-3','','','2011-09-06 11:01:28','2011-09-06 11:01:28','',49,'http://realsitedesigner.com/theme/brand_iron/49-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(206,1,'2011-09-06 11:03:43','2011-09-06 11:03:43',' <div class=\" about-left\">\r\n              <p>We believe that differentiation is the essential component to developing strong brands.  We work to achieve differentiation for our clients because it\'s how we have maintained consistent growth for the past decade.  What truly separates us from our competitors is the holistic approach we use to align overall marketing efforts with the company\'s sales and operations efforts.  All three parts of business (sales, marketing and operations) must work in unison.</p>\r\n              <p>Brand Iron integrates brand development with marketing implementation and results tracking to ensure that the tactics implemented are producing tangible, real-life results.  If not, necessary modifications are made and adjust according and make sure the new efforts are producing results.</p>\r\n            </div>\r\n            <div class=\"about-right\">\r\n              <p>We believe that differentiation is the essential component to developing strong brands.  We work to achieve differentiation for our clients because it\'s how we have maintained consistent growth for the past decade.  What truly separates us from our competitors is the holistic approach we use to align overall marketing efforts with the company\'s sales and operations efforts.  All three parts of business (sales, marketing and operations) must work in unison.</p>\r\n            </div>','What is branding?','','inherit','open','open','','55-revision-4','','','2011-09-06 11:03:43','2011-09-06 11:03:43','',55,'http://realsitedesigner.com/theme/brand_iron/55-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(209,7,'2009-06-03 17:21:31','2009-06-03 21:21:31','<!--StartFragment-->\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>Every day we are reminded that we are in a recession…the countless news reports, articles and blogs remind us constantly about how to cut costs to assure survival during these tough economic times. As a struggling citizen of our latest societal problem, I couldn’t help but think “how did we get here?” In my lifetime as a working professional, I could never recall any economic times as tough as they are today. In fear that my generation may have to experience similar hardships as the Great Depression, I started to research more about how people (more specifically businesses) were able to prosper during that time. And what I started to discover was amidst all the negativity, we are forgetting what made some companies even more successful as a result of the Great Depression. </span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span> </span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>No doubt during “normal” economic conditions, companies wouldn’t dream about cutting their marketing budgets, so why should we stop now? In fact, since most companies are cutting their commercialization, wouldn’t now be the time to get your brand noticed while most of your competitors have gone silent? Additionally, wouldn’t you want your brand to be perceived as stronger than your competitors? Ironically the companies that advertised during the Great Depression became even more successful, once spending finally did increase. Their “staying power” actually gave the public a reason to be loyal to that brand and they came out on top while their competitors tried to gain lost ground. The common denominator among companies who persevered during the Great Depression: they did not decrease their ad spending. Therefore, those businesses who actually tried to save money and stop advertising, actually wasted the brand building dollars they had previously spent.</span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span> </span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>You could say I’m biased because I’m in marketing or perhaps that I’m overly optimistic, but with companies such as GE, Disney, HP and Microsoft all emerging out of recessions, perhaps we should all be reminded of the advertising and marketing history lessons of the past. What businesses fail to realize is, that even in recessions, people still spend money, they just look for better deals (and appreciate it more) when they do. Therefore saving money by cutting budgets in a down economy doesn’t automatically lead to successfully surviving a recession…especially if you’re not looking to stay top-of-mind of the consumer! </span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><em>Written by Rebecca Watry</em></p>\n\n<!--EndFragment-->','\"Staying Power\" from the Great Depression to Today','','publish','open','open','','staying-power-from-the-great-depression-to-today','','','2009-06-03 17:21:31','2009-06-03 21:21:31','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=209',0,'post','',0),(1335,1,'2011-11-15 18:21:17','2011-11-15 18:21:17','The process of developing an identity and marketing plan for a company is no easy task. It involves delving into the very heart and soul of the company and creating an image that has to speak volumes about its inner workings, missions and intentions to its potential clients. Taking this into consideration, how do you create a logo for an entire country? But not just any country, how do you create a logo and marketing strategy for the United States of America? Other countries such as Peru and Mexico have successfully developed identities giving homage to their centuries old cultures. The United States is a noted melting pot of all cultures. How would you define that?\r\n\r\nThe Corporation for Travel Promotion (CTP) was given this lovely task. Saddled with a not-so-modest marketing budget of up to $200 million* annually, CTP looked to create the first unified marketing strategy aimed to promote tourism in the United States to international vacationers. What they came up with was <a href=\"http://www.thebrandusa.com/\">Brand USA, Inc.</a> with the tagline, “The United States of Awesome Possibilities.”\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1329\" title=\"Brand USA\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/USA_1720_vert_p5-300x157.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"157\" />\r\n\r\nAccording to Brand USA’s website, the identity is meant “to capture the American spirit and create a fresh new brand identity that welcomes the world to come experience the boundless possibilities in America.” The marketing campaign includes a consumer website, <a href=\"http://www.discoveramerica.com/\">DiscoverAmerica.com</a>, meant to offer a user-friendly experience of planning and traveling the U.S. It offers general guides for major cities, a deal finder (coming soon), and U.S. travel tips. The campaign, scheduled to launch in the spring of next year, ultimately looks to generate more American jobs through the boost it hopes to gain in international tourism.\r\n\r\n*Rest assured taxpayers, no tax dollars were spent to fund the Brand USA. As stated on the website, half of the budget will be funded by private investment and the rest comes from a $14 visitor fee from the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) when traveling to the US from countries that do not require a visa.\r\n\r\n<strong>Thoughts from the BI Team</strong>\r\n\r\nJustin- Creative Director\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLeilani- Graphic Designer\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Marketing for America','','inherit','closed','open','','1328-revision-5','','','2011-11-15 18:21:17','2011-11-15 18:21:17','',1328,'http://www.brandiron.net/general/1328-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(1336,1,'2011-11-15 18:22:18','2011-11-15 18:22:18','The process of developing an identity and marketing plan for a company is no easy task. It involves delving into the very heart and soul of the company and creating an image that has to speak volumes about its inner workings, missions and intentions to its potential clients. Taking this into consideration, how do you create a logo for an entire country? But not just any country, how do you create a logo and marketing strategy for the United States of America? Other countries such as Peru and Mexico have successfully developed identities giving homage to their centuries old cultures. The United States is a noted melting pot of all cultures. How would you define that?\r\n\r\nThe Corporation for Travel Promotion (CTP) was given this lovely task. Saddled with a not-so-modest marketing budget of up to $200 million* annually, CTP looked to create the first unified marketing strategy aimed to promote tourism in the United States to international vacationers. What they came up with was <a href=\"http://www.thebrandusa.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Brand USA, Inc.</a> with the tagline, “The United States of Awesome Possibilities.”\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1329\" title=\"Brand USA\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/USA_1720_vert_p5-300x157.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"157\" />\r\n\r\nAccording to Brand USA’s website, the identity is meant “to capture the American spirit and create a fresh new brand identity that welcomes the world to come experience the boundless possibilities in America.” The marketing campaign includes a consumer website, <a href=\"http://www.discoveramerica.com/\">DiscoverAmerica.com</a>, meant to offer a user-friendly experience of planning and traveling the U.S. It offers general guides for major cities, a deal finder (coming soon), and U.S. travel tips. The campaign, scheduled to launch in the spring of next year, ultimately looks to generate more American jobs through the boost it hopes to gain in international tourism.\r\n\r\n*Rest assured taxpayers, no tax dollars were spent to fund the Brand USA. As stated on the website, half of the budget will be funded by private investment and the rest comes from a $14 visitor fee from the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) when traveling to the US from countries that do not require a visa.\r\n\r\n<strong>Thoughts from the BI Team</strong>\r\n\r\nJustin- Creative Director\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLeilani- Graphic Designer\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Marketing for America','','inherit','closed','open','','1328-revision-6','','','2011-11-15 18:22:18','2011-11-15 18:22:18','',1328,'http://www.brandiron.net/general/1328-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(252,1,'2011-09-16 23:23:35','2011-09-16 23:23:35','','Approach','','publish','open','open','','approach','','','2011-10-19 22:52:19','2011-10-19 22:52:19','',0,'http://realsitedesigner.com/theme/brand_iron/?p=252',2,'nav_menu_item','',0),(253,1,'2011-09-16 23:23:35','2011-09-16 23:23:35','','How We\'re Different','','publish','open','open','','how-were-different','','','2011-10-19 22:52:19','2011-10-19 22:52:19','',0,'http://realsitedesigner.com/theme/brand_iron/?p=253',3,'nav_menu_item','',0),(254,1,'2011-09-16 23:26:35','2011-09-16 23:26:35','','Who We Are','','publish','open','open','','who-we-are-2','','','2012-08-17 20:15:40','2012-08-17 20:15:40','',0,'http://realsitedesigner.com/theme/brand_iron/?p=254',2,'nav_menu_item','',0),(255,1,'2011-09-16 23:26:35','2011-09-16 23:26:35','','Approach','','publish','open','open','','approach-2','','','2012-08-17 20:15:40','2012-08-17 20:15:40','',0,'http://realsitedesigner.com/theme/brand_iron/?p=255',3,'nav_menu_item','',0),(256,1,'2011-09-09 11:00:00','2011-09-09 11:00:00',' <p>Shaping and transforming brands since 2002, we partner with companies looking to achieve specific goals. Over the years, we\'ve collaborated with more than 200 clients in our backyard and across our borders to ultimately forge brands and drive revenue.</p>\r\n            <p>With a mix of backgrounds and various industry specialties, our team tackles the issue from every angle. We believe this strengthens our ability to create sound strategies. We blend a team-oriented approach with inherent entrepreneurialism to build the strongest brands. Among other things, we are creative thinkers, problem solvers and can-do-ers.</p>','Blog Post Title 2','','inherit','open','open','','120-revision-4','','','2011-09-09 11:00:00','2011-09-09 11:00:00','',120,'http://realsitedesigner.com/theme/brand_iron/120-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(257,3,'2007-10-29 13:08:00','2007-10-29 17:08:00','It was great to see everybody this past August during our first Rockies game partner event. Although our Rockies didn’t win, there was plenty of food, fun and excitement.<br /><br />The afternoon started off at Brand Iron’s new office space (same address, new suite) with hot dogs and all the fixin’s.<br /><br />Brand Iron’s partner events are our way of saying “thank you” to our clients and partners. Many times, when our partners and clients meet each other – they find out they have a lot more in common than just working with Brand Iron – and they build their own business relationships.<br /><br />Our events are held quarterly, so please stay tuned for our next one.  Thanks again for all who attended and made this day one to remember.<br /><br />Click on the album below to view the pics.<br /><br /><table style=\"width:194px;\"><tr><td align=\"center\" style=\"height:194px;background:url(http://picasaweb.google.com/f/img/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left\"><a href=\"http://picasaweb.google.com/brandiron.denver/BrandIronPartnerEvent\"><img src=\"http://lh6.google.com/brandiron.denver/RyX0rB795hE/AAAAAAAAAEU/PpdPk4v3u0g/s160-c/BrandIronPartnerEvent.jpg\" width=\"160\" height=\"160\" style=\"margin:1px 0 0 4px;\" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=\"text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px\"><a href=\"http://picasaweb.google.com/brandiron.denver/BrandIronPartnerEvent\" style=\"color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;\">Brand Iron Partner Event</a></td></tr></table>','Brand Iron Partner Event - Aug. 2007','','publish','open','open','','brand-iron-partner-event-aug-2007','','','2007-10-29 13:08:00','2007-10-29 17:08:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=14',0,'post','',0),(258,3,'2007-11-02 14:23:00','2007-11-02 18:23:00','Internal branding is the way a brand comes to life, and it directly impacts the relationship your customers have with your brand. The power behind your brand is most evident when the mere mention of your brand can invoke positive feelings in the minds of your customers.<br /><br />Your internal brand starts from within your organization. Your sales, marketing and operations all have to communicate the same message. For example, if your company’s unique selling position is “ease of use” – this message should be the focal point of brochures, inserts and all marketing materials. The phone script your sales team uses should include phrases like, “usability” and “user-friendly”. Furthermore, the proposals your sales team prepares should be clear and to the point. Within your operations, invoices should be easy to understand, and payments can be processed through a variety of ways. Likewise, the services you provide and the service your customers expect should be very straightforward.<br /><br />To develop your internal brand – it must start at the top. The c-level executives set the philosophy, and it is then carried out by the rest of the team. Without c-level support and initiation – your brand will not carry out the promises of your company – and customers will be disappointed. Only when the entire team is clear about the brand – and how to live it, will you start impacting your customers by creating a positive brand experience.<br /><br />Steps to developing your brand internally:<br /><br />1. Develop your company’s brand promise.<br /><br />2. Map out what it takes to fulfill that promise.<br /><br />3. Understand why your promise is better than the competition.<br /><br />4. Train all employees on your brand and what the brand stands for.<br /><br />5. Commit to the brand on all levels.<br /><br />6. Execute and stick to the plan.<br /><br />Your internal brand will drive how your customers see your company and what kind of feeling they get from working with you. Positive internal brands lead to positive external brands - and both make it easier for you to reach your sales and communication goals.','Internal Branding - What is it and why it matters','','publish','open','open','','internal-branding-what-is-it-and-why-it-matters','','','2007-11-02 14:23:00','2007-11-02 18:23:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=15',0,'post','',1),(259,3,'2007-11-19 18:13:00','2007-11-19 22:13:00','I read an article this week in October’s Advertising & Marketing Review on social marketing and networking. While it was a great article, I thought it concentrated too heavily on the online aspect. While online social networking is definitely growing at an alarming rate and can be a valuable new tool – I think face-to-face is also worth writing about.<br /><br />(These days you can’t swing a mouse over your head without hitting someone that’s on Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace, Bacn or any of the others. These are great ‘virtual’ social networking platforms and a lot of what is to follow will have relevance in the online realm, too.)<br /><br />For any size business, physical social networking (vs. virtual social networking), plays a very important role in getting new business. More than 75% of Brand Iron’s business comes from our network of partners, associates and clients. It can be a very cost-effective tool OR it can be a complete waste of time. In this article I wanted to give you some simple steps to follow so you can effectively integrate social marketing into your brand.<br /><br />● Research. <br />See what is available in your local area. A lot of national organizations have local chapters. Make a list of everything available, whether it’s in your direct space or on the fringe. When compiling this list, it’s okay to be too broad.<br /><br />● Set goals.<br />What do you want to accomplish from your social networks? Figure out if you want to grow your sales funnel, increase conversions, raise awareness of your company, etc.  Depending on your goals, join the group that has the greatest potential to help you reach those goals. For example, if you want to increase awareness of your company, you would benefit greatest from a large group where you could get a lot of exposure. On the flip side, if you are looking to increase sales in a high dollar market, join a smaller group that will allow you to build the kind of life-long relationships your sales process requires.<br /><br />● Join and get involved.<br />Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Start slowly and be committed to the group(s) you do join. A group is only as effective as each member, and if everyone gives it the attention it deserves – everyone will be reaping the rewards. <br /><br />Use what you learn from the other members. If you are having a business problem, chances are that you aren’t the first to have this problem, and others in your group might have valuable advice for you.  Also, use your group as a test market and collaborate on your new products, services or processes.<br /><br />● Track.<br />Make sure you develop a system for tracking the effectiveness of each group. Whether it’s tracking new leads, measuring exposure or building your database – you’ll need to get sophisticated.<br /><br />● Evaluate<br />Every year, evaluate your networking groups against the goals you established in the beginning. This should be easy if you’ve been tracking results throughout the term.  Keep the winners and find replacements for the losers.<br /><br />Social networking can play a large role when developing and building brand. The new connections you make will help you drive business and increase your revenue. Brand Iron can help you establish a targeted social (physical and virtual) networking strategy.   <br /><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\">PS – Brand Iron is getting ready to launch “BIZfuse” a Denver-based, social networking group of professionals that exchange ideas and meet to discuss various industry-related topics. <br />Stay tuned...</span><br /><br />By Josh Barker, Brand Wrangler','Get Connected: Social Marketing for Your Brand','','publish','open','open','','get-connected-social-marketing-for-your-brand','','','2007-11-19 18:13:00','2007-11-19 22:13:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=16',0,'post','',1),(260,1,'2011-09-16 23:39:08','2011-09-16 23:39:08','','Blog Post Title 2','','inherit','open','open','','120-revision-5','','','2011-09-16 23:39:08','2011-09-16 23:39:08','',120,'http://realsitedesigner.com/theme/brand_iron/120-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(1337,1,'2011-11-15 19:51:05','2011-11-15 19:51:05','The process of developing an identity and marketing plan for a company is no easy task. It involves delving into the very heart and soul of the company and creating an image that has to speak volumes about its inner workings, missions and intentions to its potential clients. Taking this into consideration, how do you create a logo for an entire country? But not just any country, how do you create a logo and marketing strategy for the United States of America? Other countries such as Peru and Mexico have successfully developed identities giving homage to their centuries old cultures. The United States is a noted melting pot of all cultures. How would you define that?\r\n\r\nThe Corporation for Travel Promotion (CTP) was given this lovely task. Saddled with a not-so-modest marketing budget of up to $200 million* annually, CTP looked to create the first unified marketing strategy aimed to promote tourism in the United States to international vacationers. What they came up with was <a href=\"http://www.thebrandusa.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Brand USA, Inc.</a> with the tagline, “The United States of Awesome Possibilities.”\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1329\" title=\"Brand USA\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/USA_1720_vert_p5-300x157.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"157\" />\r\n\r\nAccording to Brand USA’s website, the identity is meant “to capture the American spirit and create a fresh new brand identity that welcomes the world to come experience the boundless possibilities in America.” The marketing campaign includes a consumer website, <a href=\"http://www.discoveramerica.com/\">DiscoverAmerica.com</a>, meant to offer a user-friendly experience of planning and traveling the U.S. It offers general guides for major cities, a deal finder (coming soon), and U.S. travel tips. The campaign, scheduled to launch in the spring of next year, ultimately looks to generate more American jobs through the boost it hopes to gain in international tourism.\r\n\r\n*Rest assured taxpayers, no tax dollars were spent to fund the Brand USA. As stated on the website, half of the budget will be funded by private investment and the rest comes from a $14 visitor fee from the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) when traveling to the US from countries that do not require a visa.\r\n\r\n<strong>Thoughts from the BI Team</strong>\r\n\r\nJustin- Art Director\r\n\r\nI definitely have mixed feeling about the brand. At first sight, the logo left me unimpressed. It\'s just a bunch of dots, right? Hasn\'t this been played out by the telecom industry? However, after I stopped to think about the direction I would have taken, it started to make sense. Even though most people would agree that the logo is generic, doesn\'t it <em>have</em> to be? Due to the extreme diversity found in our country, this is probably one of the few cases where something as generic as this is actually a good solution. I even like the tagline. The United States of Awesome Possibilities is the new \"The Land of Opportunity\". Although new, the tagline feels like it has roots. + 1.\r\n\r\nThe website, on the other hand, is undeniably a disaster. Keep in mind that the budget is <em>200 million dollars a year.</em> Aesthetically, it\'s embarrassing. The <a href=\"http://www.discoveramerica.com/ca/\" target=\"_blank\">landing page</a> looks like a bad knock-off of a <a href=\"http://livingsocial.com/escapes\" target=\"_blank\">flash sale site</a>. The <a href=\"http://www.discoveramerica.com/ca/home.html\" target=\"_blank\">home page</a> is busier than Wall Street. Is the strategy to barrage the viewer with photos? They get it, there\'s a lot of variety, there\'s no need to show that in the design. The background photo ends abruptly at the bottom, yet scales to fill the browser window horizontally— a half-assed attempt at a common technique. If <a href=\"http://ringvemedia.com/\" target=\"_blank\">China</a> can do it, we can do it... can\'t we? The <a href=\"http://b.oss.im//9a/0l6kiir20wcsg.png\" target=\"_blank\">border</a> around the content area isn\'t even aligned properly for crying out loud. I\'ll stop there— but really? For <em>200 million dollars a year</em>, I would expect a site that didn\'t look like an outdated, broken template.\r\n\r\nFinal thoughts:\r\nInstead of taking the obvious direction using any combination of red/white/blue/stars/stripes/guns), they\'ve come up with a good concept. As far execution goes— I can\'t help but picture those over at the The Brand Union cutting corners so they can get back to their  <a href=\"http://www.lindsaybrothers.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/scrooge-mcduck.jpg\" target=\"_blank\">Scrooge-McDuck-style pool party</a>.\r\n\r\nLeilani- Graphic Designer\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Marketing for America','','inherit','closed','open','','1328-revision-7','','','2011-11-15 19:51:05','2011-11-15 19:51:05','',1328,'http://www.brandiron.net/general/1328-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(264,3,'2008-01-28 17:30:00','2008-01-28 21:30:00','Hey everyone, I have an announcement!<br /><br />Gather around because I need your full, undivided attention.  What I am about to tell you is big news!  This is exciting so please listen to what I am about to say…<br /><br />Are you ready?  <br /><br />Of course you are.  Who wouldn’t be on the edge of their seat waiting anxiously with that kind of build up?<br /><br />But after the drum roll, unfortunately we usually come away disappointed.  That was it?  That was all you had for me?  <br /><br />Generally, we as information seekers fall for that kind of approach all the time.  We are teased by our TV and radio, and by the front pages of our news Web sites and newspapers.  They sometimes suck us in, and if it is worthy enough of being sucked in, we don’t mind.  But if it isn’t we quickly become immune to it.  Just like the story about the “boy who cried wolf.” <br /><br />But while the news media works to get our attention in various ways, they very often receive similar treatment by the people disseminating news…those of us who work in the communications and public relations world.  <br /> <br />Media members are inundated with email news releases, phone messages, packages and press kits on a constant basis.  They are poked, prodded and pitched by companies who claim to have “really important” news.   <br /><br />I know it’s true and I keep that in mind every time a client suggests we send out a press release just for the sake of sending out a press release.  It’s important to understand what news is and what it’s not.  And it’s important to put ourselves in the shoes of the reporter to whom we are reaching out.<br /><br />The media wants news that is timely and relevant.  Yes, they also prefer ‘exciting,’ but not all news is exciting.  So, if we can find what might be exciting or unique about a particular story, it becomes much more palatable.  <br /><br />Reporters want news that impacts their readers/viewers, not news that only matters to you, the messenger. They want short, sweet and to the point, not long, drawn-out and complicated.<br /><br />Beating down reporters with a constant stream of nothing will only alienate yourself and your firm.  A press release with no intrinsic news value or unique content is just that: a press release with no value.  <br /><br />To communicate effectively, it is important to know that what we communicate is just as important as how we communicate it.  Real news and real stories are fun to share and nothing is better than engaging a reporter who sees the same news value as you do.  <br /><br />The next time you have big news and can’t wait to share it, think for a minute how big, how important and how newsworthy it really is to someone outside of your company.  Maybe it’s best to celebrate internally and leave everyone on the outside wondering what the fuss is all about.<br /><br />Enough fuss that it just may be worthy of a news story.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\">written by Jim Miller, Director of PR</span>','Gimme Some Real News!!!','','publish','open','open','','gimme-some-real-news','','','2008-01-28 17:30:00','2008-01-28 21:30:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=21',0,'post','',1),(1334,1,'2011-11-15 16:56:13','2011-11-15 16:56:13','The process of developing an identity and marketing plan for a company is no easy task. It involves delving into the very heart and soul of the company and creating an image that has to speak volumes about its inner workings, missions and intentions to its potential clients. Taking this into consideration, how do you create a logo for an entire country? But not just any country, how do you create a logo and marketing strategy for the United States of America? Other countries such as Peru and Mexico have successfully developed identities giving homage to their centuries old cultures. The United States is a noted melting pot of all cultures. How would you define that?\n\nThe Corporation for Travel Promotion (CTP) was given this lovely task. Saddled with a not-so-modest marketing budget of up to $200 million* annually, CTP looked to create the first unified marketing strategy aimed to promote tourism in the United States to international vacationers. What they came up with was <a href=\"http://www.thebrandusa.com/\">Brand USA, Inc.</a> with the tagline, “The United States of Awesome Possibilities.”\n\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1329\" title=\"Brand USA\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/USA_1720_vert_p5-300x157.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"157\" />\n\nAccording to Brand USA’s website, the identity is meant “to capture the American spirit and create a fresh new brand identity that welcomes the world to come experience the boundless possibilities in America.” The marketing campaign includes a consumer website, <a href=\"http://www.discoveramerica.com/\">DiscoverAmerica.com</a>, meant to offer a user-friendly experience of planning and traveling the U.S. It offers general guides for major cities, a deal finder (coming soon), and U.S. travel tips. The campaign, scheduled to launch in the spring of next year, ultimately looks to generate more American jobs through the boost it hopes to gain in international tourism.\n\n*Rest assured taxpayers, no tax dollars were spent to fund the Brand USA. As stated on the website, half of the budget will be funded by private investment and the rest comes from a $14 visitor fee from the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) when traveling to the US from countries that do not require a visa.\n\n<strong>Thoughts from the BI Team</strong>\n\nJustin- Creative Director\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLeilani- Graphic Designer\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Marketing for America','','inherit','closed','open','','1328-revision-4','','','2011-11-15 16:56:13','2011-11-15 16:56:13','',1328,'http://www.brandiron.net/general/1328-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(274,1,'2011-10-03 16:47:20','2011-10-03 16:47:20','','AmCheck','','inherit','open','open','','92-autosave','','','2011-10-03 16:47:20','2011-10-03 16:47:20','',92,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/92-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(275,1,'2011-09-06 12:16:22','2011-09-06 12:16:22','','JE Dunn','','inherit','open','open','','92-revision-2','','','2011-09-06 12:16:22','2011-09-06 12:16:22','',92,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/92-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(276,1,'2011-10-03 16:51:28','2011-10-03 16:51:28','<iframe width=\"460\" height=\"264\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/EHk63POSBNM\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>','AmCheck','','inherit','open','open','','92-revision-3','','','2011-10-03 16:51:28','2011-10-03 16:51:28','',92,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/92-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(277,1,'2011-10-03 16:54:41','2011-10-03 16:54:41','<iframe width=\"460\" height=\"264\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/EHk63POSBNM\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>','AmCheck','','inherit','open','open','','92-revision-4','','','2011-10-03 16:54:41','2011-10-03 16:54:41','',92,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/92-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(278,1,'2011-10-03 16:56:48','2011-10-03 16:56:48','','David Puchi','','inherit','open','open','','70-autosave','','','2011-10-03 16:56:48','2011-10-03 16:56:48','',70,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/70-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(279,1,'2011-09-06 11:50:17','2011-09-06 11:50:17','','John Smith','','inherit','open','open','','70-revision-3','','','2011-09-06 11:50:17','2011-09-06 11:50:17','',70,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/70-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(280,1,'2011-10-03 17:00:34','2011-10-03 17:00:34','<iframe width=\"460\" height=\"264\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/ShpQsZ0tn1M\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>','Frank Hofmeister','','inherit','open','open','','72-autosave','','','2011-10-03 17:00:34','2011-10-03 17:00:34','',72,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/72-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(281,1,'2011-09-06 11:50:46','2011-09-06 11:50:46','','John Smith','','inherit','open','open','','72-revision-3','','','2011-09-06 11:50:46','2011-09-06 11:50:46','',72,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/72-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(282,1,'2011-09-06 11:50:51','2011-09-06 11:50:51','','John 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src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/8fkWD1nL-4k\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>','David Puchi','','inherit','open','open','','70-revision-4','','','2011-10-03 16:56:52','2011-10-03 16:56:52','',70,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/70-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(286,1,'2011-10-03 17:00:50','2011-10-03 17:00:50','<iframe width=\"460\" height=\"264\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/ShpQsZ0tn1M\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>','Frank Hofmeister','','inherit','open','open','','72-revision-4','','','2011-10-03 17:00:50','2011-10-03 17:00:50','',72,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/72-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(287,1,'2011-09-06 11:50:58','2011-09-06 11:50:58','','John Smith','','inherit','open','open','','66-revision-3','','','2011-09-06 11:50:58','2011-09-06 11:50:58','',66,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/66-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(288,1,'2011-09-06 11:51:03','2011-09-06 11:51:03','','John Smith','','inherit','open','open','','65-revision-4','','','2011-09-06 11:51:03','2011-09-06 11:51:03','',65,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/65-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(290,1,'2012-04-30 15:44:00','2012-04-30 15:44:00','As Founder and CEO, Michael serves as the key component in linking all three points of Brand Iron’s holistic triangle: Sales/Marketing/Operations. Michael’s holistic ideology blends well with the rest of the team’s ability to bring vision to reality. As a result, every aspect of management and client services that delivers results. Known as a “whirlwind” -- both on his bicycle and in the office – Michael passionately follows every one of his projects to the very end of the trail.','Michael Doyle','','inherit','open','open','','148-autosave','','','2012-04-30 15:44:00','2012-04-30 15:44:00','',148,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/148-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(291,1,'2011-09-07 06:57:22','2011-09-07 06:57:22','Short blurb. More \"fun\" than what\'s in the capabilities deck. Short blurb. He likes to eat gelato.','Michael doyle','','inherit','open','open','','148-revision-2','','','2011-09-07 06:57:22','2011-09-07 06:57:22','',148,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/148-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(292,1,'2011-10-03 17:14:55','2011-10-03 17:14:55','<iframe width=\"460\" height=\"264\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZwUPy1nLSwU?rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>','Gary Hamilton','','inherit','open','open','','65-revision-5','','','2011-10-03 17:14:55','2011-10-03 17:14:55','',65,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/65-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(293,1,'2011-10-03 17:14:04','2011-10-03 17:14:04','<iframe width=\"460\" height=\"264\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/a-VA2QUX3Pk?rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>','Charlie Knight','','inherit','open','open','','66-revision-4','','','2011-10-03 17:14:04','2011-10-03 17:14:04','',66,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/66-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(294,1,'2011-10-03 17:04:25','2011-10-03 17:04:25','<iframe width=\"460\" height=\"264\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/Tc_ETsKZiFQ?rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>','Lloyd Gottman','','inherit','open','open','','73-revision-5','','','2011-10-03 17:04:25','2011-10-03 17:04:25','',73,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/73-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(295,1,'2011-10-03 17:13:02','2011-10-03 17:13:02','<iframe width=\"460\" height=\"264\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/ShpQsZ0tn1M?rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>','Frank Hofmeister','','inherit','open','open','','72-revision-5','','','2011-10-03 17:13:02','2011-10-03 17:13:02','',72,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/72-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(296,1,'2011-10-03 17:12:53','2011-10-03 17:12:53','<iframe width=\"460\" height=\"264\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/8fkWD1nL-4k?rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>','David Puchi','','inherit','open','open','','70-revision-5','','','2011-10-03 17:12:53','2011-10-03 17:12:53','',70,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/70-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(297,1,'2011-10-03 17:12:42','2011-10-03 17:12:42','<iframe width=\"460\" height=\"264\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/EHk63POSBNM?rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>','Brad Johnston','','inherit','open','open','','92-revision-6','','','2011-10-03 17:12:42','2011-10-03 17:12:42','',92,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/92-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(298,1,'2011-10-03 18:39:48','2011-10-03 18:39:48','Likes meat.','Beast','','inherit','open','open','','126-autosave','','','2011-10-03 18:39:48','2011-10-03 18:39:48','',126,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/126-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(299,1,'2011-09-07 06:41:12','2011-09-07 06:41:12','Short blurb. More \"fun\" than what\'s in the capabilities deck. Short blurb. He likes to eat gelato. Short blurb.','Patches','','inherit','open','open','','126-revision-2','','','2011-09-07 06:41:12','2011-09-07 06:41:12','',126,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/126-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(300,1,'2011-10-03 18:23:59','2011-10-03 18:23:59','','DSC_2465-crop','','inherit','open','open','','dsc_2465-crop','','','2011-10-03 18:23:59','2011-10-03 18:23:59','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/DSC_2465-crop.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',1),(302,1,'2011-10-03 18:28:15','2011-10-03 18:28:15','','DSC_3514-crop','','inherit','open','open','','dsc_3514-crop','','','2011-10-03 18:28:15','2011-10-03 18:28:15','',148,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/DSC_3514-crop.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(303,1,'2011-10-03 17:31:52','2011-10-03 17:31:52','As Founder and CEO, Michael serves as the key component in linking all three points of Brand Iron’s holistic triangle:  Sales/Marketing/Operations. Michael’s holistic ideology blends well with the rest of the team’s ability to bring vision to reality.  As a result, every aspect of management and client services that delivers results. Known as a “whirlwind” -- both on his bicycle and in the office – Michael passionately follows every one of his projects to the very end of the trail.','Michael Doyle','','inherit','open','open','','148-revision-3','','','2011-10-03 17:31:52','2011-10-03 17:31:52','',148,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/148-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(304,1,'2011-10-03 18:29:22','2011-10-03 18:29:22','','DSC_2748-crop','','inherit','open','open','','dsc_2748-crop','','','2011-10-03 18:29:22','2011-10-03 18:29:22','',147,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/DSC_2748-crop.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(305,1,'2011-09-07 06:56:53','2011-09-07 06:56:53','Short blurb. More \"fun\" than what\'s in the capabilities deck. Short blurb. He likes to eat gelato. Short blurb. More \"fun\" than what\'s in the capabilities deck. Short blurb. He likes to eat gelato. ','IM MILLER','','inherit','open','open','','147-revision-2','','','2011-09-07 06:56:53','2011-09-07 06:56:53','',147,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/147-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(306,1,'2011-10-03 18:29:31','2011-10-03 18:29:31','Jim’s role in the growth and evolution of Brand Iron is focused on building overall operational efficiencies and ensuring the agency delivers a positive client service experience. He also leads the public relations efforts for Brand Iron’s clients and serves as a member of the agency’s executive leadership teams. Jim’s biggest contribution, however, is identifying hysterical, “must-see” (in his mind) YouTube video’s during staff meetings.','Jim Miller','','inherit','open','open','','147-revision-3','','','2011-10-03 18:29:31','2011-10-03 18:29:31','',147,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/147-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(1530,1,'2012-02-02 23:15:47','2012-02-02 23:15:47','','DSC_2528-crop','','inherit','closed','open','','dsc_2528-crop','','','2012-02-02 23:15:47','2012-02-02 23:15:47','',140,'http://www.brandiron.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/DSC_2528-crop.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(309,1,'2011-10-03 18:39:46','2011-10-03 18:39:46','','DSC_2734-crop','','inherit','open','open','','dsc_2734-crop','','','2011-10-03 18:39:46','2011-10-03 18:39:46','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/DSC_2734-crop.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1529,1,'2012-02-02 23:09:08','2012-02-02 23:09:08','Kim merges 15 years of business development and marketing experience from a wide range of industries to understand the needs of Brand Iron clients. She embodies Brand Iron’s outcome-based focus to ensure our clients’ marketing strategies are aligned with their goals. Her passion is contagious and sincere when she believes in something. She loves sports, with a particular affinity for the Buffs. ','Kim Moss','','inherit','closed','open','','1514-revision-8','','','2012-02-02 23:09:08','2012-02-02 23:09:08','',1514,'http://www.brandiron.net/general/1514-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(311,1,'2011-10-03 18:41:20','2011-10-03 18:41:20','','DSC_2676-crop','','inherit','open','open','','dsc_2676-crop','','','2011-10-03 18:41:20','2011-10-03 18:41:20','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/DSC_2676-crop.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',1),(313,1,'2011-10-03 18:28:25','2011-10-03 18:28:25','As Founder and CEO, Michael serves as the key component in linking all three points of Brand Iron’s holistic triangle:  Sales/Marketing/Operations. Michael’s holistic ideology blends well with the rest of the team’s ability to bring vision to reality.  As a result, every aspect of management and client services that delivers results. Known as a “whirlwind” -- both on his bicycle and in the office – Michael passionately follows every one of his projects to the very end of the trail.','Michael Doyle','','inherit','open','open','','148-revision-4','','','2011-10-03 18:28:25','2011-10-03 18:28:25','',148,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/148-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(314,1,'2012-01-14 00:04:41','2012-01-14 00:04:41','Kaitlyn’s “go-getter” attitude for managing brands makes her an integral and exuberant part of the Brand Management team. Although she holds the record for messiest office, you’d be hard pressed to walk in without being greeted by her pearly whites. Whether she’s writing web copy, creating a Power Point presentation or choosing paper for business cards, you can catch this Colorado girl working away to the tunes of her favorite country songs.','Kaitlyn Anderson','','inherit','open','open','','144-autosave','','','2012-01-14 00:04:41','2012-01-14 00:04:41','',144,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/144-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(315,1,'2011-10-03 18:43:39','2011-10-03 18:43:39','','DSC_2524-crop','','inherit','open','open','','dsc_2524-crop','','','2011-10-03 18:43:39','2011-10-03 18:43:39','',144,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/DSC_2524-crop.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(316,1,'2011-09-07 06:55:43','2011-09-07 06:55:43','Short blurb. More \"fun\" than what\'s in the capabilities deck. Short blurb. He likes to eat gelato.','kaitlyn anderson','','inherit','open','open','','144-revision-2','','','2011-09-07 06:55:43','2011-09-07 06:55:43','',144,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/144-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(317,1,'2011-10-03 18:44:29','2011-10-03 18:44:29','','DSC_2385-crop','','inherit','open','open','','dsc_2385-crop','','','2011-10-03 18:44:29','2011-10-03 18:44:29','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/DSC_2385-crop.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1519,1,'2012-02-02 17:52:24','2012-02-02 17:52:24','Kim merges 15 years of business development and marketing experience from a wide range of industries to understand the needs of Brand Iron clients. She embodies Brand Iron’s outcome-based focus to ensure our clients’ marketing strategies are aligned with their goals. Her passion is contagious and sincere when she believes in something. She loves sports, with a particular affinity for the Buffs. ','Kim Moss','','inherit','closed','open','','1514-revision-5','','','2012-02-02 17:52:24','2012-02-02 17:52:24','',1514,'http://www.brandiron.net/general/1514-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(1518,1,'2012-02-02 17:50:19','2012-02-02 17:50:19','Kim merges 15 years of business development and marketing experience from a wide range of industries to understand the needs of Brand Iron clients. She embodies Brand Iron’s outcome-based focus to ensure our clients’ marketing strategies are aligned with their goals. Her passion is contagious and sincere when she believes in something. She loves sports, with a particular affinity for the Buffs. ','Kim Moss','','inherit','closed','open','','1514-revision-4','','','2012-02-02 17:50:19','2012-02-02 17:50:19','',1514,'http://www.brandiron.net/general/1514-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(322,1,'2011-10-03 18:46:37','2011-10-03 18:46:37','','DSC_2583-crop','','inherit','open','open','','dsc_2583-crop','','','2011-10-03 18:46:37','2011-10-03 18:46:37','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/DSC_2583-crop.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',1),(324,1,'2011-10-03 18:47:55','2011-10-03 18:47:55','','DSC_2574-crop','','inherit','open','open','','dsc_2574-crop','','','2011-10-03 18:47:55','2011-10-03 18:47:55','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/DSC_2574-crop.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(326,1,'2011-10-03 18:49:01','2011-10-03 18:49:01','','DSC_2330-crop','','inherit','open','open','','dsc_2330-crop','','','2011-10-03 18:49:01','2011-10-03 18:49:01','',140,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/DSC_2330-crop.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(327,1,'2011-09-07 06:54:30','2011-09-07 06:54:30','Short blurb. More \"fun\" than what\'s in the capabilities deck. Short blurb. He likes to eat gelato.','MICHELLE HAMILTON','','inherit','open','open','','140-revision-2','','','2011-09-07 06:54:30','2011-09-07 06:54:30','',140,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/140-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(1528,1,'2012-02-02 23:14:54','2012-02-02 23:14:54','','DSC_2874-crop','','inherit','closed','open','','dsc_2874-crop-3','','','2012-02-02 23:14:54','2012-02-02 23:14:54','',1514,'http://www.brandiron.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/DSC_2874-crop2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(329,1,'2011-10-03 18:50:28','2011-10-03 18:50:28','','photo','','inherit','open','open','','photo','','','2011-10-03 18:50:28','2011-10-03 18:50:28','',126,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/photo.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(330,1,'2011-10-03 18:21:37','2011-10-03 18:21:37','','Beast','','inherit','open','open','','126-revision-3','','','2011-10-03 18:21:37','2011-10-03 18:21:37','',126,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/126-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(331,1,'2011-10-03 18:50:36','2011-10-03 18:50:36','Drools.','Beast','','inherit','open','open','','126-revision-4','','','2011-10-03 18:50:36','2011-10-03 18:50:36','',126,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/126-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(332,1,'2011-10-03 20:16:04','2011-10-03 20:16:04','','How We\'re Different','','publish','open','open','','how-were-different-2','','','2012-08-17 20:15:40','2012-08-17 20:15:40','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/?p=332',4,'nav_menu_item','',0),(333,1,'2011-10-03 20:18:43','2011-10-03 20:18:43','','What Is Branding?','','publish','open','open','','what-is-branding','','','2012-08-17 20:15:40','2012-08-17 20:15:40','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/?p=333',5,'nav_menu_item','',0),(334,1,'2011-10-03 20:19:20','2011-10-03 20:19:20','','Video Testimonials','','publish','open','open','','video-testimonials','','','2012-08-17 20:15:40','2012-08-17 20:15:40','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/?p=334',6,'nav_menu_item','',0),(335,1,'2011-10-03 20:20:46','2011-10-03 20:20:46','','Our Team','','publish','open','open','','our-team','','','2012-08-17 20:15:40','2012-08-17 20:15:40','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/?p=335',7,'nav_menu_item','',0),(336,1,'2011-09-12 10:20:36','2011-09-12 10:20:36',' <div class=\"about-left\">\r\n              <p>We believe that differentiation is the essential component to developing strong brands.  We work to achieve differentiation for our clients because it\'s how we have maintained consistent growth for the past decade.  What truly separates us from our competitors is the holistic approach we use to align overall marketing efforts with the company\'s sales and operations efforts.  All three parts of business (sales, marketing and operations) must work in unison. </p>\r\n              <p>Brand Iron integrates brand development with marketing implementation and results tracking to ensure that the tactics implemented are producing tangible, real-life results.  If not, necessary modifications are made and adjust according and make sure the new efforts are producing results.