THE IMPORTANCE OF A GREAT LOGO

Before I go any further, I want to take a moment to stress the importance of a good logo. Of course, swag isn't swag (really) without a logo. And a good one is clean, uncluttered and memorable (If I say "Coca-Cola," I'm sure you can clearly envision their logo, without even having to think about it. That's a great example of a great logo.) Logo designers are a dime a dozen these days, and most, I've found, are great, as long as you can communicate clearly what you want. And it doesn't cost a fortune. You can get great logo design for just $149.

Be sure to take a look at some examples of work they've done, and be able to articulate the impression you want to make with your logo (elegant? hip? serious? fun? funky?). Once you've communicated that, ask that they give you two or three (at least) examples from which to choose. (A word of advice: don't decide on-the-spot, and don't feel pressured to do so. Sleep on it, as you will be using this logo -- if you planned well -- for a long, long time. It will become your image, your BRAND. So, that's not something to take lightly, or to rush.)

Once you've gotten a logo you're happy with, start putting it on whatever you can, so that people can become familiar with you, as quickly as possible: business cards, promotional items, such as hats, pens, even USB devices (like the one I mentioned in a previous posting.)

Bottom line: get a logo you love, and get it out there!