• Create Your Kidmin Brand
Did you know there are 7,000 varieties of apples in the world? But they are all apples! Did you know there are over 1,000 varieties of bananas? But they are all bananas! Every fruit is a unique kind, but each kind has multiple varieties. When I have traveled overseas, I have encountered varieties of fruit common to here, but very different in size, color and shape.
Like these kinds of fruits, there are different varieties of ministries. This summer I attended a Luis Palau Conference with 150 evangelists. I noticed that all these evangelists had difference expressions of evangelism. Even though there were different manifestations of their giftedness—they were all very gifted evangelists! This diversity creates their unique identity—how they become known.
This is also true among children’s ministers. Not all children’s ministers are the same. There are varieties in children’s ministry, but by the same Spirit who manifests diversity among us. Much of children’s ministry is very much alike from church to church. However, the longer we serve the more our uniqueness shows up.
What is your unique identity or your signature contribution to children’s ministry? For some this identity comes quickly, for others it is a process that takes time. Usually, we have some help with this. Others speak up about who we are and what we do. However, once we find it, this identity becomes the content of your “Marketing Brand.”
So here some things to consider that might help you identify your unique brand of ministry to children.
1. Find a Creative Name This name becomes the “essence” of you—what you do in the world of kids. It needs to be unique. It needs to identify you and the “niche” that you can fill in the Kidmin world—not a copy of someone else’s brand. This can take some time in ministry to discover, but a great find! (Kidhelper, Kidologist, Storylady, Kidartologist, Kidmagnet)
2. Visually Represent Your Name Identity Find a photo, a graphic, or a logo. This avatar will be your quick reference brand that is always about you. You want it to stand out and not be confused with others.
3. Discover a Tagline, Slogan or a Subtitle. This by-line kind of tag that modifies or explains your brand name—what you are really about. Go to your own personal vision for this—hopefully, it is related. Example: Encourage and Equip children’s ministry leaders!
4. Develop Meaningful Graphics These words could be symbolized in a graphic or avatar. Then it can be used in brochures and publications describing your identity graphically. This features the memorable aspects of your brand, so that it stands out. This is like a “visual stamp” that identifies you and your brand.
5. Find Repetitive References The challenge is to make use of your logo, tagline, graphic in all your printed material. (i.e., stationery, business card, letterhead, brochures, flyers, and social media, email, Internet, etc.)
6. Describe your Services Honestly Find a Unique Selling Proposition (USP). This is what you advertise and market. Be sure followers feel you lived up to your brand promises. If you’re a one-person business, your brand personality might resonate with your personality.
7. Stand for Professionalism Set a high standard when using your branding. Live up to your slogans and promises. It is better to under promise, and over deliver. Avoid promoting what you do not have in place. There is a big difference between what you want to do and what you have a track record of actually doing.
Challenge: Pray for your brand, and develop this identity! Once you find it, embrace it. It will grow with you.
B. Kinard ©2013, Rights reserved, www.Kidhelper.com
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