</p>\r\n            </div>\r\n            <div class=\"about-right\">\r\n              <p>Our 7-step process and focus on accountability through the use of KPIs − combined with our entrepreneurial approach − is what makes us unique. </p>\r\n            </div>','HOW WE\'RE DIFFERENT','','inherit','open','open','','49-revision-4','','','2011-09-12 10:20:36','2011-09-12 10:20:36','',49,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/49-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(337,1,'2011-09-12 10:20:24','2011-09-12 10:20:24',' <div class=\"about-left\"><p>Conceiving, shaping and transforming brands since 2002, we partner with companies looking to achieve specific goals. Over the years, we\'ve collaborated with more than 200 clients in our backyard and across our borders to ultimately forge brands and drive revenue. </p>\r\n              <p>With a mix of backgrounds and various industry specialties, our team tackles the issue from every angle. We believe this strengthens our ability to create sound strategies. We blend a team-oriented approach with inherent entrepreneurialism to build the strongest brands. Among other things, we are creative thinkers, problem solvers and can-do-ers. </p></div>','Who We Are','','inherit','open','open','','42-revision-5','','','2011-09-12 10:20:24','2011-09-12 10:20:24','',42,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/42-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(338,1,'2011-09-12 10:20:30','2011-09-12 10:20:30','<div class=\"about-left\">\r\n              <p>Our philosophy is based on inspiration and innovation. We encourage companies to think beyond a marketing-only approach, and instead, challenge them to \"own their space\" in the marketplace.  We define a brand by identifying its unique position and arm our clients with strategies that make the competition irrelevant.</p>\r\n              <p>We believe that brand equity is an asset that holds supreme value. The brand affects a company\'s ability to attract clients and prospects, grow market share and increase revenue. We help business owners think holistically. The brand must account for every aspect of the organization: sales, marketing and operations. The brand is the whole package - it must effectively reach and attract customers, communicate differentiation of services and products, and deliver on promises made about those differentiating points. </p>\r\n            </div>\r\n            <div class=\"about-right\">\r\n              <p>We start the process by diving deep into the competitive landscape of any client to explore the challenges and opportunities that exist. Beyond defining the brand and identifying the \"marketplace position\" that will allow for the company to capitalize on the greatest opportunity, we work to create focused marketing strategies, designed to enable organizations to achieve tangible results.</p>\r\n              <p>We use a <strong>7-step process</strong> to \"Forge Brands, Drive Revenue.\"  Along the way we establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure we are gaining the necessary traction to accomplish goals.    This innovative approach resonates well with the accountability to produce positive results.  We forge brands that drive revenue! </p>\r\n            </div>','Approach','','inherit','open','open','','48-revision-7','','','2011-09-12 10:20:30','2011-09-12 10:20:30','',48,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/48-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(339,1,'2011-10-03 20:45:11','2011-10-03 20:45:11',' <div class=\"about-left\">\r\n              <p>We believe that differentiation is the essential component to developing strong brands.  We work to achieve differentiation for our clients because it\'s how we have maintained consistent growth for the past decade.  What truly separates us from our competitors is the holistic approach we use to align overall marketing efforts with the company\'s sales and operations efforts.  All three parts of business (sales, marketing and operations) must work in unison. </p>\r\n              <p>Brand Iron integrates brand development with marketing implementation and results tracking to ensure that the tactics implemented are producing tangible, real-life results.  If not, necessary modifications are made and adjust according and make sure the new efforts are producing results.</p>\r\n            </div>\r\n            <div class=\"about-right\">\r\n              <p>Our 7-step process and focus on accountability through the use of KPIs − combined with our entrepreneurial approach − is what makes us unique. </p>\r\n            </div>','How We\'re Different','','inherit','open','open','','49-revision-5','','','2011-10-03 20:45:11','2011-10-03 20:45:11','',49,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/49-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(340,1,'2011-09-12 10:20:41','2011-09-12 10:20:41',' <div class=\" about-left\">\r\n              <p>We believe that differentiation is the essential component to developing strong brands.  We work to achieve differentiation for our clients because it\'s how we have maintained consistent growth for the past decade.  What truly separates us from our competitors is the holistic approach we use to align overall marketing efforts with the company\'s sales and operations efforts.  All three parts of business (sales, marketing and operations) must work in unison.</p>\r\n              <p>Brand Iron integrates brand development with marketing implementation and results tracking to ensure that the tactics implemented are producing tangible, real-life results.  If not, necessary modifications are made and adjust according and make sure the new efforts are producing results.</p>\r\n            </div>\r\n            <div class=\"about-right\">\r\n              <p>We believe that differentiation is the essential component to developing strong brands.  We work to achieve differentiation for our clients because it\'s how we have maintained consistent growth for the past decade.  What truly separates us from our competitors is the holistic approach we use to align overall marketing efforts with the company\'s sales and operations efforts.  All three parts of business (sales, marketing and operations) must work in unison.</p>\r\n            </div>','What is branding?','','inherit','open','open','','55-revision-5','','','2011-09-12 10:20:41','2011-09-12 10:20:41','',55,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/55-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(341,16,'2012-06-27 15:13:49','2012-06-27 15:13:49','<div class=\"about-left\">\n\nOur philosophy is based on inspiration and innovation. We encourage companies to think beyond a marketing-only approach, and instead, challenge them to find \"own their space\" in the marketplace. We define a brand by identifying its unique position and arm our clients with strategies that make the competition irrelevant.\n\nWe believe that brand equity is an asset that holds supreme value. The brand affects a company’s ability to attract clients and prospects, grow market share and increase revenue. We help business owners think holistically. The brand must account for every aspect of the organization: sales, marketing and operations. The brand is the whole package - it must effectively reach and attract customers, communicate differentiation of services and products, and deliver on promises made about those differentiating points.\n\n</div>\n<div class=\"about-right\">\n\nWe start the process by diving deep into the competitive landscape of any client to explore the challenges and opportunities that exist. Beyond defining the brand and identifying the “marketplace position” that will allow for the company to capitalize on the greatest opportunity, we work to create focused marketing strategies, designed to enable organizations to achieve tangible results.\n\nWe use a <a href=\"http://www.brandiron.net/dev/strategy/#7-step-process\">7-step process</a> to “Forge Brands, Drive Revenue.”  Along the way we establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure we are gaining the necessary traction to accomplish goals. This innovative approach resonates well with the accountability to produce positive results. We forge brands that drive revenue!\n\n</div>','Approach','','inherit','open','open','','48-autosave','','','2012-06-27 15:13:49','2012-06-27 15:13:49','',48,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/48-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(342,1,'2011-10-03 20:45:44','2011-10-03 20:45:44','<div class=\"about-left\">\r\n              <p>Our philosophy is based on inspiration and innovation. We encourage companies to think beyond a marketing-only approach, and instead, challenge them to \"own their space\" in the marketplace.  We define a brand by identifying its unique position and arm our clients with strategies that make the competition irrelevant.</p>\r\n              <p>We believe that brand equity is an asset that holds supreme value. The brand affects a company\'s ability to attract clients and prospects, grow market share and increase revenue. We help business owners think holistically. The brand must account for every aspect of the organization: sales, marketing and operations. The brand is the whole package - it must effectively reach and attract customers, communicate differentiation of services and products, and deliver on promises made about those differentiating points. </p>\r\n            </div>\r\n            <div class=\"about-right\">\r\n              <p>We start the process by diving deep into the competitive landscape of any client to explore the challenges and opportunities that exist. Beyond defining the brand and identifying the \"marketplace position\" that will allow for the company to capitalize on the greatest opportunity, we work to create focused marketing strategies, designed to enable organizations to achieve tangible results.</p>\r\n              <p>We use a <strong>7-step process</strong> to \"Forge Brands, Drive Revenue.\"  Along the way we establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure we are gaining the necessary traction to accomplish goals.    This innovative approach resonates well with the accountability to produce positive results.  We forge brands that drive revenue! </p>\r\n            </div>','Approach','','inherit','open','open','','48-revision-8','','','2011-10-03 20:45:44','2011-10-03 20:45:44','',48,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/48-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(343,1,'2011-10-03 20:49:22','2011-10-03 20:49:22','<div class=\"about-left\">\r\n\r\nOur philosophy is based on inspiration and innovation. We encourage companies to think beyond a marketing-only approach, and instead, challenge them to \"own their space\" in the marketplace. We define a brand by identifying its unique position and arm our clients with strategies that make the competition irrelevant.\r\n\r\nWe believe that brand equity is an asset that holds supreme value. The brand affects a company\'s ability to attract clients and prospects, grow market share and increase revenue. We help business owners think holistically. The brand must account for every aspect of the organization: sales, marketing and operations. The brand is the whole package - it must effectively reach and attract customers, communicate differentiation of services and products, and deliver on promises made about those differentiating points.\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\n\r\nWe start the process by diving deep into the competitive landscape of any client to explore the challenges and opportunities that exist. Beyond defining the brand and identifying the \"marketplace position\" that will allow for the company to capitalize on the greatest opportunity, we work to create focused marketing strategies, designed to enable organizations to achieve tangible results.\r\n\r\nWe use a <strong>7-step process</strong> to \"Forge Brands, Drive Revenue.\" Along the way we establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure we are gaining the necessary traction to accomplish goals. This innovative approach resonates well with the accountability to produce positive results. We forge brands that drive revenue!\r\n\r\n</div>','Approach','','inherit','open','open','','48-revision-9','','','2011-10-03 20:49:22','2011-10-03 20:49:22','',48,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/48-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(344,1,'2011-10-03 20:45:49','2011-10-03 20:45:49',' <div class=\"about-left\">\r\n              <p>We believe that differentiation is the essential component to developing strong brands.  We work to achieve differentiation for our clients because it\'s how we have maintained consistent growth for the past decade.  What truly separates us from our competitors is the holistic approach we use to align overall marketing efforts with the company\'s sales and operations efforts.  All three parts of business (sales, marketing and operations) must work in unison. </p>\r\n              <p>Brand Iron integrates brand development with marketing implementation and results tracking to ensure that the tactics implemented are producing tangible, real-life results.  If not, necessary modifications are made and adjust according and make sure the new efforts are producing results.</p>\r\n            </div>\r\n            <div class=\"about-right\">\r\n              <p>Our 7-step process and focus on accountability through the use of KPIs − combined with our entrepreneurial approach − is what makes us unique. </p>\r\n            </div>','How We\'re Different','','inherit','open','open','','49-revision-6','','','2011-10-03 20:45:49','2011-10-03 20:45:49','',49,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/49-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(345,1,'2011-10-03 20:45:54','2011-10-03 20:45:54',' <div class=\" about-left\">\r\n              <p>We believe that differentiation is the essential component to developing strong brands.  We work to achieve differentiation for our clients because it\'s how we have maintained consistent growth for the past decade.  What truly separates us from our competitors is the holistic approach we use to align overall marketing efforts with the company\'s sales and operations efforts.  All three parts of business (sales, marketing and operations) must work in unison.</p>\r\n              <p>Brand Iron integrates brand development with marketing implementation and results tracking to ensure that the tactics implemented are producing tangible, real-life results.  If not, necessary modifications are made and adjust according and make sure the new efforts are producing results.</p>\r\n            </div>\r\n            <div class=\"about-right\">\r\n              <p>We believe that differentiation is the essential component to developing strong brands.  We work to achieve differentiation for our clients because it\'s how we have maintained consistent growth for the past decade.  What truly separates us from our competitors is the holistic approach we use to align overall marketing efforts with the company\'s sales and operations efforts.  All three parts of business (sales, marketing and operations) must work in unison.</p>\r\n            </div>','What is branding?','','inherit','open','open','','55-revision-6','','','2011-10-03 20:45:54','2011-10-03 20:45:54','',55,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/55-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(346,16,'2012-06-27 15:32:57','2012-06-27 15:32:57','<div class=\" about-left\">\n\nA brand is more than a cool name and a snappy logo, and it’s not synonymous with “marketing.” Your brand should be an entire story. It starts with a memorable image and a clear message. This is your introduction to the marketplace - the first image customers recognize, remember and respond to. We believe that a company’s brand equity – i.e. the financial value of the company – is an asset that can hold supreme value. However, unless you have a strong business model to support the brand, the image means nothing. To truly forge a strong brand, you have to build a business from the inside out…and then ultimately be able to deliver on the brand promise.\n\n</div>','What is Branding?','','inherit','open','open','','55-autosave','','','2012-06-27 15:32:57','2012-06-27 15:32:57','',55,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/55-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(348,1,'2011-10-03 21:02:09','2011-10-03 21:02:09','<div class=\"about-left\">\r\n\r\nWe are entrepreneurial in nature so regardless of the challenge, we are creative in finding ways to overcome it. Regardless of your business\'s lifecycle stage, we are prepared to create a strategy that supports you. We integrate brand development and marketing with a creative flair designed to make a noticeable difference. Each of our services play a role in a larger, holistic branding program. Here are just a few of the things that we can do for you:\r\n\r\n<strong>Branding, Marketing and Positioning</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Strategic Brand Development</li>\r\n	<li>Brand Champion Consulting</li>\r\n	<li>Strategic Messaging</li>\r\n	<li>Competitive Research</li>\r\n	<li>Business Development/Lead Generation Strategies</li>\r\n	<li>Marketing Communications</li>\r\n	<li>Direct and E-mail Campaigns</li>\r\n	<li>Events and Promotions</li>\r\n	<li>Trade Show Support</li>\r\n	<li>Sales, Marketing and Operations process mapping</li>\r\n	<li>Results Tracking</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<strong>Creative</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Graphic Design</li>\r\n	<li>Corporate Identity Development</li>\r\n	<li>Sales Collateral</li>\r\n	<li>Presentation Decks</li>\r\n	<li>Business Plans/Annual Reports</li>\r\n	<li>Advertising</li>\r\n	<li>Direct Mail</li>\r\n	<li>Copywriting</li>\r\n	<li>Packaging</li>\r\n	<li>Tradeshow Booths</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\n\r\n<strong>Online</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Web Development</li>\r\n	<li>Search Engine Optimization (SEO)</li>\r\n	<li>Organic Search Optimization</li>\r\n	<li>Social Media Campaign Development and Integration</li>\r\n	<li>Mobile Web Development</li>\r\n	<li>Website Architecture Planning and Mapping,</li>\r\n	<li>Paid Search Strategy and Implementation (i.e., Google Adwords)</li>\r\n	<li>Back-end Google Analytics</li>\r\n	<li>Blog Development</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<strong>Transaction Branding</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Executive Summary Creation</li>\r\n	<li>Business Plan Development</li>\r\n	<li>Investor Presentations</li>\r\n	<li>Stakeholder Communications</li>\r\n	<li>Annual Reports</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<strong>Public Relations</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Strategic Messaging</li>\r\n	<li>Reputation Management</li>\r\n	<li>Crisis Communications</li>\r\n	<li>Media Relations</li>\r\n	<li>Bylines and White Papers</li>\r\n	<li>Media Training</li>\r\n	<li>Speakers Bureau</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</div>','Services','','publish','open','open','','services','','','2012-06-27 16:28:02','2012-06-27 16:28:02','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/?p=348',0,'post','',0),(349,1,'2011-10-03 21:01:23','2011-10-03 21:01:23','<div class=\"about-left\">\n\nWe are entrepreneurial in nature so regardless of the challenge, we are creative in finding ways to overcome it. Regardless of your business lifecycle stage, we are prepared to create a strategy to support you. We integrate brand development and marketing with a creative flair designed to make a noticeable difference. Each of our services plays a role in a larger, holistic branding program. Here are just some of the things that we can do for you:\n\nBranding, Marketing and Positioning\n<ul>\n	<li>Strategic Brand Development</li>\n	<li>Brand Champion Consulting</li>\n	<li>Strategic Messaging</li>\n	<li>Competitive research</li>\n	<li>Business Development/Lead Generation Strategies</li>\n	<li>Marketing Communications</li>\n	<li>Direct and E-mail Campaigns</li>\n	<li>Events and Promotions</li>\n	<li>Trade Show Support</li>\n	<li>Sales, Marketing and Operations process mapping</li>\n	<li>Results Tracking</li>\n</ul>\n&nbsp;\n\nCreative\n<ul>\n	<li>Graphic Design</li>\n	<li>Corporate Identity Development</li>\n	<li>Sales Collateral</li>\n	<li>Presentation Decks</li>\n	<li>Business Plans/Annual Reports</li>\n	<li>Advertising</li>\n	<li>Direct Mail</li>\n	<li>Copywriting</li>\n	<li>Packaging</li>\n	<li>Tradeshow Booths</li>\n</ul>\n</div>\n<div class=\"about-right\">\n\nOnline\n<ul>\n	<li>Web development</li>\n	<li>Search Engine Optimization (SEO)</li>\n	<li>Organic Search Optimization</li>\n	<li>Social Media Campaign Development and Integration</li>\n	<li>Mobile Web Development</li>\n	<li>Website Architecture Planning and Mapping,</li>\n	<li>Paid searches strategy and implementation (i.e., Google Adwords)</li>\n	<li>Back-end Google Analytics</li>\n	<li>Blog Development</li>\n</ul>\n&nbsp;\n\nTransaction Branding\n<ul>\n	<li>Executive Summary Creation</li>\n	<li>Business Plan Development</li>\n	<li>Investor Presentations</li>\n	<li>Stakeholder Communications</li>\n	<li>Annual Reports</li>\n</ul>\nPublic Relations\n<ul>\n	<li>Strategic Messaging</li>\n	<li>Reputation Management</li>\n	<li>Crisis Communications</li>\n	<li>Media Relations</li>\n	<li>Article and White Paper Development</li>\n	<li>Media Training</li>\n	<li>Speakers Bureau</li>\n</ul>\n</div>','','','inherit','open','open','','348-revision','','','2011-10-03 21:01:23','2011-10-03 21:01:23','',348,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/348-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(350,1,'2011-10-03 21:05:04','2011-10-03 21:05:04','<div id=\"sevenstepchart\">\r\n<div class=\"sevensteptop\">\r\n<div class=\"forgingbrands\"><span class=\"row-title\">FORGING BRANDS</span></div>\r\n<div class=\"step one\">\r\n\r\n<span class=\"step-title\">Circle the Wagons</span><br />To better define your brand, we will review and evaluate your goals, corporate practices and overall business landscape.\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"step two\">\r\n\r\n<span class=\"step-title\">Scout the Landscape</span><br />We will take an in depth look at the competitive landscape to determine where your greatest opportunities lie.\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"step three\">\r\n\r\n<span class=\"step-title\">Separate Yourself from the Herd</span><br />Here we incorporate all knowledge about your business and the competitive landscape to create a message platform that clearly identifies your unique position in the marketplace.\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"step four\">\r\n\r\n<span class=\"step-title\">BrandForging</span><br />Using a strategic yet fresh approach, we start to define and forge your brand so there is both clarity and distance between you and your competitors.\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"clear\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"sevensteparrow\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"clear\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"sevenstepbottom\">\r\n<div class=\"drivingrevenue\"><span class=\"row-title\">DRIVING REVENUE</span></div>\r\n<div class=\"step five\">\r\n\r\n<span class=\"step-title\">Revenue Round-Up</span><br />With a new or refreshed look in place, let\'s work together to maximize sales efforts in order to positively impact your bottom line.\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"step six\">\r\n\r\n<span class=\"step-title\">Drive to Bonanza</span><br />Let\'s set the strategic plan in motion, implementing creative ideas to position you for long-term success.\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"step seven\">\r\n\r\n<span class=\"step-title\">Running the Ranch</span><br />Part of every client relationship,we will commit to each other in order to work together and ensure that the program is carried out to reach your goals. Accountability and any necessary course corrections lead to success.\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n© 2012 Brand Iron Process, Diagram, Names','Proprietary 7-Step Process&copy;','','publish','open','open','','7-step-process','','','2012-06-27 21:21:14','2012-06-27 21:21:14','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/?p=350',0,'post','',0),(351,1,'2011-10-03 21:04:45','2011-10-03 21:04:45','FORGING BRANDS\n<ol>\n	<li><em>Circle the Wagons</em> – To better define your brand, we will review and evaluate your goals, corporate practices and overall business landscape</li>\n	<li>\n<em>Scouting the Landscape</em> – We will take an in depth look at the competitive landscape to determine where your greatest opportunity lies</li>\n	<li>\n<em>Separating Yourself from the Herd</em> – Here we incorporate all knowledge about your business and the competitive landscape to create a message platform that clearly identifies your unique position in the industry</li>\n	<li>\n<em>BrandForging</em> – Using a strategic yet fresh approach we start to define and forge your brand so there is clarity and distance between you and your competitors</li>\nFORGING BRANDS\n	<li><em>Revenue Round-Up</em> – With a new or refreshed look in place, let’s work together to maximize sales efforts to positively impact your bottom line.</li>\n	<li><em>Drive to Bonanza</em> – Let’s set the strategic plan in motion implementing creative ideas to position your for long-term success</li>\n	<li><em>Running the Ranch </em>– Part of every client relationship, we will commit to each other to work together and ensure that the program is carried out to reach your goals. Accountability and any necessary course correction lead to success!</li>\n</ol>','7-Step Process','','inherit','open','open','','350-revision','','','2011-10-03 21:04:45','2011-10-03 21:04:45','',350,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/350-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(352,1,'2011-10-03 21:05:04','2011-10-03 21:05:04','FORGING BRANDS\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li><em>Circle the Wagons</em> – To better define your brand, we will review and evaluate your goals, corporate practices and overall business landscape</li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<em>Scouting the Landscape</em> – We will take an in depth look at the competitive landscape to determine where your greatest opportunity lies</li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<em>Separating Yourself from the Herd</em> – Here we incorporate all knowledge about your business and the competitive landscape to create a message platform that clearly identifies your unique position in the industry</li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<em>BrandForging</em> – Using a strategic yet fresh approach we start to define and forge your brand so there is clarity and distance between you and your competitors</li>\r\nDRIVING REVENUE\r\n	<li><em>Revenue Round-Up</em> – With a new or refreshed look in place, let’s work together to maximize sales efforts to positively impact your bottom line.</li>\r\n	<li><em>Drive to Bonanza</em> – Let’s set the strategic plan in motion implementing creative ideas to position your for long-term success</li>\r\n	<li><em>Running the Ranch </em>– Part of every client relationship, we will commit to each other to work together and ensure that the program is carried out to reach your goals. Accountability and any necessary course correction lead to success!</li>\r\n</ol>','7-Step Process','','inherit','open','open','','350-revision-2','','','2011-10-03 21:05:04','2011-10-03 21:05:04','',350,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/350-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(353,1,'2011-10-03 21:05:19','2011-10-03 21:05:19','FORGING BRANDS\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li><em>Circle the Wagons</em> – To better define your brand, we will review and evaluate your goals, corporate practices and overall business landscape</li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<em>Scouting the Landscape</em> – We will take an in depth look at the competitive landscape to determine where your greatest opportunity lies</li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<em>Separating Yourself from the Herd</em> – Here we incorporate all knowledge about your business and the competitive landscape to create a message platform that clearly identifies your unique position in the industry</li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<em>BrandForging</em> – Using a strategic yet fresh approach we start to define and forge your brand so there is clarity and distance between you and your competitors</li>\r\nDRIVING REVENUE\r\n	<li><em>Revenue Round-Up</em> – With a new or refreshed look in place, let’s work together to maximize sales efforts to positively impact your bottom line.</li>\r\n	<li><em>Drive to Bonanza</em> – Let’s set the strategic plan in motion implementing creative ideas to position your for long-term success</li>\r\n	<li><em>Running the Ranch </em>– Part of every client relationship, we will commit to each other to work together and ensure that the program is carried out to reach your goals. Accountability and any necessary course correction lead to success!</li>\r\n</ol>','7-Step Process','','inherit','open','open','','350-revision-3','','','2011-10-03 21:05:19','2011-10-03 21:05:19','',350,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/350-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(354,1,'2011-10-03 21:20:16','2011-10-03 21:20:16','<div class=\"about-left\">\r\n\r\nA company’s greatest asset is its brand. In a competitive business environment, strong brands provide customers with familiarity, assuredness and comfort. But without true Brand Champions to lead the cause, brand success will be elusive.So what is a Brand Champion? They are individuals within an organization who truly understand, embrace and commit to brand development and growth. Brand Champions are leaders within an organization who take on the responsibility for developing brands that lead to business success. More than anything, they champion the cause.\r\n\r\nIt started innocently enough, but Brand Champion consulting has now evolved into a high-level strategic service offering for us. Over the years we have designed Brand Champion consulting to help key executives within in a company embrace the power of branding and develop the necessary leadership skills for creating and maintaining a successful brand.\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\n\r\n<strong>Brand Iron Builds Brand Champions</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Strategic/Visionary Consulting</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Setting the course for your company</li>\r\n	<li>Identifying, understanding and promoting the brand value</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Leadership Coaching</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Building brand ambassadors who ultimately build brand advocates</li>\r\n	<li>Spreading the brand message across all departments</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Accountability</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Committing to the brand and not straying from the course</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Articulation of the Brand message</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Communicate the brand value</li>\r\n	<li>Help others understand, believe and live the brand</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThrough regular consulting, we facilitate and collaborate with you to prepare and stick to an aggressive plan. We help you increase brand awareness, maintain a stronghold in the marketplace, and ultimately reach the revenue goals necessary to thrive as a business.\r\n\r\n</div>','Brand Champion','','publish','open','open','','brand-champions','','','2012-06-27 16:15:31','2012-06-27 16:15:31','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/?p=354',0,'post','',0),(355,1,'2011-10-03 21:19:52','2011-10-03 21:19:52','<div class=\"about-left\">A company’s greatest asset is its brand. In a competitive business environment, strong brands provide customers with familiarity, assuredness and comfort. But without true Brand Champions to lead the cause, brand success will be elusive.So what is a Brand Champion? They are individuals within an organization who truly understand, embrace and commit to brand development and growth. Brand Champions are leaders within an organization who take on the responsibility for developing brands that lead to business success. More than anything, they champion the cause.\n\nIt started innocently enough, but Brand Champion consulting has now evolved into a high-level strategic service offering for us. Over the years we have designed Brand Champion consulting to help key executives within in a company embrace the power of branding and develop the necessary leadership skills for creating and maintaining a successful brand.\n\n</div>\n<div class=\"about-right\">\n\nBrand Champion Consulting includes:\n<ul>\n	<li>Strategic/Visionary Consulting\n<ul>\n	<li>Setting the course for your company</li>\n	<li>Identifying, understanding and promoting the brand value</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n	<li>Leadership Coaching\n<ul>\n	<li>Building brand ambassadors who ultimately build brand advocates</li>\n	<li>Spreading the brand message across all departments</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n	<li>Accountability\n<ul>\n	<li>Committing to the brand and not straying off course</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n	<li>Articulation of the Brand message\n<ul>\n	<li>Communicate the brand value</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n	<li>Help others understand, believe and live the brand</li>\n</ul>\n&nbsp;\n\nThrough regular brand champion consulting meetings, we will facilitate and collaborate to prepare an aggressive plan to reach revenue goals and objectives by creating brand awareness and a stronghold in the current marketplace.\n\n</div>','Brand Champions','','inherit','open','open','','354-revision','','','2011-10-03 21:19:52','2011-10-03 21:19:52','',354,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/354-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(356,1,'2011-10-03 21:20:16','2011-10-03 21:20:16','<div class=\"about-left\">A company’s greatest asset is its brand. In a competitive business environment, strong brands provide customers with familiarity, assuredness and comfort. But without true Brand Champions to lead the cause, brand success will be elusive.So what is a Brand Champion? They are individuals within an organization who truly understand, embrace and commit to brand development and growth. Brand Champions are leaders within an organization who take on the responsibility for developing brands that lead to business success. More than anything, they champion the cause.\r\n\r\nIt started innocently enough, but Brand Champion consulting has now evolved into a high-level strategic service offering for us. Over the years we have designed Brand Champion consulting to help key executives within in a company embrace the power of branding and develop the necessary leadership skills for creating and maintaining a successful brand.\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\n\r\nBrand Champion Consulting includes:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Strategic/Visionary Consulting\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Setting the course for your company</li>\r\n	<li>Identifying, understanding and promoting the brand value</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Leadership Coaching\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Building brand ambassadors who ultimately build brand advocates</li>\r\n	<li>Spreading the brand message across all departments</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Accountability\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Committing to the brand and not straying off course</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Articulation of the Brand message\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Communicate the brand value</li>\r\n	<li>Help others understand, believe and live the brand</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThrough regular brand champion consulting meetings, we will facilitate and collaborate to prepare an aggressive plan to reach revenue goals and objectives by creating brand awareness and a stronghold in the current marketplace.\r\n\r\n</div>','Brand Champions','','inherit','open','open','','354-revision-2','','','2011-10-03 21:20:16','2011-10-03 21:20:16','',354,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/354-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(357,1,'2011-10-03 21:23:07','2011-10-03 21:23:07','<div class=\"about-left\">\r\n\r\nEvery business evolves. As yours does, we’re here to support you, and your brand, every step of the way. From the concepts of start-ups, to businesses preparing for a transaction, to owners looking to exit, we know what it takes to get you through your current stage and onto the next. Based off of the experience we’ve had with numerous businesses in multiple stages of business, we have defined the five most common and most critical business lifecycles. They include: <em>Inspiration, Introduction, Expansion, Transaction, </em>and<em> Revitalization</em>. By understanding your place in the lifecycle, we can help define the best and most appropriate branding strategies. As a business matures and begins to cycle into a new phase, this evolution dictates the shift in marketing and branding strategy. From our first meeting, we begin to determine the stage in which your brand is currently growing, and are pre-equipped with the tools you’ll need to overcome the obstacles associated with where you stand in your business evolution. We’ve worked with brands at every point in the lifecycle. In fact, much of our passion is fueled by the results our clients achieve as we help them move through these phases of business. Regardless of your place in the business lifecycle, we have the experience and knowledge to help.\r\n\r\n© 2012 Brand Iron Process, Stages, Names\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\n<div class=\"inspiration\">\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Inspiration</strong> – The concept of a new business idea is in place and the need to create awareness is of the utmost importance. It may be a spinoff opportunity, it may be an emerging technology, or it may be a radical idea.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"introduction\">\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Introduction</strong> – It’s time to introduce the product or service to the marketplace through differentiation. The concept is off the ground and has viability.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"expansion\">\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Expansion</strong> – Businesses in this stage are seeking, and possibly already, on the verge of rapid growth and creating sustainability through customer expansion and retention. They seek to increase valuation through a “self-revival.” Ask yourself: Are we staying true to the core brand?</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"transaction\">\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Transaction</strong> – Owners in this stage have identified the next major milestone to maximizing value through a once-in-a-business-lifetime opportunity. Considering a merger, sale or acquisition falls into this category. Companies preparing to go public are also in this stage. The business is on a mission to rapidly expand through increased scalability and significantly increased market share.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"revitalization\">\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong></strong><strong>Revitalization</strong> – The business has come full circle and the torch is about to be passed. The initiative in this lifecycle stage is to fortify the business in order to maximize value. A sale or leadership transition is in the offing as original ownership prepares to transition out of the business. Revitalization efforts play an important role both before and after the transition.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>','Business LifeCycle Branding','','publish','open','open','','business-lifecycle-branding','','','2012-06-27 15:58:53','2012-06-27 15:58:53','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/?p=357',0,'post','',0),(358,1,'2011-10-03 21:22:07','2011-10-03 21:22:07','<div class=\"about-left\">\nEvery business evolves. As yours does, we’re here to support you, and the brand, every step of the way. From concepts in start-up, to businesses preparing for a transaction, to owners looking to exit, we know what it takes to get you through your current stage and into the next.\n\nBased on the experience we’ve had with multiple businesses in multiple stages of business, we have defined the five most common and most critical business lifecycles. They include: Inspiration, Introduction, Expansion, Transaction, and Revitalization.  By understanding your place in the lifecycle, we can help define the best and most appropriate branding strategies. As a business matures and begins to cycle into a new phase, this evolution dictates the shift in marketing and branding strategy. \nFrom our first meeting, we begin to determine the stage in which your brand is currently growing, and are pre-equipped with the tools you’ll need to overcome the obstacles associated with where you stand in your business evolution. We’ve worked with brands at every point in the lifecycle. In fact, much of our passion is fueled by the results our clients achieve as we help them move through these phases of business. \n\nRegardless of your place in the business lifecycle stage, we have experience and knowledge to help.\n</div>\n<div class=\"about-right\">\n</div>','Business LifeCycle Branding','','inherit','open','open','','357-revision','','','2011-10-03 21:22:07','2011-10-03 21:22:07','',357,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/357-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(359,16,'2012-06-27 15:57:28','2012-06-27 15:57:28','<div class=\"about-left\">\n\nEvery business evolves. As yours does, we’re here to support you, and your brand, every step of the way. From the concepts of start-ups, to businesses preparing for a transaction, to owners looking to exit, we know what it takes to get you through your current stage and onto the next. Based off of the experience we’ve had with numerous businesses in multiple stages of business, we have defined the five most common and most critical business lifecycles. They include: <em>Inspiration, Introduction, Expansion, Transaction, </em>and<em> Revitalization</em>. By understanding your place in the lifecycle, we can help define the best and most appropriate branding strategies. As a business matures and begins to cycle into a new phase, this evolution dictates the shift in marketing and branding strategy. From our first meeting, we begin to determine the stage in which your brand is currently growing, and are pre-equipped with the tools you’ll need to overcome the obstacles associated with where you stand in your business evolution. We’ve worked with brands at every point in the lifecycle. In fact, much of our passion is fueled by the results our clients achieve as we help them move through these phases of business. Regardless of your place in the business lifecycle, we have the experience and knowledge to help.\n\n© 2012 Brand Iron Process, Stages, Names\n\n</div>\n<div class=\"about-right\">\n<div class=\"inspiration\">\n<ul>\n	<li><strong>Inspiration</strong> – The concept of a new business idea is in place and the need to create awareness is of the utmost importance. It may be a spinoff opportunity, it may be an emerging technology, or it may be a radical idea.</li>\n</ul>\n</div>\n<div class=\"introduction\">\n<ul>\n	<li><strong>Introduction</strong> – It’s time to introduce the product or service to the marketplace through differentiation. The concept is off the ground and has viability.</li>\n</ul>\n</div>\n<div class=\"expansion\">\n<ul>\n	<li><strong>Expansion</strong> – Businesses in this stage are seeking, and possibly already, on the verge of rapid growth and creating sustainability through customer expansion and retention. They seek to increase valuation through a “self-revival.” Ask yourself: Are we staying true to the core brand?</li>\n</ul>\n</div>\n<div class=\"transaction\">\n<ul>\n	<li><strong>Transaction</strong> – Owners in this stage have identified the next major milestone to maximizing value through a once-in-a-business-lifetime opportunity. Considering a merger, sale or acquisition falls into this category. Companies preparing to go public are also in this stage. The business is on a mission to rapidly expand through increased scalability and significantly increaseed market share.</li>\n</ul>\n</div>\n<div class=\"revitalization\">\n<ul>\n	<li><strong></strong><strong>Revitalization</strong> – The business has come full circle and the torch is about to be passed. The initiative in this lifecycle stage is to fortify the business to maximize value. A sale or leadership transition is in the offing as original ownership prepares to transition out of the business. Revitalization efforts play an important role both before and after the transition.</li>\n</ul>\n</div>\n</div>','Business LifeCycle Branding','','inherit','open','open','','357-autosave','','','2012-06-27 15:57:28','2012-06-27 15:57:28','',357,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/357-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(360,1,'2011-10-03 21:23:07','2011-10-03 21:23:07','<div class=\"about-left\">Every business evolves. As yours does, we’re here to support you, and the brand, every step of the way. From concepts in start-up, to businesses preparing for a transaction, to owners looking to exit, we know what it takes to get you through your current stage and into the next.Based on the experience we’ve had with multiple businesses in multiple stages of business, we have defined the five most common and most critical business lifecycles. They include: Inspiration, Introduction, Expansion, Transaction, and Revitalization. By understanding your place in the lifecycle, we can help define the best and most appropriate branding strategies. As a business matures and begins to cycle into a new phase, this evolution dictates the shift in marketing and branding strategy.\r\nFrom our first meeting, we begin to determine the stage in which your brand is currently growing, and are pre-equipped with the tools you’ll need to overcome the obstacles associated with where you stand in your business evolution. We’ve worked with brands at every point in the lifecycle. In fact, much of our passion is fueled by the results our clients achieve as we help them move through these phases of business.Regardless of your place in the business lifecycle stage, we have experience and knowledge to help.<strong></strong>\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li><strong>Inspiration</strong> – This is the “light bulb” stage, in other words, the concept of a new business idea is in place and the need is to create awareness is of the utmost importance. It may be a spinoff opportunity, it may be an emerging technology, or it may be a radical idea.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Introduction</strong> – Stage two is considered “megaphone” stage. It’s time to introduce the product or service to the marketplace through differentiation. The concept is off the ground and has viability.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Expansion</strong> – Also known as the “money” stage. Businesses in this stage are focused on creating sustainability through customer expansion, retention and overall growth. They seek to increase valuation through a “self-revival.”  Ask yourself: Are we staying true to the core brand?</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Transaction</strong> – Opportunity is knocking. A successful business is now on the verge of rapid growth through aggressive transaction activity. Owners in this stage have identified the next major milestone to maximizing value through a once-in-a-business-lifetime opportunity. The business is on a mission to rapidly expand through increased scalability and significantly increase market share.</li>\r\n	<li><strong></strong><strong>Revitalization</strong> – The business has come full circle and the torch is about to be passed. The initiative in this lifecycle stage is to fortify the business to maximize value. A merger, sale, or leadership transition is in the offing as the business owner prepares to bow out of the business. <strong></strong></li>\r\n</ol>\r\n</div>','Business LifeCycle Branding','','inherit','open','open','','357-revision-2','','','2011-10-03 21:23:07','2011-10-03 21:23:07','',357,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/357-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(361,1,'2011-10-03 21:23:23','2011-10-03 21:23:23','<div class=\"about-left\">Every business evolves. As yours does, we’re here to support you, and the brand, every step of the way. From concepts in start-up, to businesses preparing for a transaction, to owners looking to exit, we know what it takes to get you through your current stage and into the next.Based on the experience we’ve had with multiple businesses in multiple stages of business, we have defined the five most common and most critical business lifecycles. They include: Inspiration, Introduction, Expansion, Transaction, and Revitalization. By understanding your place in the lifecycle, we can help define the best and most appropriate branding strategies. As a business matures and begins to cycle into a new phase, this evolution dictates the shift in marketing and branding strategy.\r\nFrom our first meeting, we begin to determine the stage in which your brand is currently growing, and are pre-equipped with the tools you’ll need to overcome the obstacles associated with where you stand in your business evolution. We’ve worked with brands at every point in the lifecycle. In fact, much of our passion is fueled by the results our clients achieve as we help them move through these phases of business.Regardless of your place in the business lifecycle stage, we have experience and knowledge to help.<strong></strong>\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li><strong>Inspiration</strong> – This is the “light bulb” stage, in other words, the concept of a new business idea is in place and the need is to create awareness is of the utmost importance. It may be a spinoff opportunity, it may be an emerging technology, or it may be a radical idea.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Introduction</strong> – Stage two is considered “megaphone” stage. It’s time to introduce the product or service to the marketplace through differentiation. The concept is off the ground and has viability.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Expansion</strong> – Also known as the “money” stage. Businesses in this stage are focused on creating sustainability through customer expansion, retention and overall growth. They seek to increase valuation through a “self-revival.”  Ask yourself: Are we staying true to the core brand?</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Transaction</strong> – Opportunity is knocking. A successful business is now on the verge of rapid growth through aggressive transaction activity. Owners in this stage have identified the next major milestone to maximizing value through a once-in-a-business-lifetime opportunity. The business is on a mission to rapidly expand through increased scalability and significantly increase market share.</li>\r\n	<li><strong></strong><strong>Revitalization</strong> – The business has come full circle and the torch is about to be passed. The initiative in this lifecycle stage is to fortify the business to maximize value. A merger, sale, or leadership transition is in the offing as the business owner prepares to bow out of the business. <strong></strong></li>\r\n</ol>\r\n</div>','Business LifeCycle Branding','','inherit','open','open','','357-revision-3','','','2011-10-03 21:23:23','2011-10-03 21:23:23','',357,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/357-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(362,1,'2011-10-03 21:26:33','2011-10-03 21:26:33','<div class=\"about-left\">\r\n\r\nKnown for our signature BrandStorm sessions, we understand the importance of starting every relationship off right. We kick off each relationship with a holistic assessment of your business, designed specifically to get a complete understanding of your sales, marketing and operational processes. The half-day strategy session allows us to assess your business and develop a strategic road map for the future. With full participation from your key executives, we will identify your competitive position and immerse ourselves into your business.We will ask you and your executive team to complete a detailed questionnaire to ascertain your overall goals and objectives. We will ask that you provide an analysis of your company’s strengths and weaknesses. We will conduct preliminary research to investigate your current company position as it compares to others in the industry.\r\n\r\nA clear outcome of the BrandStorm session is building consensus from the executives in the room. From there, we’ll work together to develop a roadmap to forge the brand and elevate the company to the next level.