Branding Asserts Presence ....!

Over the last couple of years, probably some Omega Leos will tell you Lion Alan Thoo and his favourite line..."BRaaanNNNndddDDDiiinnggggg!!!!!!! might strike a thought in mind that goes "ya ya ya". To be honest with you, branding is a term in marketing where it is very essential in preserving the existence of an organization, a product or service or even an individual. Let's look at the products and services that we have in our market at random...

Out of the 6 logos above, which one does not strike anything at all? Which one you do not know? What about the popular phrases.....

1. Which drink will assure you "Minum XXX Anda Jadi Sihat Dan Kuat!"
2. Tastes Good eating it on its own
3. Always the Smarter Choice
4. Inspiring the Next Generation
5. Connecting People

Ring a bell? Well, if you already know 70% of the above, this means you have already bought into the products and services. Do you know how much large corporations pay to assert branding into our daily lives? A simple layman theory would be a short 30second advertisement on prime time free-to-air TV would be able to get you nothing less than a Kancil! that is just ONE advertisement alone. 

BRANDING is very important to the Lions movement.. to our work and what we do! Take a look at the website of Lions International and study the colours. Even the new Lions logo follows the colours and blended well with the website. The entire Sydney International Lions Convention also bears this image..

BRANDING exists amongst Leo Clubs and Lions Clubs although most of you might not realize it.

i) Vest with badges - "Oh he must be from the Leo Club"
ii) Leo Club Banner - "Thereeee... Leo Club again la!"
iii) Charity Event... with lots of people in yellow vests .. and without seeing the logo..."Lions Club again lorrrr"

Have you also noticed that some of the trademarks and traditions that were brought down from your seniors were actually Branding practices all these while.. that you don't even realize it?

i) Have you ever seen members of the Leo Club of Sam Tet, Ipoh, wearing any other T-Shirts besides that Blue-ish one with the yellow words and Leo logo at the back? As in any official or even fellowship functions (mostly) ...

ii) Ever seen Leo Cabinet officers wearing a different coloured coat at official events besides the Banquet Nite?

iii) Who would ever forget the creative ROARRRR of Batu 8 Leo Club with their foot-thomp-ing sequence as well as Sri KL's "Roar..roar..roar..roar.. meow!" ? What about Penang City's "T-T-t-t-T-T-Tttttt"

iv) What about the strong branding of IMO via personalities?

v) Have  you ever seen how the Andersonians take photos? Am sure the banner is very well in placed! Not to mention the posts!

v) How about the LTv!, Leo Idol Season 3 logo...the 40 Years Logo ??? Even MLSA has reached a certain 'frustration' point where people go.. WTH?! 

Sometimes, one might not realize it but your club.. your leadership and your management.. have already brought your club's image and its brand to a certain level. Now... the trick here is...

Do you realize what to do next? or where to start? Or what am I babbling about since the first paragraph (If it is really the last one, please stop reading this posting and you might just wanna go back to Pokemon comics pls)

Branding exists in our society.. our lives.. and Our Work here as Leos and Lions! The question is how are you able to bring your club into the NEXT LEVEL.. How are you going to be able to use the branding of your club to your benefits? let's explore ya:

i) Does your club have a logo? Do you change that every year.. or every 2-3 years once?!
ii) Does your club have any colours that you all have been using all these while?
iii) How different is your Roarrrrr? is it just "ABC Roar! ABC Roar! ABC Roar! Roar! Roar!" (i.e. lame)
iv) Do you change your club t-shirt EVERY YEAR?!
v) Have you ever thought of ensuring all BOD arranging badges on your vests in a certain special way?
vi) Does your club have a blog? an FB account or fanpage?
vii) We sent 20 people to a function and at the end of the day, we were not even noticed...! (like duhhh.. is it their fault?) 
viii) Do you know what I am talking about (totally random!!! wth!? hahahaha)

BRANDING is not just about physical outlook only. Branding can also be personalities of your members, BOD or the way you carry yourselves in the eyes of many. Let's try this:

i) Crazy, fun - PJI
ii) Big projects, creative - GTM
iii) Talents - IMO
iv) Seriously disciplined and no guys can go 5 ft near their members - AMC (Sorry, during my time - hahaha)
v) Kiasu - Leo Club of XXXX (hahahaha.. am not even going to try say this. later I kena scolding again for making fun to assert a point)

See my point or not?

To be able to be recognized... To be able to project an image of great leadership.... management.. and PRESENCE... it all boils down to BRANDING! A wise man once told me this:

"Branding ensures Substance

Substance ensures Strength

Strength Gives you Presence 

Presence ensures SUCCESS!!!!!!"

You need to start to think ...
WHAT our club's brand?
WHY are we different from the others?
HOW do we ensure that our club's presence is felt when we walk into registration and the venue?
Is changing my "Roarrrr" going to be enough?

Is sticking to the same T-Shirt going to be enough?
Is disciplined members and well-trained ones going to be enough?
Is being "crazy" going to be enough?

The answers lie in your hands.. my dear Presidents, Vice Presidents and B.O.D....! You make that change. You make that difference... YOU DEFINE YOURSELF!

It's only then.. we would have a strong District that proudly shouts out...

Best of Regards

Lion Alan Thoo
District Chairperson for Leo Clubs
District 308B2 - Malaysia