When creating a logo and developing print brand guidelines, have some written guidelines. Whether you are a one person business, or an established business, create written documentation for all employees to follow. This will help ensure brand consistency with your logo and image out in the marketplace. Assign a person, or persons, to randomly check all outgoing email correspondences, as well as snail mail letters, ad slicks, new form creation, marketing and signage. The written guidelines should: include how, when and where the logo can be used; specific PMS ink colors, specific acceptable fonts, establish proportions and specify stock, medium or material. Even with these guidelines, you will still experience some exceptions.

My good friend Bob Bailie provided me with these rules. He has developed them over the past 40 years and they have helped him become very successful; thought I would share them

1. Don’t gamble with things you can’t afford to lose.
2. Don’t do business with unpleasant or dishonest people.
3. Hire the best people, pay them well, and get out of their way.
4. If you pay enough attention to the downside of any transaction, the upside will take care of itself.
5. Associate with only the best professionals; lawyer, accountant, banker, insurance.