\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\n\r\nFollowing the session, we will develop an initial Key Messaging Document (KMD) containing the most relevant and significant messages that must be consistently communicated about your business. The KMD will include your most important brand attributes and provide a source of communication differentiation related to your business, products, and services. Although the KMD will continue to evolve as we further research your industry and competitors, it will serve as the foundational roadmap from which all messaging for marketing and branding efforts will originate.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, we will generate a list of tasks to turn recommendations into action and assign responsibilities and determine the level of support necessary for completing each task.\r\n\r\n</div>','BrandStorm&copy; Sessions','','publish','open','open','','brandstorm-session','','','2012-06-27 15:48:26','2012-06-27 15:48:26','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/?p=362',0,'post','',0),(363,1,'2011-10-03 21:26:21','2011-10-03 21:26:21','<div class=\"about-left\">\nKnown for our signature BrandStorm session, we understand the importance of starting every relationship off right. We kick off each relationship with a 50,000-foot view of your business, designed specifically to get a complete understanding of your sales, marketing and operational processes. The half-day strategy session allows us to assess your business and develop a strategic road map for the future. With full participation from your key executives, we will identify your competitive position and immerse ourselves into your business.\n\nWe will ask you and your executive team to complete a detailed questionnaire to ascertain your overall goals and objectives. We will ask that provide an analysis of your company’s strengths and weaknesses. \n\nWe will conduct preliminary research to investigate your current company position as it compares to others in the industry.\n\nA clear outcome of the BrandStorm session is building consensus from the executives in the room. From there, we’ll work together to develop a roadmap to forge the brand and elevate the company to the next level.\n</div>\n<div class=\"about-right\">\nFollowing the session, we will develop an initial Key Messaging Document (KMD) containing the most relevant and significant messages that must be consistently communicated about your business. The KMD will include your most important brand attributes and provide a source of communication differentiation related to your business, its products, and its services. Although the KMD will continue to evolve as we further research your industry and competitors, it will serve as the foundational roadmap from which all messaging for marketing and branding efforts will emanate. \n\nAdditionally, we will generate a list of tasks to turn recommendations into action and assign responsibilities and determine the level of support necessary for completing each task.\n</div>','BrandStorm Session','','inherit','open','open','','362-revision','','','2011-10-03 21:26:21','2011-10-03 21:26:21','',362,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/362-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(364,1,'2011-10-03 21:30:31','2011-10-03 21:30:31','','BrandStorm Session','','publish','open','open','','brandstorm-session','','','2012-08-17 20:15:40','2012-08-17 20:15:40','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/?p=364',9,'nav_menu_item','',0),(365,1,'2011-10-03 21:30:31','2011-10-03 21:30:31','','Business LifeCycle Branding','','publish','open','open','','business-lifecycle-branding','','','2012-08-17 20:15:40','2012-08-17 20:15:40','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/?p=365',10,'nav_menu_item','',0),(2004,1,'2012-08-03 17:12:23','2012-08-03 17:12:23','','Portfolio v2','','inherit','closed','open','','2002-revision-2','','','2012-08-03 17:12:23','2012-08-03 17:12:23','',2002,'http://10.1.1.200/general/2002-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(368,1,'2011-10-03 21:30:31','2011-10-03 21:30:31','','Services','','publish','open','open','','services','','','2012-08-17 20:15:40','2012-08-17 20:15:40','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/?p=368',13,'nav_menu_item','',0),(370,1,'2011-10-03 18:53:08','2011-10-03 18:53:08','Food?','Beast','','inherit','open','open','','126-revision-5','','','2011-10-03 18:53:08','2011-10-03 18:53:08','',126,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/126-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(372,1,'2011-09-06 08:14:41','2011-09-06 08:14:41','','BLOG','','inherit','open','open','','10-revision-3','','','2011-09-06 08:14:41','2011-09-06 08:14:41','',10,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/10-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(373,1,'2011-09-06 08:14:49','2011-09-06 08:14:49','','PORTFOLIO','','inherit','open','open','','4-revision-3','','','2011-09-06 08:14:49','2011-09-06 08:14:49','',4,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/4-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(374,1,'2011-09-12 10:16:23','2011-09-12 10:16:23','','STRATEGY','','inherit','open','open','','6-revision-4','','','2011-09-12 10:16:23','2011-09-12 10:16:23','',6,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/6-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(375,1,'2011-10-03 18:43:46','2011-10-03 18:43:46','a.k.a. Sticky Fingers. Skills include kickin’ ass and takin’ names.','Kaitlyn Anderson','','inherit','open','open','','144-revision-3','','','2011-10-03 18:43:46','2011-10-03 18:43:46','',144,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/144-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(1332,1,'2011-11-15 16:50:37','2011-11-15 16:50:37','The process of developing an identity and marketing plan for a company is no easy task. It involves delving into the very heart and soul of the company and creating an image that has to speak volumes about its inner workings, missions and intentions to its potential clients. Taking this into consideration, how do you create a logo for an entire country? But not just any country, how do you create a logo and marketing strategy for the United States of America? Other countries such as Peru and Mexico have successfully developed identities giving homage to their centuries old cultures. The United States is a noted melting pot of all cultures. How would you define that?\n\nThe Corporation for Travel Promotion (CTP) was given this lovely task. Saddled with a not-so-modest marketing budget of up to $200 million* annually, CTP looked to create the first unified marketing strategy aimed to promote tourism in the United States to international vacationers. What they came up with was <a href=\"http://www.thebrandusa.com/\">Brand USA, Inc.</a> with the tagline, “The United States of Awesome Possibilities.”\n\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1329\" title=\"Brand USA\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/USA_1720_vert_p5-300x157.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"157\" />\n\nAccording to Brand USA’s website, the identity is meant “to capture the American spirit and create a fresh new brand identity that welcomes the world to come experience the boundless possibilities in America.” The marketing campaign includes a consumer website, <a href=\"http://www.discoveramerica.com/\">DiscoverAmerica.com</a>, meant to offer a user-friendly experience of planning and traveling the U.S. It offers general guides for major cities, a deal finder (coming soon), and U.S. travel tips. The campaign, scheduled to launch in the spring of next year, ultimately looks to generate more American jobs through the boost it hopes to gain in international tourism.\n\n*Rest assured taxpayers, no tax dollars were spent to fund the Brand USA. As stated on the website, half of the budget will be funded by private investment and the rest comes from a $14 visitor fee from the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) when traveling to the US from countries that do not require a visa.\n\n<strong>Thoughts from the BI Team</strong>\n\nJustin- Creative Director\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLeilani- Graphic Designer\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Marketing for America','','inherit','closed','open','','1328-revision-3','','','2011-11-15 16:50:37','2011-11-15 16:50:37','',1328,'http://www.brandiron.net/general/1328-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(1331,1,'2011-11-15 16:49:08','2011-11-15 16:49:08','The process of developing an identity and marketing plan for a company is no easy task. It involves delving into the very heart and soul of the company and creating an image that has to speak volumes about its inner workings, missions and intentions to its potential clients. Taking this into consideration, how do you create a logo for an entire country? But not just any country, how do you create a logo and marketing strategy for the United States of America? Other countries such as Peru and Mexico have successfully developed identities giving homage to their centuries old cultures. The United States is a noted melting pot of all cultures. How would you define that?\n\nThe Corporation for Travel Promotion (CTP) was given this lovely task. Saddled with a not-so-modest marketing budget of up to $200 million* annually, CTP looked to create the first unified marketing strategy aimed to promote tourism in the United States to international vacationers. What they came up with was <a href=\"http://www.thebrandusa.com/\">Brand USA, Inc.</a> with the tagline, “The United States of Awesome Possibilities.”\n\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1329\" title=\"Brand USA\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/USA_1720_vert_p5-300x157.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"157\" />\n\nAccording to Brand USA’s website, the identity is meant “to capture the American spirit and create a fresh new brand identity that welcomes the world to come experience the boundless possibilities in America.” The marketing campaign includes a consumer website, <a href=\"http://www.discoveramerica.com/\">DiscoverAmerica.com</a>, meant to offer a user-friendly experience of planning and traveling the U.S. It offers general guides for major cities, a deal finder (coming soon), and U.S. travel tips. The campaign, scheduled to launch in the spring of next year, ultimately looks to generate more American jobs through the boost it hopes to gain in international tourism.\n\n*Rest assured taxpayers, no tax dollars were spent to fund the Brand USA. As stated on the website, half of the budget will be funded by private investment and the rest comes from a $14 visitor fee from the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) when traveling to the US from countries that do not require a visa.\n\n<strong>Thoughts from the BI Team</strong>\n\nJustin','Marketing for America','','inherit','closed','open','','1328-revision-2','','','2011-11-15 16:49:08','2011-11-15 16:49:08','',1328,'http://www.brandiron.net/general/1328-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(380,1,'2011-10-03 21:26:33','2011-10-03 21:26:33','<div class=\"about-left\">\r\nKnown for our signature BrandStorm session, we understand the importance of starting every relationship off right. We kick off each relationship with a 50,000-foot view of your business, designed specifically to get a complete understanding of your sales, marketing and operational processes. The half-day strategy session allows us to assess your business and develop a strategic road map for the future. With full participation from your key executives, we will identify your competitive position and immerse ourselves into your business.\r\n\r\nWe will ask you and your executive team to complete a detailed questionnaire to ascertain your overall goals and objectives. We will ask that provide an analysis of your company’s strengths and weaknesses. \r\n\r\nWe will conduct preliminary research to investigate your current company position as it compares to others in the industry.\r\n\r\nA clear outcome of the BrandStorm session is building consensus from the executives in the room. From there, we’ll work together to develop a roadmap to forge the brand and elevate the company to the next level.\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\nFollowing the session, we will develop an initial Key Messaging Document (KMD) containing the most relevant and significant messages that must be consistently communicated about your business. The KMD will include your most important brand attributes and provide a source of communication differentiation related to your business, its products, and its services. Although the KMD will continue to evolve as we further research your industry and competitors, it will serve as the foundational roadmap from which all messaging for marketing and branding efforts will emanate. \r\n\r\nAdditionally, we will generate a list of tasks to turn recommendations into action and assign responsibilities and determine the level of support necessary for completing each task.\r\n</div>','BrandStorm Session','','inherit','open','open','','362-revision-2','','','2011-10-03 21:26:33','2011-10-03 21:26:33','',362,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/362-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(381,16,'2012-06-27 15:49:28','2012-06-27 15:49:28','<div class=\"about-left\">\n\nKnown for our signature BrandStorm sessions, we understand the importance of starting every relationship off right. We kick off each relationship with a holistic assessment of your business, designed specifically to get a complete understanding of your sales, marketing and operational processes. The half-day strategy session allows us to assess your business and develop a strategic road map for the future. With full participation from your key executives, we will identify your competitive position and immerse ourselves into your business.We will ask you and your executive team to complete a detailed questionnaire to ascertain your overall goals and objectives. We will ask that you provide an analysis of your company’s strengths and weaknesses. We will conduct preliminary research to investigate your current company position as it compares to others in the industry.\n\nA clear outcome of the BrandStorm session is building consensus from the executives in the room. From there, we’ll work together to develop a roadmap to forge the brand and elevate the company to the next level.\n\n</div>\n<div class=\"about-right\">\n\nFollowing the session, we will develop an initial Key Messaging Document (KMD) containing the most relevant and significant messages that must be consistently communicated about your business. The KMD will include your most important brand attributes and provide a source of communication differentiation related to your business, products, and services. Although the KMD will continue to evolve as we further research your industry and competitors, it will serve as the foundational roadmap from which all messaging for marketing and branding efforts will originate.\n\nAdditionally, we will generate a list of tasks to turn recommendations into action and assign responsibilities and determine the level of support necessary for completing each task.\n\n</div>','BrandStorm&copy; Sessions','','inherit','open','open','','362-autosave','','','2012-06-27 15:49:28','2012-06-27 15:49:28','',362,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/362-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(382,1,'2011-10-03 22:29:10','2011-10-03 22:29:10','<p class=\"about-left\">Known for our signature BrandStorm session, we understand the importance of starting every relationship off right. We kick off each relationship with a 50,000-foot view of your business, designed specifically to get a complete understanding of your sales, marketing and operational processes. The half-day strategy session allows us to assess your business and develop a strategic road map for the future. With full participation from your key executives, we will identify your competitive position and immerse ourselves into your business.</p>\r\nWe will ask you and your executive team to complete a detailed questionnaire to ascertain your overall goals and objectives. We will ask that provide an analysis of your company’s strengths and weaknesses.\r\n\r\nWe will conduct preliminary research to investigate your current company position as it compares to others in the industry.\r\n\r\nA clear outcome of the BrandStorm session is building consensus from the executives in the room. From there, we’ll work together to develop a roadmap to forge the brand and elevate the company to the next level.\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">Following the session, we will develop an initial Key Messaging Document (KMD) containing the most relevant and significant messages that must be consistently communicated about your business. The KMD will include your most important brand attributes and provide a source of communication differentiation related to your business, its products, and its services. Although the KMD will continue to evolve as we further research your industry and competitors, it will serve as the foundational roadmap from which all messaging for marketing and branding efforts will emanate.Additionally, we will generate a list of tasks to turn recommendations into action and assign responsibilities and determine the level of support necessary for completing each task.\r\n\r\n</div>','BrandStorm Session','','inherit','open','open','','362-revision-3','','','2011-10-03 22:29:10','2011-10-03 22:29:10','',362,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/362-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(383,1,'2011-10-03 22:30:42','2011-10-03 22:30:42','<div id=\"about-left\">\r\n<p class=\"about-left\">Known for our signature BrandStorm session, we understand the importance of starting every relationship off right. We kick off each relationship with a 50,000-foot view of your business, designed specifically to get a complete understanding of your sales, marketing and operational processes. The half-day strategy session allows us to assess your business and develop a strategic road map for the future. With full participation from your key executives, we will identify your competitive position and immerse ourselves into your business.</p>\r\n\r\n<p class=\"about-left\">We will ask you and your executive team to complete a detailed questionnaire to ascertain your overall goals and objectives. We will ask that provide an analysis of your company’s strengths and weaknesses. We will conduct preliminary research to investigate your current company position as it compares to others in the industry.</p>\r\n\r\n<p class=\"about-left\">A clear outcome of the BrandStorm session is building consensus from the executives in the room. From there, we’ll work together to develop a roadmap to forge the brand and elevate the company to the next level.</p>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">Following the session, we will develop an initial Key Messaging Document (KMD) containing the most relevant and significant messages that must be consistently communicated about your business. The KMD will include your most important brand attributes and provide a source of communication differentiation related to your business, its products, and its services. Although the KMD will continue to evolve as we further research your industry and competitors, it will serve as the foundational roadmap from which all messaging for marketing and branding efforts will emanate.Additionally, we will generate a list of tasks to turn recommendations into action and assign responsibilities and determine the level of support necessary for completing each task.</div>','BrandStorm Session','','inherit','open','open','','362-revision-4','','','2011-10-03 22:30:42','2011-10-03 22:30:42','',362,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/362-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(384,1,'2011-10-03 22:31:27','2011-10-03 22:31:27','<div id=\"about-left\">\r\n<p class=\"about-left\">Known for our signature BrandStorm session, we understand the importance of starting every relationship off right. We kick off each relationship with a 50,000-foot view of your business, designed specifically to get a complete understanding of your sales, marketing and operational processes. The half-day strategy session allows us to assess your business and develop a strategic road map for the future. With full participation from your key executives, we will identify your competitive position and immerse ourselves into your business.</p>\r\n\r\n<p class=\"about-left\">We will ask you and your executive team to complete a detailed questionnaire to ascertain your overall goals and objectives. We will ask that provide an analysis of your company’s strengths and weaknesses. We will conduct preliminary research to investigate your current company position as it compares to others in the industry.</p>\r\n\r\n<p class=\"about-left\">A clear outcome of the BrandStorm session is building consensus from the executives in the room. From there, we’ll work together to develop a roadmap to forge the brand and elevate the company to the next level.</p>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\n<p class=\"about-right\">Following the session, we will develop an initial Key Messaging Document (KMD) containing the most relevant and significant messages that must be consistently communicated about your business. The KMD will include your most important brand attributes and provide a source of communication differentiation related to your business, its products, and its services. Although the KMD will continue to evolve as we further research your industry and competitors, it will serve as the foundational roadmap from which all messaging for marketing and branding efforts will emanate.</p>\r\n\r\n<p class=\"about-right\">Additionally, we will generate a list of tasks to turn recommendations into action and assign responsibilities and determine the level of support necessary for completing each task.</p>\r\n</div>','BrandStorm Session','','inherit','open','open','','362-revision-5','','','2011-10-03 22:31:27','2011-10-03 22:31:27','',362,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/362-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(385,1,'2011-10-03 22:34:28','2011-10-03 22:34:28','<div id=\"about-left\">\r\nKnown for our signature BrandStorm session, we understand the importance of starting every relationship off right. We kick off each relationship with a 50,000-foot view of your business, designed specifically to get a complete understanding of your sales, marketing and operational processes. The half-day strategy session allows us to assess your business and develop a strategic road map for the future. With full participation from your key executives, we will identify your competitive position and immerse ourselves into your business.\r\n\r\nWe will ask you and your executive team to complete a detailed questionnaire to ascertain your overall goals and objectives. We will ask that provide an analysis of your company’s strengths and weaknesses. We will conduct preliminary research to investigate your current company position as it compares to others in the industry.\r\n\r\nA clear outcome of the BrandStorm session is building consensus from the executives in the room. From there, we’ll work together to develop a roadmap to forge the brand and elevate the company to the next level.\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\nFollowing the session, we will develop an initial Key Messaging Document (KMD) containing the most relevant and significant messages that must be consistently communicated about your business. The KMD will include your most important brand attributes and provide a source of communication differentiation related to your business, its products, and its services. Although the KMD will continue to evolve as we further research your industry and competitors, it will serve as the foundational roadmap from which all messaging for marketing and branding efforts will emanate.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, we will generate a list of tasks to turn recommendations into action and assign responsibilities and determine the level of support necessary for completing each task.\r\n</div>','BrandStorm Session','','inherit','open','open','','362-revision-6','','','2011-10-03 22:34:28','2011-10-03 22:34:28','',362,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/362-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(386,1,'2011-10-03 22:35:19','2011-10-03 22:35:19','<div id=\"about-left\">\r\n\r\nKnown for our signature BrandStorm session, we understand the importance of starting every relationship off right. We kick off each relationship with a 50,000-foot view of your business, designed specifically to get a complete understanding of your sales, marketing and operational processes. The half-day strategy session allows us to assess your business and develop a strategic road map for the future. With full participation from your key executives, we will identify your competitive position and immerse ourselves into your business.We will ask you and your executive team to complete a detailed questionnaire to ascertain your overall goals and objectives. We will ask that provide an analysis of your company’s strengths and weaknesses. We will conduct preliminary research to investigate your current company position as it compares to others in the industry.\r\n\r\nA clear outcome of the BrandStorm session is building consensus from the executives in the room. From there, we’ll work together to develop a roadmap to forge the brand and elevate the company to the next level.\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\n\r\nFollowing the session, we will develop an initial Key Messaging Document (KMD) containing the most relevant and significant messages that must be consistently communicated about your business. The KMD will include your most important brand attributes and provide a source of communication differentiation related to your business, its products, and its services. Although the KMD will continue to evolve as we further research your industry and competitors, it will serve as the foundational roadmap from which all messaging for marketing and branding efforts will emanate.Additionally, we will generate a list of tasks to turn recommendations into action and assign responsibilities and determine the level of support necessary for completing each task.\r\n\r\n</div>','BrandStorm Session','','inherit','open','open','','362-revision-7','','','2011-10-03 22:35:19','2011-10-03 22:35:19','',362,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/362-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(387,1,'2011-10-03 22:36:12','2011-10-03 22:36:12','<div class=\"about-left\">\r\n\r\nKnown for our signature BrandStorm session, we understand the importance of starting every relationship off right. We kick off each relationship with a 50,000-foot view of your business, designed specifically to get a complete understanding of your sales, marketing and operational processes. The half-day strategy session allows us to assess your business and develop a strategic road map for the future. With full participation from your key executives, we will identify your competitive position and immerse ourselves into your business.We will ask you and your executive team to complete a detailed questionnaire to ascertain your overall goals and objectives. We will ask that provide an analysis of your company’s strengths and weaknesses. We will conduct preliminary research to investigate your current company position as it compares to others in the industry.\r\n\r\nA clear outcome of the BrandStorm session is building consensus from the executives in the room. From there, we’ll work together to develop a roadmap to forge the brand and elevate the company to the next level.\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\n\r\nFollowing the session, we will develop an initial Key Messaging Document (KMD) containing the most relevant and significant messages that must be consistently communicated about your business. The KMD will include your most important brand attributes and provide a source of communication differentiation related to your business, its products, and its services. Although the KMD will continue to evolve as we further research your industry and competitors, it will serve as the foundational roadmap from which all messaging for marketing and branding efforts will emanate.Additionally, we will generate a list of tasks to turn recommendations into action and assign responsibilities and determine the level of support necessary for completing each task.\r\n\r\n</div>','BrandStorm Session','','inherit','open','open','','362-revision-8','','','2011-10-03 22:36:12','2011-10-03 22:36:12','',362,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/362-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(388,1,'2011-10-03 21:24:49','2011-10-03 21:24:49','<div class=\"about-left\">Every business evolves. As yours does, we’re here to support you, and the brand, every step of the way. From concepts in start-up, to businesses preparing for a transaction, to owners looking to exit, we know what it takes to get you through your current stage and into the next.Based on the experience we’ve had with multiple businesses in multiple stages of business, we have defined the five most common and most critical business lifecycles. They include: Inspiration, Introduction, Expansion, Transaction, and Revitalization. By understanding your place in the lifecycle, we can help define the best and most appropriate branding strategies. As a business matures and begins to cycle into a new phase, this evolution dictates the shift in marketing and branding strategy.\r\nFrom our first meeting, we begin to determine the stage in which your brand is currently growing, and are pre-equipped with the tools you’ll need to overcome the obstacles associated with where you stand in your business evolution. We’ve worked with brands at every point in the lifecycle. In fact, much of our passion is fueled by the results our clients achieve as we help them move through these phases of business.Regardless of your place in the business lifecycle stage, we have experience and knowledge to help.<strong></strong>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li><strong>Inspiration</strong> – This is the “light bulb” stage, in other words, the concept of a new business idea is in place and the need is to create awareness is of the utmost importance. It may be a spinoff opportunity, it may be an emerging technology, or it may be a radical idea.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Introduction</strong> – Stage two is considered “megaphone” stage. It’s time to introduce the product or service to the marketplace through differentiation. The concept is off the ground and has viability.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Expansion</strong> – Also known as the “money” stage. Businesses in this stage are focused on creating sustainability through customer expansion, retention and overall growth. They seek to increase valuation through a “self-revival.”  Ask yourself: Are we staying true to the core brand?</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Transaction</strong> – Opportunity is knocking. A successful business is now on the verge of rapid growth through aggressive transaction activity. Owners in this stage have identified the next major milestone to maximizing value through a once-in-a-business-lifetime opportunity. The business is on a mission to rapidly expand through increased scalability and significantly increase market share.</li>\r\n	<li><strong></strong><strong>Revitalization</strong> – The business has come full circle and the torch is about to be passed. The initiative in this lifecycle stage is to fortify the business to maximize value. A merger, sale, or leadership transition is in the offing as the business owner prepares to bow out of the business. <strong></strong></li>\r\n</ol>\r\n</div>','Business LifeCycle Branding','','inherit','open','open','','357-revision-4','','','2011-10-03 21:24:49','2011-10-03 21:24:49','',357,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/357-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(389,1,'2011-10-03 22:38:06','2011-10-03 22:38:06','<div class=\"about-left\">\r\nEvery business evolves. As yours does, we’re here to support you, and the brand, every step of the way. From concepts in start-up, to businesses preparing for a transaction, to owners looking to exit, we know what it takes to get you through your current stage and into the next.\r\n\r\nBased on the experience we’ve had with multiple businesses in multiple stages of business, we have defined the five most common and most critical business lifecycles. They include: Inspiration, Introduction, Expansion, Transaction, and Revitalization. By understanding your place in the lifecycle, we can help define the best and most appropriate branding strategies. As a business matures and begins to cycle into a new phase, this evolution dictates the shift in marketing and branding strategy.\r\n\r\nFrom our first meeting, we begin to determine the stage in which your brand is currently growing, and are pre-equipped with the tools you’ll need to overcome the obstacles associated with where you stand in your business evolution. We’ve worked with brands at every point in the lifecycle. In fact, much of our passion is fueled by the results our clients achieve as we help them move through these phases of business.\r\n\r\nRegardless of your place in the business lifecycle stage, we have experience and knowledge to help.<strong></strong>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li><strong>Inspiration</strong> – This is the “light bulb” stage, in other words, the concept of a new business idea is in place and the need is to create awareness is of the utmost importance. It may be a spinoff opportunity, it may be an emerging technology, or it may be a radical idea.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Introduction</strong> – Stage two is considered “megaphone” stage. It’s time to introduce the product or service to the marketplace through differentiation. The concept is off the ground and has viability.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Expansion</strong> – Also known as the “money” stage. Businesses in this stage are focused on creating sustainability through customer expansion, retention and overall growth. They seek to increase valuation through a “self-revival.”  Ask yourself: Are we staying true to the core brand?</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Transaction</strong> – Opportunity is knocking. A successful business is now on the verge of rapid growth through aggressive transaction activity. Owners in this stage have identified the next major milestone to maximizing value through a once-in-a-business-lifetime opportunity. The business is on a mission to rapidly expand through increased scalability and significantly increase market share.</li>\r\n	<li><strong></strong><strong>Revitalization</strong> – The business has come full circle and the torch is about to be passed. The initiative in this lifecycle stage is to fortify the business to maximize value. A merger, sale, or leadership transition is in the offing as the business owner prepares to bow out of the business. <strong></strong></li>\r\n</ol>\r\n</div>','Business LifeCycle Branding','','inherit','open','open','','357-revision-5','','','2011-10-03 22:38:06','2011-10-03 22:38:06','',357,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/357-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(390,1,'2011-10-03 22:38:54','2011-10-03 22:38:54','<div class=\"about-left\">\r\n\r\nEvery business evolves. As yours does, we’re here to support you, and the brand, every step of the way. From concepts in start-up, to businesses preparing for a transaction, to owners looking to exit, we know what it takes to get you through your current stage and into the next.\r\n\r\nBased on the experience we’ve had with multiple businesses in multiple stages of business, we have defined the five most common and most critical business lifecycles. They include: Inspiration, Introduction, Expansion, Transaction, and Revitalization. By understanding your place in the lifecycle, we can help define the best and most appropriate branding strategies. As a business matures and begins to cycle into a new phase, this evolution dictates the shift in marketing and branding strategy.\r\n\r\nFrom our first meeting, we begin to determine the stage in which your brand is currently growing, and are pre-equipped with the tools you’ll need to overcome the obstacles associated with where you stand in your business evolution. We’ve worked with brands at every point in the lifecycle. In fact, much of our passion is fueled by the results our clients achieve as we help them move through these phases of business.\r\n\r\nRegardless of your place in the business lifecycle stage, we have experience and knowledge to help.<strong></strong>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li><strong>Inspiration</strong> – This is the “light bulb” stage, in other words, the concept of a new business idea is in place and the need is to create awareness is of the utmost importance. It may be a spinoff opportunity, it may be an emerging technology, or it may be a radical idea.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Introduction</strong> – Stage two is considered “megaphone” stage. It’s time to introduce the product or service to the marketplace through differentiation. The concept is off the ground and has viability.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Expansion</strong> – Also known as the “money” stage. Businesses in this stage are focused on creating sustainability through customer expansion, retention and overall growth. They seek to increase valuation through a “self-revival.”  Ask yourself: Are we staying true to the core brand?</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Transaction</strong> – Opportunity is knocking. A successful business is now on the verge of rapid growth through aggressive transaction activity. Owners in this stage have identified the next major milestone to maximizing value through a once-in-a-business-lifetime opportunity. The business is on a mission to rapidly expand through increased scalability and significantly increase market share.</li>\r\n	<li><strong></strong><strong>Revitalization</strong> – The business has come full circle and the torch is about to be passed. The initiative in this lifecycle stage is to fortify the business to maximize value. A merger, sale, or leadership transition is in the offing as the business owner prepares to bow out of the business. <strong></strong></li>\r\n</ol>\r\n</div>','Business LifeCycle Branding','','inherit','open','open','','357-revision-6','','','2011-10-03 22:38:54','2011-10-03 22:38:54','',357,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/357-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(391,1,'2011-10-03 21:20:27','2011-10-03 21:20:27','<div class=\"about-left\">A company’s greatest asset is its brand. In a competitive business environment, strong brands provide customers with familiarity, assuredness and comfort. But without true Brand Champions to lead the cause, brand success will be elusive.So what is a Brand Champion? They are individuals within an organization who truly understand, embrace and commit to brand development and growth. Brand Champions are leaders within an organization who take on the responsibility for developing brands that lead to business success. More than anything, they champion the cause.\r\n\r\nIt started innocently enough, but Brand Champion consulting has now evolved into a high-level strategic service offering for us. Over the years we have designed Brand Champion consulting to help key executives within in a company embrace the power of branding and develop the necessary leadership skills for creating and maintaining a successful brand.\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\n\r\nBrand Champion Consulting includes:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Strategic/Visionary Consulting\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Setting the course for your company</li>\r\n	<li>Identifying, understanding and promoting the brand value</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Leadership Coaching\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Building brand ambassadors who ultimately build brand advocates</li>\r\n	<li>Spreading the brand message across all departments</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Accountability\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Committing to the brand and not straying off course</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Articulation of the Brand message\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Communicate the brand value</li>\r\n	<li>Help others understand, believe and live the brand</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThrough regular brand champion consulting meetings, we will facilitate and collaborate to prepare an aggressive plan to reach revenue goals and objectives by creating brand awareness and a stronghold in the current marketplace.\r\n\r\n</div>','Brand Champions','','inherit','open','open','','354-revision-3','','','2011-10-03 21:20:27','2011-10-03 21:20:27','',354,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/354-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(392,16,'2012-06-27 16:14:13','2012-06-27 16:14:13','<div class=\"about-left\">\n\nA company’s greatest asset is its brand. In a competitive business environment, strong brands provide customers with familiarity, assuredness and comfort. But without true Brand Champions to lead the cause, brand success will be elusive.So what is a Brand Champion? They are individuals within an organization who truly understand, embrace and commit to brand development and growth. Brand Champions are leaders within an organization who take on the responsibility for developing brands that lead to business success. More than anything, they champion the cause.\n\nIt started innocently enough, but Brand Champion consulting has now evolved into a high-level strategic service offering for us. Over the years we have designed Brand Champion consulting to help key executives within in a company embrace the power of branding and develop the necessary leadership skills for creating and maintaining a successful brand.\n\n</div>\n<div class=\"about-right\">\n\n<strong>Brand Iron Builds Brand Champions</strong>\n<ul>\n	<li><strong>Strategic/Visionary Consulting</strong>\n<ul>\n	<li>Setting the course for your company</li>\n	<li>Identifying, understanding and promoting the brand value</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n	<li><strong>Leadership Coaching</strong>\n<ul>\n	<li>Building brand ambassadors who ultimately build brand advocates</li>\n	<li>Spreading the brand message across all departments</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n	<li><strong>Accountability</strong>\n<ul>\n	<li>Committing to the brand and not straying from the course</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n	<li><strong>Articulation of the Brand message</strong>\n<ul>\n	<li>Communicate the brand value</li>\n	<li>Help others understand, believe and live the brand</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n</ul>\nThrough regular consulting, we facilitate and collaborate with you to prepare and stick to an aggressive plan. We help you increase brand awareness, maintain a stronghold in the marketplace, and ultimately reach revenue goals  thrive as a business.\n\n</div>','Brand Champion','','inherit','open','open','','354-autosave','','','2012-06-27 16:14:13','2012-06-27 16:14:13','',354,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/354-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(1575,1,'2011-10-03 22:58:02','2011-10-03 22:58:02','<div class=\"about-left\">\r\n\r\nA company’s greatest asset is its brand. In a competitive business environment, strong brands provide customers with familiarity, assuredness and comfort. But without true Brand Champions to lead the cause, brand success will be elusive.So what is a Brand Champion? They are individuals within an organization who truly understand, embrace and commit to brand development and growth. Brand Champions are leaders within an organization who take on the responsibility for developing brands that lead to business success. More than anything, they champion the cause.\r\n\r\nIt started innocently enough, but Brand Champion consulting has now evolved into a high-level strategic service offering for us. Over the years we have designed Brand Champion consulting to help key executives within in a company embrace the power of branding and develop the necessary leadership skills for creating and maintaining a successful brand.\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\n\r\n<strong>Brand Champion Consulting includes:</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Strategic/Visionary Consulting</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Setting the course for your company</li>\r\n	<li>Identifying, understanding and promoting the brand value</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Leadership Coaching</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Building brand ambassadors who ultimately build brand advocates</li>\r\n	<li>Spreading the brand message across all departments</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Accountability</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Committing to the brand and not straying off course</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Articulation of the Brand message</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Communicate the brand value</li>\r\n	<li>Help others understand, believe and live the brand</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThrough regular brand champion consulting meetings, we will facilitate and collaborate to prepare an aggressive plan to reach revenue goals and objectives by creating brand awareness and a stronghold in the current marketplace.\r\n\r\n</div>','Brand Champions','','inherit','closed','open','','354-revision-12','','','2011-10-03 22:58:02','2011-10-03 22:58:02','',354,'http://www.brandiron.net/general/354-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(393,1,'2011-10-03 22:51:02','2011-10-03 22:51:02','<div class=\"about-left\">A company’s greatest asset is its brand. In a competitive business environment, strong brands provide customers with familiarity, assuredness and comfort. But without true Brand Champions to lead the cause, brand success will be elusive.So what is a Brand Champion? They are individuals within an organization who truly understand, embrace and commit to brand development and growth. Brand Champions are leaders within an organization who take on the responsibility for developing brands that lead to business success. More than anything, they champion the cause.\r\n\r\nIt started innocently enough, but Brand Champion consulting has now evolved into a high-level strategic service offering for us. Over the years we have designed Brand Champion consulting to help key executives within in a company embrace the power of branding and develop the necessary leadership skills for creating and maintaining a successful brand.\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\n\r\nBrand Champion Consulting includes:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Strategic/Visionary Consulting</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Setting the course for your company</li>\r\n	<li>Identifying, understanding and promoting the brand value</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Leadership Coaching\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Building brand ambassadors who ultimately build brand advocates</li>\r\n	<li>Spreading the brand message across all departments</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Accountability\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Committing to the brand and not straying off course</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Articulation of the Brand message\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Communicate the brand value</li>\r\n	<li>Help others understand, believe and live the brand</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThrough regular brand champion consulting meetings, we will facilitate and collaborate to prepare an aggressive plan to reach revenue goals and objectives by creating brand awareness and a stronghold in the current marketplace.\r\n\r\n</div>','Brand Champions','','inherit','open','open','','354-revision-4','','','2011-10-03 22:51:02','2011-10-03 22:51:02','',354,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/354-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(394,1,'2011-10-03 22:52:08','2011-10-03 22:52:08','<div class=\"about-left\">A company’s greatest asset is its brand. In a competitive business environment, strong brands provide customers with familiarity, assuredness and comfort. But without true Brand Champions to lead the cause, brand success will be elusive.So what is a Brand Champion? They are individuals within an organization who truly understand, embrace and commit to brand development and growth. Brand Champions are leaders within an organization who take on the responsibility for developing brands that lead to business success. More than anything, they champion the cause.\r\n\r\nIt started innocently enough, but Brand Champion consulting has now evolved into a high-level strategic service offering for us. Over the years we have designed Brand Champion consulting to help key executives within in a company embrace the power of branding and develop the necessary leadership skills for creating and maintaining a successful brand.\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\n\r\nBrand Champion Consulting includes:\r\n<ul style=\"list-style: none;\">\r\n	<li><strong>Strategic/Visionary Consulting</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Setting the course for your company</li>\r\n	<li>Identifying, understanding and promoting the brand value</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Leadership Coaching\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Building brand ambassadors who ultimately build brand advocates</li>\r\n	<li>Spreading the brand message across all departments</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Accountability\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Committing to the brand and not straying off course</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Articulation of the Brand message\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Communicate the brand value</li>\r\n	<li>Help others understand, believe and live the brand</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThrough regular brand champion consulting meetings, we will facilitate and collaborate to prepare an aggressive plan to reach revenue goals and objectives by creating brand awareness and a stronghold in the current marketplace.\r\n\r\n</div>','Brand Champions','','inherit','open','open','','354-revision-5','','','2011-10-03 22:52:08','2011-10-03 22:52:08','',354,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/354-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(395,1,'2011-10-03 22:52:47','2011-10-03 22:52:47','<div class=\"about-left\">A company’s greatest asset is its brand. In a competitive business environment, strong brands provide customers with familiarity, assuredness and comfort. But without true Brand Champions to lead the cause, brand success will be elusive.So what is a Brand Champion? They are individuals within an organization who truly understand, embrace and commit to brand development and growth. Brand Champions are leaders within an organization who take on the responsibility for developing brands that lead to business success. More than anything, they champion the cause.\r\n\r\nIt started innocently enough, but Brand Champion consulting has now evolved into a high-level strategic service offering for us. Over the years we have designed Brand Champion consulting to help key executives within in a company embrace the power of branding and develop the necessary leadership skills for creating and maintaining a successful brand.\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\n\r\nBrand Champion Consulting includes:\r\n<ul style=\"list-style: none; margin-left: 1.4em;\">\r\n	<li><strong>Strategic/Visionary Consulting</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Setting the course for your company</li>\r\n	<li>Identifying, understanding and promoting the brand value</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Leadership Coaching\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Building brand ambassadors who ultimately build brand advocates</li>\r\n	<li>Spreading the brand message across all departments</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Accountability\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Committing to the brand and not straying off course</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Articulation of the Brand message\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Communicate the brand value</li>\r\n	<li>Help others understand, believe and live the brand</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThrough regular brand champion consulting meetings, we will facilitate and collaborate to prepare an aggressive plan to reach revenue goals and objectives by creating brand awareness and a stronghold in the current marketplace.