Buy-In: In order to understand how system will function, it’s critical to put together a company “task force”. This group should consist of employee’s that will be using CRM on a daily basis in order to put together a list of requirements. Make them feel apart of process so they will welcome change once CRM is put into place and be excited to use it.

Training: Proper training on effectively using CRM is crucial to your success.

Consistency: Honoring and respecting CRM is key. The more information you put into CRM, better your reporting will be.

Accountability Enforce policy by making users accountable for quantitative results they produce. Let them know that performance will be measured by informational reports that come out of CRM, such as whether people are hitting quotas, setting realistic projections, or addressing customer support issues in a timely manner.

Achieve break through performance to common barriers of cross-communication in your organization. Cost effectively measure and control most important asset every business owner must understand: your customers. After all, if you are not effectively measuring weak areas, you will not have critical information you need to improve and control.

Generate media coverage about your brand All that professional and community involvement will certainly lead to opportunities to leverage that involvement into news about brand called you. And, of course, there will be promotions, new assignments, and awards at work, too. More opportunities to make headlines.

Your achievements are of interest to local print, broadcast, and online media, particularly business pages. In Charlotte, Observer has a weekly feature called On The Move spotlighting someone in a new position. The Charlotte Business Journal has a similar feature called Moving Up. If it is a big enough move and your company won’t do it, pay estimated $150 to place it on BusinessWire or PR Newswire. Consider it an investment in your future. Don’t forget trade publications serving your industry and alumni publications.

Seek out speaking engagements and write guest articles, too. This is yet another way to publicize your brand. And don’t forget to do news releases when you make a speech or write an article. It’s all about merchandising.

To stay top of mind, you might even want to develop your own monthly e-newsletter like Think, Hoover ink publication. Keep it mostly informational and limit commercial material.

Stay in touch, or renew old ties with friends, family and business associates Everyone you know can be a brand ambassador for you, so stay in touch or reach out to those you haven’t talked with for a while.

Yet another reason for having a monthly newsletter that shares your expertise.

The network of contacts you have built over your lifetime will be instrumental if you decide to start your own business, or change jobs.

So, heed this word of advice: always deal fairly with people. One bad experience with your brand can negate 10 positive ones.

Now, get out there and start branding.