When I started out, I didn't worry about the basics, and that's why I screwed up epically. Only after months of refinement and reflection was I able to build a solid foundation for my online business.

There are 3 principles specifically that I consider as a rock solid foundation, and I want to share them with YOU.

Ready ? Buckle up.

1.1 - Crystallize your core.

I don't want to admit it, but it almost took me 6 months (!) to get this one. Finding the purpose of your small business is the first, MOST important step you HAVE to take.

Earth's most successful companies have a strong purpose – Apple for example stand for "challenging the status quo and thinking differently". Steve Jobs even said that he wants to make a dent in the universe with his company – now that's what I call a strong purpose.

How do you do it ?

Easy peasy. First, ask yourself: What's your mission in (business) life ? What is the driving force behind your entrepreneurial venture ?

Don't say "I just want the goddamn money" – no way, that's a result.  Go beyond that and think – what do you hope to change for the better with your business ? Do you want to inspire people ? Improve their productivity ? Help them build better businesses ? Improve their success ?

Figure it out, then turn that thought into a concise and inspiring mission statement and make it part of your kick-ass online presence:

Make it a part of your tag line

Show it on your social media profiles

Mention it in comments and tweets

Just shout it out so that the whole wide world knows what YOU stand for – over and over again.

I promise you – you will attract the "right" people for your business who think like you.

2.2 - OWN your visuals.

Too many small business owners screw this one up, but it's SOOO essential.

You don't need to be a graphic designer to get the basics right:

Have a logo. And yes, you need one. Don't go the cheap way and just slam some ok letters on your banner – either create your own, unique logo or pay a designer to do it for you. Remember, your logo is the visual connector between you and your customer – the better it is the BIGGER your impression will be.

Use few colors. Don't go overboard with your brand colors – use 2-3 MAX and use 'em everywhere you present your business – your site, social media, business cards and products.

Always stay consistent. Some people use different colors on different platforms, and these peeps are BREAKING their brand recognition value – SNAP – just like that.

If your brand colors are red and yellow, then use these colors EVERYWHERE. Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn profiles – DROWN them in red and yellow. The goal is to burn your brand visually into the minds of your customers, so be UTTERLY consistent with it.

3.3 - Put the "You" into everything you do.

Everyone – especially small digital business owners – worries about competition.  Let me say this – if you worry about competition, you know something's bad – REALLY bad. I say to hell with competition – leave that for average people and businesses. Instead of worrying what everyone else is doing, worry about how YOU can make your online presence more personal, more "YOU".

And that includes everything: your products, customer service, comments, tweets, webinars, etc. ALL MUST have that personal "YOU" factor.

If you get that right, you will attract like-minded people and bond them emotionally to your brand. And instead of customers, you will create true fans that LUV to do business with you. Remember, no competitor can copy the "YOU" in your business !

Apply these 3 principles of creating your online brand, and build your digital empire from there :)

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