Certification/Member Benefits

Agency principals who become certified by The Brand Establishment enjoy many membership benefits:

TRAINING - Beyond course and lab work, principals receive training sessions in their shop with a BE trainer; telephone sessions; and ongoing consultation with Jim Hughes and/or Tony Mikes.

NEW BUSINESS - The Art of Stalkingä is the proven new business program for certified brand development specialists. All processes and procedures are taught by a BE trainer ö with ongoing consultation to provide guidance as the program is implemented. Marketing material templates are also provided.

NETWORKING - Becoming part of this elite group of brand development specialists provides access to the vast resources, experience and input from other members, as well as a rich members-only Extranet site for sharing information and opportunities to form strategic partnerships.

CERTIFICATION - Upon completion of assigned course and lab work, principals achieve Certified Brand Strategist designation ö including market exclusivity within a designated geographic area.

How Certification Works:

Are you an educated, highly competent marketing strategist who wants to take your expertise to the next level?

Are you looking for a proven way to energize your agency with an additional revenue stream - adding an expertise needed by a substantial percentage of the small to midsize businesses in your market – a way to “get in the door” and connect with C-level executives because they value the power of your expertise?

Are you a seasoned professional looking for a way to stay in the game after you sell your agency - with an expertise so valuable, you can command major league consulting fees because you can make a major league difference in the company's bottom line?

Experience the financial rewards of moving yourself and your shop into the 21st century providing a more strategic, consultative approach to helping appreciative clients grow their business (and you’ll be the only professional in your region certified to do it).

Certification is not for everyone.  It requires a high level of commitment and dedication to becoming one of the best of the best in this field.  If you would like information about how the certification process works, complete the form on the Contact page of this site, or call Jim Hughes personally at 949-633-3254. (Jim's on Pacific time.)

FAQs

Agency Principals/Consultants:

A  As far as we know, The Brand Establishment is the only organization in America certifying brand strategists.

Q  How long does it take to get certified?

A  The process can be customized to each agency principal's schedule and the time that can be consistently invested in it.  On average, it's about a six-month process to earn certification, plus an extended period of counsel over the first 1 - 2 years to ensure a strong foundation for long-term success.  Full details can be obtained by contacting Jim Hughes, either through the Contact page or by calling him in California 1-949-633-3254.

Q  How much does the certification process cost?

A  Fees are charged based on certain variables.  When you contact Jim, he can provide you with the financial structure.  Only a small portion of the fee is payable initially.  The balance is payable over a 1 - 2 year period while you are generating revenues, so that the fee is very affordable.

Q  Who actually does the certifying?

A  Curriculum is established and administered by The Brand Establishment partners, faculty and Board of Advisors - a group of distinguished and highly experienced professors, agency leaders and brand experts nationwide. Training and the certification process are supervised by The Brand Establishment, the largest brand development organization of its kind in the world.

Q  How do I and my firm benefit from membership in The Brand Establishment?

A  Check out Jim Hughes’ Brand Perspective piece, Why The Brand Establishment was formed, for some insight on the VALUE of what BE members do.  It's about differentiating ourselves from the thousands of wannabe’s who claim a distinction for which they have limited evidence.

Brand development and stewardship will be one of this century's BIG IDEAS.  Those who understand it, become knowledgeable about it, immerse themselves in its culture and become experienced professionals who can harness its awesome power to grow businesses will be highly valued.

Q  Does the size of the agency matter?

A  The Brand Establishment best serves the business strategy of small to midsize firms serving small to midsize clients. The main qualification criteria are not related to size, however, but rather to (1) a desire to develop a more consultative relationship with clients, and (2) a vision to see brand expertise as a differentiating core competence for your firm or for your consulting practice.