RESERVE — Without a brand, a business has no identity or means to stand out in a sea of competitors, according to Jerry W. Jones Jr., director of economic development for St. John the Baptist Parish.

In a world where branding is inescapable, Jones said it is essential for business owners to drive their marketing toward a preferred, strategic image.

Those who operate or hope to establish small businesses in St. John the Baptist Parish are invited to attend a Lunch & Learn session from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 26 at River Parishes Community College, located at 181 REGALA Park Road in Reserve.

Titled “Build Your Brand Strategy,” the session is free of charge and open to all who register at LSBDC.org.

Wayne Vicknair, owner of the successful Advanced Marketing & Promotions print shop in LaPlace, will speak on opportunities locals have to drive business recognition using business cards, T-Shirts, logos and various forms of signage.

New Orleans photographer Eric Waters will promote the importance of Internet branding through an interactive social media and web presence.

Jones said participants will walk out of the session knowing the necessary tools to incorporate branding into an advertising plan.

“We wanted to assist our small businesses with brand training,” Jones said. “As businesses grow, it is important that their branding and advertising grow as well. Your brand is everything your customer knows about your businesses.”

Consequently, when branding efforts are not focused, a brand will develop on its own, and not always in a positive way, according to Jones.

He said the branding theme was chosen based on the interest of past Lunch & Learns, hosted monthly in St. John Parish in collaboration with Louisiana Small Business Development Center to foster economic growth.

“The Economic Development department gauges the small businesses who attend when deciding what should be the next topic discussed in future Lunch & Learns,” Jones said. “We continue to ask for small businesses to let us know what topics they would like to hear.”

Past Lunch & Learn topics have focused on networking within the local film industry, obtaining occupational licenses and securing funds for business.

Register for “Build Your Brand Strategy” at LSBDC.org or call 985-652-9569 for more information.

An Economic Development calendar is available at opportunitystjohn.com.