Published on: 30 October 2021
Last Updated on: 18 January 2025
In the last few years, more and more businesses are realizing the importance of branding. As against sales and marketing, businesses know that branding is essential for the long-term vision, sustainability, and growth of an organization.
While many businesses have made the mistake of equating branding with marketing, there is growing awareness that the two are separate in form and function. This is leading many businesses to invest in strategic branding experts that can help them.
In this resource article, we are going to look at five factors that businesses should consider before hiring branding experts, consultants, or strategists. If you are a business owner looking to invest in a long-term branding exercise, this article will guide you in the right direction.
How can a Branding Expert help a Business: What you need to know
Before we get to the list of factors that should be considered, it would be better if we discuss how a branding expert can help a business in the first place.
Business owners are in agreement that branding is important. What they do not know is how they should proceed. Many have the mistaken assumption that branding is only logo designing, social media presence, and marketing!
While this is not entirely false, the above constitutes just about 5% of what branding is all about.
In reality, a branding expert can help a business optimize three main focus areas about the brand-
Tangible Visual Properties- photoshoots, imagery, social media presence, logo designs, color schemas, fonts, website, blog section, and videos.
Tangible Textual Content- brand motto, values, culture, mission statement, blog articles, slogans or taglines, social media copy, and content.
Intangible Brand Promise- credibility, culture, personality, trust, levels and positioning, perception, experiences, customer service, and support.
As you can see from what we have mentioned above, this is a fairly exhaustive list of topics. An experienced and credible branding expert will help you address all the above goals and objectives.
List of 5 Factors to Consider when Hiring a Branding Expert for your Business
1. Creativity-
While technical specializations are an important aspect of the digital age, you want the branding expert/consultant/agency to be creative. Some of the leading brand strategists like Bennet Schwartz have several years of experience as Creative Director. Creativity is an essential factor you should look at as branding is all about good storytelling that captures audiences.
2. Experience-
Being great at branding requires years of experience. This is not something you can get up and get good at. It requires sophistication, expertise, and years of executing marketing and social media strategies. Great branding experts that lead organizations are often Creative Directors with a graphic design or copywriting background. You need to look for at least five years.
3. Past Client Credentials-
If you are lucky enough to get a branding expert that has worked with a business in your niche, you are on the right path. Even if you do not get one, the key is to look at past client portfolios. Ask the agency or expert to take you through the kind of work they did. Focus on both the creative as well as the technical ROIs. Do not hire someone before establishing credentials.
4. Timelines and ROIs on the Project-
Small trick- if the branding expert says that they will get you the moon and stars within six months, they are lying. You should bail immediately. Experts will tell you that branding is a long-term gain where you need to invest for at least two or three years to start seeing results. It is best to get a definite answer in this regard as it will help guide your business expectations.
5. Prices, Payment Structures, and Affordability-
This ultimately depends on what you are asking the branding agency to do. If you want the whole suite of what we mentioned in the earlier sections, you are looking at sizable costs. However, you can always break it up into stages and ensure incremental payments. Make sure to discuss the same with the agency so that there are no problems later on the payment front.
The Final Word
Branding differs from business to business. It is a completely individualized experience that comes with a customized strategy. In other words, what worked for one brand might not necessarily work for someone else. This is something that separates great branding experts from the ones who are just in the market to make some money. If you have any questions, you would like us to address, please let us know in the comments below.
Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.
With regards to the subject of contamination, numerous pieces of the world's saltwater bodies are in genuine threat. The defilement of the world's seas proceeds apparently unpunished and the impacts are ending up perpetually obvious, as fish stocks are in a sharp decrease in numerous regions and for different species. Numerous nations' administrations moreover don't do what's needed to help secure marine territories, as they have free laws on the books regarding the matter and don't prevail to actualize the guidelines that are set up. Not really, in any case, with regards to the legislature of Alaska, which has played an overwhelming job in saving the Alaskan fisheries, realizing very well indeed that feasible angling ensures our seas for what's to come.
Actually, the very state constitution of Alaska commits a whole segment to manage the theme of normal asset the board, and fish stocks specifically something that can't be said of some other state constitution in the nation. With the issue continually having been paid attention to vary by the state government, the climax of many years of research and guideline have luckily made the Alaskan marine living spaces among the most unblemished and solid on the planet, with the items leaving these waters being desired all inclusive for their prevalent dietary benefit and flavor. Similarly, as supportable angling ensures our seas for the future, it likewise ensures a proceeded with the supply of pay for some Alaskan families that luckily can keep on basing their jobs of this movement.
