I must say that I’ve been a fan of La La’s Full Court Life since the first season. I love that she can reflect on where she’s from, is humble about her accomplishments and seems to remain down to earth keeping her family and “real” friends close to her. La La allows us to get a peak into her life and takes us along on her adventures. This premier episode I could really appreciate because she is a business woman and even though she was in London to support her husband Carmelo Anthony in the Olympics she took the opportunity to brand herself. She received some good news while she was in London, Motives for La La her cosmetic line was expanding to that market. Throughout the show she spoke with a few of her friends that were also in London like Ludacris, Estelle, and Trina about branding and expanding to global markets.

On thing that La La said that I believe whole heartedly is that… “People want to connect with who you are vs. what you’re selling.” This is something that every business person should take heed to. The following points are some that were brought to light in some of La La’s conversations with her friends that I expanded upon.

Whether you are branding in the United States or in global markets the rules remain the same. It all starts with building that relationship and fostering it so people can get to know the real you.

Time is valuable so we should all appreciate when someone takes time out of their schedule for any reason to build a relationship, share business ideas or even give friendly business advice when they can charge most people a consulting fee.

Showing people you care gives them a sense that you are being sincere and it will be appreciated. There is a bond between business owners (large & small) and their clients. (At least the good ones)

You will have loyal clients that support you no matter where you are. This is all based on the relationship that you have maintained with them.

Connect with the people in your market! Contact press to cover your event, product or service. Host a launch party to promote your brand.

La La was able to cover most of her bases in a new market with Motives for La La and it paid off. She connected with people in a new market, met with local media to conduct interviews, hosted a launch party and provided mini makeovers and free beauty products to her attendees. She nailed it! I thoroughly enjoyed the season premier of La La’s Full Court Life as a entrepreneur I could really appreciate it. There were some great takeaways on business branding this episode. What are some of your branding strategies for expanding to a new market?