In tough economic times like we're experiencing right now and in the foreseeable future, it's essential to get back to basics. What's really important to you? What (or who) do you cherish most? Where do you want to focus your time, energy and resources?

This is especially true when it comes to branding your business. While you may not want to check on your portfolio every day, now is not the time to check out on your brand. You need to relentlessly (though not obnoxiously) educate your customers about the value you offer so they'll keep coming back for more - bringing friends, family and colleagues.

Brand-building doesn't have to break the bank. Even though the bottom may have dropped out of the financial world, there are still plenty of cost-effective ways to enhance your image. Try these tips for creating and maintaining a powerful business brand:

1.  Learn to pitch like a PR pro.  Though Internet marketing is critical (more on that in my next blog), don't overlook getting yourself on FREE newspaper, radio and TV outlets that can speak directly to your core audience. Put together a killer media pitch and email as many editors and publishers as you can find, following up with a personal phone call.  Register for my branding tele-course at www.libbygill4you.com to learn how to customize pitching angles that will position you as the media's go-to expert in your industry.

2.  Try some good old-fashioned bartering, also known as cross-promotion. By joining forces with a colleague, you can often double your branding bang. For example, if you own a hair salon, you might invite a local expert or author to join you in hosting a "Salon at the Salon" cocktail discussion.  Get your local dignitaries and press to attend by offering a well-produced event that benefits a great cause. If you've got news crews or photographers covering, make sure you have some interesting visuals for them to shoot.  Include your logo and branding language as part of the decor.

3.  Communicate, communicate, communicate with your clients. Whether on sales calls, at networking functions or online, make sure you continually update your audience about the latest happenings in your business - and theirs. Let your clients know about special offers, upcoming events or anything else that offers them value and keeps your brand top of mind. Try some of the cool online newsletter programs like Constant Contact, IContact or MailChimp and manage your communications digitally.

4.  Finally, convert your customers into brand evangelists.  Don't assume they're spreading the word about how great you are.  Instead, ask them for referrals, letters of reference or testimonial quotes for your website. Better yet, start an affiliate program and be partners in each other's success!

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***Libby Gill is a brand strategist, business coach and bestselling author. She has appeared on the Today Show, The Big Idea with Donny Deustch, CNN, NPR, Oprah & Friends Radio Network, and in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, O Magazine and many more.

Learn more about Libby's Success Library and branding tele-courses at http://libbygill4you.com/Success_Products.html. For inquiries about speaking, please visit http://libbygill.com.