Tag Archives: customers

BlackBerry targets the best and brightest women in the UK for BlackBerry Scholars program

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aliciakeysBlackBerry Scholars Program – a multi-level strategy to engage young women across the globe in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

BlackBerry is reaching out to women in the UK to urge them to apply for the new BlackBerry Scholars Program, an initiative designed to inspire women globally to enter and develop careers in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Led by BlackBerry Global Creative Director, Alicia Keys the BlackBerry Scholars program will offer ten full, four year university scholarships to outstanding female candidates. The BlackBerry Scholars Program is available to women across the UK and will provide scholarships to outstanding applicants who are seeking degrees at accredited local colleges and universities in the areas of STEM across the UK.

“Women are underrepresented in fields of science and technology, and we feel strongly that it’s time to drive a change,” said BlackBerry Global Creative Director, Alicia Keys. “It’s important to connect the dots for young women in school and college, and show them that careers in science and technology are within their reach. And when women do land these jobs, it’s vital they receive the mentoring and support they need to advance in their careers. I’m proud BlackBerry is demonstrating leadership in women’s education, both in school and in the workplace, and giving back to its most loyal users in such a profound way.”

Applications are now open to candidates in the UK, who are interested in the scholarship, and will close on June 26 2013. The scholars will be selected by a panel of inspirational and accomplished women, led by Alicia Keys, who will recruit candidates based on their academic merit and passion for entering the mobile computing industry.

This scholarship program is the first step in BlackBerry’s long-term commitment and multi-tiered strategy to engage young women at every step of their education from school to college, and as they rise through their careers. As more than 55% of BlackBerry customers are women, BlackBerry aims to champion this generation of female leaders as they strive to achieve their ambitions in this highly-competitive industry.

For those interested application is now open and will close on June 26, 2013. For more information about the program, eligibility requirements, and how to apply, please visit www.blackberry.com/scholars.  Please spread the word on Twitter by using #BBScholars.

The Importance Of Branding

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Having a strong brand is important. It doblog_angle-brand-imageesn’t matter if you are an author working from home or a huge marketing consultancy with hundreds of staff. How you present yourself to your customers, clients, and staff, as well as online is always important.

Brand Guidelines

You’ll probably find that when you started your business you already had an idea of how you were going to conduct yourself and show off your company.

You should take these ideas and write them down. These are your brand guidelines. They could be as simple as using your logo on all correspondence or you could go into more detail with the fonts you use, the way you speak and the clothes you and your staff wear.

Ask Your Customers

If you are unsure as to what you brand is, or should be, then ask your customers as they’ll be able to give you a less-biased opinion than your friends and family. Market research like this gives you a good idea of where you stand in the market, how your customers perceive you and if your actions are portraying the right image.

Instantly Recognisable

The great thing about building a brand is that you can create something that is instantly recognisable, even when your brand name isn’t visible. For example, if people know your logo well, they’re likely to think of you when an envelope arrives on their desk in those colours.

Expectations

Your branding can also tell customers what to expect. Elegant, swirling fonts and colours such as gold and deep red just scream opulence. You must live up to these expectations though, if your branding doesn’t match what you sell or the service you offer then you’ll either end up disappointing your customers or attracting the wrong ones.

Cut Through The Noise

If you do something controversial, different or exciting with your brand then you are likely to get noticed. This might be an amazing advertising campaign, an unlikely mascot (meerkats, anyone?) or a very honest approach to the business and customers.

This is how people will remember you and there’s always the likelihood that something you do might go viral and sky rocket the brand to fame.

Brand Advocates

If you can get a high profile figure on board with your brand then people are going to start to take note. It’s no good asking a footballer to be the face of your new chocolate bar as the two don’t really fit together. However, a celeb chef known for her love of chocolate would work brilliantly.

Stick To It

Once you have some your branding sorted, stick to it. People will come to recognise the brand and that’s only useful if you continue to use it. This might be on promotional material, uniforms, stationary, or on your website.

There might come a time when you want to rebrand but this should be done carefully and only when your current brand is so out-of-date that it no longer represents you and your company.

Take a look at this article on Richard Schaeffer Liquid Holdings to give you an idea of how to brand yourself as an individual.