\r\n\r\n</div>','Brand Champions','','inherit','open','open','','354-revision-6','','','2011-10-03 22:52:47','2011-10-03 22:52:47','',354,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/354-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(396,1,'2011-10-03 22:52:52','2011-10-03 22:52:52','<div class=\"about-left\">A company’s greatest asset is its brand. In a competitive business environment, strong brands provide customers with familiarity, assuredness and comfort. But without true Brand Champions to lead the cause, brand success will be elusive.So what is a Brand Champion? They are individuals within an organization who truly understand, embrace and commit to brand development and growth. Brand Champions are leaders within an organization who take on the responsibility for developing brands that lead to business success. More than anything, they champion the cause.\r\n\r\nIt started innocently enough, but Brand Champion consulting has now evolved into a high-level strategic service offering for us. Over the years we have designed Brand Champion consulting to help key executives within in a company embrace the power of branding and develop the necessary leadership skills for creating and maintaining a successful brand.\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\n\r\nBrand Champion Consulting includes:\r\n<ul style=\"list-style: none; margin-left: -1.4em;\">\r\n	<li><strong>Strategic/Visionary Consulting</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Setting the course for your company</li>\r\n	<li>Identifying, understanding and promoting the brand value</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Leadership Coaching\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Building brand ambassadors who ultimately build brand advocates</li>\r\n	<li>Spreading the brand message across all departments</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Accountability\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Committing to the brand and not straying off course</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Articulation of the Brand message\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Communicate the brand value</li>\r\n	<li>Help others understand, believe and live the brand</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThrough regular brand champion consulting meetings, we will facilitate and collaborate to prepare an aggressive plan to reach revenue goals and objectives by creating brand awareness and a stronghold in the current marketplace.\r\n\r\n</div>','Brand Champions','','inherit','open','open','','354-revision-7','','','2011-10-03 22:52:52','2011-10-03 22:52:52','',354,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/354-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(397,1,'2011-10-03 22:53:12','2011-10-03 22:53:12','<div class=\"about-left\">A company’s greatest asset is its brand. In a competitive business environment, strong brands provide customers with familiarity, assuredness and comfort. But without true Brand Champions to lead the cause, brand success will be elusive.So what is a Brand Champion? They are individuals within an organization who truly understand, embrace and commit to brand development and growth. Brand Champions are leaders within an organization who take on the responsibility for developing brands that lead to business success. More than anything, they champion the cause.\r\n\r\nIt started innocently enough, but Brand Champion consulting has now evolved into a high-level strategic service offering for us. Over the years we have designed Brand Champion consulting to help key executives within in a company embrace the power of branding and develop the necessary leadership skills for creating and maintaining a successful brand.\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\n\r\nBrand Champion Consulting includes:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Strategic/Visionary Consulting</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Setting the course for your company</li>\r\n	<li>Identifying, understanding and promoting the brand value</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Leadership Coaching\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Building brand ambassadors who ultimately build brand advocates</li>\r\n	<li>Spreading the brand message across all departments</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Accountability\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Committing to the brand and not straying off course</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Articulation of the Brand message\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Communicate the brand value</li>\r\n	<li>Help others understand, believe and live the brand</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThrough regular brand champion consulting meetings, we will facilitate and collaborate to prepare an aggressive plan to reach revenue goals and objectives by creating brand awareness and a stronghold in the current marketplace.\r\n\r\n</div>','Brand Champions','','inherit','open','open','','354-revision-8','','','2011-10-03 22:53:12','2011-10-03 22:53:12','',354,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/354-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(398,1,'2011-10-03 22:54:28','2011-10-03 22:54:28','<div class=\"about-left\">A company’s greatest asset is its brand. In a competitive business environment, strong brands provide customers with familiarity, assuredness and comfort. But without true Brand Champions to lead the cause, brand success will be elusive.So what is a Brand Champion? They are individuals within an organization who truly understand, embrace and commit to brand development and growth. Brand Champions are leaders within an organization who take on the responsibility for developing brands that lead to business success. More than anything, they champion the cause.\r\n\r\nIt started innocently enough, but Brand Champion consulting has now evolved into a high-level strategic service offering for us. Over the years we have designed Brand Champion consulting to help key executives within in a company embrace the power of branding and develop the necessary leadership skills for creating and maintaining a successful brand.\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\n\r\nBrand Champion Consulting includes:\r\n<strong>Strategic/Visionary Consulting</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Setting the course for your company</li>\r\n	<li>Identifying, understanding and promoting the brand value</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<strong>Leadership Coaching</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Building brand ambassadors who ultimately build brand advocates</li>\r\n	<li>Spreading the brand message across all departments</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<strong>Accountability</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Committing to the brand and not straying off course</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<strong>Articulation of the Brand message</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Communicate the brand value</li>\r\n	<li>Help others understand, believe and live the brand</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\nThrough regular brand champion consulting meetings, we will facilitate and collaborate to prepare an aggressive plan to reach revenue goals and objectives by creating brand awareness and a stronghold in the current marketplace.\r\n\r\n</div>','Brand Champions','','inherit','open','open','','354-revision-9','','','2011-10-03 22:54:28','2011-10-03 22:54:28','',354,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/354-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(399,1,'2011-10-03 22:55:50','2011-10-03 22:55:50','<div class=\"about-left\">A company’s greatest asset is its brand. In a competitive business environment, strong brands provide customers with familiarity, assuredness and comfort. But without true Brand Champions to lead the cause, brand success will be elusive.So what is a Brand Champion? They are individuals within an organization who truly understand, embrace and commit to brand development and growth. Brand Champions are leaders within an organization who take on the responsibility for developing brands that lead to business success. More than anything, they champion the cause.\r\n\r\nIt started innocently enough, but Brand Champion consulting has now evolved into a high-level strategic service offering for us. Over the years we have designed Brand Champion consulting to help key executives within in a company embrace the power of branding and develop the necessary leadership skills for creating and maintaining a successful brand.\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\n\r\nBrand Champion Consulting includes:\r\n<strong>Strategic/Visionary Consulting</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Setting the course for your company</li>\r\n	<li>Identifying, understanding and promoting the brand value</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<strong>Leadership Coaching</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Building brand ambassadors who ultimately build brand advocates</li>\r\n	<li>Spreading the brand message across all departments</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<strong>Accountability</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Committing to the brand and not straying off course</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<strong>Articulation of the Brand message</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Communicate the brand value</li>\r\n	<li>Help others understand, believe and live the brand</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\nThrough regular brand champion consulting meetings, we will facilitate and collaborate to prepare an aggressive plan to reach revenue goals and objectives by creating brand awareness and a stronghold in the current marketplace.\r\n\r\n</div>','Brand Champions','','inherit','open','open','','354-revision-10','','','2011-10-03 22:55:50','2011-10-03 22:55:50','',354,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/354-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(400,1,'2011-10-03 22:57:39','2011-10-03 22:57:39','<div class=\"about-left\">\r\n\r\nA company’s greatest asset is its brand. In a competitive business environment, strong brands provide customers with familiarity, assuredness and comfort. But without true Brand Champions to lead the cause, brand success will be elusive.So what is a Brand Champion? They are individuals within an organization who truly understand, embrace and commit to brand development and growth. Brand Champions are leaders within an organization who take on the responsibility for developing brands that lead to business success. More than anything, they champion the cause.\r\n\r\nIt started innocently enough, but Brand Champion consulting has now evolved into a high-level strategic service offering for us. Over the years we have designed Brand Champion consulting to help key executives within in a company embrace the power of branding and develop the necessary leadership skills for creating and maintaining a successful brand.\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\n\r\nBrand Champion Consulting includes:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Strategic/Visionary Consulting</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Setting the course for your company</li>\r\n	<li>Identifying, understanding and promoting the brand value</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Leadership Coaching</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Building brand ambassadors who ultimately build brand advocates</li>\r\n	<li>Spreading the brand message across all departments</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Accountability</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Committing to the brand and not straying off course</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Articulation of the Brand message</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Communicate the brand value</li>\r\n	<li>Help others understand, believe and live the brand</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThrough regular brand champion consulting meetings, we will facilitate and collaborate to prepare an aggressive plan to reach revenue goals and objectives by creating brand awareness and a stronghold in the current marketplace.\r\n\r\n</div>','Brand Champions','','inherit','open','open','','354-revision-11','','','2011-10-03 22:57:39','2011-10-03 22:57:39','',354,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/354-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(1526,1,'2012-02-02 23:08:55','2012-02-02 23:08:55','','DSC_2874-crop','','inherit','closed','open','','dsc_2874-crop-2','','','2012-02-02 23:08:55','2012-02-02 23:08:55','',1514,'http://www.brandiron.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/DSC_2874-crop1.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1527,1,'2012-02-02 23:07:14','2012-02-02 23:07:14','Kim merges 15 years of business development and marketing experience from a wide range of industries to understand the needs of Brand Iron clients. She embodies Brand Iron’s outcome-based focus to ensure our clients’ marketing strategies are aligned with their goals. Her passion is contagious and sincere when she believes in something. She loves sports, with a particular affinity for the Buffs. ','Kim Moss','','inherit','closed','open','','1514-revision-7','','','2012-02-02 23:07:14','2012-02-02 23:07:14','',1514,'http://www.brandiron.net/general/1514-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(402,1,'2011-10-03 21:11:11','2011-10-03 21:11:11','<div class=\"about-left\">\r\nFORGING BRANDS\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li><em>Circle the Wagons</em> – To better define your brand, we will review and evaluate your goals, corporate practices and overall business landscape</li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<em>Scouting the Landscape</em> – We will take an in depth look at the competitive landscape to determine where your greatest opportunity lies</li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<em>Separating Yourself from the Herd</em> – Here we incorporate all knowledge about your business and the competitive landscape to create a message platform that clearly identifies your unique position in the industry</li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<em>BrandForging</em> – Using a strategic yet fresh approach we start to define and forge your brand so there is clarity and distance between you and your competitors</li>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\nDRIVING REVENUE\r\n	<li><em>Revenue Round-Up</em> – With a new or refreshed look in place, let’s work together to maximize sales efforts to positively impact your bottom line.</li>\r\n	<li><em>Drive to Bonanza</em> – Let’s set the strategic plan in motion implementing creative ideas to position your for long-term success</li>\r\n	<li><em>Running the Ranch </em>– Part of every client relationship, we will commit to each other to work together and ensure that the program is carried out to reach your goals. Accountability and any necessary course correction lead to success!</li>\r\n</div>\r\n</ol>','7-Step Process','','inherit','open','open','','350-revision-4','','','2011-10-03 21:11:11','2011-10-03 21:11:11','',350,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/350-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(403,16,'2012-06-27 16:36:39','2012-06-27 16:36:39','<div id=\"sevenstepchart\">\n<div class=\"sevensteptop\">\n<div class=\"forgingbrands\"><span class=\"row-title\">FORGING BRANDS</span></div>\n<div class=\"step one\">\n\n<span class=\"step-title\">Circle the Wagons</span>To better define your brand, we will review and evaluate your goals, corporate practices and overall business landscape.\n\n</div>\n<div class=\"step two\">\n\n<span class=\"step-title\">Scout the Landscape</span>We will take an in depth look at the competitive landscape to determine where your greatest opportunities lie.\n\n</div>\n<div class=\"step three\">\n\n<span class=\"step-title\">Separate Yourself from the Herd</span>Here we incorporate all knowledge about your business and the competitive landscape to create a message platform that clearly identifies your unique position in the marketplace.\n\n</div>\n<div class=\"step four\">\n\n<span class=\"step-title\">BrandForging</span>Using a strategic yet fresh approach, we start to define and forge your brand so there is both clarity and distance between you and your competitors.\n\n</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"clear\"></div>\n<div class=\"sevensteparrow\"></div>\n<div class=\"clear\"></div>\n<div class=\"sevenstepbottom\">\n<div class=\"drivingrevenue\"><span class=\"row-title\">DRIVING REVENUE</span></div>\n<div class=\"step five\">\n\n<span class=\"step-title\">Revenue Round-Up</span>With a new or refreshed look in place, let\'s work together to maximize sales efforts in order to positively impact your bottom line.\n\n</div>\n<div class=\"step six\">\n\n<span class=\"step-title\">Drive to Bonanza</span>Let\'s set the strategic plan in motion, implementing creative ideas to position you for long-term success.\n\n</div>\n<div class=\"step seven\">\n\n<span class=\"step-title\">Running the Ranch</span>Part of every client relationship,we will commit to each other in order to work together and ensure that the program is carried out to reach your goals. Accountability and any necessary course corrections lead to success.\n\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n© 2012 Brand Iron Process, Diagram, Names','Proprietary 7-Step Process&copy;','','inherit','open','open','','350-autosave','','','2012-06-27 16:36:39','2012-06-27 16:36:39','',350,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/350-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(1576,1,'2012-01-23 17:42:14','2012-01-23 17:42:14','<div id=\"sevenstepchart\">\r\n<div class=\"sevensteptop\">\r\n<div class=\"forgingbrands\"><span class=\"row-title\">FORGING BRANDS</span></div>\r\n<div class=\"step one\"><span class=\"step-title\">Circle the Wagons</span><p>To better define your brand, we will review and evaluate your goals, corporate practices and overall business landscape</p>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"step two\"><span class=\"step-title\">Scout the Landscape</span><p>We will take an in depth look at the competitive landscape to determine where your greatest opportunity lies</p>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"step three\"><span class=\"step-title\">Separate Yourself from the Herd</span><p>Here we incorporate all knowledge about your business and the competitive landscape to create a message platform that clearly identifies your unique position in the industry</p>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"step four\"><span class=\"step-title\">BrandForging</span><p>Using a strategic yet fresh approach we start to define and forge your brand so there is clarity and distance between you and your competitors</p>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"clear\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"sevensteparrow\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"clear\"></div>\r\n<div class=\"sevenstepbottom\">\r\n<div class=\"drivingrevenue\"><span class=\"row-title\">DRIVING REVENUE</span></div>\r\n<div class=\"step five\"><span class=\"step-title\">Revenue Round-Up</span><p>With a new or refreshed look in place, let\'s work together to maximize sales efforts to positively impact your bottom line.</p>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"step six\"><span class=\"step-title\">Drive to Bonanza</span><p>Let\'s set the strategic plan in motion implementing creative ideas to position you for long-term success</p>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"step seven\"><span class=\"step-title\">Running the Ranch</span><p>Part of every client relationship,we will commit to each other tow ork together and ensure that the program is carried out to reach your goals. Accountability and any necessary course corrections lead to success!</p>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>','7-Step Process','','inherit','closed','open','','350-revision-24','','','2012-01-23 17:42:14','2012-01-23 17:42:14','',350,'http://www.brandiron.net/general/350-revision-24/',0,'revision','',0),(404,1,'2011-10-03 23:05:55','2011-10-03 23:05:55','<div class=\"about-left\">\r\n<strong>FORGING BRANDS</strong>\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li><em>Circle the Wagons</em> – To better define your brand, we will review and evaluate your goals, corporate practices and overall business landscape</li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<em>Scouting the Landscape</em> – We will take an in depth look at the competitive landscape to determine where your greatest opportunity lies</li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<em>Separating Yourself from the Herd</em> – Here we incorporate all knowledge about your business and the competitive landscape to create a message platform that clearly identifies your unique position in the industry</li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<em>BrandForging</em> – Using a strategic yet fresh approach we start to define and forge your brand so there is clarity and distance between you and your competitors</li>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\nDRIVING REVENUE\r\n	<li><em>Revenue Round-Up</em> – With a new or refreshed look in place, let’s work together to maximize sales efforts to positively impact your bottom line.</li>\r\n	<li><em>Drive to Bonanza</em> – Let’s set the strategic plan in motion implementing creative ideas to position your for long-term success</li>\r\n	<li><em>Running the Ranch </em>– Part of every client relationship, we will commit to each other to work together and ensure that the program is carried out to reach your goals. Accountability and any necessary course correction lead to success!</li>\r\n</div>\r\n</ol>','7-Step Process','','inherit','open','open','','350-revision-5','','','2011-10-03 23:05:55','2011-10-03 23:05:55','',350,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/350-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(405,1,'2011-10-03 23:07:39','2011-10-03 23:07:39','<div class=\"about-left\">\r\n<strong>Forging Brands</strong>\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li><strong>Circle the Wagons</strong> – To better define your brand, we will review and evaluate your goals, corporate practices and overall business landscape</li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<strong>Scouting the Landscape</strong> – We will take an in depth look at the competitive landscape to determine where your greatest opportunity lies</li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<strong>Separating Yourself from the Herd</strong> – Here we incorporate all knowledge about your business and the competitive landscape to create a message platform that clearly identifies your unique position in the industry</li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<strong>BrandForging</strong> – Using a strategic yet fresh approach we start to define and forge your brand so there is clarity and distance between you and your competitors</li>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\n<strong>Driving Revenue</strong>\r\n	<li><strong>Revenue Round-Up</strong> – With a new or refreshed look in place, let’s work together to maximize sales efforts to positively impact your bottom line.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Drive to Bonanza</strong> – Let’s set the strategic plan in motion implementing creative ideas to position your for long-term success</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Running the Ranch</strong> – Part of every client relationship, we will commit to each other to work together and ensure that the program is carried out to reach your goals. Accountability and any necessary course correction lead to success!</li>\r\n</div>\r\n</ol>','7-Step Process','','inherit','open','open','','350-revision-6','','','2011-10-03 23:07:39','2011-10-03 23:07:39','',350,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/350-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(406,1,'2011-10-03 21:02:09','2011-10-03 21:02:09','<div class=\"about-left\">\r\n\r\nWe are entrepreneurial in nature so regardless of the challenge, we are creative in finding ways to overcome it. Regardless of your business lifecycle stage, we are prepared to create a strategy to support you. We integrate brand development and marketing with a creative flair designed to make a noticeable difference. Each of our services plays a role in a larger, holistic branding program. Here are just some of the things that we can do for you:\r\n\r\nBranding, Marketing and Positioning\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Strategic Brand Development</li>\r\n	<li>Brand Champion Consulting</li>\r\n	<li>Strategic Messaging</li>\r\n	<li>Competitive research</li>\r\n	<li>Business Development/Lead Generation Strategies</li>\r\n	<li>Marketing Communications</li>\r\n	<li>Direct and E-mail Campaigns</li>\r\n	<li>Events and Promotions</li>\r\n	<li>Trade Show Support</li>\r\n	<li>Sales, Marketing and Operations process mapping</li>\r\n	<li>Results Tracking</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nCreative\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Graphic Design</li>\r\n	<li>Corporate Identity Development</li>\r\n	<li>Sales Collateral</li>\r\n	<li>Presentation Decks</li>\r\n	<li>Business Plans/Annual Reports</li>\r\n	<li>Advertising</li>\r\n	<li>Direct Mail</li>\r\n	<li>Copywriting</li>\r\n	<li>Packaging</li>\r\n	<li>Tradeshow Booths</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\n\r\nOnline\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Web development</li>\r\n	<li>Search Engine Optimization (SEO)</li>\r\n	<li>Organic Search Optimization</li>\r\n	<li>Social Media Campaign Development and Integration</li>\r\n	<li>Mobile Web Development</li>\r\n	<li>Website Architecture Planning and Mapping,</li>\r\n	<li>Paid searches strategy and implementation (i.e., Google Adwords)</li>\r\n	<li>Back-end Google Analytics</li>\r\n	<li>Blog Development</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nTransaction Branding\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Executive Summary Creation</li>\r\n	<li>Business Plan Development</li>\r\n	<li>Investor Presentations</li>\r\n	<li>Stakeholder Communications</li>\r\n	<li>Annual Reports</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nPublic Relations\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Strategic Messaging</li>\r\n	<li>Reputation Management</li>\r\n	<li>Crisis Communications</li>\r\n	<li>Media Relations</li>\r\n	<li>Article and White Paper Development</li>\r\n	<li>Media Training</li>\r\n	<li>Speakers Bureau</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</div>','Services','','inherit','open','open','','348-revision-2','','','2011-10-03 21:02:09','2011-10-03 21:02:09','',348,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/348-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(407,1,'2011-10-03 23:42:15','2011-10-03 23:42:15','<div class=\"about-left\">\r\n<div class=\"about-left-left\">\r\n<strong>In the Neighborhood:</strong>\r\n2450 Larimer Street\r\nSuite 100\r\nDenver, CO 80205\r\n<a class=\"content\" href=\"http://www.google.com/maps?q=2450+Larimer+Street,+Denver,+CO&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=39.757039,-104.986532&amp;spn=0.012768,0.017874&amp;sll=39.756923,-104.990973&amp;sspn=0.012372,0.017874&amp;vpsrc=0&amp;hnear=2450+Larimer+St,+Denver,+Colorado+80205&amp;t=m&amp;z=16\" target=\"_blank\">Google Map</a>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-left-right\">\r\n<strong>Reach Us by Phone:</strong>\r\nCall: 303-534-1901\r\nFax: 303-534-1902\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"separator\"></div>\r\n\r\n<strong>Send Us a Message:</strong>\r\n\r\n[gravityform id=1 name=GeneralContact title=false description=false]\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\"><iframe src=\"http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=s_q&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=brand+iron&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=m&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;cid=15974694997072370428&amp;ll=39.761839,-104.991875&amp;spn=0.091051,0.118103&amp;z=12&amp;iwloc=near&amp;output=embed\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" width=\"405\" height=\"405\"></iframe></div>','Contact','','publish','open','open','','contact-test-post','','','2011-10-04 21:48:28','2011-10-04 21:48:28','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/?p=407',0,'post','',0),(408,1,'2011-10-03 23:41:36','2011-10-03 23:41:36','','Contact Test Post','','inherit','open','open','','407-revision','','','2011-10-03 23:41:36','2011-10-03 23:41:36','',407,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/407-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(409,1,'2011-09-06 06:25:36','2011-09-06 06:25:36','','Contact','','inherit','open','open','','11-revision-2','','','2011-09-06 06:25:36','2011-09-06 06:25:36','',11,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/11-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(410,1,'2011-10-04 21:42:44','2011-10-04 21:42:44','<div class=\"about-left\">\n<div class=\"about-left-left\">\n<strong>In the Neighborhood:</strong>\n2450 Larimer Street\nSuite 100\nDenver, CO 80205\n<a class=\"content\" href=\"http://www.google.com/maps?q=2450+Larimer+Street,+Denver,+CO&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=39.757039,-104.986532&amp;spn=0.012768,0.017874&amp;sll=39.756923,-104.990973&amp;sspn=0.012372,0.017874&amp;vpsrc=0&amp;hnear=2450+Larimer+St,+Denver,+Colorado+80205&amp;t=m&amp;z=16\" target=\"_blank\">Google Map</a>\n</div\n<strong>Reach Us by Phone:</strong>\nCall: 303-534-1901\nFax: 303-534-1902\n\n<strong>Send Us a Message:</strong>\n\n[gravityform id=1 name=GeneralContact title=false description=false]\n\n</div>\n<div class=\"about-right\"><iframe src=\"http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=s_q&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=brand+iron&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=m&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;cid=15974694997072370428&amp;ll=39.761839,-104.991875&amp;spn=0.091051,0.118103&amp;z=12&amp;iwloc=near&amp;output=embed\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" width=\"405\" height=\"405\"></iframe></div>','Contact','','inherit','open','open','','407-autosave','','','2011-10-04 21:42:44','2011-10-04 21:42:44','',407,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/407-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(411,1,'2011-10-03 23:42:15','2011-10-03 23:42:15','x','Contact Test Post','','inherit','open','open','','407-revision-2','','','2011-10-03 23:42:15','2011-10-03 23:42:15','',407,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/407-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(412,1,'2011-10-03 23:46:11','2011-10-03 23:46:11','<div class=\"about-left\">\r\n<strong>Brand Iron</strong>\r\n2450 Larimer Street\r\nSuite 100\r\nDenver, CO 80205\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\nx\r\n</div>\r\n','Contact Test Post','','inherit','open','open','','407-revision-3','','','2011-10-03 23:46:11','2011-10-03 23:46:11','',407,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/407-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(413,1,'2011-10-03 23:50:48','2011-10-03 23:50:48','<div class=\"about-left\">\r\n<strong>Brand Iron</strong>\r\n2450 Larimer Street\r\nSuite 100\r\nDenver, CO 80205\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\n<iframe width=\"345\" height=\"345\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" marginheight=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" src=\"http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=s_q&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=brand+iron&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=m&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;cid=15974694997072370428&amp;ll=39.761839,-104.991875&amp;spn=0.091051,0.118103&amp;z=12&amp;iwloc=near&amp;output=embed\"></iframe><br /><small><a href=\"http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=embed&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=brand+iron&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=m&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;cid=15974694997072370428&amp;ll=39.761839,-104.991875&amp;spn=0.091051,0.118103&amp;z=12&amp;iwloc=A\" style=\"color:#0000FF;text-align:left\">View Larger Map</a></small>\r\n</div>\r\n','Contact Test Post','','inherit','open','open','','407-revision-4','','','2011-10-03 23:50:48','2011-10-03 23:50:48','',407,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/407-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(414,1,'2011-10-03 23:52:10','2011-10-03 23:52:10','<div class=\"about-left\">\r\n<strong>Brand Iron</strong>\r\n2450 Larimer Street\r\nSuite 100\r\nDenver, CO 80205\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=s_q&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=brand+iron&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=m&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;cid=15974694997072370428&amp;ll=39.761839,-104.991875&amp;spn=0.091051,0.118103&amp;z=12&amp;iwloc=near&amp;output=embed\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" width=\"345\" height=\"345\"></iframe>\r\n<small><a style=\"color: #0000ff; text-align: left;\" href=\"http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=embed&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=brand+iron&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=m&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;cid=15974694997072370428&amp;ll=39.761839,-104.991875&amp;spn=0.091051,0.118103&amp;z=12&amp;iwloc=A\">View Larger Map</a></small>\r\n</div>','Contact Test Post','','inherit','open','open','','407-revision-5','','','2011-10-03 23:52:10','2011-10-03 23:52:10','',407,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/407-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(415,1,'2011-10-03 23:54:30','2011-10-03 23:54:30','<div class=\"about-left\">\r\n<strong>Brand Iron</strong>\r\n2450 Larimer Street\r\nSuite 100\r\nDenver, CO 80205\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=s_q&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=brand+iron&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=m&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;cid=15974694997072370428&amp;ll=39.761839,-104.991875&amp;spn=0.091051,0.118103&amp;z=12&amp;iwloc=near&amp;output=embed\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" width=\"405\" height=\"405\"></iframe>\r\n<small><a style=\"color: #0000ff; text-align: left;\" href=\"http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=embed&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=brand+iron&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=m&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;cid=15974694997072370428&amp;ll=39.761839,-104.991875&amp;spn=0.091051,0.118103&amp;z=12&amp;iwloc=A\">View Larger Map</a></small>\r\n</div>','Contact Test Post','','inherit','open','open','','407-revision-6','','','2011-10-03 23:54:30','2011-10-03 23:54:30','',407,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/407-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(416,1,'2011-10-03 23:55:48','2011-10-03 23:55:48','<div class=\"about-left\">\r\n<strong>Brand Iron</strong>\r\n2450 Larimer Street\r\nSuite 100\r\nDenver, CO 80205\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=s_q&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=brand+iron&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=m&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;cid=15974694997072370428&amp;ll=39.761839,-104.991875&amp;spn=0.091051,0.118103&amp;z=12&amp;iwloc=near&amp;output=embed\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" width=\"405\" height=\"405\"></iframe>\r\n<small><a style=\"color: #ffa334; text-align: left; text-decoration:none; font-size: 11px;\" href=\"http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=embed&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=brand+iron&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=m&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;cid=15974694997072370428&amp;ll=39.761839,-104.991875&amp;spn=0.091051,0.118103&amp;z=12&amp;iwloc=A\">View Larger Map</a></small>\r\n</div>','Contact Test Post','','inherit','open','open','','407-revision-7','','','2011-10-03 23:55:48','2011-10-03 23:55:48','',407,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/407-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(417,1,'2011-10-03 23:56:22','2011-10-03 23:56:22','<div class=\"about-left\">\r\n<strong>Brand Iron</strong>\r\n2450 Larimer Street\r\nSuite 100\r\nDenver, CO 80205\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=s_q&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=brand+iron&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=m&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;cid=15974694997072370428&amp;ll=39.761839,-104.991875&amp;spn=0.091051,0.118103&amp;z=12&amp;iwloc=near&amp;output=embed\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" width=\"405\" height=\"405\"></iframe>\r\n<small><a style=\"color: #ffa334; text-align: left; text-decoration:none; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold;\" href=\"http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=embed&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=brand+iron&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=m&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;cid=15974694997072370428&amp;ll=39.761839,-104.991875&amp;spn=0.091051,0.118103&amp;z=12&amp;iwloc=A\">View Larger Map</a></small>\r\n</div>','Contact Test Post','','inherit','open','open','','407-revision-8','','','2011-10-03 23:56:22','2011-10-03 23:56:22','',407,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/407-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(418,1,'2011-10-03 23:56:52','2011-10-03 23:56:52','<div class=\"about-left\">\r\n<p><strong>Brand Iron</strong>\r\n2450 Larimer Street\r\nSuite 100\r\nDenver, CO 80205</p>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=s_q&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=brand+iron&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=m&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;cid=15974694997072370428&amp;ll=39.761839,-104.991875&amp;spn=0.091051,0.118103&amp;z=12&amp;iwloc=near&amp;output=embed\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" width=\"405\" height=\"405\"></iframe>\r\n<small><a style=\"color: #ffa334; text-align: left; text-decoration:none; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold;\" href=\"http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=embed&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=brand+iron&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=m&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;cid=15974694997072370428&amp;ll=39.761839,-104.991875&amp;spn=0.091051,0.118103&amp;z=12&amp;iwloc=A\">View Larger Map</a></small>\r\n</div>','Contact Test Post','','inherit','open','open','','407-revision-9','','','2011-10-03 23:56:52','2011-10-03 23:56:52','',407,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/407-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(419,1,'2011-10-03 23:57:09','2011-10-03 23:57:09','<div class=\"about-left\">\r\n<p><strong>Brand Iron</strong>\r\n2450 Larimer Street\r\nSuite 100\r\nDenver, CO 80205</p>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=s_q&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=brand+iron&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=m&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;cid=15974694997072370428&amp;ll=39.761839,-104.991875&amp;spn=0.091051,0.118103&amp;z=12&amp;iwloc=near&amp;output=embed\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" width=\"405\" height=\"405\"></iframe>\r\n<small><a style=\"color: #ffa334; text-align: left; text-decoration:none; font-size: 12px;\" href=\"http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=embed&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=brand+iron&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=m&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;cid=15974694997072370428&amp;ll=39.761839,-104.991875&amp;spn=0.091051,0.118103&amp;z=12&amp;iwloc=A\">View Larger Map</a></small>\r\n</div>','Contact Test Post','','inherit','open','open','','407-revision-10','','','2011-10-03 23:57:09','2011-10-03 23:57:09','',407,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/407-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(420,1,'2011-10-03 23:58:07','2011-10-03 23:58:07','<div class=\"about-left\">\r\n<p><strong>Brand Iron</strong>\r\n2450 Larimer Street\r\nSuite 100\r\nDenver, CO 80205</p>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=s_q&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=brand+iron&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=m&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;cid=15974694997072370428&amp;ll=39.761839,-104.991875&amp;spn=0.091051,0.118103&amp;z=12&amp;iwloc=near&amp;output=embed\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" width=\"405\" height=\"405\"></iframe>\r\n<small><a style=\"color: #ffa334; text-align: left; text-decoration:none; font-size: 12px;\" href=\"http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=embed&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=brand+iron&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=m&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;cid=15974694997072370428&amp;ll=39.761839,-104.991875&amp;spn=0.091051,0.118103&amp;z=12&amp;iwloc=A\">View Larger Map</a></small>\r\n</div>','Contact Test Post','','inherit','open','open','','407-revision-11','','','2011-10-03 23:58:07','2011-10-03 23:58:07','',407,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/407-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(421,1,'2011-10-03 23:58:19','2011-10-03 23:58:19','<div class=\"about-left\">\r\n<p><strong>Brand Iron</strong>\r\n2450 Larimer Street\r\nSuite 100\r\nDenver, CO 80205</p>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=s_q&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=brand+iron&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=m&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;cid=15974694997072370428&amp;ll=39.761839,-104.991875&amp;spn=0.091051,0.118103&amp;z=12&amp;iwloc=near&amp;output=embed\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" width=\"405\" height=\"405\"></iframe>\r\n<small><a style=\"color: #ffa334; text-align: left; text-decoration:none; font-size: 12px;\" href=\"http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=embed&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=brand+iron&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=m&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;cid=15974694997072370428&amp;ll=39.761839,-104.991875&amp;spn=0.091051,0.118103&amp;z=12&amp;iwloc=A\">View Larger Map</a></small>\r\n</div>','Contact','','inherit','open','open','','407-revision-12','','','2011-10-03 23:58:19','2011-10-03 23:58:19','',407,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/407-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(422,1,'2011-10-04 00:03:41','2011-10-04 00:03:41','<div class=\"about-left\">\r\n<p><strong>Brand Iron</strong>\r\n2450 Larimer Street\r\nSuite 100\r\nDenver, CO 80205</p>\r\n<p><strong>Reach Us by Phone:</strong>\r\nCall: 303-534-1901\r\nFax: 303-534-1902</p>\r\n<p><strong>Send Us a Message:</strong>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=s_q&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=brand+iron&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=m&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;cid=15974694997072370428&amp;ll=39.761839,-104.991875&amp;spn=0.091051,0.118103&amp;z=12&amp;iwloc=near&amp;output=embed\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" width=\"405\" height=\"405\"></iframe>\r\n<small><a style=\"color: #ffa334; text-align: left; text-decoration:none; font-size: 12px;\" href=\"http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=embed&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=brand+iron&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=m&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;cid=15974694997072370428&amp;ll=39.761839,-104.991875&amp;spn=0.091051,0.118103&amp;z=12&amp;iwloc=A\">View Larger Map</a></small>\r\n</div>','Contact','','inherit','open','open','','407-revision-13','','','2011-10-04 00:03:41','2011-10-04 00:03:41','',407,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/407-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(423,1,'2011-10-04 00:05:54','2011-10-04 00:05:54','<div class=\"about-left\">\r\n<p><strong>Stop By:</strong>\r\n2450 Larimer Street\r\nSuite 100\r\nDenver, CO 80205</p>\r\n<p><strong>Reach Us by Phone:</strong>\r\nCall: 303-534-1901\r\nFax: 303-534-1902</p>\r\n<p><strong>Send Us a Message:</strong>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=s_q&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=brand+iron&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=m&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;cid=15974694997072370428&amp;ll=39.761839,-104.991875&amp;spn=0.091051,0.118103&amp;z=12&amp;iwloc=near&amp;output=embed\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" width=\"405\" height=\"405\"></iframe>\r\n<small><a style=\"color: #ffa334; text-align: left; text-decoration:none; font-size: 12px;\" href=\"http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=embed&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=brand+iron&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=m&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;cid=15974694997072370428&amp;ll=39.761839,-104.991875&amp;spn=0.091051,0.118103&amp;z=12&amp;iwloc=A\">View Larger Map</a></small>\r\n</div>','Contact','','inherit','open','open','','407-revision-14','','','2011-10-04 00:05:54','2011-10-04 00:05:54','',407,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/407-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),(424,1,'2011-10-04 00:06:29','2011-10-04 00:06:29','<div class=\"about-left\">\r\n<p><strong>In the Neighborhood</strong>\r\n2450 Larimer Street\r\nSuite 100\r\nDenver, CO 80205</p>\r\n<p><strong>Reach Us by Phone:</strong>\r\nCall: 303-534-1901\r\nFax: 303-534-1902</p>\r\n<p><strong>Send Us a Message:</strong>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=s_q&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=brand+iron&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=m&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;cid=15974694997072370428&amp;ll=39.761839,-104.991875&amp;spn=0.091051,0.118103&amp;z=12&amp;iwloc=near&amp;output=embed\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" width=\"405\" height=\"405\"></iframe>\r\n<small><a style=\"color: #ffa334; text-align: left; text-decoration:none; font-size: 12px;\" href=\"http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=embed&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=brand+iron&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=m&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;cid=15974694997072370428&amp;ll=39.761839,-104.991875&amp;spn=0.091051,0.118103&amp;z=12&amp;iwloc=A\">View Larger Map</a></small>\r\n</div>','Contact','','inherit','open','open','','407-revision-15','','','2011-10-04 00:06:29','2011-10-04 00:06:29','',407,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/407-revision-15/',0,'revision','',0),(425,1,'2011-10-04 00:06:34','2011-10-04 00:06:34','<div class=\"about-left\">\r\n<p><strong>In the Neighborhood:</strong>\r\n2450 Larimer Street\r\nSuite 100\r\nDenver, CO 80205</p>\r\n<p><strong>Reach Us by Phone:</strong>\r\nCall: 303-534-1901\r\nFax: 303-534-1902</p>\r\n<p><strong>Send Us a Message:</strong>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=s_q&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=brand+iron&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=m&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;cid=15974694997072370428&amp;ll=39.761839,-104.991875&amp;spn=0.091051,0.118103&amp;z=12&amp;iwloc=near&amp;output=embed\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" width=\"405\" height=\"405\"></iframe>\r\n<small><a style=\"color: #ffa334; text-align: left; text-decoration:none; font-size: 12px;\" href=\"http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=embed&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=brand+iron&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=m&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;cid=15974694997072370428&amp;ll=39.761839,-104.991875&amp;spn=0.091051,0.118103&amp;z=12&amp;iwloc=A\">View Larger Map</a></small>\r\n</div>','Contact','','inherit','open','open','','407-revision-16','','','2011-10-04 00:06:34','2011-10-04 00:06:34','',407,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/407-revision-16/',0,'revision','',0),(426,1,'2011-10-04 00:08:56','2011-10-04 00:08:56','<div class=\"about-left\">\r\n<p><strong>In the Neighborhood:</strong>\r\n2450 Larimer Street\r\nSuite 100\r\nDenver, CO 80205</p>\r\n<p><strong>Reach Us by Phone:</strong>\r\nCall: 303-534-1901\r\nFax: 303-534-1902</p>\r\n<p><strong>Send Us a Message:</strong>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=s_q&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=brand+iron&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=m&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;cid=15974694997072370428&amp;ll=39.761839,-104.991875&amp;spn=0.091051,0.118103&amp;z=12&amp;iwloc=near&amp;output=embed\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" width=\"405\" height=\"405\"></iframe>\r\n</div>','Contact','','inherit','open','open','','407-revision-17','','','2011-10-04 00:08:56','2011-10-04 00:08:56','',407,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/407-revision-17/',0,'revision','',0),(427,1,'2011-10-04 00:10:57','2011-10-04 00:10:57','<div class=\"about-left\">\r\n<p><strong>In the Neighborhood:</strong>\r\n2450 Larimer Street\r\nSuite 100\r\nDenver, CO 80205\r\n<a href=\"http://www.google.com/maps?q=2450+Larimer+Street,+Denver,+CO&hl=en&ll=39.757039,-104.986532&spn=0.012768,0.017874&sll=39.756923,-104.990973&sspn=0.012372,0.017874&vpsrc=0&hnear=2450+Larimer+St,+Denver,+Colorado+80205&t=m&z=16\">Google Map</a></p>\r\n<p><strong>Reach Us by Phone:</strong>\r\nCall: 303-534-1901\r\nFax: 303-534-1902</p>\r\n<p><strong>Send Us a Message:</strong>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=s_q&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=brand+iron&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=m&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;cid=15974694997072370428&amp;ll=39.761839,-104.991875&amp;spn=0.091051,0.118103&amp;z=12&amp;iwloc=near&amp;output=embed\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" width=\"405\" height=\"405\"></iframe>\r\n</div>','Contact','','inherit','open','open','','407-revision-18','','','2011-10-04 00:10:57','2011-10-04 00:10:57','',407,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/407-revision-18/',0,'revision','',0),(428,1,'2011-10-04 00:11:54','2011-10-04 00:11:54','<div class=\"about-left\">\r\n<p><strong>In the Neighborhood:</strong>\r\n2450 Larimer Street\r\nSuite 100\r\nDenver, CO 80205\r\n<a class=\"content\" href=\"http://www.google.com/maps?q=2450+Larimer+Street,+Denver,+CO&hl=en&ll=39.757039,-104.986532&spn=0.012768,0.017874&sll=39.756923,-104.990973&sspn=0.012372,0.017874&vpsrc=0&hnear=2450+Larimer+St,+Denver,+Colorado+80205&t=m&z=16\">Google Map</a></p>\r\n<p><strong>Reach Us by Phone:</strong>\r\nCall: 303-534-1901\r\nFax: 303-534-1902</p>\r\n<p><strong>Send Us a Message:</strong>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=s_q&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=brand+iron&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=m&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;cid=15974694997072370428&amp;ll=39.761839,-104.991875&amp;spn=0.091051,0.118103&amp;z=12&amp;iwloc=near&amp;output=embed\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" width=\"405\" height=\"405\"></iframe>\r\n</div>','Contact','','inherit','open','open','','407-revision-19','','','2011-10-04 00:11:54','2011-10-04 00:11:54','',407,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/407-revision-19/',0,'revision','',0),(429,1,'2011-10-04 00:14:11','2011-10-04 00:14:11','<div class=\"about-left\">\r\n<p><strong>In the Neighborhood:</strong>\r\n2450 Larimer Street\r\nSuite 100\r\nDenver, CO 80205\r\n<a class=\"content\" href=\"http://www.google.com/maps?q=2450+Larimer+Street,+Denver,+CO&hl=en&ll=39.757039,-104.986532&spn=0.012768,0.017874&sll=39.756923,-104.990973&sspn=0.012372,0.017874&vpsrc=0&hnear=2450+Larimer+St,+Denver,+Colorado+80205&t=m&z=16\" target=\"_blank\">Google Map</a></p>\r\n<p><strong>Reach Us by Phone:</strong>\r\nCall: 303-534-1901\r\nFax: 303-534-1902</p>\r\n<p><strong>Send Us a Message:</strong>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\">\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=s_q&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=brand+iron&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=m&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;cid=15974694997072370428&amp;ll=39.761839,-104.991875&amp;spn=0.091051,0.118103&amp;z=12&amp;iwloc=near&amp;output=embed\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" width=\"405\" height=\"405\"></iframe>\r\n</div>','Contact','','inherit','open','open','','407-revision-20','','','2011-10-04 00:14:11','2011-10-04 00:14:11','',407,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/407-revision-20/',0,'revision','',0),(431,1,'2011-10-04 00:20:44','2011-10-04 00:20:44','<div class=\"about-left\">\r\n\r\n<strong>In the Neighborhood:</strong>\r\n2450 Larimer Street\r\nSuite 100\r\nDenver, CO 80205\r\n<a class=\"content\" href=\"http://www.google.com/maps?q=2450+Larimer+Street,+Denver,+CO&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=39.757039,-104.986532&amp;spn=0.012768,0.017874&amp;sll=39.756923,-104.990973&amp;sspn=0.012372,0.017874&amp;vpsrc=0&amp;hnear=2450+Larimer+St,+Denver,+Colorado+80205&amp;t=m&amp;z=16\" target=\"_blank\">Google Map</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Reach Us by Phone:</strong>\r\nCall: 303-534-1901\r\nFax: 303-534-1902\r\n\r\n<strong>Send Us a Message:</strong>\r\n\r\n[gravityform id=1 name=GeneralContact title=false description=false]\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\"><iframe src=\"http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=s_q&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=brand+iron&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=m&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;cid=15974694997072370428&amp;ll=39.761839,-104.991875&amp;spn=0.091051,0.118103&amp;z=12&amp;iwloc=near&amp;output=embed\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" width=\"405\" height=\"405\"></iframe></div>','Contact','','inherit','open','open','','407-revision-21','','','2011-10-04 00:20:44','2011-10-04 00:20:44','',407,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/407-revision-21/',0,'revision','',0),(432,1,'2011-10-04 21:43:01','2011-10-04 21:43:01','<div class=\"about-left\">\r\n<div class=\"about-left-left\">\r\n<strong>In the Neighborhood:</strong>\r\n2450 Larimer Street\r\nSuite 100\r\nDenver, CO 80205\r\n<a class=\"content\" href=\"http://www.google.com/maps?q=2450+Larimer+Street,+Denver,+CO&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=39.757039,-104.986532&amp;spn=0.012768,0.017874&amp;sll=39.756923,-104.990973&amp;sspn=0.012372,0.017874&amp;vpsrc=0&amp;hnear=2450+Larimer+St,+Denver,+Colorado+80205&amp;t=m&amp;z=16\" target=\"_blank\">Google Map</a>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-left-right\">\r\n<strong>Reach Us by Phone:</strong>\r\nCall: 303-534-1901\r\nFax: 303-534-1902\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n<strong>Send Us a Message:</strong>\r\n\r\n[gravityform id=1 name=GeneralContact title=false description=false]\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\"><iframe src=\"http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=s_q&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=brand+iron&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=m&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;cid=15974694997072370428&amp;ll=39.761839,-104.991875&amp;spn=0.091051,0.118103&amp;z=12&amp;iwloc=near&amp;output=embed\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" width=\"405\" height=\"405\"></iframe></div>','Contact','','inherit','open','open','','407-revision-22','','','2011-10-04 21:43:01','2011-10-04 21:43:01','',407,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/407-revision-22/',0,'revision','',0),(433,1,'2011-10-04 21:45:52','2011-10-04 21:45:52','<div class=\"about-left\">\r\n<div class=\"about-left-left\">\r\n<strong>In the Neighborhood:</strong>\r\n2450 Larimer Street\r\nSuite 100\r\nDenver, CO 80205\r\n<a class=\"content\" href=\"http://www.google.com/maps?q=2450+Larimer+Street,+Denver,+CO&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=39.757039,-104.986532&amp;spn=0.012768,0.017874&amp;sll=39.756923,-104.990973&amp;sspn=0.012372,0.017874&amp;vpsrc=0&amp;hnear=2450+Larimer+St,+Denver,+Colorado+80205&amp;t=m&amp;z=16\" target=\"_blank\">Google Map</a>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-left-right\">\r\n<strong>Reach Us by Phone:</strong>\r\nCall: 303-534-1901\r\nFax: 303-534-1902\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"clear\"></div>\r\n\r\n<strong>Send Us a Message:</strong>\r\n\r\n[gravityform id=1 name=GeneralContact title=false description=false]\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"about-right\"><iframe src=\"http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=s_q&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=brand+iron&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=m&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;cid=15974694997072370428&amp;ll=39.761839,-104.991875&amp;spn=0.091051,0.118103&amp;z=12&amp;iwloc=near&amp;output=embed\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" width=\"405\" height=\"405\"></iframe></div>','Contact','','inherit','open','open','','407-revision-23','','','2011-10-04 21:45:52','2011-10-04 21:45:52','',407,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/407-revision-23/',0,'revision','',0),(434,1,'2011-10-03 18:49:10','2011-10-03 18:49:10','Hair.','Michelle Hamilton','','inherit','open','open','','140-revision-3','','','2011-10-03 18:49:10','2011-10-03 18:49:10','',140,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/140-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(435,1,'2011-09-12 06:48:06','2011-09-12 06:48:06',' <p>Shaping and transforming brands since 2002, we partner with companies looking to achieve specific goals. Over the years, we\'ve collaborated with more than 200 clients in our backyard and across our borders to ultimately forge brands and drive revenue.