Just the other day I had the most delicious encounter with a cake vendor right outside my office. The vendor and the accompanying gentleman were charmingly polite, charismatic and fashioned in the best uniforms I’ve ever seen on a street vendor. I purchased two items from the gentleman. Although the sales pitch was sure and the look to the vendors were together I could never come back for more.

The actual product was delicious, so great that I wanted to order an entire cake for my family. Again, I reflected on how wonderful the product was but I have no email, no phone number, not a website nor another way to encounter the vendor aside from another chance meeting.

I see this take place often with music. There is a power held in branding  that will take you far if you simply understand and respect the concepts. Music is made to influence, evoke emotion and move the mind into place unimaginable. Branding is subtle and noninvasive, it’s not meant to be intrusive. Take a second to inspect your space. You have more than three brands in your immediate space right now. As I sit here writing this article I see my Apple, Blackberry w/T-mobile logo, Brother printer, X-Acto sharpener, RCA TV, ALTEC Speakers etc. The brand is subtle but it exist as friendly reminder to the customer; it says “buy buy buy again and again”.

As artist this art should be understood and respected. Companies, especially record labels, pay top dollar for the best marketing personnel they can find. What makes you, “an unknown act” think you can afford to half step? Great case study, like him or not, would be Sean Combs. The guy is branding king, Advertising age names Ciroc as one of 2010′s top brands. Keyword’s “brand” they never said it taste good or it’s good for your; it’s simply the brand. If he can do it so can you! .

Take a look at your Casio G Shock and see the time, it’s time to work!

• Be sure to have appropriate names and contact information on your product. I’m sure you want people to contact you.
• Have a valid website! It’s 2011 and most people will look you up before calling.
• Be sure to link all your branding tools. Your facebook, linked In, Twitter and website should not all have different logos and different information.
• Try SEO, use the keywords to have people find you.
• Be interactive. Engage your consumer! They are the most important aspect of your business!
• Know your market! Market research will be very necessary for you and your team.
• What have you done that works!?
• Most important have it look great! It doesn’t cost much to provide a quality look to a potential buyer.
• Always have a platform for the customer to buy! Links, Links and more links