The image portrayed by a business or organization may be created through a planned marketing and branding campaign. By putting out specific information about your business through print materials and advertisements such as billboards, brochures, and handouts, you are able to present your visions and philosophies to the public.
A different type of company image may also be created by building relationships within the community through the various projects in which the company is involved. I’m not referring to paid sponsorships or advertising, rather to events and projects in which your employees are activly involved that allow the public to see a different side of your company. By displaying concern and dedication and being associated with positive events in our community, people will begin to associate your business or organization in a positive way also. Although it may not be immediate, you will see a return on your investment.
I’ve been honored to be a part of the Think Hopkins.com effort, helping to spread a positive image of our community. We are creating various initiatives to highlight Hopkins in a unique way, such as our Historical Walking Tour Brochure or the new Shopping/Dining Guide for Hopkins. We have exciting events occurring around our community all the time – annual celebrations like the Raspberry Festival and unique events such as the 2008 US Women’s Open at Interlachen Country Club. Along Excelsior Boulivard in Hopkins we are seeing flags that promote the Open. People who aren’t going to the Open will see the flags, and that can affect their perception of Hopkins in a positive way. And people who are going to the Open might not visit Hopkins during the event, but with the flags and shopping/dining guide we can encourage them to come back afterwards.
We will see a return on investment by building a positive image through association with quality and exciting events. The Hopkins Business & Civic Association continually encourages business and organizations to be involved in the community activities, which will build their own operations. For more ideas, I encourage to stop by our website at HopkinsBiz.com or visit ThinkHopkins.com to see events in which you may want to get involved.