</p>\r\n            <p>With a mix of backgrounds and various industry specialties, our team tackles the issue from every angle. We believe this strengthens our ability to create sound strategies. We blend a team-oriented approach with inherent entrepreneurialism to build the strongest brands. Among other things, we are creative thinkers, problem solvers and can-do-ers.</p>','Blog Post Title','','inherit','open','open','','122-revision-5','','','2011-09-12 06:48:06','2011-09-12 06:48:06','',122,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/122-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(436,1,'2011-10-11 19:27:14','2011-10-11 19:27:14','','Columbine Label Company','','inherit','open','open','','122-revision-6','','','2011-10-11 19:27:14','2011-10-11 19:27:14','',122,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/uncategorized/122-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(437,1,'2011-10-11 19:30:39','2011-10-11 19:30:39','','Columbine Label Company','','inherit','open','open','','122-revision-7','','','2011-10-11 19:30:39','2011-10-11 19:30:39','',122,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/uncategorized/122-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(438,1,'2011-10-11 20:15:19','2011-10-11 20:15:19','','Columbine Label Company','','inherit','open','open','','122-revision-8','','','2011-10-11 20:15:19','2011-10-11 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20:57:34','',456,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/uncategorized/456-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(458,1,'2011-09-16 23:39:41','2011-09-16 23:39:41','','Blog Post Title 2','','inherit','open','open','','120-revision-6','','','2011-09-16 23:39:41','2011-09-16 23:39:41','',120,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/uncategorized/120-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(459,1,'2011-09-09 10:59:51','2011-09-09 10:59:51',' <p>Shaping and transforming brands since 2002, we partner with companies looking to achieve specific goals. Over the years, we\'ve collaborated with more than 200 clients in our backyard and across our borders to ultimately forge brands and drive revenue.</p>\r\n            <p>With a mix of backgrounds and various industry specialties, our team tackles the issue from every angle. We believe this strengthens our ability to create sound strategies. We blend a team-oriented approach with inherent entrepreneurialism to build the strongest brands. Among other things, we are creative thinkers, problem solvers and can-do-ers.</p>','Blog Post Title 3','','inherit','open','open','','121-revision-4','','','2011-09-09 10:59:51','2011-09-09 10:59:51','',121,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/uncategorized/121-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(460,1,'2011-10-11 21:38:15','2011-10-11 21:38:15','','InTouch Mobile','','inherit','open','open','','121-revision-5','','','2011-10-11 21:38:15','2011-10-11 21:38:15','',121,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/uncategorized/121-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(461,1,'2011-09-08 06:28:04','2011-09-08 06:28:04','','Logo Sample 4','','inherit','open','open','','99-revision-4','','','2011-09-08 06:28:04','2011-09-08 06:28:04','',99,'http://www.brandiron.net/dev/uncategorized/99-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(462,1,'2011-10-11 21:41:08','2011-10-11 21:41:08','','Omega Uniform Systems','','inherit','open','open','','98-autosave','','','2011-10-11 21:41:08','2011-10-11 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Some of my favorite ad campaigns are smoother than your very best wingman. However, I’ve observed a few commercials that offer up some pretty hokey spokes figures that have me flipping the channel just to escape their cheese.\n\nLet’s take Car Fax for example. I really used to enjoy their commercials, especially the one featuring a grandma trying (unsuccessfully) to back her car out of the garage, all while destroying all the contents. That was an undeniably funny spot. How can you not laugh out loud at this old commercial?\n\n<object classid=\"clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000\" width=\"425\" height=\"350\" codebase=\"http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0\"><param name=\"src\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/k2UX3_8RuIE&amp;feature\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"350\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/k2UX3_8RuIE&amp;feature\"> </embed></object>\n\nMy question is, why did they think they had to develop an ultra lame brand figure? Check out the new fox:\n\n<object classid=\"clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000\" width=\"425\" height=\"350\" codebase=\"http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0\"><param name=\"src\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/AHcd4r6U6gc&amp;feature\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"350\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/AHcd4r6U6gc&amp;feature\"> </embed></object>\n\nI understand the need for the development of a brand figure to positively represent your brand. But…a Car Fox? Are you kidding me? The Car Fax Car Fox? No explanation, no cuteness, no redeeming brand attributes or values, no good old fashion funny spots like their former thirty-second gems. I honestly have no clue as to why their executive team OKed this bizarre puppet as brand spokes person. Can someone, anyone, explain this please? To me this seems like a lame attempt to associate your brand with a random figure so you can say you tried. It feels like there was no real thought or creativity put behind the campaign. Car Fax, I implore you: is a cheesy fox puppet really the best you can do?\n\nAnother great example of a brand figure gone wrong is the Bar None sock puppet. It was terribly cheesy and ineffective when Pets.com used it, so why would it would be any better now? See what I’m talking about:\n\nPets.com:\n\n<object classid=\"clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000\" width=\"425\" height=\"350\" codebase=\"http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0\"><param name=\"src\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/Si1oCq1hwUY&amp;feature\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"350\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/Si1oCq1hwUY&amp;feature\"> </embed></object>\n\nBar None:\n\n<object classid=\"clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000\" width=\"425\" height=\"350\" codebase=\"http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0\"><param name=\"src\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/s6FmJpcJU0w&amp;feature\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"350\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/s6FmJpcJU0w&amp;feature\"></embed></object>\n\nIf this spot doesn’t say tired and low budget, what does? I am uncertain as to how the Bar None sock puppet conveys positive brand values or attributes. Does it even say cute, clever or funny really? No, no and no again. How original; buy the asset from Pets.com because you can’t come up with anything else better, funnier, or clever? I am also confused as to how a dog is related to auto financing; at least it made sense representing a pet supplier. Bar None, let’s go back to the drawing board.\n\nSo on the value side of the spectrum, your beer is a fringe product. Yet you are desperately trying to make it smooth and sophisticated. Even more mind boggling is the development of the brand figure/character Keith Stone. Do the head honchos over at Keystone really believe that Mr. Stone oozes smooth sophistication? Are you serious? Here is what I see:\n\n<object classid=\"clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000\" width=\"425\" height=\"350\" codebase=\"http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0\"><param name=\"src\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/hNz0kdGLX-E\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"350\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/hNz0kdGLX-E\"></embed></object>\n\nAlways smooth… really? Dude is the antithesis of smooth. Pardon my repetitive vocabulary, but this spokesman is CHEESY. When I first started noticing this guy on billboards, my first reaction was less smooth and more rough with a strong after taste. A few years ago Keystone aired  a campaign that poked fun of the “bitter beer face,” made when one drinks cheap beer. Keith Stone gives me bitter beer face, and I haven’t even flipped the cap. Keith, is this really the best you could do to represent your brand?\n\n<object classid=\"clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000\" width=\"425\" height=\"350\" codebase=\"http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0\"><param name=\"src\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/U0u8AHYqi5E\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"350\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/U0u8AHYqi5E\"></embed></object>\n\nJust like an afternoon special, there is a lesson to be learned. When choosing or developing a brand figure or spokes person/character, try creating ones that represent the brand in a positive light. It’s always best to communicate brand attributes and values with a clever and memorable character, instead of using an obnoxious representation that is cheesy, rough and has a strong after taste.\n\nStay tuned for a blog entry about brand spokes figures that could show Keith Stone a thing or two about “smooth.”','Bad Brand Spokes Figures','','publish','open','open','','553','','','2010-07-27 12:42:53','2010-07-27 16:42:53','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/?p=553',0,'post','',0),(595,8,'2010-08-06 11:44:31','2010-08-06 15:44:31','After reading my previous blog entry, you’re probably thinking I’m a raging cynic. However as opinionated as I am about terrible brand campaigns, I am equally passionate about the positively awesome ones. Many ad campaigns fly under the radar because they are neither ground breaking nor painful to watch. It’s always the particularly great and exceptionally bad campaigns that get attention. So, in this blog I will show you my optimistic glass-half-full side.\n\n<strong>Dos Equis</strong>\n\nI have to say, Dos Equis has really done a fabulous job with their Most Interesting Man campaign. Coming into the campaign’s fourth year, Dos Equis has truly developed a brand figure that communicates sophistication, class, elegance and smoothness. There are generally two types of ads: one features the man in a bar environment giving advice or opinion about various subjects, and the other features a narrator describing the man\'s distinguishing, but frequently absurd, background. Not only does it cause the Dos Equis brand to shine as a premier beer, but this particular spokesperson makes the brand and product unforgettable in an already saturated market. “The Most Interesting Man in the World” really is everything a spokesperson should be: entertaining, captivating and engaging. Take a look at a couple of my favorites:\n\nOne of the first ads aired back in 2007:\n\n<object classid=\"clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000\" width=\"425\" height=\"350\" codebase=\"http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0\"><param name=\"src\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/8Bc0WjTT0Ps\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"350\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/8Bc0WjTT0Ps\"> </embed></object>\n<ul>\n	<li>His commentary on the art of being      a Wingman is genius:</li>\n</ul>\n<object classid=\"clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000\" width=\"425\" height=\"350\" codebase=\"http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0\"><param name=\"src\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/j477era2WhU\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"350\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/j477era2WhU\"> </embed></object>\n\nMy hats off to the good people at Dos XX, who crafted such a relevant and likeable spokesperson. Humor can be one of branding’s most effective tools, but only when it is strategically aimed at a target audience. These guys nailed the development of a brand figure that positively represents the brand and communicates taste, smoothness and value.\n\n<strong>Old Spice</strong>\n\nOld Spice has been keeping men smelling fresh for 71 years. A seemingly “grandpa” brand did a one-eighty with their new campaign this year. Leading this improved ad crusade is their new spokesperson, The Old Spice Guy. He’s a television an internet phenom who’s got girls running out and buying their men new deodorant. Recognizing their old branding needed retirement, Old Spice openly compares their old look with their new packaging, which was apparently “forged from molten awesomeness.”  Being such an established brand, Old Spice wasn’t in any danger of falling off the shelves, but they definitely shot themselves to the top of the deodorant world. It really is an updated look with the same message they’ve had for generations: class, physique and eloquence for the real man.\n\n<object classid=\"clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000\" width=\"425\" height=\"350\" codebase=\"http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0\"><param name=\"src\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/owGykVbfgUE\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"350\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/owGykVbfgUE\"></embed></object>\n\nWon’t we all be as smooth and blatantly remarkable if we wear Old Spice? Not only have they created hip, off the wall ads with a hot spokesman, who has impeccable comedic timing, but they have constructed an entire viral video campaign to back it up. The Old Spice Man has been answering (in a towel no less) fans’ questions via Twitter and Yahoo.\n\n<object classid=\"clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000\" width=\"425\" height=\"350\" codebase=\"http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0\"><param name=\"src\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/izmOpJuFABA\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"350\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/izmOpJuFABA\"></embed></object>\n\n<strong> </strong>\n\nOld Spice has done a phenomenal job attracting and interacting with a wide range audience. Most importantly, they created national buzz and attention for Old Spice, a brand as old as the hills that’s lay dormant for far too long. Welcome back to the game Old Spice.<strong></strong>\n\n<strong>Kia</strong>\n\nI probably didn’t give hamsters a second thought before Kia Soul Hamsters made their way onto my television. It isn’t because hamsters are on the lamer side of the rodent family, but because using them as the spokespeople (or animals) for a car company is totally off beat. Kia came up with a way to advertise their inexpensive boxy cars, or toasters as many of their loyal owners have affectionately called them, as fun and hip. These are adjectives that were not typically associated with Kia’s products prior to this campaign, check it out.\n\n<object classid=\"clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000\" width=\"425\" height=\"350\" codebase=\"http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0\"><param name=\"src\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/HQ-CDE_r_wg&amp;annotation_id\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"350\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/HQ-CDE_r_wg&amp;annotation_id\"></embed></object>\n\nWhen the first “a new way to roll” campaign caught the attention of pop culture, Kia seized the opportunity to ride the viral commercial wave. So they did what any smart company would; they conjured up more ideas. Here is an example of the newer/hipper commercials that have been airing more recently:\n\n<object classid=\"clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000\" width=\"425\" height=\"350\" codebase=\"http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0\"><param name=\"src\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/kfJnqbudMzs&amp;feature\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"350\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/kfJnqbudMzs&amp;feature\"></embed></object>\n\nWhether you think the hip hop hamsters are brilliant, or just find them to be completely creepy, you notice them. Kia has truly succeeded in bringing attention and revenue to a brand that was flying pretty far below the Toyotas and Volvos of the industry.\n\nBrand campaigns like the ones detailed in this blog are the reason I started my own branding firm. However, being in the industry as long as I have, I learned how to spot the good brands, as well as the bad. It’s important to celebrate success, but point out failure as a means to learn and grow as a company and brand.','Good Brand Spokes Figures','','publish','open','open','','good-brand-spokes-figures','','','2010-08-06 11:44:31','2010-08-06 15:44:31','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/?p=595',0,'post','',0),(600,12,'2010-08-10 13:48:27','2010-08-10 17:48:27','It has been a wild ride since coming on board four months ago here at Brand Iron. Working in the business development side of our business I have the good fortune to see the front lines of our prospects. It continues to astonish me the amount of companies who remain complacent about their business strategy and branding initiates.\n\nIn managing the business sales cycle I have seen several businesses uncertain on how they should maximize revenues.  I have also seen several businesses in the “stall out” phase. Meeting daily with numerous business executives, I have observed many who are non-committed and unsure how to grow their business during this difficult business environment.  I have seen others who are engaging a strategic business plan that has resulted into expanding market share. They are committed to further establishing themselves and be in position for their brand to gain momentum, staying ahead of the naysayers. The establishment of the brand is the fast lane to the customers’ trust. You have to get as many oars in the water as possible if you want to continue upstream in the face of the oncoming current.\n\nBrand Iron specializes in the development of an effective brand strategy. We also specialize in identifying the tactics that support the strategy that can help generate revenue in the short term.\n\nWe understand that strengthening your brand may appear to be a daunting task during this challenging economic time, but this is precisely the time to do it.  While others in your space are cutting back or “going dark” it’s the perfect time paddle harder and separate yourself.\n\nIf you are fighting the economic current, don’t wait. The threat of someone moving in to take your market share is very real. You must defend your turf and your business investment. The time to engage is now.  We can be that source.','Get the Oar in the Water!','','publish','open','open','','get-the-oar-in-the-water','','','2010-08-10 13:48:27','2010-08-10 17:48:27','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/?p=600',0,'post','',0),(615,4,'2010-08-13 11:37:19','2010-08-13 15:37:19','I’m sure you’ve already noticed that Brand Iron recently launched a new website. But why???\n\nActually, I was asked a great question yesterday: “How do you know when it’s time to redo your website.”\n\nThere are many reasons to update your site: refresh graphics, add functionality, restructure navigation, add a call-to-action – but the main reason we updated our site was because the message didn’t accurately reflect the high level of support we provide our clients.\n\nOur previous website didn’t communicate the true value we were delivering to our clients. Yes, we still do websites, we still do PR, we still do corporate IDs – but we do those things as a part of an integrated plan to help your business succeed. We have also developed new programs for developing brand champions, helping companies get acquired or go public, raising capital, etc.\n\nWe help our clients determine the activities that will make the biggest impact to their bottom lines. We take a holistic look at their brand and company – and help them forge the plan that will make them competitive in their market.  Brand Iron works with our clients to drive short- and long-term revenue while identifying the activities that will make the biggest impact.\n\nIf your message has changed and you need to reposition yourself in the market, contact Brand Iron today. We’ll help you develop an integrated plan to drive short- and long-term revenue to your business.','New Brand Iron Website ','','publish','open','open','','new-brand-iron-website','','','2010-08-13 11:37:19','2010-08-13 15:37:19','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/?p=615',0,'post','',0),(618,11,'2010-08-27 18:28:58','2010-08-27 22:28:58','This past Spring Michael spoke to a group of CEO’s with the National Ground Water Association. Kathy Butcher with the NGWA had this to say about Michael, “Michael was extraordinary when he addressed our CEO Forum in April. He provided the insight they needed to realistically evaluate the potential of their current business models and how they could enhance them.” Following this meeting, the NGWA invited Michael to speak again at the Ground Water Expo in Vegas.\n\nMichael is scheduled to speak at the 2010 National Ground Water Association Ground Water Expo in Las   Vegas on December 8<sup>th</sup>. He will be presenting on “Strengthening Your Brand During Tough Economic Times.” In preparation for the event, the Well Water Journal conducted a question and answer session with Michael. To see what Michael had to say please check out the article here:\n\n<a href=\"http://www.brandiron.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/September-2010-Water-Well-Journal-Q-A.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Click Here</a>','Michael Doyle Talks ','','publish','open','open','','michael-doyle-talks','','','2010-08-27 18:28:58','2010-08-27 22:28:58','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/?p=618',0,'post','',0),(632,4,'2010-09-10 10:31:57','2010-09-10 14:31:57','<h3>A starter’s guide to understanding the buzz</h3>\nIn this brief guide, we will shed some light on the fastest-growing sector of social media.\n\nI like to think that I’m an early adopter of technology – but truth be told – I like to see if things have the staying power to outlast the initial excitement. One of my criteria is: do they add enough value to my everyday life aside from just being new. I joined two of the front-running location-based social networks last month (Foursquare and Gowalla). With about 4 weeks under my belt, I wanted to share what I’ve learned both from a branding and marketing perspective and a consumer perspective.\n\nFirst – a little background on location-based services. If you have a smart-phone, you have access to applications that use GPS in order to locate your device and provide location-based insight. The two main categories are:\n\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Social Review Sites:</span> These provide consumer reviews of the places nearby.\nYelp\nWHERE\nGeodelic\nTell me where\n\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Social Check-in Site:</span> These allow users to check-in, post pictures, status updates, etc.\nFacebook – new feature\nFoursquare\nGowalla\nBlockchalk\nBrightKite\nWhrrl\nMyTown\n<h3>As a user – this is what you need to know</h3>\n● Cool application for seeing where your friends are\n\nA couple quick scenarios: Say, I’m at a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre and I check-in. My friend, Mathew, is also at the concert and he sees that I checked-in. He calls me up and we meet-up after the concert to grab a beer at our favorite neighborhood bar.\n\nI’m visiting a new city where my friend Sherri lives. I know she has good taste in vegetarian restaurants – so I check her profile to see what restaurants she’s checked into recently.\n\n● Not as creepy as you might think. Sites like <a href=\"http://www.pleaserobme.com/\">www.pleaserobme.com</a> DO bring up some great points about over-sharing, but just keep your contacts to people you consider friends in real life.\n\n● Get rewarded. Some retailers give special perks to loyal Foursquare, Gowalla, etc users. You are seen as their brand advocate.\n<h3>As a marketer – here are the opportunities:</h3>\n● Gain a loyal following of consumers who are “on the go”\n\n● Influence their purchase when they are close to the register\n\n● Offer up a special for all check-ins\n\n● Offer an extra-special discount or freebie for the “Mayor”\n\n● Learn more about your patrons (which locations and when the check-in)\n\nHope that helps as a brief introduction. As of June 2010, Foursquare reported that it had 1.6 million users. Plus, with Facebook’s new location-based tagging – I think it’s safe to say that this new sector of social media is here to stay (at least until the next big thing).\n\nConsider location-based services as a part of your overall online presence. Brand Iron can help you leverage this new trend to drive revenue with a very specific (and growing) target audience.','Location-Based Services and Social Media','','publish','open','open','','location-based-services-and-social-media','','','2010-09-10 10:31:57','2010-09-10 14:31:57','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/?p=632',0,'post','',0),(641,11,'2010-09-15 10:38:35','2010-09-15 14:38:35','Tuesday night Twitter unveiled its new platform and features for both users and advertisers. The changes include ability to more easily post and view photos and videos as well as endlessly scroll through tweets without hitting the “more” button. Twitter announced deals with providers including YouTube, Flickr, Twitpic and Ustream – in an effort to make the experience of viewing media and sharing it more seamless.\n\nThe platform changes are within the Twitter \"timeline\" which now moves to the left. The new right \"pane\" will host the geography for an expanded look at whatever the user is clicking on- a detailed bio of a tweeter, a list of people who have re-tweeted the original tweet, or a photo/video linked to in the tweet. Users can now view content without moving off the timeline page.\n\nFor the advertisers on Twitter, it will give new visibility for sponsored tweets and trends, as well as content distributed by marketers.\n\nIf you think this sounds a lot like another familiar site, you’re not alone. Users alike are commenting that these Twitter changes have existed for years, on Facebook.\n\n<em>“@<strong><a href=\"https://twitter.com/GallagherMeow\">GallagherMeow</a></strong> i\'ve been using the <a title=\"#newtwitter\" href=\"https://twitter.com/search?q=%23newtwitter\"><em>#newtwitter</em></a> for years now. it\'s called facebook. RT @<a href=\"https://twitter.com/kangollove\">kangollove</a>”</em>\n\nOther users wonder if the “micro-blogging site” is focusing too much on interactivity and “the user experience” and if that change is going to change its central element.\n\nThe fact is the new changes are creating quite a Twitter buzz, the hash-tag #newtwitter has become the latest trending topic on the site and Twitter is looking for feedback from the small group of its users who are currently using the new platform.  If you haven’t seen the new Twitter yet, it’s time to get introduced <a href=\"http://twitter.com/newtwitter\">http://twitter.com/newtwitter</a>','The #NewTwitter','','publish','open','open','','the-newtwitter','','','2010-09-15 10:38:35','2010-09-15 14:38:35','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/?p=641',0,'post','',0),(647,8,'2010-09-27 13:40:38','2010-09-27 17:40:38','Over the last several weeks I have consulted with about  a half a dozen CEO’s of different sized businesses and a couple of common things  have really stood out:\n\n-          Many business have struggled to survive the  last several years, cash has been tight and sales are down\n-          Most CEO’s have also struggled mentally,  emotionally, financially and spiritually as an affect of the economic  recession\n-         Their team’s and staff have also suffered as  a result and are fearful of what may happen if things don’t improve  soon\n-         We are all making the calls for cash to the  banks, to clients, customers and even friends and family to  survive\n-          Many businesses are struggling and suffering  to hang on until things pick back up\n\nOur teams, our customers, our family and our friends can  see the suffering of burnt-out bosses; it’s written on our faces more than we  might like to admit. These things I’ve noted above remind me that right now it  is critical to create a plan and have some faith- for our brand, for our  company, our team, and ourselves.\n\nWe need to have a plan in place that will allow us to  succeed and drive revenue- a plan to spruce up if not totally redo our brand and  our companies which have been burning up (not in the positive sense). It’s time  to take some pro-active steps even if they are small ones, to refresh ourselves  and our tired brands. Start by taking a Friday out of the office to focus on  planning, develop a 30, 60, and 90 day action plan to recharge ourselves and our  companies so they don’t become completely burned out.\n\nTaking the small steps now, can bring us through these  hard times and get us where we want to be, whether that is selling our business,  buying another business or just simply increasing revenue. We need action plans  to get us there, and those of us that have them will be that much stronger when  things pick back up again.\n\nLet’s give our teams some faith in the ability of our  brands to produce results. It’s no secret that we are suffering, people see it,  but the positive side is we are all in the same boat, and we all have the  opportunity to work through it to become happier, healthier and ultimately  wealthier.','The Burnt-out Boss and Brand ','','publish','open','open','','the-burnt-out-boss-and-brand','','','2010-09-27 13:40:38','2010-09-27 17:40:38','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/?p=647',0,'post','',1),(653,5,'2010-10-06 12:34:01','2010-10-06 16:34:01','A few months ago Forbes Magazine coordinated with a group of chief marketing officers and advertising executives to compile a list of the 25 best-ever advertising taglines.  Not only are the results of their compilation memorable but it goes to show that the best taglines are those that truly span generations.\n\nIn reviewing the list of top 25 taglines, what struck me the most was how long ago some of the taglines were developed.  Here is a look at some of the most memorable taglines.  See if you can match the tagline with the year they were introduced (answers below):[column width=\"65%\"]\n\n1.  A Diamond is Forever (DaBeers)\n\n2.  The Ultimate Driving Machine (BMW)\n\n3.  Just Do It (Nike)\n\n4.  We Try Harder (Avis)\n\n5.  There are some things money can’t buy…(MasterCard)\n\n6.  Can you hear me now? (Verizon)\n\n7.  It takes a Lickin’ and keeps on Tickin’(Timex)\n\n8.  Like a Rock (Chevy)\n\n9.  Melts in your mouth, not in your hand(M&amp;Ms)\n\n10. When you care enough to send the very best(Hallmark)\n[/column]\n[column width=\"30%\"]\nA.  1997\n\nB.  1963\n\nC.  1971\n\nD.  1944\n\nE.  1952\n\nF.  1991\n\nG.  1988\n\nH.  1954\n\nI.   2002\n\nJ.   1944\n[/column]\n[end_columns]\nThere is no simple formula, of course, for creating a powerful tagline but as you can see in almost every example above, it must be direct, authoritative and differentiating.  At Brand Iron, for example, we know it resonates when we tell people we do two things:  We Forge Brands and Drive Revenue.  It’s powerful, direct, authoritative and its sets us apart.\n<h3><a href=\"http://www.forbes.com/2010/05/28/nike-bmw-amex-apple-cmo-network-best-advertising-taglines.html\" target=\"_blank\">Here is a link to the Forbes story</a></h3>\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Answer Key: </span> 1. DaBeers – 1944; 2. BMW – 1971; 3. Nike – 1988; 4. Avis – 1963; 5. MasterCard – 1997; 6. Verizon – 2002; 7. Timex – 1954; 8. Chevy – 1991;  9. M&amp;Ms – 1954; 10. Hallmark - 1944','Taglines That Stand the Test of Time ','','publish','open','open','','taglines-that-stand-the-test-of-time','','','2010-10-06 12:34:01','2010-10-06 16:34:01','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/?p=653',0,'post','',0),(706,8,'2010-10-20 16:03:54','2010-10-20 20:03:54','In recent years we find ourselves working more and more with companies who seek additional capital, whether to elevate to a new level, go public or fight through the cash crunch.  Regardless of the reason they are in need of raising capital so they can successfully grow their business.\n\nBusinesses in need of operating cash sometimes seem to take a very aimless approach to raising money.  Even the idea of creating and shaping a successful brand is an afterthought until cash is in hand.  The prevailing thought among business entrepreneurs is to raise money first, then build brand second.\n\nBut our experience as brand consultants has proven that these efforts must, at the very least, run concurrent.  Below are nine critical steps to fundraising success:\n\n<strong>1)     There must be a clear and concise vision in place for the company.</strong>\n\n<strong>2)     You and everyone else within the company must clearly understand the business goals, both short-term and long-term.</strong>\n\n<strong>3)     A clearly defined plan must be developed on how the new funds will be utilized.  Have a game plan in place.</strong>\n\n<strong>4)     Understand how you will demonstrate return on investment (pro formas).</strong>\n\n<strong>5)     Company leadership should understand and agree on how the company competes in its space, how it is different and better from competitors, and a core understanding of the brand position.</strong>\n\n<strong>6)     Paint the vision for the team.  This step focuses on creating the internal brand.  Ensure those associated with the company are on board.</strong>\n\n<strong>7)     As your brand starts to evolve, focus on how to make it sexy and how you will “package it” for success.  It is here that the brand comes alive.</strong>\n\n<strong>8)     Champion the Brand!  A key to growth and raising business capital is employing a leadership style that demonstrates a contagious passion.  One that quickly spreads to others within the organization.</strong>\n\n<strong>9)     Sell it!</strong>\n\nBy considering these points, you and your company will be in a much better position to cultivate the growth capital as well as understand what your brand is and how and why you\'re better than anyone else so you can get to the next level.','Show Me the Money!  9 Key Steps to Packaging Your Brand and Company to Raise Business Capital ','','publish','open','open','','show-me-the-money-9-key-steps-to-raising-business-capital','','','2010-10-20 16:03:54','2010-10-20 20:03:54','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/?p=706',0,'post','',0),(728,11,'2010-12-22 13:00:07','2010-12-22 17:00:07','We’re all aware of the power of twitter by now, and if we’re not, maybe this list will convince you. Business Insider reports that “Over the last 12 months, Twitter grew by more than <a href=\"http://blog.twitter.com/2010/12/whos-new-on-twitter-hindsight2010.html\">100 million users</a>, who helped the network pump out more than <a href=\"http://blog.twitter.com/2010/12/hindsight2010-ten-most-powerful-tweets.html\">25 billion tweets</a>.” So how powerful can 140 characters or less really be? Check out the 5 most powerful tweets of 2010:\n\n#5 <a href=\"http://www.businessinsider.com/With%20over%20100%20million%20newly%20registered%20users%20in%202010,%20Twitter%20has%20certainly%20picked%20up%20speed.%20That%20many%20people%20can%27t%20possibly%20have%20something%20interesting%20to%20say,%20but%20Twitter%20put%20together%20a%20list%20of%20people%20who%20did.%20%20Twitter%20faced%20a%20challenge%20when%20they%20narrowed%20down%20over%2025%20billion%20tweets%20to%20just%20ten,%20but%20their%20final%20list%20shows%20Twitter%20is%20an%20outlet%20where%20many%20types%20of%20communication%20exists.\">@Precidencia_EC</a> Gobierno <em>declara estado de Excepción #Ecuador #30S</em>\n\nWhen civil unrest in Ecuador increased dramatically after a new law cut benefits for public servants, President Rafael Correa accused opposition and military forces of a coup attempt, and used Twitter to declare a state of emergency in a Tweet. Leaders across Latin America and the world tweeted in response to show their support for the people of Ecuador.\n\n#4 @BPGlobalPR <em>Catastrophe is a strong word, let\'s all agree to call it a whoopsie daisy.</em>\n\nIt was a parody account, not BP’s official Twitter account, that defined the discussion--spoofing the company’s attempts to improve its public image. “Gulf Oil Spill” was the #1 Trend on Twitter in 2010.\n\n#3 @LeighFazzina <em>I\'ve had a serious injury and NEED Help! Can somone please call Winding Trails in Farmington, CT tell them I\'m stuck bike crash in woods.\n</em>\nTwitter to the rescue: When she crashed her bike in a forest with no cell phone reception, a gravely injured triathlete saved her own life when she tweeted out a desperate call for help.\n\n#2 @whitehouse <em>Welcome to @twitter President Medvedev! RT @KremlinRussia_E: Hello everyone! I\'m on Twitter, and this is my first tweet.</em>\n\nEven the Russian President has joined the Twitter bandwagon. The White House immediately reached out to welcome him to the Twitterverse. Obama’s quote: Red phones no longer required.\n\n#1 @AnnCurry <em>@usairforce find a way to let Doctors without Borders planes land in Haiti: http://bit.ly/8hYZOK THE most effective at this.</em>\n\nAfter the devastating earthquake, Doctors Without Borders flew in a team of physicians to assist the wounded, but they were unable to get clearance to land the plane. Reporter Ann Curry used Twitter to convince the U.S. Air Force to allow the flight to land. And it worked.\n\nTo get the full top ten list read the full article here: <a href=\"http://www.businessinsider.com/twitters-top-tweets-2010-12\">http://www.businessinsider.com/twitters-top-tweets-2010-12#</a>','The Top Tweets of 2010','','publish','open','open','','the-top-tweets-of-2010','','','2010-12-22 13:00:07','2010-12-22 17:00:07','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/?p=728',0,'post','',0),(744,11,'2011-01-27 17:39:09','2011-01-27 21:39:09','Hi, my name is Kassandre (in short, Kassie) and I am the newest Brand Manager here at Brand Iron. I hail from Madison, Wisconsin and yes, I do like cheese, own a Cheesehead, think brats provide a great source of happiness, and feel any winter day above 20 degrees is a heat wave.\n\nBefore trading lakes for mountains, I lived in Europe and South America, experienced my first Heli Ski Trip, and discovered my innate favoring of the right side of my brain. I took my first job out of college with a food marketing and advertising agency in Minneapolis, MN, combining my love of food and creative story telling (about said food).  I got my fill working in production, media relations, traffic management, and account services. With my never-ending quest to learn more, I took my shiny new skills to Target Corporation and learned that there can never be enough training on what to do if pirates take hold of your shipping vessel. I am not lying. While at Target, I worked in strategic sourcing and imports. Right off the bat, Target hit the bullseye and positioned me in the Ready-To-Wear clothing team, and then the shoe team. I oversaw the entire import process from sourcing the vendor, analyzing sales trends, planning and purchasing, to shipping products safely to Target stores without any trace of Captain Morgan.\n\nDeciding not to endure another indescribably cold mid-west winter, I packed my boot-bag and skis (and a few other items) and made my way out-west. I fulfilled a lifelong dream of being a ski bum before rejoining civilization at Daniels College of Business earning an MBA in integrated marketing and brand management. During my two years as a student, I competed and won the Race &amp; Case Competition, consulted with a local marketing firm, and came across a company that believed in the power of branding as strongly as I. Enter, Brand Iron.\n\nI am beyond excited to be a part of this creative bunch of engaging, intelligent people and look forward to telling the gravitating brand stories of our clients!\n\nSo if you have not already, stop by, say “Hi!” and bring me some cheddar!','Bringing the Mid-West to the Out-West','','publish','open','open','','bringing-the-mid-west-to-the-out-west','','','2011-01-27 17:39:09','2011-01-27 21:39:09','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/?p=744',0,'post','',0),(750,5,'2011-01-31 17:06:42','2011-01-31 21:06:42','We are excited to announce the addition of two new members to our Brand Iron team.  Kassandre Linstroth has joined the firm as brand manager, and Leilani Derr comes on board as graphic designer.  Kassie will be charged with creating and implementing powerful brand strategies for our clients while Leilani, who joins the agency’s creative team, will be responsible for providing Brand Iron clients with creative concepting and design for both print and website applications.     Kassie joins us after working for advertising/marketing agencies in both Denver and Minneapolis.  In June, she earned her MBA from the Daniels College of Business at Denver University focusing on integrated marketing and brand management.  Before earning her MBA, Kassie worked with Target Corporation in strategic sourcing, responsible for vendor relations, product management, and the import process across Target distribution centers and import warehouses.     Prior to Brand Iron, Leilani served as interface designer for Web Data Software, a web development services company in South Carolina.  She is a graduate of Coastal Carolina University where she earned a degree in graphic design.       Welcome Kassie and Leilani!','Meet our new Ranch Hands: Kassandre Linstroth and Leilani Derr join Brand Iron','','publish','open','open','','meet-our-new-ranch-hands-kassandre-linstroth-and-leilani-derr-join-brand-iron','','','2011-01-31 17:06:42','2011-01-31 21:06:42','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/?p=750',0,'post','',0),(754,8,'2011-02-02 13:34:31','2011-02-02 17:34:31','Minus the long hair and leather pants, today seems a little too much like the 80’s if you ask me. It was the time where being rebellious was “cool” along with listening to “the devil’s music” and smoking cigarettes after school. Today’s cigarettes and devil’s music are still around; they’ve just changed a little. Today its racy television shows and gory video games that are making parents cringe. And the more the parents seem to cringe, the more the kids seem to watch, buy, and play.\n\nAdvertisers are using this to the fullest extent. The popular video game DeadSpace2 has built its entire advertising platform on the slogan “your mom will hate this”. And television shows are using movie like ratings PG-13 and R as a bragging right instead of a warning. So why the big move towards “rebellious” advertisements? It seems the more outrages the ad or promotion, the more controversy. And controversy means people are talking about your product, service, goods, etc. and that’s exactly what advertisers want.\n\n<object style=\"height: 320px; width: 525px\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/nKkPFDEiC6Q?version=3\"><param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\"><param name=\"allowScriptAccess\" value=\"always\"><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/nKkPFDEiC6Q?version=3\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" allowScriptAccess=\"always\" width=\"525\" height=\"320\"></object>\n\nCheck out this Redbull ad which blatantly advertises one-night stands and “hook-ups” with multiple people. Do you think it’s appropriate? Does it make you want to drink a Redbull?\n\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" class=\"youtube-player\" type=\"text/html\" width=\"560\" height=\"345\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/0b3OPo9wHuk?rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allowFullScreen></iframe>\n\nAnother TV spot getting some major attention is the MTV show Skins, based off of a British teen show, the new hit is causing quite a stir among parents as it depicts “the life of real American teenagers.” The controversy might have something to do with the fact that these “real” teenagers are drug addicts, alcoholics, party-animals, and law breakers. So would you let your kids watch this? And if you told them they couldn’t do you think they’d find a way to watch it anyways?\n\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" class=\"youtube-player\" type=\"text/html\" width=\"425\" height=\"349\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/LfAEWcmXCIM?rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allowFullScreen></iframe>\n\nThe bottom line is it works – this is nothing new, we saw it in the 80’s with rock and roll, we saw it in the 90’s with sex and today is no different. If you tell kids their parents will hate it, or don’t want them to see it, it makes them want it more.\n\nHave a comment? We’d love to hear from you! Let us know what you think about these new ad’s and the impact on kids.','Sex, Drugs, and Rock and Roll – are we reliving the 80’s?','','publish','open','open','','sex-drugs-and-rock-and-roll-%e2%80%93-are-we-reliving-the-80%e2%80%99s','','','2011-02-02 13:34:31','2011-02-02 17:34:31','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/?p=754',0,'post','',0),(768,11,'2011-03-17 16:11:41','2011-03-17 20:11:41','East to West\n\nHello!  My name is Madeline Smith, I go by “Maddie” and recently graduated from the University of Colorado in May of 2010 with a Communication degree.  I grew up south of Boston right on the harbor or “hahbah” as Bostonians would call it…they tend to frown upon the pronunciation of R’s.  I decided to leave Boston for college after witnessing my sister’s lifestyle throughout her four years at CU.  Although, I miss the ocean, I love the never-ending sunny days, mild winters, compared to Bean Town, and of course the fresh powder out west.\n\nDuring my senior year of college I worked with a natural consumer goods company, Justin’s Nut Butter based out of Boulder, Colorado.  I loved working with a start-up company and was able to dive into many PR, Marketing, and Advertising aspects from a client perspective.  I also loved working in an industry with two of my passions; food and health.  This exposure made me want to get into the agency side of this line of work.  After making the big move from Boulder to Denver I did some contract PR and Marketing work for Scream  Agency.  