What is Branding?

 

Delta Kappa Gamma International is currently looking at the Society’s branding. Do members and potential members recognize our organization as “Leading Women Educators - Impacting Education Worldwide”?

A brand is a simple mental model that represents, collectively, what people feel, think, and say about a product, service, or organization, and where meaning is established over time through consistent positive experiences and engagements.

A brand says “This is what I am. This is why I exist. If you agree, if you like me, support me, join our organization, and recommend me to your friends.” It’s what sticks in your mind associated with a product, service, or organization.

Branding is as vital to the success of an organization as having financial coherence or having a vision for the future. A brand is represented by the intangible elements of promise, perceptions, expectations, and persona. The tangible elements include a logo and messaging.

Bottom-line, a brand is clear, reliable, and believable to your members and potential members. Branding is convincing that voice in someone's head to be on your side and to join you.

Do you think members and potential members instantly recognize our brand? Why or why not?

Overlooked Email Courtesies

 

You have an important update for your chapter. You type a short, to-the- point email. That is appreciated on the receiving end. But you spoil it all by putting everyone’s email address in the “To” portion.  To do so is considered poor manners by many, but it is really unacceptable from a privacy stance. Most group emails should have the addresses put in the “Bcc” slot. There are a few exceptions, but making a habit of using Bcc is really best.

You just received an email from someone in DKG. Do you just delete it or do you quickly send a reply? Common courtesy suggests that you reply with at least a “Thank you” or “Got it.” You don’t have to write volumes, but a brief reply lets the writer know that the email was received. This courtesy alone would eliminate a multitude of questions and worry that emails are not being delivered.

Will you make an effort to reply to all DKG emails and use Bcc when appropriate?