There is maybe no other case of fish the board that can profess to be so staggeringly efficient, composed, and executed. The Alaskan government works next to each other neighborhood and national accomplices to help ensure the achievement of supportability activities, and even gives a stage to numerous logical research gatherings (situated in colleges and autonomous associations, for example, NGOs) to lead tests and bring information that assistance keep the marine natural surroundings in pinnacle structure. With the confinements set on angling armadas, the Alaskan waters happen to be among the cleanest on the planet. Extremely, the circumstance in Alaska merits the profound respect of each individual that professes to have the planet's advantages as the main priority and praises the thought that economical angling ensures our seas for what's to come.
Eating Maui-Style:
The Hawaiian style luau is viewed as an imperative piece of each Maui get-away. A traditional luau offers the best approach to encounter the sustenance and cultural traditions of the Maui. Customary luau food involves delicacies like Kalua Pig, Poi and Poke, Hawaiian sweet potatoes, and Chicken Luau. Daily luaus are facilitated all through Maui cultures. However, the most bona fide is located on Front Street in the Lahaina area and called the Old Lahaina Luau. The menu offering at another popular joint called the Lele offers a sophisticated gourmet take on the traditional luau menu.
Many general stores like the Haliimaile located at upstate Maui stocks the best in neighborhood Hawaiian cooking. One of the most loved afternoon dishes is crab Boboli. Several fish delicacies which are daily available on the menu are dependably a decent decision. While a bit much for lunch, supper reservations are unequivocally suggested.
The sea encompassing Maui gives an abundance of fresh fish for the eateries situated on Maui. Cafes are no doubt acquainted with fishes like Ahi and Mahimahi. However, other fishes, which frequently pop up on the menu, include- Opakapaka Ono, Moi, Opah, Monchong, Onaga, and Shutome. The best feature of the fish here is its near perfect freshness. Fish-based dishes occupy the menu of almost every eatery on Maui.
Combination nourishment blossoms with Maui. The mixing of American, Japanese, Thai, Italian, French, Vietnamese, Swiss, Chinese, and Korean, cooking styles show up on menus throughout Maui. The most famous eatery on Maui is called the ‘Sansei Seafood Restaurant’. Another establishment called the ‘Sushi Bar’ contests the best restaurant tag. Sansei has three premises- Kihei, Kapalua, and Maui. Sansei is well known on Maui and if you are visiting it, we suggest you get a reservation done.
At the point when in the township of Lahaina, coffee shops can appreciate an extraordinary supper on Front Street at the Aloha Mixed Plate. Situated alongside the traditionally beautiful, Lahaina Luau, this easygoing eatery seats burger joints in shoreline and seafront lined gardens. Patrons enjoy numerous Maui luau with the plate lunch being the most opted item.
The Maui sustenance experience ought to dependably incorporate crisp fish and privately developed organic product. For a genuinely novel Maui treat, guests can buy potato chips produced using Maui developed onions and reddish brown potatoes and created in nearby industrial facilities. The famous chips have been anointed as the ‘best’ of all forms of potato chips available in the region.
Maui inns and resorts, for the most part, include a few eateries taking into account the requirements of their visitors. On account of nearby guidelines, most facilities offering BnB facilities (Bed and Breakfast) don't give in excess of a new organic product bin for breakfast. In such cases, Maui guests are free to stopover at other retreat properties Global Seafoods for feasting.
Guests to Maui will never have any issue discovering nourishment to fulfill any hankering. Island eateries having some expertise in world cuisines like Italian food and American food are not hard to find. Maui visitors aching for fond food memories of their motherland will appreciate Cheeseburgers at the famous Paradise or head out to the Hard Rock Café for a territory American feasting background.
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Although they may already have a traditional 9-to-5 job, many people today are slowly beginning to realize that in order to have financial security, and they need to have multiple sources of income. Because of it, many people are looking to give up their daily jobs in order to become self-sufficient and start their own businesses. Even if they prefer not to completely leave their job, the general population has already realized that with the economic strain on income generated these days, they will need to have more than one source of income.
