Cammie Dunaway, who received her MBA from Harvard Business School and currently works for KidZania spoke about how to build a brand.

She started off by saying that a brand is simply a promise (to your consumers) and that it takes focus and discipline to build a great one. Then she shared 13 tips for branding. They are the following:

1. Know what you want to be when you grow up. (Dream big like kids!)

*Write a mission statement.

*Clear articulation of your goals/objectives.  (Put them on paper or share them with someone.)

*Check in frequently.

Apple is a great example.

2. Understand what makes you different (and special). What makes you stand out?

*Avoid the catch-all

*Discover who you are and what you stand for

*Keep it 15 words or less. (What makes your eyes light up?)

"There is no one alive that is you-er than you." - Dr. Seuss

3. Be a BFF.

*Understand their aspirations and desires.

*Connect on an emotional level.

American Girl and Starbucks are great examples.

4. Be a good listener.

*2 way conversation

*Get to know them using social media. (Don't be afraid to engage/answer back.)

Everyone wants to be heard.

5. Develop your own distinctive style.

*Consistent visual identity.

*Apply to everything (logos, tweets, profile picture and business cards)

Target is a great example.

6. Find your voice.

*Identify 3 things you want to be known for.

*Write key message.

*Use a tone that fits brand.

*Use it consistently -- even in your answering message.

Oprah is a great example.

7. Be true to who you are.

*Make a sincere connection.

*Be authentic. (Don't try to be something you aren't.)

Nintendo is a great example.

8. Use all the tools in your tool belt.

*Social media, promotions, partnerships

*Watch trends.

*Reward your audience (for loyalty).

Nintendo is a great example.

9. Use your inside and outside voice.

*Build awareness.

*Stay top of mind. (Network, speak, write guest editorials and do media interviews)

10. Don't be afraid to try something new.

*Keep your brand fresh. (Evolve with the times.)

*Stay one step ahead.

*Be willing to take a risk.

11. Learn and grow.

*Measure your progress.

*Set clear goals.

*Create targets.

*Track them.

(Analyze and access data against goals.)

12. If you fall, get back up.

*Be honest and admit your faults.

*Share your plan to make it better. (No one is perfect.)

13. Play for passion.

*Stay passionate about your mission.

*Be the best around.

Quit when it stops being fun!