“If competitors aren’t bewildered or infuriated by what you’re doing, and if industry observers and even customers don’t think you’re a little nuts, then you’re probably not doing anything that will break you from the grips of the Copycat Economy.”  Oren Harari, author of Break From The Pack 

So.  How curious, cool, & crazy is your business?  

Would your customers admit they knew you, or say you were a necessary evil? Would they say you’re predictable or that you keep things fresh?  Are you a trend setter or a trend follower?

Admittedly, Oberata Consulting is not in the Cool Hall of Fame like the Fonz, Elvis, or Ashton Kutcher.  But I’m working on a lot of these things.  Won’t you join me?  Maybe after a while we can “be cool and rule” together.

DESIGN

If you designed your business logo or website yourself, it probably sucks (unless you’re a designer, in which case it may still suck, from what I’ve seen).  The simple message:  hire a design professional!  

May I show you Exhibit A?  First is the logo that I designed when I first began my consulting company in 2005. Then beneath that is my current logo by leftlane designs.

My Microsoft Word Logo Creation

The current Oberata logo by leftlane designs

No explanation needed, right?  

Ladies and gentlemen, design is a necessary – even crucial – business expense.  Can’t we skip it?  NO!  Buyers are so image-driven, they buy based on emotion, design, and perceived value.  That’s it.  Your design should be memorable and powerful.  It should communicate visually what you and your company are all about.  Most of all, you must love it.

When you give your business card to someone, it should say ‘BOOM’.

Ditto your website.  There’s nothing more painful, frustrating, or downright sinful as a lousy website.  Hire a pro!

Next installment:  make outlandish promises, establish a culture of risk