Unfortunately, people are generally hesitant to do so and they might have a valid reason too. Starting your own business is not as easy as it sounds; in fact, successful entrepreneurs seem to think that if anything it is even harder than it used to be because of the many restraints present in today’s world. The main restraint being the amount of funding required in starting a business which, due to inflation, has gone up day by day. However, there still are many other options one can take to start a successful business which does not require a huge sum of money so here are 6 low investment business ideas that you can start today.
1. Offering services:
While every business idea does require at least little funding, offering services to people requires no funding cost at all. It is a great way to earn money if you are looking to avoid taking small business loans or any other loan although that might be beneficial for some people. There are many services you can perform that do not require funding and are easy to master too as described below.
Recruitment Services: Many local small or mid-scale businesses are interested in hiring suitable employees, and you could provide that service for them. It only requires you to build a database of potential employees and match them to the respective companies depending on what they’re looking for. If the person you recommended does get hired, they will pledge their first month’s salary or part of the salary to you, and in this way, you can earn money without investing a heavy amount of money.
Party Planning: Providing party planning services might be a hectic job, but it is a job that pays well. Many people will pay a good amount of money to avoid going through the hassle of party planning and this is where you can provide that service for them. It won’t require any of your investment, and you can easily make a profit off of it. Once you’re experienced enough, this can easily be turned into a full-time job and then you can look to further expand your business.
2. Online Freelancing:
In today’s modern world, almost every one of us has access to an internet connection and a computer, online freelancing is one of the best options, if not the best, you can still take it if you’re looking to avoid a major business investment. If you feel like you possess an IT skill that people are willing to pay for, online freelancing is the way to go. With various freelancing portals like Fiverr or freelancing.com already available to you, all you have to do is to invest in a decent computer and a fair internet connection (if you don’t already have one).
3. Marketing Services:
Businesses are always looking to expand their market reach and many local businesses in your area will be looking to do exactly that. That presents an opportunity for you as it is a service you can provide through either affiliate marketing or digital marketing, both of which require little to no investment at all. If you’re going the affiliate marketing route, the companies will provide you with their products that you’ll have to sell or the operations you have to advertise, so none of your investment is in play.
Similar is the case with digital marketing in which companies are always looking for digital marketers to be able to provide marketing copy that is search engine optimization (SEO) friendly and can transform websites visitors into actual customers. You can provide this service through the comfort of your home provided you have an internet connection and a computer.
4. Online Product Marketer/Seller:
Online product marketer or seller is somewhat similar to affiliate marketing with the only difference being that you’ll have to sell products directly to customers online. The only requirement from you will be to be familiar with the directory of the products of the company, and you won’t have to have any of your investment. The more products you’ll sell the higher you’ll earn as the earning is directly related to the commission made selling a product. Online market places like eBay and Alibaba have this option, and you can easily master it as it requires no real training.
5. Being a personal assistant:
There are a lot of people who will pay a handsome salary to get all of their work organized and are looking for a personal assistant. Although this does require you to be available at times your employer demands so it may put a strain on your job; however, once you get around the timings, it is an easy to do a job that requires no investment and pays well. If you feel like this isn't the job for you, then its alternative is available which is to become an online assistant.
6. Social media consultant:
With almost one billion people using popular social media today, businesses are looking to promote their products/service on social media. You can provide this service for them, and all you’ll have to do is to search for the right people/pages online and market the products to them. This is a risk-free business that required almost no investment since you can do this even from the comfort of your phone.
Read More :
1. Make Your Business Popular Online
2. Building A Brand For Your Small Business
3. Top 5 Types Of Startup Business Loans
Kale is one of the most nutritious and versatile greens you can grow in your garden. It's packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber and can be used in salads, soups, smoothies, and more. But how do you harvest kale throughout the year so that you can enjoy it fresh and crisp and also make it last longer?
In this article, I will show you how to harvest kale so it keeps growing, how to harvest kale from the garden, how to store and freeze kale, and the health benefits and taste of kale. Additionally, I will also share some tips and tricks on how to grow kale successfully and how to use it in delicious recipes. Whether you're a beginner or an expert gardener, this guide will help you make the most of your kale harvest.
What is Kale & Why Should You Harvest It?
Kale has a mild, earthy, and slightly bitter taste, which can vary depending on the variety, growing conditions, and harvesting time. It can also become sweeter after a frost, as the cold temperatures trigger the plant to produce more sugars.