I realized I wanted to stay in the agency side loving the variety of clientele and day to day work.\n\nI am thrilled to be apart of the Brand Iron team.  I love the diversity of clients, the work we do, and of course the team here at Brand Iron, Patches included.  I am looking forward to baseball season as well….but not The Rockies…Go Red Sox!','East to West','','publish','open','open','','east-to-west','','','2011-03-17 16:11:41','2011-03-17 20:11:41','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/?p=768',0,'post','',0),(773,13,'2011-03-24 14:34:43','2011-03-24 18:34:43','<strong>What’s Your Favorite Color?</strong>\n\nMost of us have a favorite color, all of us know what color our mother thinks looks best on us (and which colors look horrid) and consciously or not we all associate certain feelings with certain colors:\n\nOrange – energetic, excited and hungry (wonder why Weight Watchers used the Orange Monster as a brand character? <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49WjrRJ_DLw\">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49WjrRJ_DLw</a>)\n\nBlue – calm and serene\n\nRed – intense emotions either of love or anger\n\nYellow – cheerful and happy\n\nGreen – free, fresh and natural\n\nOur eyes absorb light, convert it into a form of energy and allow us to see color. The way that people feel or react to certain colors, or why they choose to favor one color over the next, alludes to how it makes them feel. Scientists have studied this energy for years to understand how certain colors affect our moods, health, and thought-process. And it’s a good thing they have because color has the ability to condition an action, for example (and for effect), consumer buying habits. In layman’s terms, the color of a product or a brand can encourage or dissuade a sale.\n\nLet’s do a quick mind test. Think of a brand for each of these colors:\n<ol>\n	<li>Red</li>\n	<li>Yellow</li>\n	<li>Blue</li>\n	<li>Green</li>\n</ol>\nNow, think of a color for each of these brands:\n<ol>\n	<li>Pepsi</li>\n	<li>Campbell’s      soup</li>\n	<li>McDonalds</li>\n	<li>Gap</li>\n</ol>\nI bet that when you pictured each brand you immediately knew how you felt about that brand, if you liked it or not. In some cases, you may have remembered the last time you enjoyed a warm bowl of tomato soup or how you could really go for a cool refreshing soda right about now.\n\nThe color of a logo, website, package, etc. is the first impression that is remembered and registered by consumers. It will be the color associated to the brand. If the color sends the right message and invokes the right feeling to a consumer, the company may encourage a sale and a brand ambassador. There’s good reason why brand management is occasionally referred to as the study of science and art. To have a successful, lasting brand, it takes more than listening to the customer, it takes understanding their emotions and how those emotions trigger their purchasing decisions.\n\nSo the next time someone asks you what your favorite color is, know that they may actually be reading a little farther into your personality.','What\'s Your Favorite Color?','','publish','open','open','','whats-your-favorite-color','','','2011-03-24 14:34:43','2011-03-24 18:34:43','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/?p=773',0,'post','',0),(794,8,'2011-03-29 13:42:11','2011-03-29 17:42:11','For the last several months I have seen this building rise up in the south of Denver, in a prime location right next to the freeway and Light Rail line. In the last short while, that building has become a big, branded box - bright blue with touches of yellow. This last week, a huge branded sign finally appeared to announce just what this box/building was.\n\nI have known for a while just what this building was to be. Now branded, everyone who hadn\'t previously heard the rumor is finally in the loop. The conspicuous location, the giant sign, and the template-design of the building really signify that the owners of this bright-and-shiny, big, blue, branded box <em>get</em> branding.\n\nOpening a store in a new market has become a science for this company. While specific regulations might vary, the company knows what it needs to do to get approvals for a sign and building of this magnitude. Both of which vastly dwarf other retailers nearby. Check out this clip covering the installation of the massive sign that has now appeared:\n<a title=\"http://www.9news.com/rss/story.aspx?storyid=189026\" href=\"http://www.9news.com/rss/story.aspx?storyid=189026\">http://www.9news.com/rss/story.aspx?storyid=189026</a>\n\nDespite <a href=\"http://videocenter.denverpost.com/services/player/bcpid63625388001?bckey=AQ%7E%7E,AAAAADe65VU%7E,G496cZ36A_VfLp_hMeonEvZJ8gBAVEOa&amp;bclid=1419798684&amp;bctid=853077407001\" target=\"_blank\">complaints from some</a> who are calling it an \'eye-sore,\' this sign and the big, blue box  beneath it definitely get attention. Talk about creating buzz to tease  an opening - these guys know how to do it.\n\nAnd it\'s not just the sign. Even before inking the real estate deal, rumors of the company coming to town caused a <a href=\"http://www.ikeafans.com/home/ikea-denver-colorado-plans-on-track/\" target=\"_blank\">stir</a>. With its near-cult following, I wouldn\'t think it\'s a challenge for this company to generate excitement among consumers in any community they come to. In all mediums - underground, word-of-mouth, and traditional - the  market-entry process earns the company media every step of the way. Its expansion strategy and branding formula is the mark of success.\n\nI happen to like the idea of an international retailer coming to town. <a href=\"http://www.denverpost.com/commented/ci_17732943?source=commented-news\" target=\"_blank\">(Another is rumored</a> to be coming to the Pavillions.) Introducing big brands like this helps put Denver on the map. It pulls in consumers from all over, it contributes to the economic growth of our city, and this time, it\'s nicely branded in a beautiful, big, blue branded box called IKEA.','The Big Blue Branded Box','','publish','open','open','','the-big-blue-branded-box','','','2011-03-29 13:42:11','2011-03-29 17:42:11','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/?p=794',0,'post','',0),(803,8,'2011-04-19 14:17:04','2011-04-19 18:17:04','I want to introduce you to the Brand Champion’s blog.  Over my 20-year marketing and branding career, I have realized that successful companies and brands succeed because they have a <em>Brand Champion</em> -- someone who “champions” the business cause -- pushing them to be the very best they can be, ultimately reaching their goals and objectives.\n\nBranding isn’t only about logos, websites or looking cool.  No, it’s about real business results.  I have worked with hundreds of clients over the years and one thing stays consistent:  the top brands have a leader who is committed to driving the company to be the best, being the best, and owning the space in which you do business in.  They also identify and bring on the best people that produce the best results.  I call these leaders Brand Champions.\n\nYou don’t have to be the CEO to be a Brand Champion.  You just have to be committed and willing to kick ass and produce real results.  In this blog I will periodically introduce you to all kinds of Brand Champions – those who live for their brand, set the company up for success, and set good examples for brand ambassadors -- individuals within the organization who may someday represent the brand and be a Brand Champion.\n\nIf you have a Brand Champion within your company that should be recognized for their efforts, let us know and we’ll highlight them.','Brand Champions','','publish','open','open','','brand-champions-2','','','2011-04-19 14:17:04','2011-04-19 18:17:04','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/?p=803',0,'post','',0),(816,11,'2011-06-01 14:14:06','2011-06-01 18:14:06','Do you think about your value proposition and how it is helping your business?  According to a recent survey by Marketing Experiments only 10% of businesses are considered to have a strong, unique value proposition and an overwhelming 30% have no real value proposition.\n\nConsidering how important value propositions are in every process of business plans and branding this is startling and makes us wonder how you can set yourself apart and captivate your audience.\n\nPaul Cheney, a blogger for Marketingsherpa Blog offers some important advice on these issues and how to distinguish yourself among competition.  He notes how in the movie “Elf,” Buddy, played by Will Ferrell, believes a storefront sign boasting “The World’s Best Cup of Coffee.” We as consumers know not to believe such a claim so, the issue many companies are faced with is creating a value prop that is believable and different from competitors.\n\nCheney says that a value prop will not be determined it is discovered. This involves a certain shift in thinking and can be created with the implementation of these steps.\n\n1.)    Why buy from you over your competitor?\n\n2.)    Compare what you are saying with what your competitor is saying, if your competitor can say the same thing about their products and business without lying then you do not have a strong value proposition.\n\n3.)    Your value proposition must be instantly credible, use a statistic with as much specific information as possible.\n\n4.)    You need to be able to test your value proposition by making it visible in every step of your sales process.\n\nCheck out the full article below…\n\n<a href=\"http://sherpablog.marketingsherpa.com/marketing/marketing-optimization-value-proposition/#comments\">http://sherpablog.marketingsherpa.com/marketing/marketing-optimization-value-proposition/#comments</a>','Value Proposition-The World\'s Best Cup of Coffee?','','publish','open','open','','value-proposition-the-worlds-best-cup-of-coffee','','','2011-06-01 14:14:06','2011-06-01 18:14:06','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/?p=816',0,'post','',0),(819,11,'2011-06-08 16:57:50','2011-06-08 20:57:50','This week the retail giant Old Navy launches its first campaign specifically targeting men. While previous ads have featured men’s clothing through a broad family advertising appeal, they are trying a new tactic speaking directly to the 25- to 35-year-old male target.\n\nAdage reports that the new campaign “pokes fun at men\'s fashion with \"Supar Tool,\" an overly metrosexual man and \"Corporado,\" a corporate cowboy type.” The campaign introduces the characters through videos to be distributed on YouTube and Facebook, while print ads will run in publications including Maxim. Mobile elements will include a game, style-finder, video gallery, store locator and coupons. <a href=\"http://adage.com/article/news/navy-targets-campaign-men/228051/\">http://adage.com/article/news/navy-targets-campaign-men/228051/</a>\n\n<a href=\"http://www.brandiron.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/oldnavy-SuparTool-printad-060711.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-823\" title=\"oldnavy-SuparTool-printad-060711\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/oldnavy-SuparTool-printad-060711.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"255\" height=\"174\" /></a>\n\nYou may also recall recently a predominantly female driven advertising push for weight-loss turned to males during NBA and NHL playoffs with Weight Watchers unveiling its male targeted campaign featuring the “Beer Cheat Sheet”. It’s commercials about weight loss come about as the company claims to have seen a dramatic spike in male interest.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.brandiron.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/BeerCheatSheet_35090965_n_lg.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-824\" title=\"BeerCheatSheet_35090965_n_lg\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/BeerCheatSheet_35090965_n_lg.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"216\" height=\"216\" /></a>\n\n<strong> </strong>\n\nAnd about a year ago we posted this blog <a href=\"../../../../../what-gets-your-attention\">http://www.brandiron.net/what-gets-your-attention</a> on the Dockers ad targeting “real men” who “wear the pants.”\n\nSo why the big push for male targeted advertising? According to Adage “The timing for a men\'s apparel push is right.” According to NPD, the men\'s apparel market was up 3.3% in 2010, ahead of the overall apparel category, which was up 1.9%. And for the three months ending in February, the men\'s apparel category was up 12% compared to the same period a year ago.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.brandiron.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Supar-Tool.doc\"></a>','Advertising Goes Male!','','publish','open','open','','advertising-goes-male','','','2011-06-08 16:57:50','2011-06-08 20:57:50','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/?p=819',0,'post','',0),(828,11,'2011-06-22 16:28:48','2011-06-22 20:28:48','You would have to live in a bubble to not know about the recent scandal with former Senator Anthony Weiner.  The past month has been an on-going explosion of his social media mistakes that for some reason he thought would be kept private as long as they were not sent from his personal account.\n\nFor a quick synopsis on Weiner’s case:  A lewd photograph was sent from his personal twitter account to a woman, not his wife.  After a preliminary denial, Weiner admitted that he lied about someone hacking into his account along with several other inappropriate encounters and relationships on social network sites like facebook and twitter.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.brandiron.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/weiner-photo.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-830 alignleft\" title=\"weiner photo\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/weiner-photo-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"192\" height=\"192\" /></a>Weiner is not the only one getting busted these days .  It seems that people have constant issues either with posting too much personal information or not being able to distinguish between personal and public or work life.  Examples range from Weiner, to several corporate employees, to a school teacher who got fired simply for posting photos of herself with drinks in hand on a trip abroad.\n\nHere are two examples of people tweeting something personal on a work twitter account…\n\nThe first is when Kenneth Cole tweeted about their new collection on the same day that violence erupted in Egypt.  They tweeted “Millions are in uproar at #Cairo.  Rumor is they heard our new spring collection is now available online.”  The tweet was later removed followed with several apologies.\n\nThe second example is when a worker for Chrysler\'s outsourced media company tweeted on the Chrysler account (@Chrysler Autos) “I find it ironic that Detroit is known as the #motorcity and yet no one here knows how to F***ing drive.”  Apparently he meant this post for his personal account…too bad because he was fired shortly after.\n\nWhat can we learn about these social media mistakes you may ask?\n\nIt seems simple but these tips can help anyone not to get caught in one of these increasingly common sticky situations…\n\nKeep in mind…\n<ul>\n	<li>There      really is no distinction between personal and business accounts</li>\n	<li>Nothing      is really private on the web</li>\n	<li>Be      aware of how you post and to whom you share your posts</li>\n	<li>Protect      your security</li>\n	<li>Be      careful of the content you post</li>\n</ul>\n<a href=\"http://www.bluefountainmedia.com/blog/the-weiner-principle-plus-5-more-social-media-meltdowns/\">http://www.bluefountainmedia.com/blog/the-weiner-principle-plus-5-more-social-media-meltdowns/</a>\n\n<a href=\"http://www.powerhomebiz.com/blog/2011/06/what-congressman-weiner-can-teach-small-businesses-about-social-media/\">http://www.powerhomebiz.com/blog/2011/06/what-congressman-weiner-can-teach-small-businesses-about-social-media/</a>\n\n<a href=\"http://www.wsbtv.com/news/21586641/detail.html\">http://www.wsbtv.com/news/21586641/detail.html</a>\n\nhttp://www.learningfrombigboys.com/2011/06/learning-from-the-social-media-mistakes-of-rep-anthony-weiner.html','Social Media Mistakes','','publish','open','open','','social-media-mistakes','','','2011-06-22 16:28:48','2011-06-22 20:28:48','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/?p=828',0,'post','',0),(841,11,'2011-07-13 15:23:30','2011-07-13 19:23:30','<a href=\"http://www.brandiron.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/michelle3.bmp\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-845\" title=\"michelle\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/michelle3.bmp\" alt=\"\" /></a>Hello! My name is Michelle and I joined the Brand Iron  team this week.  Already in my short tenure here, I have witnessed the remnants  of a very intense sidewalk chalk battle, watched two dogs battle around my desk,  and accidentally set off the alarm. Needless to say, every day is eventful here at  Brand Iron, and I am so excited I was invited to be a part of this rockin’  rodeo.\n\nI am  a Colorado native, and have spent numerous weekends on real ranches,  participating in real cattle herds, but none quite as fun as participating in  this one. After finishing up 18 fun packed years in Denver, I jaunted up the road for a quick four year stint  in the liberal and wacky town of Boulder. I graduated this May and found Brand  Iron as the place I have always wanted to hang my hat.\n\nWhen  I am not holdin’ the reins of the front desk here at Brand Iron, I am usually  off doing hot yoga or trying to find tickets to a country concert. The next time  your path leads you to the Brand Iron front doors, I will most likely be the jubilant red-head that will be the first to greet you to our ranch. And as you  wait for whatever rancher you came to see, you will have the added bonus of  listening to the country music that drifts out of the buds of the headphones on  my desk. Look for future updates on the everyday occurrences here at Brand  Iron.','Welcome Michelle!','','publish','open','open','','welcome-michelle','','','2011-07-13 15:23:30','2011-07-13 19:23:30','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/?p=841',0,'post','',1),(851,8,'2011-07-14 10:36:50','2011-07-14 14:36:50','America needs a Brand Champion\n\nIt\'s July - we just had our Independence Day and we have been in a recession for years. Millions of people are and have been out of work. We are facing a debt and budget crisis. Our political parties seem to just be jockeying for positioning instead of getting real things accomplished. The people of America want and a need a Brand Champion.\n\nBrand Champions don\'t come up with catchy slogans or cool-looking logos. No, they understand that real results come from developing a brand promise that people can get their arms around, and they deliver on that promise by creating a great brand experience, consistently.\n\nAmerica is just like any other business or organization that needs a leader to take charge. Who will define what an organization wants to get accomplished, craft and create how that is going to happen, and execute that on a consistent basis. We need someone - anyone - within our government to step up and be our Brand Champion, and act as a leader who builds consensus and builds bridges. We need someone who has not just an idea or an agenda, but a real action plan. Someone who has tactics that will help us as a country overcome our problems, (debt and budget) and put people back to work. This requires a Brand Champion that all people, not just one party or the next, but all people can believe in, stand behind, support and have faith in.\n\nLike other brands our Brand Champion has to be real, in that he can connect with his constituency with real ideas. He must use tactics that will show signs that we are making real progress. He can\'t be all hat and no cattle, he has to deliver the goods and produce economic stability that helps businesses and the markets buy into his plan. This plan needs to work and signal stability, and with that stability, businesses can start to hire again: bringing down the unemployment rate, stabilizing the housing market, and generating cash into the marketplace.\n\nAmerica and I need a Brand Champion that we can believe in, whoever this Brand Champion is will probably get elected or re-elected this coming year. Whether that Champion is our current president or someone else, I pray that this Brand Champion stands up soon and leads the charge to a real plan that produces results, because that is what real Brand Champions do. They deliver real results through their leadership, consensus building and ability to get things done and execute.\n\nWill our America\'s  next Brand Champion please stand up, NOW?','America Needs a Brand Champion','','publish','open','open','','america-needs-a-brand-champion','','','2011-07-14 10:36:50','2011-07-14 14:36:50','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/?p=851',0,'post','',0),(857,11,'2011-07-19 15:37:01','2011-07-19 19:37:01','<a href=\"http://www.brandiron.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/220px-I_Love_New_York.svg_.png\"><img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-858\" title=\"220px-I_Love_New_York.svg\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/220px-I_Love_New_York.svg_-150x150.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a>The  “I love New  York” logo is an iconic symbol, displayed on coffee  mugs, t-shirts, and everything in between. You may look at it and think, it’s so  simple, anyone could have come up with that. Or you may look at it and realize  what pure genius might be behind it. Either way, what’s most interesting to me  is that the logo wasn’t intentionally created to become a symbol of the city, it  was originally meant to serve as an advertising piece for a brief amount of time  and then fade away.\n\nSo  who invented it? I  Heart NY was designed by graphic designer <a title=\"http://www.biographyarchive.com/biography-of-milton-glaser.html\" href=\"http://www.biographyarchive.com/biography-of-milton-glaser.html\" target=\"_blank\">Milton Glaser</a> in 1975 when he was recruited by New York State  Department of Commerce Deputy Commissioner to develop a unique but attractive  design based on the marketing campaign conceptualized by Wells Rich Greene.  Glaser expected that the logo would be used for a brief stint as it was meant to  be introduced to the public for a couple of months. \"I did the bloody thing in  1975, and I thought it would last a couple of months as a promotion and  disappear,\" said Glaser in a 2009 interview for <a title=\"http://bigthink.com/ideas/16183\" href=\"http://bigthink.com/ideas/16183\" target=\"_new\">Big Think</a>.\n\nNow  the logo hangs on shop walls, in coffee shops, and goes home with hundreds of  thousands of visitors and tourists every year. Its timeless simplistic design  might be one reason for its longevity.  But one thing’s for sure, it’s become an  iconic image of one of the world’s most famous cities. Although it has changed  slightly over time, the basic elements still exist today.\n\nRead  more details about the design here: <a title=\"http://www.whoinventedit.net/who-invented-i-heart-ny.html\" href=\"http://www.whoinventedit.net/who-invented-i-heart-ny.html\">http://www.whoinventedit.net/who-invented-i-heart-ny.html</a>','I Love New York','','publish','open','open','','i-love-new-york','','','2011-07-19 15:37:01','2011-07-19 19:37:01','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/?p=857',0,'post','',0),(861,11,'2011-07-22 14:49:20','2011-07-22 18:49:20','<div class=\"mceTemp\"><dt class=\"wp-caption-dt\"><a href=\"http://www.brandiron.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/logo.jpg\"></a></dt></div>\n<a href=\"http://www.brandiron.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/sales-materials.jpg\"></a>Brand Champions are leaders inside a company who “champion” the business cause, pushing their company to be the very best they can be and reach their goals and objectives. The things we at Brand Iron look for in Brand Champions are: someone who demonstrates leadership and inspires others to ride for the brand, someone who is creative and entrepreneurial as well as being a visionary, someone who is results oriented and successful, someone who is separate from the heard, owns their own space and clearly communicates why they are the best.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.brandiron.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/BCI_logo_BREV.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-869 alignright\" title=\"BCI_logo_BREV\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/BCI_logo_BREV-300x231.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"243\" height=\"190\" /></a>\n<p class=\"mceTemp\">Though we have worked with hundreds of Brand Champions during our lifespan as a branding agency, recently David Puchi has stood out as someone who lives for his brand, is setting his company up for success, and is setting a good example for his brand ambassadors. David Puchi, a managing partner at Baseline Investments, has successfully lead Baceline to be nationally recognized as the “No Debt, All Cash” experts. David has been an invaluable asset to his company by not only raising millions in capital to fund Baceline’s investment activities but also by staying committed to drive his company to their full potential. By recognizing the importance of Brand Iron’s concept of holistic branding, David was able to work with us to embrace the integrated marketing strategy. David led Baceline to utilize Logo Design, Investor Presentations, Sales Materials, Public Relations, Trade Show Marketing, Direct and Email Marketing and Print Advertising.           </p>\n<a href=\"http://www.brandiron.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/investor-presentation.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-865  alignright\" title=\"investor presentation\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/investor-presentation-300x227.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"227\" /></a>\n\n<a href=\"http://www.brandiron.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/sales-materials.jpg\"></a>Living the Baceline brand has allowed David to successfully reposition Baceline Investments during tough economic times. By working with Brand Iron to develop a business plan and investor presentations (shown right), David has truly been able to “champion” his brand and forge ahead. David recognized that his brand must show through in every medium from advertising and public relations to the branding and packaging of Baceline’s investment funds.\n\n David was able to put together messages for Baceline\'s print advertisements that really resonated with his target market <a href=\"http://www.brandiron.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/print-ad.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-866 alignright\" title=\"print ad\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/print-ad-300x197.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"197\" /></a>(shown right). He created a brand identity that was used to package each of Baceline’s Funds -No Debt Real Estate Investment Funds, the Heartland Funds, and the Distressed Real Estate and Debt Opportunities Fund.    Baceline Investments was able to successfully reposition itself to attract investors. By attracting quality investors, acquisition opportunities increased and Baceline achieved national awareness by raising $140M in assets within five years.','Leading Your Company to Greatness, Be Your Company\'s Next Brand Champion','','publish','open','open','','the-next-brand-champion-david-puchi','','','2011-07-22 14:49:20','2011-07-22 18:49:20','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/?p=861',0,'post','',0),(899,8,'2011-08-24 18:51:28','2011-08-24 22:51:28','<strong>How to Cheat Your Sales Numbers and Increase Your Odds of Success</strong>\n\nAs a branding agency, we think of branding and marketing as a way to support sales and drive revenue. By thoroughly understanding your company’s revenue goals, you can learn how to work backwards to “cheat your sales numbers” and make sure your efforts are going to produce the desired results. The more you know how to cheat your numbers, the more you increase your odds of getting new business. Here are eight ideas you should apply to your business to increase your odds of success:\n\n1)     Know your numbers\n\nKnow just how much marketing and sales activity you need to have in your pipeline in order for you to obtain your forecasted revenue goals and objectives. Understand and know your close ratio and how that affects your numbers.\n\n2)     Have a large pool of prospects in the database\n\nMost companies don’t understand that marketing and sales is a numbers game, it takes a large pool of quality suspects and prospects in the database to make the numbers work in your favor. So to cheat your numbers and reach your sales/revenue goals, you must have a big pool of prospects that you consistently stay in touch with.\n\n3)     Use a CRM tool/database\n\nIt is consistently baffling that there are a number of companies that don’t have enough suspects and prospects to call upon to get the results they are aiming for.  Even more surprising is the number of companies that do not utilize a true Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool. A CRM system can help manage the client information and provide help and real-time information on how you’re tracking against those numbers. Many companies are still relying on an outdated excel sheet to “manage” their clients, when using a CRM tool is far more effective.\n\n4)     Regularly reach out and touch prospects\n\nThey say most sales people give up after 3-4 touches, which sounds about right; yet they say it takes 7-12 touches in order for a prospect to get to know your company and make a purchasing decision. Make sure you are a company that makes enough touches to get them in your store.\n\n5)     Use strategic partners to help build relationships\n\nOne of the most effective things companies can do is to tap into strategic partners for referrals and co-market each other’s products or services to both customer bases. Utilizing a key contact for leverage and an introduction is priceless and often can be one of the most effective things companies can do to shorten the sales cycle. Get a quality referral, and stretch your marketing efforts.\n\n6)     Identify your unique position and own your space\n\nIt is critical to not only be different, but also have strong value points spelled out clearly and concisely. These value points need to verbalize why you are better and what differentiates your company, making you the clear choice and the only real option available.\n\n7)     Utilize a strong call to action\n\nIn order to help get the response you need for your marketing, advertising and sales efforts, make sure you have a strong call to action. To do this, utilize an impending date or deadline that a special offer expires, a value add that they can only get for a limited amount of time, or an added incentive or bonus to sweeten the deal if you act now.\n\n8)     Reevaluate and refine your efforts\n\nTo ensure you’re going to reach your goals, you need to consistently evaluate whether your efforts are producing the desired results. If they aren’t, you will need to make adjustments, tweak your offer, or find other strategic partners that understand the benefits of a reciprocal partner relationship.\n\nCheating your sales numbers is like adjusting the carburetor on your car, a little fine tuning is sometimes required to have a smooth running engine. Once you get the engine running just the way you want it, you can blow the doors off your competitors.\n\nMichael Doyle\n\nCEO of Brand Iron','How to Cheat Your Numbers ','','publish','open','open','','how-to-cheat-your-numbers','','','2011-08-24 18:51:28','2011-08-24 22:51:28','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/?p=899',0,'post','',0),(907,2,'2011-09-27 16:07:15','0000-00-00 00:00:00','','A Slice of Something Different ','','draft','open','open','','','','','2011-09-27 16:07:15','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/?p=907',0,'post','',0),(908,3,'2007-10-03 10:43:00','2007-10-03 14:43:00','As you can imagine, we don\'t hire just anyone. The quality and speed of the work we do for you is a high priority. That\'s why we\'ve hired Natasha Martinez and Dave Lilly.<br /><br /><br /><br />Natasha serves as our Office Manager. She maintains the operational processes for Brand Iron and also supports our internal sales and marketing efforts. We\'ve also hired David Lilly as a Design Intern. As a graduate of Columbus Institute of Art and Design, Lilly has been designing for more than four years.<br /><br /><br /><br />With our additional staffing, we continue to provide services and strategy that will build your brand value.','More Hands on Our Ranch','','publish','open','open','','more-hands-on-our-ranch','','','2007-10-03 10:43:00','2007-10-03 14:43:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=4',0,'post','',0),(909,3,'2007-10-03 10:58:00','2007-10-03 14:58:00','A<span style=\"font-size:85%;\">s you can imagine, we don\'t hire just anyone. The quality and speed of the work we do for you is a high priority. That\'s why we\'ve hired Natasha Martinez and Dave Lilly. </span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"></span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\">Natasha serves as our Office Manager. She maintains the operational processes for Brand Iron and also supports our internal sales and marketing efforts. We\'ve also hired David Lilly as a Design Intern. As a graduate of Columbus Institute of Art and Design, Lilly has been designing for more than four years. </span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"></span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\">With our additional staffing, we continue to provide services and strategy that will build your brand value.</span>','Previous: More Hands on Our Ranch','','publish','open','open','','previous-more-hands-on-our-ranch','','','2007-10-03 10:58:00','2007-10-03 14:58:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=5',0,'post','',0),(910,3,'2007-10-03 11:00:00','2007-10-03 15:00:00','<span style=\"font-size:85%;\">Brand Iron\'s new web site showcases our many offerings. We combine branding, positioning and business consulting with marketing, advertising and public relations to help companies increase sales and meet their financial goals.</span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"></span><br /><span style=\"color:#663300;\"><span style=\"color:#330000;\"><strong>Brand Iron Offers You:</strong><br /><strong>A Holistic Approach</strong></span><br /></span><span style=\"font-size:85%;\">With our holistic branding process, Brand Iron analyzes every aspect of your business to identify the real barriers to growth and develops a strategy from an SMO (sales, marketing and operations) perspective.</span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"></span><br /><span style=\"color:#330000;\"><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"><strong>Sales, Marketing and Operations Integration</strong></span> </span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\">Each of your sales, marketing and operations departments are critical for the success of your business, but if they are working independently of each other, you are not creating a consistent and strong brand in the minds of your customers. One or all of these areas may be the reason you aren\'t achieving success (or increasing your bottom line).</span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"></span><br /><span style=\"color:#990000;\"><span style=\"font-size:85%;color:#330000;\"><strong>Financials-Focused Branding</strong></span><br /></span><span style=\"font-size:85%;\">Brands aren\'t built with four-leaf clovers, soft kittens or fairy dust. A strong brand requires an integrated strategy that produces results. We are a great match for companies experiencing declining business growth, those who are committed to change and companies who want to grow rapidly.</span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"></span><br /><span style=\"color:#990000;\"><span style=\"font-size:85%;color:#330000;\"><strong>A Proven Trail to Success</strong></span><br /></span><span style=\"font-size:85%;\">We\'ll guide your company to those greener pastures you\'ve been dreaming about. This isn\'t our first pony show - we\'ll show you a better way to build your business and secure your company\'s future with our 3-phase, 7-step process.</span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"></span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"><strong><span style=\"color:#330000;\">PLUS</span></strong> ---</span><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"> How does your brand stand up?Use our Brand Scorecard™ to see if your brand is reaching its full potential. Find out what you can do to increase your brand equity by visiting <a href=\"http://www.brandscorecard.com/\">http://www.brandscorecard.com/</a>.</span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"></span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;color:#330000;\"><strong>Your brand is more than your bottom line. Mosey on over to our new site at www.brandiron.net and discover how Brand Iron can lead you to greener pastures.</strong></span>','New Site Focuses on Holistic Approach to Branding','','publish','open','open','','new-site-focuses-on-holistic-approach-to-branding','','','2007-10-03 11:00:00','2007-10-03 15:00:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=6',0,'post','',0),(911,3,'2007-10-03 11:15:00','2007-10-03 15:15:00','<span style=\"font-size:85%;\">Leading-edge companies are already taking advantage in what seems to be the newest trends in partner loyalty marketing. As you are reading - you\'ll learn about Brand Iron\'s new corporate identities and new value propositions.  What hasn\'t changed is our loyalty to our partner network and our desire to continue to develop a vast network of strategic partners. We wanted to share with you a few concepts that have increased our success in loyalty marketing - along with some tangible examples of ways you can use these market trends - today.</span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"></span><br /><strong><span style=\"font-size:85%;color:#330000;\">Developing Your Network</span></strong><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\">Developing a community of businesses bound by geography or similar industries/interests is very important in creating a sense of loyalty around your brand. The ideal network will be one that everyone involved will have something to offer and something to take.  A devoted partner, one who can speak to the success and quality of your product or service, will come to be your best source of new business.</span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"></span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"><strong>   <span style=\"color:#330000;\">What you can do today:</span></strong>    </span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\">    · Develop a list of potential partners.</span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"></span><br /><strong><span style=\"font-size:85%;color:#330000;\">Creating Strength From Your Network</span></strong><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\">Surveying your customers and receiving their feedback doesn\'t have to be a painful and rigidly-formal process.  When your have an open line of communication with your current clients and they play an active role in your brand community - feedback can come in many different forms.  Using candid and honest feedback from your brand community is the first step in addressing your company\'s potential barriers to growth or inconsistencies in messaging or value proposition.  Your peers will likewise appreciate your feedback and analysis of their business. As the group gets stronger, the companies become more profitable, and your brand community grows to be more widespread and dedicated to your brand and particular area of expertise.</span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"></span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\">    <strong><span style=\"color:#330000;\">What you can do today:</span></strong></span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\">    · Develop a networking group composed of people you can help and those who can help you.   </span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\">    (Don\'t forget to start with Brand Iron.) Take turns leading interactive meetings and </span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\">    discussions with your group.</span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"></span><br /><strong><span style=\"font-size:85%;color:#330000;\">We\'ll help you create a partner loyalty campaign that gives your brand a sense of community.  Contact us today.</span></strong>','Your Partner Loyalty Strategy and How It Relates to Your Brand','','publish','open','open','','your-partner-loyalty-strategy-and-how-it-relates-to-your-brand','','','2007-10-03 11:15:00','2007-10-03 15:15:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=7',0,'post','',0),(912,3,'2007-10-03 11:21:00','2007-10-03 15:21:00','Brand Iron has developed a niche in the Denver market by helping new companies develop strategic and consumer-oriented messages and corporate identities. Here are some examples of our recent work:<br /><br /><br /><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117133319118339890\" style=\"DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center\" alt=\"\" src=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/RwO1pFpdPzI/AAAAAAAAABM/YbAd9NUgw_s/s200/growlogo+2-clr2.jpg\" border=\"0\" /><br /><p><span style=\"color:#330000;\"><strong><em>Grow LLC </em></strong></span>- Is a new consulting firm that helps emerging companies transform into<br />profitable, visionary businesses. Brand Iron helped them to clearly identify<br />their key messaging points that include:<br /></p><br /><ul><br /><li>Access to capital<br /></li><li>Acquisition and exits </li><br /><li>Outsourced business services</li></ul><p><br />We also helped them to package their message with a logo, tagline and corporate identity package.<a href=\"http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=xffakacab.0.0.jngljacab.0&amp;ts=S0254&amp;p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.brandiron.net%2Four_work.php&amp;id=preview\" target=\"_blank\"></a><a href=\"http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=xffakacab.0.0.jngljacab.0&amp;ts=S0254&amp;p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.brandiron.net%2Four_work.php&amp;id=preview\" target=\"_blank\"></a><br /><br /><br /></p><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117131833059655426\" style=\"DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center\" alt=\"\" src=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/RwO0SlpdPwI/AAAAAAAAAA0/VYkQXmrNIyM/s200/epilogo-4-clr%2Btag.jpg\" border=\"0\" /><br /><br /><span style=\"color:#330000;\"><strong><em>EPI</em></strong></span> - Brand Iron helped in the strategic planning and transformation from Education Partners, an organizational and development firm, to EPI, a custom solutions provider helping companies leverage the power of people. We established a logo, tagline and corporate identity based on their message, benefits and positioning.<a href=\"http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=xffakacab.0.0.jngljacab.0&amp;ts=S0254&amp;p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.brandiron.net%2Four_work.php&amp;id=preview\" target=\"_blank\"></a><a href=\"http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=xffakacab.0.0.jngljacab.0&amp;ts=S0254&amp;p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.brandiron.net%2Four_work.php&amp;id=preview\" target=\"_blank\"></a><br /><br />A snazzy logo is only as good as the strategy behind it. Brand Iron starts at the beginning - by developing a with a financially-focused brand strategy with you. To see these examples and to view others, click on the \"Our Work\" quick link below.','New Corporate Positioning and Identities','','publish','open','open','','new-corporate-positioning-and-identities','','','2007-10-03 11:21:00','2007-10-03 15:21:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=8',0,'post','',0),(913,3,'2007-10-03 17:06:00','2007-10-03 21:06:00','<span style=\"font-size:85%;\">Marni Myers, Brand Iron\'s Art Director, gave birth to Gabriella Sophia Myers at 9:25am on July the 12th. Gabriella weighed in at 6 pounds 9 ounces and stretches to a lengthy 19 inches. She has red hair like her father and is doing great. Marni, her husband Tim and big brother Casey, are treasuring every moment with their new bundle of joy.<br /><br />Dean McCready has taken the reins while Marni is on maternity leave. Dean studied under Sherry Heart in Boulder and came away with a fun heartfelt balance of color theory and composition focusing on oil painting and Prismacolor pencil drawings. He graduated from the Colorado Institute of Art in Graphic Design.</span><br /><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\">Dean is a Boulder native who now resides in Congress Park here in Denver. He brings a wealth of experience to Brand Iron with more than 20 years experience as a graphic and fine artist.</span>','New Additions To Brand Iron Family','','publish','open','open','','new-additions-to-brand-iron-family','','','2007-10-03 17:06:00','2007-10-03 21:06:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=9',0,'post','',0),(914,3,'2007-10-03 17:08:00','2007-10-03 21:08:00','<a href=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/RwQHrFpdP2I/AAAAAAAAABk/eD7BlAGokX8/s1600-h/Name+Tag.jpg\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117223513431555938\" style=\"FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 129px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 82px\" height=\"82\" alt=\"\" src=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/RwQHrFpdP2I/AAAAAAAAABk/eD7BlAGokX8/s200/Name+Tag.jpg\" width=\"174\" border=\"0\" /></a><br /><p align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/RwQHB1pdP1I/AAAAAAAAABc/bRDaJ7tE4zA/s1600-h/Name+Tag.jpg\"></a></p><br /><div align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size:85%;\">A popular theme song goes, \"Sometimes you want to go, where everybody knows your name.\" This is the precise recognition that all companies are trying to accomplish through their marketing and advertising efforts. Companies like Brand Iron are here to make sure those efforts are well-focused and drive results. I just got off the phone with a client who now understands the effort it took to get his brand over the \"everyone-knows-our-name\" hurdle. Every brand has a different hurdle to clear, but here are some simple ideas on what it might take to get your brand over the hurdle, and start producing tangible results:<br /><br />1. Understand what really separates you from your competition. Figure out what space you own and make the message as simple to understand as possible. Package your message in a tangible fashion that is clear and concise.<br /><br />2. Identify who the right targets are for your product or service and discuss the most effective ways to get your message out.<br /><br />3. Take a look at your company and see what the \"barriers to growth\" may be. Be sure to look at your:<br /><br /><strong><span style=\"color:#330000;\">Marketing</span></strong>- Do you have enough contact points with your target audience for them to know who you are and will they be receptive when you call? Do they know who and what your brand is all about? Does your brand leave them with a positive feeling that will compel them to make that purchase?<br /><br /><strong><span style=\"color:#330000;\">Sales</span></strong> - Can your sales staff close the leads the marketing department is generating? Can they close the customers that walk through your doors?<br /><br /><strong><span style=\"color:#330000;\">Operations</span></strong> - Is your customer service approach and database up to snuff? Can your company deliver on the promises that your sales team is making?<br /><br />4. Address your internal brand and make sure that your company\'s brand is represented from the inside out. Look at everything from how you answer the phone to delivering your service, or even how you receive payment and send out a bill. These little things matter a great deal and will leave a lasting impression.<br /><br />5. Develop a holistic branding plan that integrates your company\'s marketing, sales and operations. Map out the tactical items necessary for you and your company to fill up your sales funnel.<br /><br />6. Execute your branding plan flawlessly, ensuring that you are going to execute on a regular basis, no matter how busy you become. You want to do this to avoid the sales rollercoaster.<br /><br /><em>As a close friend says, \"Go the extra mile; it\'s the final 5%<br />that makes what you do either great or mediocre.\"</em><br /><br />7. Monitor how you are doing against your goals and objectives and modify those things that aren\'t working. Once the failing areas are identified, determine how you can rectify the situation and do it quickly.<br /><br />8. Execute and get your entire organization to commit to succeed.<br /><br /><strong><span style=\"color:#330000;\">Follow these steps, and someday you might walk into a place and realize that everybody knows your name.</span></strong></span></div>','\"My name is ________\"','','publish','open','open','','my-name-is-________','','','2007-10-03 17:08:00','2007-10-03 21:08:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=10',0,'post','',0),(915,3,'2007-10-03 17:21:00','2007-10-03 17:21:00','<a href=\"http://bp1.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/RwQIRlpdP3I/AAAAAAAAABs/eHGaYEGZG2E/s1600-h/logos_nslttr_wrg.jpg\"><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117224174856519538\" style=\"DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center\" alt=\"\" src=\"http://bp1.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/RwQIRlpdP3I/AAAAAAAAABs/eHGaYEGZG2E/s200/logos_nslttr_wrg.jpg\" border=\"0\" /></span></a><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"> <strong>The Wright Group</strong> offers personalized commercial insurance and employee benefits plans for emerging organizations. They have the specialized knowledge and experience to strategically develop and execute customized insurance plans for companies that need to stay competitive. Meeting your company\'s financial and lifestyle goals is The Wright Group\'s number one priority.<br />Brand Iron and The Wright Group are working together to create a brand that will help drive revenue. Stay tuned for The Wright Group\'s new delivery process, website rollout and other marketing that is sure to demand the attention of their target market.</span><br /><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"></span><br /><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117226653052649346\" style=\"DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 110px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 116px; TEXT-ALIGN: center\" height=\"116\" alt=\"\" src=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/RwQKh1pdP4I/AAAAAAAAAB0/qI1km6bxohM/s200/DrHaas.jpg\" width=\"126\" border=\"0\" /><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"><strong><span style=\"color:#330000;\">Caring Hands Chiropractic</span></strong> is Brand Iron\'s newest Small Business Model client. Dr. Haas, Owner of Caring Hands Chiropractic, has dedicated his practice to helping his clients live a pain-free life. He believes the keys to a healthy lifestyle are rooted in good fitness/exercise habits, regular sleep habits, work/life balance, healthy eating habits and experienced chiropractic care.<br /><br />Brand Iron is assisting Dr. Haas in crafting and communicating his unique selling position. He has taken a pro-active approach within his industry - focusing on preventative care and focusing on his clients\' long- and short-term health. Brand Iron is helping his business grow through increased brand recognition and unique messaging.</span><br /><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"></span><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"><br />Brand Iron\'s Small Business Model is the perfect solution for companies who want to succeed. We\'ll coach you on:<br /></span><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"></span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"><ul><br /><li>Creating brand value </li><br /><li>Generating additional revenue </li><br /><li>Developing and executing tactical implementation plans </li><br /><li></span><span style=\"font-size:85%;\">Sales, Marketing and Operations strategy</span></li></ul><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;color:#330000;\"><strong>If you are interested in the Small Business Model - please call us at 303-534-1901 for a free 15-minute consultation on whether this program is right for your company.