10 Rules of Positive Branding

1. Be visionary. Allow your brand to imagine new ways of doing things
2. Be customer focused. Know who your audience is and don't lose sight of their needs.
3. Celebrate successes. Publicize your triumphs and share your joy.
4. Be grateful. Let your stakeholders know how important they are to your success.
5. Avoid petty criticism of competitors. Focus on partnerships for a better future.
6. Stand for something. Let your audience know how you share your success and give back.
7. Build on others' ideas. Your brand doesn't exist in a vacuum. Your path forward does not have to be created from scratch.
8. Raise your partners' brands. Promote the successes of those who help your brand rise.
9. Maintain balance between business and personal aspects of customer relationships. Focus on the person first before you focus on how to sell to them.
10. Seek mentors and guidance. You are stronger when you invite others to join you on your branding journey.

Raoul Davis is a Partner at Ascendant Group and the co-author of FIRESTARTERS: How Innovators, Instigators, and Initiators Can Inspire You to Ignite Your Own Life