Kale can be eaten raw or cooked, and it can complement many dishes and flavors. It can also be seasoned with salt, pepper, lemon juice, garlic, onion, vinegar, or any other condiments you like.
Kale is not only tasty, but also healthy. It's low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. It can help improve various aspects of health, such as:
Eye health
Kale is rich in lutein and zeaxanthin. These are carotenoids that protect the eyes from age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma. Kale also contains vitamin A, which is essential for vision and eye health.
Blood pressure
Kale is high in potassium, magnesium, and nitrates, which are compounds that help lower blood pressure and relax the blood vessels. Kale also contains vitamin C, which helps prevent homocysteine, an amino acid that can damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Bone health
Kale is a good source of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin K, which are important for bone health and density. Kale also contains vitamin C, which helps the body absorb calcium and produce collagen, a protein that strengthens the bones and connective tissues.
Immune system
Kale is loaded with vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that boosts the immune system and fights off infections and inflammation. Kale also contains vitamin E, which enhances the immune response and protects the cells from oxidative stress.
Digestion
Kale is high in fiber, which helps regulate digestion and prevent constipation, diarrhea, and bloating. Fiber also feeds the beneficial bacteria in the gut, which improve the digestion and absorption of nutrients and support the immune system.
Skin and hair
Kale is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and iron, essential for healthy skin and hair. Vitamin A helps maintain the moisture and elasticity of the skin and prevents acne and wrinkles. Vitamin C helps produce collagen, which keeps the skin firm and smooth.
On the other hand, vitamin E helps protect the skin from sun damage and aging. Iron helps deliver oxygen to the skin and hair cells and prevents anemia, which can cause hair loss and pale skin.
How to Harvest Kale So It Keeps Growing?
One of the best things about kale is that it's a cut-and-come-again crop. This means that you can harvest it multiple times throughout the season, as long as you do it correctly. Here are the steps to follow to harvest kale so it keeps growing:
Choose the right time to harvest
The best time to harvest kale is when the leaves are young and tender, usually about 30 to 40 days after planting. You can also harvest baby kale leaves about 15 to 25 days after planting.
You should harvest kale before it starts to flower. This is when it produces yellow or white blossoms and becomes bitter and tough.
Kale usually flowers when the days get longer and warmer. Therefore, you should harvest it more frequently in the spring and summer.
Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the leaves
You can either cut the whole plant at the base, leaving about an inch of stem or cut individual leaves from the lower part of the plant, leaving the upper leaves to grow.
Additionally, you should cut the leaves about an inch above the soil to avoid damaging the crown and the roots. You should also avoid cutting too many leaves from one plant. This is because this will weaken the plant and reduce the yield. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least half of the leaves on each plant.
Wash and dry the leaves
You should wash the kale leaves as soon as possible after harvesting to remove any dirt, bugs, or pesticides. To rinse the leaves under cold water, you can use a colander or a salad spinner. After that, pat them dry with a paper towel or a cloth. You should also remove any damaged or yellow leaves, and trim any tough stems.
Enjoy or store the leaves
You can eat the kale leaves fresh, or store them in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. I will explain how to store and freeze kale in the next sections.
How to Harvest Kale from the Garden?
If you want to harvest kale from the garden, you need to follow some simple steps and tips to ensure a successful and bountiful harvest. Here are some things to consider when harvesting kale from the garden:
Choose the right variety
There are many varieties of kale to choose from, depending on your preference and climate. Some of the most common varieties are curly kale, which has dark green, and curly leaves that are great for salads and chips.
You can also try dinosaur kale, which has dark blue-green, flat leaves that are great for soups and stir-fries, and red Russian kale, which has purple-red, frilly leaves that are great for salads and smoothies.
You can also choose kale varieties based on their maturity time, cold tolerance, flavor, and color. Some popular kale varieties are Winterbor, Redbor, Lacinato, and Scarlet.
Plant the seeds or seedlings
Depending on your preference and availability, you can plant kale seeds or seedlings in the garden. The best time to plant kale seeds or seedlings is in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked, or in late summer or early fall, for a winter harvest. You can also plant kale seeds or seedlings every two to three weeks, for a continuous harvest.