</strong></span>','New Clients That Have Saddled-up','','publish','open','open','','new-clients-that-have-saddled-up','','','2011-10-12 22:51:00','2011-10-12 22:51:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=11',0,'post','',0),(916,3,'2007-10-03 17:42:00','2007-10-03 21:42:00','<a href=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/RwQNbVpdP6I/AAAAAAAAACE/zm6BoOuJnM8/s1600-h/newspaper_popout2.jpg\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117229839918383010\" style=\"FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand\" alt=\"\" src=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/RwQNbVpdP6I/AAAAAAAAACE/zm6BoOuJnM8/s320/newspaper_popout2.jpg\" border=\"0\" /></a><br /><div><span style=\"font-size:85%;\">Brand Iron\'s holistic approach to strengthening brand value for clients often involves generating quality news media coverage. Recently, Academy Sports Turf and JE Dunn Construction, two long-time Brand Iron clients, were prominently featured in the regional trade and business media.<br /><br />Academy Sports Turf was on the front page of the Daily Journal (a construction trade publication) detailing a project in which they installed synthetic turf along city streets in Aurora. Academy Sports Turf installed 45,000-square-foot of turf last fall in street medians for an experimental pilot project that the city believes can save water and maintenance costs.<br /><br />JE Dunn was featured in a recent edition of the Denver Business Journal. Real Estate reporter Paula Moore wrote about trends in healthcare construction in a story entitled, \"\'Green\' Hospitals Cheer Patients.\" A photo of JE Dunn president Steve Hamline, and vice president of healthcare Bob Latas accompanied the story. JE Dunn recently completed construction on the Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland and Memorial Hospital North in Colorado Springs.</span></div>','The Power of the Press','','publish','open','open','','the-power-of-the-press','','','2007-10-03 17:42:00','2007-10-03 21:42:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=12',0,'post','',0),(917,3,'2007-10-03 17:47:00','2007-10-03 21:47:00','<div><a href=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/RwQOU1pdP7I/AAAAAAAAACM/-w731fktn8g/s1600-h/web_pages_bci.jpg\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117230827760861106\" style=\"FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand\" alt=\"\" src=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/RwQOU1pdP7I/AAAAAAAAACM/-w731fktn8g/s200/web_pages_bci.jpg\" border=\"0\" /></a><br /><br /><div><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"><strong><span style=\"color:#330000;\">Baceline Investments, LLC</span></strong><br />On July 9th, we launched Baceline Investments\' new website. We helped Baceline Investments craft their new message and developed a new look and feel to communicate their new positioning. The website features a client/prospective client log-in - that is adding value for their web viewers.</span></div><br /><div><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"></span></div><br /><div><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"></span></div><br /><div><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"></span></div><br /><div><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"></span></div><br /><div><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"></span></div><a href=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/RwQOrVpdP8I/AAAAAAAAACU/udPp3z4-tqk/s1600-h/SPC-02245_Overview1sheetV8-.jpg\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117231214307917762\" style=\"FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand\" alt=\"\" src=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/RwQOrVpdP8I/AAAAAAAAACU/udPp3z4-tqk/s200/SPC-02245_Overview1sheetV8-.jpg\" border=\"0\" /></a><br /><div><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"></span></div><div><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"></span></div><div><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"><strong><span style=\"color:#330000;\">Sales Productivity Consultants, Inc </span></strong></span></div><div><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"><strong><span style=\"color:#330000;\">(SPC)</span></strong> recently launched their new website. Brand Iron also created an informative one-sheet that will kick-off their new positioning. SPC has evolved from the traditional sales consulting - and they needed material to show that they are forefront of developing effective sales strategies.<br /><br />No matter where your company is in the branding process - good, eye-catching, effective creative work will help you get your message across and break-through to your audience.</span></div></div>','Sharp-Shootin\' Creative','','publish','open','open','','sharp-shootin-creative','','','2007-10-03 17:47:00','2007-10-03 21:47:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=13',0,'post','',0),(918,3,'2007-12-03 15:36:00','2007-12-03 19:36:00','The Internship Stigma\n\nHowdy.  Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Nicole Salerno, and I am currently a marketing intern at Brand Iron.  I joined the ranch about a month ago, and love every minute of it.  Some people may look at the title of “intern” as lowly and not so glamorous; however, this stereotype is evolving.  As a part time intern, young professionals get the chance to explore many areas of the advertising and marketing industry.  These internships, nay, opportunities can be looked at as aptitude tests for your special talents.  Not only is an intern’s job never done, it also never stays the same.  Currently, I am assisting with monthly client updates, proposals and new business meetings.  Just the other day, I sat in on a four-hour “BrandStorm.”  I am meeting leaders in the industry every day.  These networking opportunities should never be passed up or looked over.\n\nAs an intern, no one is expecting anything from you because you are “green” or a “newbie.”  This allows for the best opportunity to stun those around you.  Show to them that you aren’t just a student and you can be so much more than someone to answer phones and courier papers.  This is the time for my generation to take advantage of these temporary positions and soak as much up as possible.  The next door that opens is always through the influence of the previous door that has closed.\n\nAt Brand Iron, I have learned the importance of complete appreciation for clients, prospects and partners.  A simple gesture, such as a hand-written “Thank you” or a Brand Iron stick pony, are just a couple things that set us apart from other agencies.  By showing these clients, prospects and partners that they are valued, further emphasizes what Brand Iron’s services are worth.\n\nNicole Salerno, Marketing Intern','From the Desk of an Intern','','publish','open','open','','from-the-desk-of-an-intern','','','2007-12-03 15:36:00','2007-12-03 19:36:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=17',0,'post','',1),(919,3,'2007-12-17 17:27:00','2007-12-17 21:27:00','<a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R2bsoMt6JmI/AAAAAAAAAEk/fQGSNXz-B3c/s1600-h/glassesIMG_1022.jpg\"><img style=\"float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R2bsoMt6JmI/AAAAAAAAAEk/fQGSNXz-B3c/s200/glassesIMG_1022.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145059799670072930\" /></a><br />“Smooth, velvety, spicy and lively with a peppery edge to the currant and pomegranate flavors lingering nicely.” With a description like that, who wouldn’t want a taste of Oxford Landing GSM? This was just one of the wines we sampled at our quarterly partner event this past Wednesday. Our president, Michael Doyle found The Reserve List, a shining little venue tucked away on South Pearl Street.<br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R2bu_st6J4I/AAAAAAAAAGw/d9ImllakBpM/s1600-h/IMG_1026.jpg\"><img style=\"float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R2bu_st6J4I/AAAAAAAAAGw/d9ImllakBpM/s200/IMG_1026.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145062402420254594\" /></a> <br />The Reserve List is a fine wine shop as well as a primo tasting facility. With fine art on the walls, black tablecloths, silver trays, and some tantalizing wines; we mingled amongst our good friends and partners. Everyone enjoyed themselves and the company. By the end of the night we had numerous empty bottles, finished another successful partner event and made some new friends. <br /><br />Thank you to Mēgan from The Reserve List, and thank you to all of the partners who joined us to sample wines.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\"></span> written by Natasha Martinez, Brand Iron Office Manager<br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp1.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R2bsy8t6JnI/AAAAAAAAAEs/0D-omJn7Py0/s1600-h/IMG_0984.jpg\"><img style=\"float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp1.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R2bsy8t6JnI/AAAAAAAAAEs/0D-omJn7Py0/s200/IMG_0984.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145059984353666674\" /></a><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R2bszct6JoI/AAAAAAAAAE0/3rzSUwIe_U0/s1600-h/IMG_0987.jpg\"><img style=\"float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R2bszct6JoI/AAAAAAAAAE0/3rzSUwIe_U0/s200/IMG_0987.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145059992943601282\" /></a><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R2bszst6JpI/AAAAAAAAAE8/s4XU4GGOrg0/s1600-h/IMG_0989.jpg\"><img style=\"float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R2bszst6JpI/AAAAAAAAAE8/s4XU4GGOrg0/s200/IMG_0989.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145059997238568594\" /></a><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp1.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R2bsz8t6JqI/AAAAAAAAAFE/OgQuX5_3088/s1600-h/IMG_1007.jpg\"><img style=\"float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp1.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R2bsz8t6JqI/AAAAAAAAAFE/OgQuX5_3088/s200/IMG_1007.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145060001533535906\" /></a><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R2bs0Mt6JrI/AAAAAAAAAFM/v0cjDU2i1_U/s1600-h/IMG_1012.jpg\"><img style=\"float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R2bs0Mt6JrI/AAAAAAAAAFM/v0cjDU2i1_U/s200/IMG_1012.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145060005828503218\" /></a><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R2buCct6JxI/AAAAAAAAAF4/iEBZYCMZbSQ/s1600-h/IMG_1013.jpg\"><img style=\"float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R2buCct6JxI/AAAAAAAAAF4/iEBZYCMZbSQ/s200/IMG_1013.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145061350153266962\" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R2buZMt6J0I/AAAAAAAAAGQ/EKSB4UjXF3s/s1600-h/IMG_1018.jpg\"><img style=\"float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R2buZMt6J0I/AAAAAAAAAGQ/EKSB4UjXF3s/s200/IMG_1018.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145061740995290946\" /></a><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp1.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R2bur8t6J1I/AAAAAAAAAGY/_pN-S2DuA20/s1600-h/IMG_1027.jpg\"><img style=\"float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp1.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R2bur8t6J1I/AAAAAAAAAGY/_pN-S2DuA20/s200/IMG_1027.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145062063117838162\" /></a><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R2busMt6J2I/AAAAAAAAAGg/UavTSfk_daY/s1600-h/IMG_1033.jpg\"><img style=\"float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R2busMt6J2I/AAAAAAAAAGg/UavTSfk_daY/s200/IMG_1033.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145062067412805474\" /></a><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R2busct6J3I/AAAAAAAAAGo/HFiRpGotrIM/s1600-h/pouringIMG_1028.jpg\"><img style=\"float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R2busct6J3I/AAAAAAAAAGo/HFiRpGotrIM/s200/pouringIMG_1028.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145062071707772786\" /></a>','Partner Event is Smooth, Velvety, Spicy and Lively','','publish','open','open','','partner-event-is-smooth-velvety-spicy-and-lively','','','2007-12-17 17:27:00','2007-12-17 21:27:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=18',0,'post','',0),(920,3,'2008-01-03 18:13:00','2008-01-03 22:13:00','At the first of every year, I encourage all of our clients and prospects to address their brand goals and objectives for the coming year and set out a plan to obtain them.  This year is no different; it is time to look back at what was accomplished, both positively and negatively, in regards to your brand for this past year. Did you make the advances you had hoped to get accomplished?<br /> <br />It is also the time of year when I ask another question: “Are you really committed to addressing your barriers to growth from a holistic perspective in order to reach these goals and objectives?”  To answer “yes” means looking and improving sales, marketing and operations in your company.<br /><br />My experience is that most companies say they want to get to the next level, but very few can actually (1) develop the strategy, (2) understand the activity level necessary to make those become a reality and (3) apply themselves to make it happen. <br /><br />So, I suggest making that commitment to yourself and your company by laying out where you want your brand to be a year from now.  Here are some tips to get you there:<br /><br />First, address all of the items that need to be accomplished, in order for you to advance your brand from the inside out.  Plan out the brand strategy, making sure everyone within the company knows what it is going to take to get there.<br /> <br />Next, delegate who is responsible for sales, marketing and the operations brand initiatives. Establish a timeline with milestones and some sort of reward for obtaining your goals.<br /><br />And last but not least, execute by holding yourself and everyone else accountable for getting your brand to the next level. A year from now, you can say, “man we kicked some ass towards our brand goals and objectives this year and can’t wait to make even more progress this year.”<br /><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\">written by Michael Doyle, President & CEO of Brand Iron</span>','Commit to your brand in the New Year.','','publish','open','open','','commit-to-your-brand-in-the-new-year','','','2008-01-03 18:13:00','2008-01-03 22:13:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=19',0,'post','',0),(921,3,'2008-01-10 19:23:00','2008-01-10 23:23:00','Do you remember why the Internet began? It was developed as a way to exchange information. So, in order to exchange information it would be important to read the information in an easy manner. Right?  <br /><br />When designing for the internet it’s important to know how a typeface should be placed on the page. Letters, words, and sentences all crammed together are more difficult to read and understand. Paying careful attention to how much space you give your text is key for readability.  <br /><br />Lines of type that are too long (or too short) slow down reading and comprehension. Combine the wrong line length with the wrong type size and the problem is magnified. <br /><br />The shorter the line length, the smaller the font should be — allowing more words to fit on the line. The longer the line, the larger the font can be.  <br /><br />• Choose a font size that your primary audience can read comfortably, like Arial 11 or 12 point.<br />• Apply the alphabet-and-a-half line length rule, 36 characters.<br />• Balance line length with type size for readability.<br /><br />In the end, the decision to restrict line length is a philosophical one. From a design standpoint, a measure that is comfortable for reading is good practice. One of the fundamental principles of the Web, however, is that users should be able to structure their own view.   <br /><br />Stick with Brand Iron and we\'ll make sure your message reaches your target audience no matter how much (or little) you have to say.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\">written by Marni Myers, Creative</span>','Can you read this?','','publish','open','open','','can-you-read-this','','','2008-01-10 19:23:00','2008-01-10 23:23:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=20',0,'post','',0),(922,3,'2008-01-30 15:01:00','2008-01-30 19:01:00','<a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R6DKHunGiXI/AAAAAAAAAG4/hz4cjf2AqQQ/s1600-h/IMG_0096.JPG\"><img style=\"float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R6DKHunGiXI/AAAAAAAAAG4/hz4cjf2AqQQ/s200/IMG_0096.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161347407086520690\" /></a><br /><br />It was the day of the big event, Brand Iron’s Employee Fun Day at Lucky Strike Bowling Alley. The pins stood quivering in fear at the end of the lane as team Brand Iron prepped their shoes, chose their balls, and sipped their first beers. Lucky Strike wasn’t ready for what the cow pokes from Brand Iron were about to dish out.  After spending days upon days working on proposals, one sheets, direct mailers and various client needs, it was time to unwind, and that we did.  Take a look at our team’s triumphant and relaxing venture.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\">The Team</span><br /><p/><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R6DX8unGiuI/AAAAAAAAAJw/jplNf4AbB04/s1600-h/IMG_0104.JPG\"><img style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R6DX8unGiuI/AAAAAAAAAJw/jplNf4AbB04/s200/IMG_0104.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161362611270748898\" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\">Jim likes to give the \"right arm\" ... a lot...</span> <p/><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R6DOqOnGihI/AAAAAAAAAII/cBQu6X_YImg/s1600-h/IMG_0100.JPG\"><img style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R6DOqOnGihI/AAAAAAAAAII/cBQu6X_YImg/s200/IMG_0100.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161352397838518802\" /></a><br /><p/><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R6DPFunGiiI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/WgaLzMwMisk/s1600-h/IMG_0110.JPG\"><img style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R6DPFunGiiI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/WgaLzMwMisk/s200/IMG_0110.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161352870284921378\" /></a><br /><p/><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\">Natasha snuck in her gutter balls with spares...no one was the wiser...</span><br /><p/><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R6DQs-nGikI/AAAAAAAAAIg/tN2cF-CIf08/s1600-h/IMG_0107.JPG\"><img style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R6DQs-nGikI/AAAAAAAAAIg/tN2cF-CIf08/s200/IMG_0107.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161354644106414658\" /></a><br /></p><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\">Josh and Marni dominated...</span><br /></p><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp1.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R6DRsenGilI/AAAAAAAAAIo/IUle_IvHVgQ/s1600-h/IMG_0098.JPG\"><img style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp1.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R6DRsenGilI/AAAAAAAAAIo/IUle_IvHVgQ/s200/IMG_0098.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161355735028107858\" /></a><br /></p><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R6DR8unGimI/AAAAAAAAAIw/Et8cDo-f49Q/s1600-h/IMG_0112.JPG\"><img style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R6DR8unGimI/AAAAAAAAAIw/Et8cDo-f49Q/s200/IMG_0112.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161356014200982114\" /></a><br /></p><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\">Michael took home the trophy!</span><br /></p><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R6DSQunGinI/AAAAAAAAAI4/p_KogX7mMa8/s1600-h/IMG_0111.JPG\"><img style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R6DSQunGinI/AAAAAAAAAI4/p_KogX7mMa8/s200/IMG_0111.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161356357798365810\" /></a><br /></p><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R6DSh-nGioI/AAAAAAAAAJA/9pwOD2aurSg/s1600-h/IMG_0102.JPG\"><img style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R6DSh-nGioI/AAAAAAAAAJA/9pwOD2aurSg/s200/IMG_0102.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161356654151109250\" /></a><br /></p><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\">Obviously Nicole was distraught by Michael\'s victory...</span><br /></p><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp1.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R6DUMenGiqI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/9LhGTZLA6tQ/s1600-h/IMG_0092.JPG\"><img style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp1.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R6DUMenGiqI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/9LhGTZLA6tQ/s200/IMG_0092.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161358483807177378\" /></a><br /></p><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\">El Fin</span>','Letting Loose: Our Employee Fun Day','','publish','open','open','','letting-loose-our-employee-fun-day','','','2008-01-30 15:01:00','2008-01-30 19:01:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=22',0,'post','',0),(923,3,'2008-02-06 19:03:00','2008-02-06 23:03:00','<span style=\"font-weight:bold;\">Part 1: RSS feeds</span><br /><br />The tools are out there, and more importantly, they are easy to use. I wanted to share with you tools that I use on a daily basis that keep me sane. This, and the soon to be released, “Part 2: News Alerts” are both great ways for you to keep up-to-date in your industry and your life.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-weight:bold;\">RSS feeds</span><br />These are a big help if you check multiple websites or blogs, daily or weekly. Instead of going to your favorite web hot spots for news, RSS feeds allow the news to come to you.  A good way to illustrate this is your email inbox: <br /><br />Imagine checking multiple email inboxes depending on who sent you a message. For example, to find out if your friend, Theodore, sent you an email – you would go to his specific inbox to see if he sent you anything new. Pretend that you had to do that with every one of your contacts, multiple times a day.<br /><br />This may seem silly, but if you are not using RSS feeds, this is how you are currently getting your news. Instead of checking multiple sites and blogs in hopes of new information – you can let your news come to you. You will tailor your subscription list to the sites you visit or the sites you want to stay updated on. <br /><br />Here’s an example of mine:<br /><br />In terms of branding and marketing, keeping up-to-date on what you competition is doing is very valuable. Make sure that your products and services continue to be unique in the eyes of your consumers. Scout the landscape with RSS feeds and stay one step ahead of the competition.<br /><br />To begin, you’ll need to sign up for a free Google account and start exploring Reader (Google RSS subscription monitor). Online instructions will teach you everything you need to set up your subscription list. <br /><br />Post a comment on this blog if you have any questions.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\">Written by Josh Barker, Brand Iron Brand Wrangler</span>','Great tools that you are NOT using','','publish','open','open','','great-tools-that-you-are-not-using','','','2008-02-06 19:03:00','2008-02-06 23:03:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=23',0,'post','',0),(924,3,'2008-02-27 14:57:00','2008-02-27 18:57:00','How many of you have accidentally carbon copied a personal contact into a business email?  How many of you have ever had to explain that your “pocket” called your best friend and left a voicemail of an entire business lunch?  These are common occurrences that leave clients and companies defenseless when it comes to the very important issue of client confidentiality.  For example, a former client of Brand Iron happened upon an email trail in which a former employee of Brand Iron called the client “a pain in my ass.”  Needless to say, this wasn’t a breech of confidentiality, but a careless mistake none the less.  It is safe to say that this employee no longer works here.  Sloppy email etiquette is always to blame with some of the most notorious confidentiality mistakes.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-weight:bold;\">Email:  The Post-Postal Predicament</span><br />To avoid common email privacy pitfalls, it is important to look at your current email set up.  It is easy to safeguard your email if you follow a few easy rules…<br /><br /><span style=\"font-weight:bold;\">1. Turn Off Auto Populate</span><br />Most people do not realize that auto populate is one of the most commonly misused areas of email.  This tool, while it may seem convenient, is very dangerous. <br /><br /><span style=\"font-weight:bold;\">2. Apply an Email Disclaimer</span><br />We have all seen them.  They are normally a little lengthy and we skip right over them.  They normally look something like this…<br /><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\">CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This email message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure, or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message. Thank you.</span><br /><br />If you were to be sued for the contents of an email, it is not certain whether an email disclaimer could fully protect you from liability in a lawsuit, but it could certainly help in some situations.  Particularly, “breach of confidentiality” can be avoided by a simple disclaimer that warns the receiver that the email is confidential and proprietary. <br /><br /><span style=\"font-weight:bold;\">3. Implement a Company Email Policy</span><br />If you feel that your company is still exposed by employees that will not use the appropriate “email etiquette,” impose an email policy.  According to a recent article by an affiliate of The Wall Street Journal, “Thirty-eight percent of companies said they employ staff to read or analyze outgoing email messages, and that jumps to 44% of companies with 20,000 or more employees.”  This is just the tip of the email iceberg.  <br /><br />The article goes on to say that almost a third of companies have fired an employee in the last 12 months for violating the set email policies.  Email is no longer being overlooked by the industry giants.  This means that smaller companies should take notice and follow in these same traditions.  Brand Iron values client confidentiality, and we strive to always check, double check, and check again when it comes to client emails.  This is what creates the bond of trust between a client and its marketing firm, however, once the trust is lost, it is much harder to gain it back than taking the correct precautions from the start.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\">written by Nicole Salerno, Marketing Intern</span>','Highly Confidential – This message will self destruct in 5…4…','','publish','open','open','','highly-confidential-%e2%80%93-this-message-will-self-destruct-in-5%e2%80%a64%e2%80%a6','','','2008-02-27 14:57:00','2008-02-27 18:57:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=24',0,'post','',2),(925,3,'2008-03-05 15:37:00','2008-03-05 19:37:00','The only thing more annoying than a company not having a website is a website that is virtually useless. We have all seen them, websites that are created in extremely bad taste whether it is the colors, navigation, or copy. Some simple tips when putting thought into what you want for a website:<br /><br /><span style=\"font-weight:bold;\">To Flash or Not to Flash?</span><br />One thing about using flash for a website, think about using it as an element or enhancement instead of a fancy light show. Sometimes you can only take so many opening animations to a site, and God-forbid they don’t have a “skip intro” button. Who decided that websites need an intro anyway, I mean, I got there, I want something you have, now let me at it! Another thing about movement, the sites with the drop-down lists that move as you mouse over, can be a death threat to a site. If I can’t get the menu to stay still as I try to access something that is 4 levels deep on the menu, I only take a few tries before getting frustrated. At that point it is only how bad I want what they have that keeps me there, I didn’t just pay a carnival game booth to take a few shots, I want to hit my target.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-weight:bold;\">Break out the Decoder Ring</span><br />I think that site navigation is one of the most important things to a website. It is your own personal “you are here” map that tells you that you are going in the right direction. Some sites have guessing-game navigation, meaning that they use unfamiliar words that mean something to the company, but not to the general public. This is great for tactic for keeping to your brand while confusing your customers (bad idea). As for me if I navigate to a site, and I don’t find what I want in the first 3 minutes or less, you may have just lost a customer. Lesson learned: meet people at their level and make your navigation a “no guesses” map to your site.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-weight:bold;\">If I wanted to read a book, I would read a book</span><br />Another thing to remember is concerning the content of your site. While most people go to a site to get information about the company and their products, some people visit in search of something very specific. This is where navigation comes in, but also where copy plays a big role. If you can keep copy short and sweet, perhaps bulleting the main information that would be ideal for most everyone. I understand that for some companies, there is no way to get around the amount of copy, but most sites can keep it short and still educate the public on their products and services.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-weight:bold;\">Don’t Get Caught</span><br />A website that is a bad idea to be seen on is websitesthatsuck.com. This is a site that is dedicated to finding and pointing out random websites that have shortcomings. This is a great resource for what not to do with your website. Each critique is spelled out, and states why the sample site has landed on the ‘websites that suck’ site. <br /><br />The internet is basically free game. There are so many inexpensive and downright simple ways to get “published” on the internet. Make sure your site stands out and looks professional, not templated or gimmicky. Brand Iron can help you get a stand-out site that speaks volumes for you and about you, and has the potential to reach millions. <br /><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\">written by Natasha Martinez</span>','What Your Website Says About You','','publish','open','open','','what-your-website-says-about-you','','','2008-03-05 15:37:00','2008-03-05 19:37:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=25',0,'post','',1),(926,3,'2008-03-13 10:48:00','2008-03-13 14:48:00','The first Brand Iron partner event of 2008 took place at <a href=\"http://www.snoozedenver.com/\">Snooze</a> yesterday.  For those of you that don’t know about Snooze, it is an A.M. Eatery on Larimer and Park Avenue West.  Their fare consists of Upside Down Pineapple Pancakes, Vanilla Almond Oatmeal Brulee, and delectable Juan’s breakfast tacos.  In keeping with the theme of pancakes, Michael presented a short PowerPoint presentation entitled, “Brand Stacking:  Learn from the Global Greats.”  The presentation focused on brands such as Starbucks, Nintendo, Google and BMW, and how they utilize a holistic approach in their branding to consistently raise their profits year to year.<br /><br />We had a great turn-out and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.  With more than 40 people and about 100 pineapple pancakes, there was plenty to go around.  Guests enjoyed Gourmet Bloody Mary’s and various coffee beverages.  A big “Thank You” to all of our guests for coming out and to the wonderful staff at Snooze.','Baristas, Brand Iron, and Breakfast','','publish','open','open','','baristas-brand-iron-and-breakfast','','','2008-03-13 10:48:00','2008-03-13 14:48:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=26',0,'post','',0),(927,3,'2008-03-17 12:06:00','2008-03-17 16:06:00','This last week I read a comment from Warren Buffet; he said that the country is in a recession due to the slow down in retail spending. Most clients ask us during these uncertain economic times whether they should halt their branding efforts and marketing activities. I know what you would expect me to say, and you’re right - “No way!” Now let me explain why. <br /><br />Companies, bosses and employees all must be making money to continue the payment of bills, mortgage, rent, and payroll, while still filling up the gas tank and putting food on the table. These people must continue to market and sell in order to make money.<br /><br />During these challenging economic times, companies are fighting for every dollar available, and if you aren’t in front of your targets, someone else will be.<br /><br />Statistics say that it normally takes 7 – 12 touches for someone to get familiar with you and your brand.<br /><br />Depending on your sales cycle and how long it takes to close a sale, can you afford to slow down or halt marketing efforts?  Do you expect to resume marketing and sales efforts after the recession has cleared and achieve the same desired results?<br /><br />When companies decide to make purchasing decisions they usually have short memories and turn to those companies that have been in touch with them recently.  This means you have to stay in front of your target prospects consistently, and when the time is right you are at the fore front of there mind.<br />With current societal changes, the competition is fierce. There is no better time to look at the competitive landscape and figure out how you can separate your company from the herd, and tell your target markets why you are the best.<br /><br />During tough economic times many companies will struggle and lack proactive marketing and/or sales efforts. If you and your company improve branding, marketing and sales efforts, you can pick up the buying customers and even market share.<br /><br />The second part of what Warren Buffet said this past week is that he was very confident his kids were going to live a more comfortable life than he, and that the current economic conditions were only temporary.  Things will get better. Now is the time and opportunity for your company to take advantage and excel.  There is no better time to be proactively branding and marketing your company.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\">Written by Michael Doyle, President of Brand Iron</span>','Branding, Marketing and the Economy','','publish','open','open','','branding-marketing-and-the-economy','','','2008-03-17 12:06:00','2008-03-17 16:06:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=27',0,'post','',0),(928,3,'2008-03-31 10:27:00','2008-03-31 14:27:00','During this political season, watching the primaries is a great lesson in branding at its bloodiest. Most people/companies like to think that they can do good work and that they don’t have to proactively manage their brand or position. Well you do, because if you don’t someone just may brand or position you for you. Take politics for instance.<br /><br />Most campaigns say they are going to stay above the belt, and most of them do until things get tough.  When that happens they tend to let the dogs loose and go after their opponent. Why? - Because they haven’t been able to effectively make themselves stand out from the crowd. Usually, it is easier to drag your competitor through the mud than take the initiative and effort to properly brand yourself in a “good light.”<br /><br />Take Hillary Clinton’s ad about the 3 am phone call and who you would want answer a call about protecting the country. She painted Barack Obama as someone who would worry you with his inadequate ability to protect the country.  This implies that Hillary would be a better choice. Did it work? – Well, she sure did get some momentum that week which propelled her to win in Texas and Ohio. Take the famous Willy Horton ad as well, some say it was unfair and in poor taste, but it worked, and worked very well. <br /><br />Much like politics, people and companies attack their competitors. When the negative advertising/positioning starts to work, a lot of times it is like blood in the water to sharks, once they smell it, they go after the victim with a ferocity that won’t quit. <br /><br />Positioning your competitors works not only in politics, but in the corporate world as well. You can be sure that people and companies talk about your company, your pricing, services, capabilities, ability or lack of ability to do the job, your competence or lack of competence as well. <br /><br />The more successful you are the more they are going to come after you. It happens everyday, so take action and positively position your company’s brand to separate yourself from the rest of the herd.  Be the leader of the pack. <br /><br />Brand yourself before the competition does it for you.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\">Written by Michael Doyle, President of Brand Iron</span>','Politics, some of the Bloodiest Branding','','publish','open','open','','politics-some-of-the-bloodiest-branding','','','2008-03-31 10:27:00','2008-03-31 14:27:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=28',0,'post','',1),(929,3,'2008-04-02 12:53:00','2008-04-02 16:53:00','This morning, Brand Iron President, Michael Doyle, joined other industry experts to speak on the client acquisition process - how to complete the puzzle that will lead to more business. The turnout was great and the audience was bright-eyed and bushy-tailed  with GREAT questions during this a.m. event. Approximately 40 area presidents, CEOs, owners and top-level marketing and sales executives gathered to learn from:<br /><br />Joe Contrino, CEO, <a href=\"http://www.contrino.com/\">Contrino Direct Marketing, Inc. </a></td><br />John Kaufman, Principal & Senior Consultant, <a href=\"http://www.thecrmconnection.com/\">The CRM Connection, LLC.</a></td><br />Michael Doyle, President, <a href=\"http://www.brandiron.net/\">Brand Iron </a></td><br />Steve Parry, President, <a href=\"http://www.salesproductivity.us/\">Sales Productivity Consultants </a></td><br />Criag Harrell, President, <a href=\"http://www.rainmaker-marketing.com/\">Rainmaker Marketing </a></td><br /><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\"><center>Joe Contrino talks about how important it is to target the right prospects with the right list.</center></span><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R_O6JByJ-oI/AAAAAAAAAKo/wNAXerN9-O0/s1600-h/IMG_0265.JPG\"><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R_O6JByJ-oI/AAAAAAAAAKo/wNAXerN9-O0/s320/IMG_0265.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184692260293966466\" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\"><center>John Kaufman illustrates how using the right system could save you thousands of dollars and weeks of time.</center></span><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R_O6PhyJ-pI/AAAAAAAAAKw/pn-klHu8ZPo/s1600-h/IMG_0268.JPG\"><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R_O6PhyJ-pI/AAAAAAAAAKw/pn-klHu8ZPo/s320/IMG_0268.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184692371963116178\" /></a><br /><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\"><center>Michael Doyle helps the audience understand the value of a brand and how you can use that value to drive results.</center></span><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R_O6VByJ-qI/AAAAAAAAAK4/ZOI3P6W6fZ8/s1600-h/IMG_0269.JPG\"><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R_O6VByJ-qI/AAAAAAAAAK4/ZOI3P6W6fZ8/s320/IMG_0269.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184692466452396706\" /></a><br /><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\"><center>Michael answers a question on how you track and evaluate your branding ROI.</center></span><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R_O6bhyJ-rI/AAAAAAAAALA/JfEDme5_Prs/s1600-h/IMG_0271.JPG\"><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R_O6bhyJ-rI/AAAAAAAAALA/JfEDme5_Prs/s320/IMG_0271.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184692578121546418\" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\"><center>Steve Parry, the panel\'s host, uses a great (and timely) baseball reference on how any sales team can diagnose, develop and produce sales.</center></span><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp1.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R_O6hxyJ-sI/AAAAAAAAALI/bV9eU667HRc/s1600-h/IMG_0275.JPG\"><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp1.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R_O6hxyJ-sI/AAAAAAAAALI/bV9eU667HRc/s320/IMG_0275.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184692685495728834\" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\"><center>Craig Harrell drives the presentation home with a discussion on how staying emotionally connected will help close the deal. </center></span><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R_O6rhyJ-tI/AAAAAAAAALQ/Mp6-hxFKdj4/s1600-h/IMG_0276.JPG\"><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R_O6rhyJ-tI/AAAAAAAAALQ/Mp6-hxFKdj4/s320/IMG_0276.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184692852999453394\" /></a><br /><br />Thank you to everyone who attended. If you couldn\'t make this one, please stay tuned - this presentation will be given again in May.','Panel event: \"Solving the Growth Puzzle: The Client Acquisition Process\"','','publish','open','open','','panel-event-solving-the-growth-puzzle-the-client-acquisition-process','','','2008-04-02 12:53:00','2008-04-02 16:53:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=29',0,'post','',1),(930,3,'2008-05-05 15:17:00','2008-05-05 19:17:00','<a href=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SB9h75Tn1MI/AAAAAAAAAMs/woPI0wKd19w/s1600-h/IMG_0379.JPG\"><img style=\"float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SB9h75Tn1MI/AAAAAAAAAMs/woPI0wKd19w/s200/IMG_0379.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196980176632140994\" /></a><br />Well hello there ya’ll!  My name is Peter Christou and I just started working at Brand Iron as a part-time intern. <br /><br />So far, as an intern here at Brand Iron, I have planned an office event, partner event, learned the basics in cutting with a sharp blade, learned about the expiration dates of cupcakes, learned about the clients of Brand Iron, and have done internet research for networking events.  Good stuff I tell ya.  <br /><br />A little background about me, I spent many years running and managing a family owned business and made the decision to change my career path and get into marketing.  I just wanted a change which I think everyone needs at different points in their lives.  I would love to have a successful career in marketing when I “grow up”, and Brand Iron will give me some of the skills and know-how to make it happen.  I’ve had experience in marketing at my previous job, and enjoyed all the aspects associated with it, from the initial brainstorming, to the creative process, to seeing the finished product of the job.  <br /><br />Branding is everywhere, whether you realize it or not.  I think it’s very interesting how we are drawn to certain products over others, why we choose to go with one bank over another, and why we pick certain restaurants to eat at for special occasions over other restaurants.  It always starts with how those businesses market themselves and how they try to sell themselves to you/us, the consumers.  Anyhow, I am really excited to be a part of the Brand Iron team and I’ll keep you posted on how things are going from time to time.','Following in Nicole\'s Footsteps','','publish','open','open','','following-in-nicoles-footsteps','','','2008-05-05 15:17:00','2008-05-05 19:17:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=30',0,'post','',1),(931,3,'2008-05-05 15:39:00','2008-05-05 19:39:00','We here at Brand Iron like to get together every month for some good \'ol fun.  We got together after work this past Friday to welcome in our new additons to the ranch - Lisa, Mike and Peter.  Flying Dog Brewery was a lot of fun.<br /><br /><a href=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SB9jpJTn1NI/AAAAAAAAAM0/lUz99mIvojU/s1600-h/IMG_0361.JPG\"><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SB9jpJTn1NI/AAAAAAAAAM0/lUz99mIvojU/s200/IMG_0361.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196982053532849362\" /></a><br /><center>Steve, Rob and Michael Doyle</center><br /><a href=\"http://bp1.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SB9jpZTn1OI/AAAAAAAAAM8/8GssmcjLDR8/s1600-h/IMG_0362.JPG\"><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp1.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SB9jpZTn1OI/AAAAAAAAAM8/8GssmcjLDR8/s200/IMG_0362.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196982057827816674\" /></a><br /><center>Mike Slife and Nicole Salerno</center><br /><a href=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SB9jp5Tn1PI/AAAAAAAAANE/zD2ddSSfg_s/s1600-h/IMG_0363.JPG\"><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SB9jp5Tn1PI/AAAAAAAAANE/zD2ddSSfg_s/s200/IMG_0363.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196982066417751282\" /></a><br /><center>Trinh and Josh Barker</center><br /><a href=\"http://bp1.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SB9jqZTn1QI/AAAAAAAAANM/VaB5iTtMLC4/s1600-h/IMG_0364.JPG\"><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp1.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SB9jqZTn1QI/AAAAAAAAANM/VaB5iTtMLC4/s200/IMG_0364.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196982075007685890\" /></a><br /><center>Michael Doyle</center><br /><a href=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SB9jqpTn1RI/AAAAAAAAANU/h9LuoXbMhWg/s1600-h/IMG_0365.JPG\"><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SB9jqpTn1RI/AAAAAAAAANU/h9LuoXbMhWg/s200/IMG_0365.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196982079302653202\" /></a><br /><center>Lisa Heavers striking a pose</center>','Brand Iron Fun Event - May 2008','','publish','open','open','','brand-iron-fun-event-may-2008','','','2008-05-05 15:39:00','2008-05-05 19:39:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=32',0,'post','',0),(932,3,'2008-05-07 12:30:00','2008-05-07 16:30:00','Brand Iron\'s Michael Doyle was a part of the business owners panel at the CapitalValue M&A seminar “Uncertainty and Opportunity; Lessons in Mergers and Acquisitions” on April 30th, which took place at The Inverness Hotel & Conference Center in Englewood, CO.  About 50 people were in attendance at the event which was presented by CapitalValue’s Managing Directors Chris Younger, David Tolson and Mark Luecke.  <br /><br /><br /><a href=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SCHaJ0AEI3I/AAAAAAAAANc/dAz9Ziq3mbI/s1600-h/IMG_0320.JPG\"><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SCHaJ0AEI3I/AAAAAAAAANc/dAz9Ziq3mbI/s320/IMG_0320.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197675307074855794\" /></a><br /><center>Michael Doyle sitting on the business panel</center><br /><a href=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SCHaKUAEI4I/AAAAAAAAANk/Yf5tB5XVk5w/s1600-h/IMG_0323.JPG\"><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SCHaKUAEI4I/AAAAAAAAANk/Yf5tB5XVk5w/s320/IMG_0323.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197675315664790402\" /></a><br /><a href=\"http://bp1.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SCHaKkAEI5I/AAAAAAAAANs/6unAmyE9r5Q/s1600-h/IMG_0332.JPG\"><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp1.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SCHaKkAEI5I/AAAAAAAAANs/6unAmyE9r5Q/s320/IMG_0332.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197675319959757714\" /></a><br /><center>Chris Younger, David Tolson and Mark Luecke presenting for CapitalValue M&A</center>','Panel Event: \"Uncertainty and Opportunity: Lessons in Mergers and Acquisitions\"','','publish','open','open','','panel-event-uncertainty-and-opportunity-lessons-in-mergers-and-acquisitions','','','2008-05-07 12:30:00','2008-05-07 16:30:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=33',0,'post','',0),(933,3,'2008-05-12 13:24:00','2008-05-12 17:24:00','You see it on the news and read about it in the papers.  Opinions are often circulating about high profile companies or celebrities getting “bad PR.”  Sometimes you hear references about an organization, an individual or a politician who has “turned on the PR machine.”  Maybe you’ve heard about a “PR stunt.” <br /><br />But at the end of the day, what really is PR?  Those in the public relations industry can effectively define it, but do most people really understand what it is and why it exists? <br /><br /> There are many out there, I’m sure, who believe PR exists only to help corporate America or high-profile celebrities tip-toe through a crisis or embarrassing situation.  Those not familiar with the true value of PR most likely believe that it is a reactive function only, rather than a proactive function that is critical for long-term success.<br />  <br />Here is the Institute of Public Relations’ definition:<br /><br />“Public Relations practice is the planned and sustained effort to establish and maintain goodwill and mutual understanding between an organization and its publics<br /><br />The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), a leading organization of PR professionals, adopts the following definition of public relations: <br /><br />“Public relations helps an organization and its publics adapt mutually to each other.”  <br /><br />In this definition, the essential functions of research, planning, communications and evaluation are implied. Key words are “organization,” rather than the limiting implication of “company” or “business,” and “publics,” which recognizes that all organizations have multiple publics from which they must earn consent and support.<br /><br />In its simplest form, PR is all about effective communications with targeted audiences.  It involves establishing a positive image and then managing and protecting your organization’s reputation.  It’s about creating a protective coat of armor that can help you withstand periodic attacks.<br /><br />Let’s quickly look at what public relations can do:<br /><br />o Public relations can enhance the image of a business<br />o It can help sell a product or service<br />o It can build credibility from third parties<br />o It can enhance knowledge and understanding<br />o It can play a critical role in averting or diminishing negative reactions in a crisis situation<br />o It can also help in monitoring public opinion and, if necessary, shift public opinion by communicating accurate messages and educating the masses<br /><br />On the flip side, here are the things PR can’t do:<br /><br />o Public relations can’t hide or change the truth<br />o It can’t be a quick fix<br />o It can’t manipulate public opinion<br /><br />When considering how PR can positively impact your business, be sure to think from a strategic, big-picture view, not just how to avoid negative media coverage.','Understanding What PR is and What it is Not','','publish','open','open','','understanding-what-pr-is-and-what-it-is-not','','','2008-05-12 13:24:00','2008-05-12 17:24:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=34',0,'post','',0),(934,3,'2008-06-06 13:52:00','2008-06-06 17:52:00','Hello, my name is Mike Slife and I am a new member of the Brand Iron Team. I recently moved from Cleveland and my short time spent in Denver has been great. <br /><br />I am the Ranch Boss (executive operations assistant) here at Brand Iron.  My main function will be to further develop and utilize our Microsoft CRM software. I will also be assisting with financial projections and current financial data, along with many other projects at Brand Iron.  I have only been here a month and I can see Brand Iron has a great potential for growth in the near future.  <br /><br />My past experience was working for a large Fortune 500 manufacturing company in Cleveland. I worked in the corporate audit department and prior to that was in operations accounting.  The adjustment working for a small company was easier than I expected. The staff at Brand Iron has made it an easy transition to work here. I enjoy the challenges a smaller company has to offer. I get to wear a few more hats here, which is both interesting and demanding. <br /><br />So being from Cleveland and being a die-hard Cleveland sports fan has been interesting. I have already been reminded about “The Drive” and “The Fumble” by both clients and co-workers. There is a saying in Cleveland that unfortunately has been used far too long, “Wait till next year”. But as a Cleveland sports fan in Denver, I can’t complain too much.  The Cavs went the NBA finals last year, the Browns had their best record since coming back to Cleveland (10-6) and the Indians were one game away from the World Series.