You should plant the seeds or seedlings about a quarter to half an inch deep, and one to two inches apart, in rows that are 18 to 24 inches apart. Additionally, you should water the seeds or seedlings well, and keep the soil moist until they germinate or establish, which usually takes seven to 14 days.
Thin the seedlings
When the kale seedlings have two to four true leaves, you should thin them to avoid overcrowding and competition. You should leave about six to 12 inches of space between each plant and eat or transplant the thinned seedlings. You should also weed the area around the kale plants regularly, to prevent pests and diseases.
Harvest the leaves
You can start harvesting kale leaves when they are big enough to eat, usually about 30 to 40 days (about one and a half months) after planting, depending on the variety. You can either harvest the whole plant or pick individual leaves from the lower part of the plant, leaving the upper leaves to grow.
That is not all. You should harvest kale in the morning when the leaves are crisp and fresh and before the sun gets too hot. You should also harvest kale before it starts to flower, which is when it produces yellow or white blossoms and becomes bitter and tough.
How to Store and Freeze Kale
Kale is best eaten fresh, as it loses its flavor and texture quickly. However, if you have a large harvest, or you want to preserve kale for later use, you can store or freeze it. Here are the best ways to store and freeze kale:
Store kale in the refrigerator: You can store fresh kale in the refrigerator for up to a week, if you keep it in a perforated plastic bag or a container with a lid. You should also avoid washing the kale before storing it, as this will make it wilt faster. You should wash the kale just before using it.
Freeze kale raw: You can freeze raw kale without blanching it, which is a process of briefly cooking and cooling the vegetables to stop the enzyme activity that causes them to spoil. However, freezing raw kale will result in a mushy and watery texture and a loss of flavor and nutrients. To freeze raw kale, you should wash and dry the leaves, and then pack them in freezer bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. You can freeze raw kale for up to six months, and use it in smoothies, soups, or casseroles.
Freeze kale blanched: You can freeze blanched kale, which will retain its color, texture, flavor, and nutrients better than raw kale. To freeze blanched kale, you should wash and trim the leaves, and then blanch them in boiling water for two to three minutes, depending on the size of the leaves. You should then drain and cool the leaves and squeeze out the excess water. Moreover, you can then pack the leaves in freezer bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. You can freeze blanched kale for up to a year, and use it in salads, sandwiches, or quiches.
How to Use Kale in Different Cuisines and Recipes
Kale is a versatile vegetable that can be used in many different cuisines and recipes. Whether you want to make a salad, a soup, a smoothie, or a casserole, kale can add flavor, color, and nutrition to your dish. Here are some examples of how to use kale in different cuisines and recipes:
American cuisine
Kale is a popular ingredient in American cuisine, especially in salads, sandwiches, and casseroles. You can make a kale and apple salad with walnuts and honey mustard dressing, or a kale and chicken sandwich with mayonnaise and cheese.
You can also make a kale and cheese casserole with eggs, milk, and bread crumbs, or a kale and sausage quiche with pie crust and cheddar cheese.
Mediterranean cuisine
Kale is a common ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine, especially in Greek, Italian, and Spanish dishes. You can make a kale and feta cheese pie with phyllo dough and olive oil, or a kale and white bean soup with garlic, rosemary, and lemon juice. You can also make kale and tomato pasta with parmesan cheese and basil, or a kale and potato tortilla with eggs, onion, and paprika.
Asian cuisine
Kale is widely used in Asian cuisine, especially in Chinese, Japanese, and Indian dishes. You can make a kale and tofu stir-fry with ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
Additionally, you can make a kale and seaweed salad with rice vinegar, sugar, and sesame seeds. You can also make kale and coconut curry with onion, garlic, curry paste, and coconut milk. If you like something Indian, you can also try kale and lentil dal with cumin, turmeric, and coriander.
Wrapping It Up!
Kale is a wonderful vegetable that you can harvest, store, and use in various ways. It's easy to grow, harvest, and store kale, as long as you follow some simple steps and tips. It's also healthy, delicious, and versatile, as you can use it in many different cuisines and recipes. Kale is a green treasure that you don't want to miss.
If you want to know how to harvest kale, I hope that this blog has been of help to you. If there are any other queries related to the same, please feel free to let me know. All that you need to do is scroll down till you reach the bottom of the page. Then leave your comments and suggestions in the box below. And I will be there to help you out with the same!
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