<br /><br />I am sure I will be writing here again in the next month or so. I will keep you updated on what I am doing and also on Cleveland sports.<br /><br />Indians 24-29<br />Cavs lost in Game 7 v. Boston.<br />Browns are undefeated in 2008','Meet Mike - The Brand Iron Ranch Boss','','publish','open','open','','meet-mike-the-brand-iron-ranch-boss','','','2008-06-06 13:52:00','2008-06-06 17:52:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=35',0,'post','',0),(935,3,'2008-07-09 13:14:00','2008-07-09 17:14:00','\"Gee, I really think this whole \'internet\' and \'world wide web\' thing is going to be huge someday.\" - Josh Barker, Brand Wrangler, Brand Iron, July 2008<br /><br />Of course this may be the understatement of the century.  Currently, we are evaluating web presence for nearly 75% of our client base.  There are many different ways in today’s economy to create web presence without stretching your budget thinner than it already is.   Brand Iron suggests four simple and cost-effective ways to create an online strategy for your company.<br /><br />1. Social Networking<br />Many of you notice your kids using social networks such as Facebook and  MySpace, but did you know that industry professionals are utilizing those sites for  marketing purposes?  These sites are free of charge and are a great tool to leverage when trying to expand your partner network or get some buzz surrounding your business.  For the more business-savvy professional, Linked In is a site devoted  completely to the business world and your immediate connection to thousands of  like-minded professionals in various industries.  <br />2. Blogging<br />Keeping a blog tied to your company’s website is an easy way to make a larger  presence on the web which will in turn boost organic search results of your  company.  When it comes to searches, the more words that you have “tagged” to  your blog, the more it comes up in search engine results.  By keeping your blog  consistently updated with fresh articles and topics, you will in turn draw more  traffic to your site.<br />3. Interactive Web Applications<br />Using interactive web applications is a hassle-free way to keep in front of  prospects and current clients.  For example, a <a href=\"http://www.maddenmedia.com/index.html\">WOWget (by Madden Media)</a> is an  application that Brand Iron is set to utilize in the near future.  The WOWget  allows the user to post video to his/her website and then link it to a MySpace,  Facebook, or a Blog page.  This is an interactive video that users can view  through many different mediums. <br />4. Google AdWords<br />When on a tight budget, why not use advertising that will adhere to the  guidelines you set?  Google AdWords allows the advertiser to set a limit on how  much is spent daily on their advertising.  When a key word is searched through  Google, ads appear on the right hand side of the screen.  These advertisers  specifically chose their ad to display when that key word is searched. Google  keeps track of all of the click throughs to your sight each day, and when the  budget number is met that day, say $10, Google does not post your ad on the right  hand side of the screen.  Each click through is cost dependent on the key word.<br /> <br />Here’s how it works…<br />   - User searches a key word<br />   - Ad is displayed on the right side of the screen<br />   - User clicks through the ad<br />   - Advertiser is charged for the click through<br />   - Once the click through limit is reached  ($10), Google no longer places the advertiser’s ad on the side bar<br /><br />These are just a few ways to stay under budget and in the face of your prospects and customers in a tight economy.  Contact us to learn about all of the cost effective ways to market and advertise while on a strict budget.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\">written by Nicole Salerno, Junior Brand Wrangler, Brand Iron</span>','Using the Web to Get Ahead','','publish','open','open','','using-the-web-to-get-ahead','','','2008-07-09 13:14:00','2008-07-09 17:14:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=36',0,'post','',1),(936,3,'2008-07-18 10:41:00','2008-07-18 14:41:00','As gas prices hit over $4.00 nationally and the economy continues to fall, it is inevitable that people and companies are struggling.  That said, it is even more vital to measure yourself against your competition, ensuring your current efforts are properly focused to set yourself and your company up for a strong second half of the year. Unfortunately, we are currently in an arduous game of survival of the fittest, and it is time to focus your marketing efforts.<br /> <br />While this conversation is a continuous topic internally, I was pleasantly surprised to find a new client that had the same ideas. I was in a planning session the other day and our client communicated that their industry was experiencing a slow-down given the economy and being that we are in the middle of the summer.  They realized that it was the perfect time to position and brand themselves against their competition in order to separate themselves from the herd.  This client wanted to take advantage of the current situation in which, a fair amount of companies are pulling back their spending. Our client wants to step it up and set themselves up for a strong fall and second half of the year, as well as prepare for 2009. Needless to say, I agreed with this client, and was refreshed at their goals and strategy to step up their game.  <br /><br />We are halfway through the year, an excellent time to review your yearly goals and objectives.  See what is working, what’s not, and what needs to be adjusted in order for you to keep things going strong, maintain, or try to catch up.  Going strong is the key phrase, while playing the game of catch up seems to be the reality for too many companies today. <br /><br />A perfect example of the “catch up game,” was when American Airlines and United announced they were going to charge $15 and $25 respectively, for checking bags. While these airlines are trying to play catch-up, Southwest is focusing its efforts on marketing, sales and operations to boost sales and keep customers happy.  They are responding directly to the competition and the consumer by announcing that they aren\'t charging premiums for extra baggage and rising fuel costs. <br /><br />The summer is a slower period and many people take time off, thus creating a great opportunity to not only look at your goals, but figure out how you can position yourself against the competition. Take advantage of the tough times and really separate your company from the  herd by communicating your key differences and why you are a better choice than the competition.<br /><br />Now is the time to evaluate, focus, and take advantage to be the fittest. If your company wants to be around when the economy turns around, call Brand Iron today.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\">written by Michael Doyle, President of Brand Iron</span>','Survival of the Fittest','','publish','open','open','','survival-of-the-fittest','','','2008-07-18 10:41:00','2008-07-18 14:41:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=37',0,'post','',1),(937,3,'2008-07-31 10:52:00','2008-07-31 14:52:00','Blogging is a trend on the rise.  It was just a few years ago that people started to post their opinions on the web about anything and everything by writing a personal blog.  Now, more and more companies and their CEO’s are posting blogs, exciting consumers about new products, services, events, or just getting them caught up on industry related news.  <br /><br />Here at Brand Iron, we too keep a weekly blog, written by everyone from the president to the interns to help keep our customers informed. Recently, we came across this story on NBC Nightly News-hear what the “experts” say about blogging and how you can utilize blogging to help promote your company.<br /><br /><iframe height=\"339\" width=\"425\" src=\"http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22425001/vp/25786242#25786242\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"></iframe>','Blogging 2.0','','publish','open','open','','blogging-20','','','2008-07-31 10:52:00','2008-07-31 14:52:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=39',0,'post','',0),(938,3,'2008-08-01 12:14:00','2008-08-01 16:14:00','There are three key elements in order to have a successful website:  <br />1. A marketing strategy that makes the site an extension of your brand<br />2. Effective SEO to touch the correct audience and make your site get viewed<br />3. A user-friendly, content rich, and aesthetically pleasing design<br /><br />In order to effectively achieve these three elements, a company must first identify what they want their site to accomplish.  Is this site a way to develop lead generation?  Is the site purely for information distribution?  Do you want to display your products/services for consumers to purchase online?  Whatever the purpose of the site may be, there must be a strategic plan in place.  Milestones and critical dates must be set up for review of the site.  It is important to evaluate what is working and what is not.  In order to touch the correct audience, SEO strategies must be evaluated.  Keep your site in front of the correct audience by developing Google Ad Word strategies and social networking/media components.  Finally, a web site needs to have strong design. <br /><br />Within this element, there are three parts to deeming it worthy of the title, “good design”:<br />1. usability/functionality<br />2. strong content<br />3. aesthetic presentation<br /><br />Many websites achieve one or two of the three areas, but very few successfully bring the three together.  For instance, a website is functional and the content is easy to understand and valuable, however the color scheme is black, orange, red and yellow with a pixilated logo and a scanned photo of the staff.  The company managed to secure (1) usability/functionality and (2) strong content, but not (3) aesthetic presentation.  Companies must achieve a balance between all three of these areas for successful penetration to the end user.<br /><br />Keep in mind that good design transcends technology.  Interestingly enough, there were many well-designed websites in the mid 90’s that successfully communicated their brand message well and eventually went on to become multi-billion dollar companies.<br /><br />The Old Apple Site:<br /></p><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SJN_qauZMaI/AAAAAAAAAOE/xc0AqgIoEE4/s1600-h/applescreenshot.jpg\"><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SJN_qauZMaI/AAAAAAAAAOE/xc0AqgIoEE4/s320/applescreenshot.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229663959012422050\" /></a><br /></p><br />The New Apple Site:<br /></p><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SJN_yiHFJVI/AAAAAAAAAOM/_XEBrVOgSpg/s1600-h/apple1.jpg\"><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SJN_yiHFJVI/AAAAAAAAAOM/_XEBrVOgSpg/s320/apple1.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229664098433967442\" /></a><br /></p><br /><br />There are many complicated elements to successful web design (grid theory, the rule of thirds, unity, harmonious color schemes, etc.), but complete focus on the three areas that I have gone through previously will always result in a website that engages a user and in turn encourages repeat visits.  A successful website allows for the end-user to be pleased with the design that displays the company’s brand and the content that clearly communicates their message.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-weight:bold;\">Case Study: Caring Hands Chiropractic</span><br />Caring Hands Chiropractic has been successfully practicing in Denver for over 10 years. The client wanted the website to be less sterile and more comforting. Brand Iron was hired to recreate the brand, and in the process created a successful new website that re-enforces the brand message and communicates well with the end-user. Take a look at the before and after versions of CaringHandsChiro.com<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SJM25v7QbcI/AAAAAAAAAN0/JC9DSJfjlfg/s1600-h/chc.bmp\"><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SJM25v7QbcI/AAAAAAAAAN0/JC9DSJfjlfg/s320/chc.bmp\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229583958052728258\" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SJM3I1XnkkI/AAAAAAAAAN8/A_PvPh6TB60/s1600-h/chc2.bmp\"><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SJM3I1XnkkI/AAAAAAAAAN8/A_PvPh6TB60/s320/chc2.bmp\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229584217211900482\" /></a><br /><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\">Written by Andrew Hoffman, Brand Iron Design Bandit</span>','Web and the Power of Three','','publish','open','open','','web-and-the-power-of-three','','','2008-08-01 12:14:00','2008-08-01 16:14:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=40',0,'post','',0),(939,3,'2008-08-07 15:20:00','2008-08-07 19:20:00','People and marketers alike normally have two theories about copy length. They either abide by the rule of K.I.S.S. (Keep it simple stupid) or they want to explain every last detail/benefit to the customer.<br /><br /> So, which is better? Who is right?<br /><br />We’ll show you how both theories can be used effectively – and more importantly, when to use each.<br /><br />One of the more important aspects to answering this question – is to test, test and re-test. Continue to refine and pinpoint what works for your sales and marketing process and your company.<br /><br />1.  Do your research – Start collecting your competitor’s marketing materials. For example, for one of our clients, two of their competitors were offering incentives with very little copy supporting the message. We, by contrast, offered a similar incentive but included more descriptive copy on the value and the details of the offer. We separated our client from their competition – by offering a better explanation on how our incentive provided more value than the competition’s offers. Our client was pleased with the results – as it far surpassed any of their past incentives.<br /><br />2.  Sales process – What are you asking your customer to do? Are you asking them to buy a car? Or, are you asking them to go online and claim their free gift? The level of commitment you are asking should drive copy length. <br /><br />In the example of buying a car: if you are asking the customer to call their local dealership, keep the copy short and the benefits direct and simple. Later in the sales process, when you are at the point of getting the customer to buy, the information you need to communicate will be much more involved. At this stage, the copy will need to completely communicate the facts, the benefits, the options, the cost and the value. You will need to put the customer as ease, providing as much information to help them justify purchasing your product, which in this case, is a high-dollar commitment.<br /><br /><br />3.  Quality – Above all, whether your copy is long or short – it’s the quality that matters most in the end. Copy needs to communicate a message that is value-driven and benefit-oriented. You need to communicate your company and services in a way that differentiates you from your competition. <br /><br /><br />The length of your message loosely depends on the level of commitment you seek and how complicated your message is. Brand Iron can help you determine the right amount of copy it takes to break through the clutter, differentiate yourself from the competition – and most importantly, get the results that will help your company succeed.<br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\"></span>','Have I said too much? Know when to say \"when\" with copy length.','','publish','open','open','','have-i-said-too-much-know-when-to-say-when-with-copy-length','','','2008-08-07 15:20:00','2008-08-07 19:20:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=41',0,'post','',0),(940,3,'2008-08-15 14:42:00','2008-08-15 18:42:00','In the spirit of NBC’s coverage of the Summer Olympic Games, I am writing today’s blog in real time.  You are actually reading it live.  In other words, I promise not to write the next word until you read the current one.<br /><br />Ok, that’s not true.  I’m sorry.<br />  <br />But I think I can get it to pass as “plausibly live.”  As you read this, I hope you have the sensation of reading it over my shoulder as I type.<br />  <br />The term “plausibly live” and international sporting events – particularly the Olympics – are synonymous.  Olympic events that take place half way around the globe are recorded, then played back in “prime time” as if they are being shown in real time.  Even the NBC studio hosts are trained to play along.<br /><br />The other day, Today Show host Matt Lauer told those of us watching in America that the Opening Ceremonies would be happening later “tonight” when in fact they were in progress not far from where he was standing in Beijing.<br /><br />My first “plausibly live” Olympic experience took place when I was a kid and it was traumatizing.  Although it was 28 years ago, I can still vividly remember 9News sportscaster Ron Zappalo (now of Fox 31 News fame) opening the 5 p.m. newscast waving a small United States flag and informing me that the USA Hockey team had beaten the Russians.<br /><br />“How could he know?” I wondered.  The game wasn’t scheduled to begin on TV for another few hours.  Miracle on Ice?  It was “Miracle on the Set,” I thought, that he somehow already knew.<br /><br />In July, NBC announced that it would be providing an average of 212 hours of Olympic coverage daily through 12 different sources including broadcast, cable and broadband offerings.  When you add it up, it means 3,600 hours of coverage, more than all previous Summer Olympics combined.<br /><br />NBC claims that 75 percent of its coverage will be live but who wants to watch Michael Phelps win gold medals and break world records on their cell phone as they wait in line for coffee?<br /><br />In today’s internet, instant-gratification world, why not offer us a chance to watch the event live on TV?  The Mountain Time Zone is 14 hours behind Beijing, but many of us would be willing to watch certain events on TV early in the morning rather than wait for a prime-time, pre-edited and pre-packaged version.  At least give us the option.  I don’t know about you, but knowing the score of a game or the result of a competition ahead of time (something that is hard to avoid in this day and age) kind of takes away the fun of watching it.<br /><br />And speaking of live, how about the most recent zinger out of China: the little girl who performed “Ode to the Motherland” as China’s flag was paraded into the stadium during the opening ceremony was only lip-syncing.  Chinese officials replaced the actual singer, 7-year-old Yang Peivi, because “she was deemed not cute enough.”<br /><br />I saw Yang’s picture.  Sure, she was missing a few front teeth and didn’t have gymnast sparkles in her hair, but she was still cute.  <br /><br />Plausibly cute at least.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\">Written by Jim Miller, Brand Iron\'s Director of Public Relations</span>','Is it “Plausibly Live” or is it Memorex?','','publish','open','open','','is-it-%e2%80%9cplausibly-live%e2%80%9d-or-is-it-memorex','','','2008-08-15 14:42:00','2008-08-15 18:42:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=42',0,'post','',1),(941,3,'2008-08-26 12:50:37','2008-08-26 12:50:37','I can’t tell you how many times I have heard companies say they want to revise and improve their company brand.  Nine out of 10 times, what they really mean is that they want to come up with a new and improved logo, website or other visual presentations of their brand’s “look and feel.” A company’s logo/corporate identity, website and other visual elements are important in communicating a brand, but by no means are they the only things that represent your brand.\n\nYour brand is a relationship you have with your customers, prospects, suspects, partners, vendors and the general business community. It’s hard for me to imagine how a logo, website or other visual elements solely convey what your brand represents. My personal feeling is that strong brands require much more thought than just a shinny logo or slick website.\n\nI believe that strong brands, first and foremost, are strategically designed around what space you want to own and why your company is better than the competition. The company has to know just why it is better, and know how to effectively communicate that simple message clearly and concisely.\n\nGreat companies know how to effectively market and get their message out, not only through advertising, but through multiple mediums that reach their targets via the mediums that their targets interact with. You must accept and believe that these days it requires many mediums to be able to make a connection that is real and cuts through the clutter to drive results.\n\nFirst, you have to know how to integrate this message into your company internally. Get the operations, sales and marketing all on the same page and understand what the brand stands for and how to deliver on the stated brand promise.\n\nGreat companies also understand that it takes more than looks.  Your product or service has to fulfill the promise that it is cracked up to be.  It has to be able to deliver the goods and make customers and clients true brand believers.\n\nFor a brand to be great these days you have to have strategy, substance, succinct message, and yes, a good logo and nice website.  But you also must have the determination and commitment to succeed. A great brand requires a holistic and integrated approach, much more than just a snappy logo.\n\n<em>Written by Michael Doyle, President of Brand Iron</em>','Branding- It\'s not about the logo','','publish','open','open','','branding-its-not-about-the-logo','','','2011-10-12 22:50:49','2011-10-12 22:50:49','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=43',0,'post','',13),(942,4,'2008-09-05 17:32:54','2008-09-05 21:32:54','<table style=\"width:auto;\"><tr><td><a href=\"http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Q7NkKVneqe26QS12Ieo3-Q\"><img src=\"http://lh4.ggpht.com/joshuaraybarker/SMGlH-FTyvI/AAAAAAAABuk/ZOvZ-Wkqc6A/s400/5280big.jpg\" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=\"font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right\"></table>\n<table style=\"width:auto;\"><tr><td><a href=\"http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2hoH4Mk9e9gpPoa1G6jYLA\"><img src=\"http://lh4.ggpht.com/joshuaraybarker/SMGhY9WLh7I/AAAAAAAABuc/XVI4loLCTzI/s400/DAC_Sept_5280_ad.png\" /></a></td></tr></table>\n\nBrand Iron\'s new ad campaign for <a href=\"http://www.denverathleticclub.org\">The Denver Athletic Club</a> debuted earlier this week. The ad appears in <em>5280</em> and <em>Mile High Sports</em> Magazines and has already created quite the positive buzz around Denver. This is the first of many ads that will highlight the Club\'s rich tradition and new style.\n\nThe ad campaign features REAL Denver Athletic Club pics from the 1920s through the 70s. Keep an eye out at your local newstand for more ads that showcase the deep history and new style - only found at The Denver Athletic Club.','Denver Athletic Club ad campaign launches','','publish','open','open','','denver-athletic-club-ad-campaign-launches','','','2008-09-05 17:32:54','2008-09-05 21:32:54','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=50',0,'post','',1),(943,6,'2008-09-15 18:31:23','2008-09-15 22:31:23','<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">I am guilty of being a sports junky since my early childhood. And in that time, I have noticed athletic teams, both college and professional, always changing their logos and uniforms. </span></p>\n\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">Most likely, everyone’s first thought is: “they change their uniforms for the obvious reason—money.” But this is not the case. Major League Baseball teams do not directly make profit from jersey sales. The MLB as a whole has official licensing revenue sharing from official MLB merchandise sold. The New York Yankees lead the MLB in apparel sold, but they do not receive direct revenue from those sales. The NFL and NBA have similar revenue sharing models. This opens the question, “why do they change their logo or uniforms?”\n<!--[endif]--></span>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">The first reason teams re-brand themselves is that they are starting a new era.</span></strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"> Many times it is a front office change in ownership. The new owner wants fans and its competition to know that not only will there be a change in its uniform, but also a change in how they will run their operations. We have seen this in many professional teams. For example, the Dallas Mavericks made a change in their look when Mark Cuban took ownership of the franchise. You can see here their <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.bluemumble.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/dal_uni_03.jpg\" target=\"_self\">old logo and uniforms</a></span> changed to the <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.nbaticketsnow.com/images/dallas.jpg\">new look</a></span> after Cuban took ownership. Not only did the Mavericks change their uniform, they changed how they compete and how they were coached and run from the front office.<span> </span>The same can be said for the Cleveland Cavaliers, whose old uniforms went from <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.nba.com/media/history/cavaliers_19941997_240.jpg\">black and blue</a></span> to their <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.jumpingadvantage.com/Lebron/Lebron-James-Jersey.jpg\">new look</a></span>. The new uniforms changed when Lebron James was drafted, but the <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.nba.com/media/cavaliers/logos_400.gif\">logo</a></span> changed when new owner Dan Gilbert took ownership of the team in 2005. More examples of ownership changing and the uniforms changing related to a team’s success is the New England Patriots. They went from <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.ssur.org/research/CK_NFLUniforms/images/nepatriots%20throwback.jpg\">the angry Pat the patriot</a></span> to <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.ssur.org/research/CK_NFLUniforms/images/nepatriots99.jpg\">a more statuesque look</a></span>. Here is a better view of the <a href=\"http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/jackolantern22/PatriotslogoPatPatriot.gif\">old Pat</a>. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim went from a <a href=\"http://www.sportslogos.net/logo.php?id=4915\">Disney owned uniform</a> to <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.mlb.com/images/2002/10/27/RT8Vdj4U.jpg\">a more traditional </a></span>look, and after the change, won the World Series. </span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">The second reason for a team to re-brand its uniform is a change in venue.</span></strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"> Some teams change uniforms when they get a new stadium. An example was when the Buffalo Bills rebuilt Ralph Wilson Stadium in 2002. The Bills went from these <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.classicbuffalo.com/images/JimKelly.jpg\">old uniforms</a></span> to their <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2115/fredjackson.jpg\">new look</a></span>. The Cleveland Indians did the same when they left Municipal Stadium to Jacobs Field (now called Progressive Field) in 1994. They went from old block lettering that was even used in the movie <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/cle/images/ticketing/promosked/promosked_majorleagueposter.gif\">Major League</a></span> to this <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/80/031_5128~Kenny-Lofton-Cleveland-Indians-Posters.jpg\">fresher look</a></span>.<span> </span></span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">Another reason for change is an attempt to disconnect itself from a long history of losing.</span></strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"> Some of these eras can be a few years but some have been a few decades.<span> </span>The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a great example. The Bucs were on a decade-long losing season streak with these <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://nusportspost.com/dilfer_line_of_scrimmage_1995.jpg\">beauties</a></span> and changed to these more <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.nflhs.org/images/Fitness/WarrickDunn.jpg\">modern looking uniforms</a></span>. After the change, it took Tampa four years to make it to the NFC championship game and the following year, Tampa won the Super Bowl. The Los Angles Kings started the “silver and black” era when they acquired Wayne Gretzky from the Edmonton Oilers. The Kings went from a <a href=\"http://www.puckjunk.com/images/cards/cotw/mccourt_topps_f_zoom.jpg\">men’s league look</a> to the more <a href=\"http://cdn.nhl.com/images/upload/2007/12/wayne_gretzky_kings99.jpg\">recognizable sweaters</a>. The Cleveland Cavs had similar success after making a switch in uniforms. Once dead last in the league standings, the team made it to the NBA finals before losing to San Antonio. <span> </span>The Denver Nuggets made a change to their colors in 2003 when they drafted Carmelo Anthony out of Syracuse. They had a more <a href=\"http://www.nba.com/media/history/den_uni_07.jpg\">traditional color scheme</a> that was changed to a <a href=\"http://www.jordanextreme.com/nikegallery/AJ19/040213RookieChalFriCarmeloDunk2ndHalf17pts.jpg\">fresh and bright</a> colored jersey.</span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">Sometimes teams change the logo.</span></strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"> The Seattle Seahawks once had <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.hollywoodcollectibles.com/Images/football_helmet_seattle_mid.jpg\">this logo</a></span> and moved to a <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https://www.americansportscollectibles.com/Seattle-Seahawks-Helmet.jpg\">fiercer looking hawk</a></span>. The New York Football Giants made a change with this<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"> <a href=\"http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/PHO/AAGZ060_8x10-Action~Lawrence-Taylor-Posters.jpg\">helmet logo</a></span> to the <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://k53.pbase.com/g6/53/688553/2/86879410.vdWyCdHf.jpg\">current one</a></span>. Sometimes a change brings good luck, the Denver Broncos went from <a href=\"http://artfiles.art.com/images/-/John-Elway---Old-Uniform---Photofile-Photograph-C10108067.jpeg\">these uniforms</a> and logo to this <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.hollywoodcollectibles.com/autographed/memorabilia/sports/collectibles/authentic/Football/8x10%20Photos/John_Elway_Photo7_MID.jpg\">new look</a></span>. After the Broncos made the change, they won back-to-back Super Bowls in the 1998 and 1999 seasons. The Anaheim Ducks, formerly the Mighty Ducks, went from the <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://hockey.virtuacare.com/images/jiggyducks.jpg\">Disney classic uniforms</a></span> to <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://dsp.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/p3720784p275w.jpg\">today’s look</a></span> and won the Stanley Cup two years after the change.<span> </span></span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">Not all changes have been for the better.</span></strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"> Here are some that have gone wrong. This <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/mavericks/2003-10-31-mavs-unis_x.htm\">space look</a></span> from the Dallas Mavericks only lasted one game. The MLB dabbled in this <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1412/543928718_5b592157b8_o.jpg\">futuristic look</a></span> shown by the Rockies and <a href=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1272/989635709_46cca0367c_o.jpg\">Seattle</a>, which I deem horrendous. The one season NASL (National American Soccer League) team Caribous of Colorado may have the ugliest uniform in history of all uniforms which featured <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.premiershirts.net/wearthat/wearthatshirts/colorado.jpg\">western style tassels</a></span>. The University  of Oregon football team has 384 different combinations of uniforms which range from <a href=\"http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/pac10/2006-09-12-oregon-uniforms_x.htm\">unique</a> to <a href=\"http://i.cnn.net/si/2003/sioncampus/09/10/the_final0916/lg_oregon.jpg\">ugly</a>. This is because Nike’s founders are former Ducks themselves and the world headquarters are located near the Eugene,  Oregon Campus. The University of Colorado stole a <a href=\"http://www.bevosports.com/images/oregon-helmet-live.jpg\">play</a> from the Oregon playbook with their new <a href=\"http://www.buffzone.com/photos/2008/aug/07/97782/\">shoulder pattern</a> design. When creating a logo or corporate image you might want to also make sure that it makes sense in that industry or within your company brand. In 1976 the Chicago White Sox had a double header against the Kansas City Royals and they ran onto the field wearing <a href=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1196/533405137_7d19448365_o.jpg\">these interesting uniforms</a>. Surprisingly the Sox only wore them for the first game of the double header. An opposing Royal, John Mayberry exclaimed, “You guys are the sweetest team we’ve seen yet.” </span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"> </span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">We can learn from the success and mistakes of sports uniform branding.</span></strong><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;\"> You might want to consider creating a new logo when your company makes a change. If you change your mission statement or services you should consider doing a re-branding. The new logo or corporate identity created should be done simultaneously. You want to show this improvement in your approach and in all of your company’s materials. The change in your look should and will be reflected in the change you made internally within your company. This change in your brand must be calculated and well thought out to convey your message to your target audience and to the general public. At Brand Iron, we have made some great improvements in a company’s identity when they change their message or services. A great example of this is with our clients David, Hicks and Lampert and Caring Hands Chiropractic which can be see <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"../../work.htm\">here</a></span>. </span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;\">For improvements in your brand or suggestions please call us at 303-534-1901.</span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;\">For more information on the history of sports uniforms email Mike  Slife: mslife@brandiron.net</span></p>','Uniform Effect: Branding Your Company to Begin a New Era.','','publish','open','open','','uniform-effect-branding-your-company-to-begin-a-new-era','','','2008-09-15 18:31:23','2008-09-15 22:31:23','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=71',0,'post','',5),(944,7,'2008-09-18 15:10:03','2008-09-18 19:10:03','Brand Iron’s new website is featured on <a href=\"http://cssloaf.com/?start=35\" target=\"_blank\">CSSloaf.com</a>. CSSloaf.com is a UK-based, all in one CSS gallery, an online showcase that displays the top websites from 35 of the best online CSS galleries in the world.\n\n<img class=\"alignleft\" src=\"http://jigsaw.w3.org/css-validator/images/vcss\" alt=\"\" width=\"88\" height=\"31\" />Brandiron.net also adheres to the <a href=\"http://jigsaw.w3.org/css-validator/validator?uri=http%3A%2F%2Fbrandiron.net&amp;profile=css21&amp;usermedium=all&amp;warning=1〈=en\" target=\"_blank\">World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) CSS standards</a>. W3C is an international consortium where member organizations, a full-time staff, and the public work together to develop web standards. W3C\'s mission is: “To lead the World Wide Web to its full potential by developing protocols and guidelines that ensure long-term growth for the Web.” The WC3 director is Tim Berners-Lee, who also happens to be the inventor of the World Wide Web.\n\n<strong>Does your website pass the W3C CSS? Click <a href=\"http://jigsaw.w3.org/css-validator\" target=\"_blank\">here</a> to test your website now.</strong>\n\nYou may be wondering what the heck is CSS?  CSS is an acronym for Cascading Style Sheets, which is a web programming language that defines the layout and presentation of your website. CSS was a revolution in web design, which replaced table-based websites as the standard. There is a possibility that your site is a table-based design and needs to be updated to CSS. The concrete benefits of CSS include:\n<ul>\n	<li>Allows for better Search Engine Optimization (SEO)</li>\n	<li>More precise control of layout</li>\n	<li>Can apply to different media-types, such as mobile phones</li>\n	<li>Has numerous advanced and sophisticated techniques</li>\n</ul>\nDoes your website meet the standards? <a href=\"http://brandiron.net/contact.htm\" target=\"_blank\">Contact us</a> to learn more about how we can help you achieve great web design and results.\n\n<a href=\"http://cssloaf.com/?start=35\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/cssloaf.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"380\" height=\"317\" /></a>\n\n<em>-Andrew Hoffman, Brand Iron\'s Design Bandit</em>','Brand Iron is featured on CSSloaf.com','','publish','open','open','','brand-iron%e2%80%99s-new-website-is-featured-on-cssloafcom','','','2008-09-18 15:10:03','2008-09-18 19:10:03','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=77',0,'post','',0),(945,8,'2008-10-14 11:49:25','2008-10-14 15:49:25','A quick note: From time to time I will be writing about some brands I consider to be bold and who stand out for various reasons.\n\n1] Southwest Airlines – Talk about being bold, unique and different. They have a strong business plan; they connect with their customers; have happy employees; are picking up market share, kicking their competitors’ butt and producing good results in a very tough market.\n\n<object width=\"425\" height=\"344\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/7kcmaD25KP4&hl=en&fs=1\"></param><param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\"></param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/7kcmaD25KP4&hl=en&fs=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" width=\"425\" height=\"344\"></embed></object>\n\n2] Mac – Here is another great example of a company that has clearly defined its own brand, [young, hip, easy to use, putting a young and friendly face with a computer] while going after and negatively defining its competitor, PC, [older, overweight, geeky, out of touch, unreliable, full of bugs and so on]. Talk about pro-actively defining and managing your brand.\n\n<object width=\"425\" height=\"344\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/qcg07U8JkuQ&hl=en&fs=1\"></param><param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\"></param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/qcg07U8JkuQ&hl=en&fs=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" width=\"425\" height=\"344\"></embed></object>\n\n3] Fox News – News has always been news. It was never right or wrong, left or right. As Sargent Friday, from the television series, Dragnet, used to say “just that facts ma’am”. Love them or hate them, Fox News came in seized the opportunity to redefine news as we know it. They must have felt that news had become one-sided and it was time for a new source of news that is “fair and balanced”. Fox has become the clear leader in cable news. Even in our office both parties are represented. We don’t ask which political representation they are affiliated with. We don’t have to, they just ask which news do you watch?\n\n<object width=\"425\" height=\"344\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/fKiQTNDHJiY&hl=en&fs=1\"></param><param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\"></param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/fKiQTNDHJiY&hl=en&fs=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" width=\"425\" height=\"344\"></embed></object>\n\nSo today’s lesson: make your brand bold, effective and the results will follow.\n\nMichael','Brands that stand out','','publish','open','open','','brands-that-stand-out','','','2008-10-14 11:49:25','2008-10-14 15:49:25','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=81',0,'post','',0),(946,7,'2008-10-14 18:53:43','2008-10-14 22:53:43','While the title of this blog may not have been fitting for the majority of the Rockies 2008 season, it was the case on the day of the Brand Iron Partner Event.  Thank you to all of you our partners and clients who joined us for our fabulous hot dog barbecue and adventure to the Rockies game.  Personally, I fried- but of course just on one side of my body.\n\nHowever, the day was a success; it was great to see people making connections and it was excellent for those of us at Brand iron to connect with people on a more casual level.  Here are some pictures from the day.  We had fun and we hope you did too.  Oh yeah, the Rockies won 1-0 on a homerun.\n\n<img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/rock1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" />\n\n<img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/rock2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" />\n\n<img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/rock3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" />\n\n<img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/rock5.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" />\n\n<img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/rock6.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" />\n\n<img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/rock7.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" />\n\n<img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/rock8.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" />\n\n<img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/rock10.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" />\n\n<img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/rock9.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" />','And the Rockies win!!!','','publish','open','open','','and-the-rockies-win','','','2008-10-14 18:53:43','2008-10-14 22:53:43','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=88',0,'post','',0),(947,6,'2008-11-14 18:06:42','2008-11-14 22:06:42','<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><em>Budweiser American Ale</em></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">I first came across this television advertisement for Budweiser American Ale a few Sundays back while watching NBC Sunday Night Football. They are marketing towards their target audience, good start. During the commercial I found it interesting that a Dutch owned company’s (InBev) first new product launch will be called Budweiser American Ale. It made me think, “What are they trying to say?” Is this beer more American than the beers they made in the past?<span> </span>Is it more American than its competition? Or are they just trying to get across that “we are still America’s beer.”</p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">This made me analyze what was said in the commercial. They used Words like “savor” and “new friends”. At the end of the commercial they used this interesting line, “not just a new beer, it’s a whole new ale.” This is definitely an attempt to gain greater market share in the growing micro-brewery market. The scene for this ad was in a local pub or tap house much like Falling Rock Tap house in lower downtown Denver.</p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">They have also launched a website for this new product, which is not uncommon for something new to any market. I did find it interesting that it was the ninth listing down on Google when I searched for “Budweiser American Ale.” It also did not have Google AdWord® support. This led to question, “are they really trying to market this beer to the public?” You would assume it would have been one of the first three in my Google search, if they were truly marketing to the public.</p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">At Brand Iron, we have had clients who use us for their Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Social Media Optimization (SMO) needs. For example, our company, Brand Iron, is the first one on Google on both the search and the Sponsored Links (AdWords®) section.</p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">I guess Budweiser could use our Web-O-Nanza service at the very least. So if you are reading this InBev/ Anheuser-Busch give us a call to help brand and promote your new product.</p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">America.</p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">Side note: I found this <a href=\"http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2006/jun/19/marketingandpr.worldcup2006\">article</a> from the Guardian, a British news source, to be interesting. This was before the Dutch owned company purchased Anheuser-Busch. The summary goes as follows: during the 2006 World Cup, approximately 1000 Dutch football fans were forced to remove their lederhosen in order to gain access to the stadium. The pants had the name of a competing beer (Bavaria) printed on them. FIFA made the decision in order to secure the right of Budweiser, the official sponsor, to advertise exclusively and to prevent ambush marketing by non-sponsors. Bavaria is not a brand of InBev.</p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><em>Written by Mike Slife </em></p>','What Are They Branding?','','publish','open','open','','what-are-they-branding','','','2008-11-14 18:06:42','2008-11-14 22:06:42','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=96',0,'post','',1),(948,8,'2008-11-20 12:09:07','2008-11-20 16:09:07','Since the business environment is more competitive than ever, those who stop spending may stop selling.  Those who take their precious time and money and allocate it wisely will survive and potentially thrive in the current economic environment.  Here are some suggestions to ensure the success of your company and brand.\n\n1. Position yourself to be the best in your space.\n2. Communicate value and why your customers should buy you, your product, or your services over your competition.\n3. Focus your money on revenue- generating activities:\n- Lead generation\n- Expansion within current customers\n- Expansion within market segments you have experience in\n4. Network your ass off. Meet people who are in need of what you have to offer.\n5. Make sure you have enough touches (usually 7-12) with your clients, suspects and prospects to reach your goals and objectives.\n6. Pick up the phone and call people.\n7. Be pro-active and plan to excel, not just survive.\n\nDo these things and you\'ll be around, so when the market picks back up, you\'ll be way ahead of your competition.\n\n<em>Written by Michael Doyle, Brand Iron President</em>','Branding during the recession','','publish','open','open','','branding-during-the-recession','','','2008-11-20 12:09:07','2008-11-20 16:09:07','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=108',0,'post','',1),(949,4,'2008-11-25 11:17:45','2008-11-25 11:17:45','McDonalds recently launched a new Quarter Pounder brand in Toyko. Thus far, it’s creating quite the stir in the branding world due to the fact the McDonald’s “Golden arches” are nowhere to be found.\n\n<img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"meal\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/Golden%20Arches%20Images/Picture1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"540\" height=\"372\" />\n\n<img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"image2\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/Golden%20Arches%20Images/Picture3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"540\" height=\"390\" />\n\nAccording to Business Week (September 19, 2008), McDonalds ranks #8 on the Best 100 Global Brands lists. (Note: the only other restaurant brand that cracked the Top 100 was KFC at #64.)\n\n<strong>With $37 billion in brand revenue – the big question is “Why would they deviate from their dominate brand?” </strong>\nMy only guess to why they would not use the brand they have spent decades and billions creating, is that they want to generate internet buzz around their new product offering. (Hey, it’s working right?)  I imagine this campaign will not rollout worldwide – but the new “no frills bundling” of this McDonald’s classic will be coming to a normally-branded McDonalds near you.\n\nAfter the buzz has reached nearly every web-savy, fast-food consumer / pop culture junkie, I think they will ditch the black and red “no brand” and you will soon be able to walk into a McDonalds and order the no frills “Quarter Pounder” meal. No choices. No questions. No sizes to choose from. Actually, there is just one choice: single or double:\n<img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"image3\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/Golden%20Arches%20Images/Picture2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"540\" height=\"178\" />\n\nI think there are some things every business can learn from this.\n• Creating buzz takes time, money and a great idea\n• You can touch a lot of people thru the web\n• Interesting and unique news travels fast\n• Doing something controversial creates buzz\n\nMcDonalds has created a pseudo-brand and an entire network of stores in Toyko to drive web excitement around their new product. Most of us develop product sheets and an email blast to inform our customers and to drive excitement. Clearly, when you want BIG results, you need BIG ideas.\n\nIf you want to get to the next level, you need a unique idea that will set you apart from the competition and the gall to do it. Nice job McDonalds.\n\nAt Brand Iron, we’ll help you get outside the box when you want to create excitement around your brand. We’ll develop plans, creative ideas and tactics that will get noticed and will get your audience talking.\n\n<em>- Josh Barker, Brand Wrangler</em>','The “No Brand” – by McDonalds, an internet buzz sensation','','publish','open','open','','the-%e2%80%9cno-brand%e2%80%9d-%e2%80%93-by-mcdonalds-an-internet-buzz-sensation','','','2011-10-12 22:50:40','2011-10-12 22:50:40','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=114',0,'post','',3),(950,6,'2008-11-26 11:51:28','2008-11-26 15:51:28','<p class=\"MsoNormal\">This week the Brighton High School (Colorado) administration decided that students with the Grenade Gloves <a href=\"http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x91/camaroboyz28/offroadrace054.jpg\">sticker</a> on their automobiles will receive severe disciplinary action if they were not removed immediately. School Administrators called it “offensive” and a “symbol of terrorism”.</p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">To begin, this is in direct conflict with our freedom of speech, not to mention that the owner of Grenade Gloves, Danny Kass, is a two-time Olympic silver medalist. Grenades slogan is actually “<a href=\"http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3241/2437773036_8c51b9ba84.jpg?v=0\">Make Gloves Not War</a>”.</p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">The school eventually reversed its decision and allowed the students to park their cars on school property with the Grenade stickers on the windows. This has resulted in a great opportunity for Grenade Gloves to get some free national media attention. The window is closing fast on this story and Grenade needs to proactively respond I a positive fashion. They have an opportunity to bring their company and products to the forefront of controversy and all national media sources.<span> </span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">Grenade Gloves was just served up a softball pitch right over the plate and did not seize the opportunity. This is any company’s dream: a story that you did not have to create by doing anything besides make the product that you sell.<span> </span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">Public relations is a very effective piece of every strategic marketing plan. We understand the important media impact of a story, good or bad. Please give us a call to talk about public relations and how it can play a strategic role in your company’s external image.</p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><em>Written by Mike Slife.</em></p>','Brighton High School, Serving up PR for Grenade Gloves','','publish','open','open','','brighton-high-school-serving-up-pr-for-grenade-gloves','','','2008-11-26 11:51:28','2008-11-26 15:51:28','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=116',0,'post','',1),