In order to build a strong identity we need to use a consistent method of presentation and communication in all that we do as drivers and/or members of the Network Of Consulting Professionals. By using a consistent visual brand identity across all our communications we will strengthen our position and awareness amongst all our audiences.
Presenting a consistent image helps our communications to be quickly and easily identified. As a result it increases our brand recognition and our credibility as a professional trusted group.
It is every member's responsibility to look after OUR BRAND, to display it according to the guidelines, in appropriate places and with the best possible impact.
And it is also YOUR responsibility to seek advice/assistance if in doubt, or in need of help; for instance
Please contact Françoise Garnier early enough to give us time to help you optimise your communication piece and achieve a win-win.These branding guidelines will be updated as applicable and the latest version of the guidelines plus any standard logo jpg and png will be available to members here in the members area. For larger logo sizes contact Françoise Garnier.
The group will always be referred to as
Important:
Brand Triplet & Slogan
When combined, these words encapsulate the brand story; they showcase the core needs of our audiences (potential members and clients) and the value we add. Remember that they "belong" to the NCP. So, when using them, you must make it clear that it is as a member of The NCP that you are using them.
The Brand Triplet = Support, Strengthen, Succeed.
When applied to a sentence in an elevator pitch, the subject of the sentence is “We” or “All members of The NCP”.
The slogan = We Take Your Success PersonallyExplaining the logo deviceThe NCP logo device represents the focus of the network on supporting each other and strengthening each other by working together for the success of the individual members and/or clients.Elevator pitchEach member should have an elevator pitch and clear brand message for their own brand. As networkers/“ambassadors” of The NCP, members can use an elevator pitch that connects with their audience and context and that integrates the brand triplet and the slogan. In fact, we recommend to refer to being a member of the network wherever possible. Remember to attribute the NCP brand triplet and slogan to The NCP, when you quote the NCP elevator pitch.
The logo must always be presented accurately and
General rule:Members of The NCP can use one of the approved NCP logo formats on their printed and digital communication (brochures, website, email**, social media profiles).Note that this list does NOT include business cards for 2 reasons:
You may use the graphic device at the start of the line "x is a member of The Network Of Consulting Professionals" (see "Post-nominals, Signatures and Business Card Footers" below).** For emails, it is important to distinguish if the email is sent on behalf of the NCP (e.g. by one of the Committee members or as leader of an approved project of The NCP) OR is sent by a member on behalf of his/her business.- If the email is sent on behalf of The NCP, the full logo should be used (in a reasonable size for a signature).- In all other cases please refer to the section "Post-nominals, Signatures and Business Card Footers".Third parties preparing presentations for The NCP may use the logo in the footer of their presentation to The NCP members with their logo. It must be clear that the presentation is FOR The NCP. The coordinating NCP member should provide the correct logo and device together with the above principles. Quality and legibility must be maintained when downsizing. Compliance must be validated.See below for the detailed usage guidelines.
Post-NominalsFor those members who like to show a long collection of letters after their name in email signatures and business cards, the post-nominal format for The NCP is: MTheNCPThe following examples show the approved format in practice:Jim Citizen MBA (IM), MAICD, FAMI, CPM, MTheNCPJim Citizen MBA (IM), MAICD, FAMI, CPM, MTheNCP.Signatures and business card footers2 formats can be used: single line - generic, or double line - personalisedThey are shown below with the graphic device.You can use the line without the graphic device. Typical examples are:


Available as a one-line footer jpg and a two-lines footer jpg (however this one is a guide only as your name has to be typed in that format)Note: For emails sent on behalf of The NCP, the full logo can be used (in a reasonable size) if the member's email system permits. This is then a substitute for the member's normal logo.
The consistent use of colours and fonts also supports the visual identity of our brand.The designed logo uses fonts readily available in Photoshop but which most people do not have on their desktops or laptops. So do not try to replicate the logo elements with your own fonts. That would guarantee that the logo would appear in all sorts of strange ways on other people's computer. Always use the logo images provided.Fonts for text in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint or equivalent for communication on behalf of The NCP:Headers/Sub-headers: Calibri Bold, Blue #0066ccCopy: Calibri, grey #333333 (80% black)Font sizes may vary but for presentations we recommend a minimum font size of 20pt for copy and of 22 pt for sub-headers, with 36pt being the best for headers.Fonts for stationery footers and email signatures in conjunction with the logo device:Calibri is the preferred option for printed and digital communication. If not available for emails, Arial or Sans-Serif are an OK alternative.Note: Only full members are automatically entitled to use the NCP logo in their documents.
A consistent presentation of our events helps build our brand identity. All names need to be approved before use. For reference, the main examples of approved event names are as follows:
The terms & conditions of LinkedIn clearly state that LinkedIn users cannot list as employers any network association of which a person is a member. Therefore listing your NCP membership as a “position “ breaches the LinkedIn rules. There are 4 ways in which membership of the NCP can be promoted on LinkedIn by a member:In the SummaryThis is the best place to do it. It is the most visible and it enables members of The NCP to link their membership with benefits and outcomes for their customers. And It is possible to insert a link to The NCP website.Examples:
in EducationYou can include The NCP for a CPD program and for accreditation if you attend the NCP Induction Course.You can include a description of The NCP under "program". The suggested text is:"Continuous Professional Development ProgramThe Network Of Consulting Professionals is a not for profit network of independent business advisors who are experienced professionals. They are leveraging their combined functional expertise and broad business experience. The NCP’s selection process and continuous development program ensure that NCP members provide effective advice.https://www.thencp.com.au"You can also include a logo (see links to the logo files further up on this page).in OrganisationsThis will be seen by people who scroll all the way past Skills, Endorsements, Education and look at Other Information.Mark membership as current (no need to include a start date).You can include a descriptive text, like The NCP elevator pitch or a description similar to the one under Education. Example:"The Network Of Consulting Professionals is a not for profit network of independent business advisors who are experienced professionals. Consultants, coaches, business advisors, mentors, they leverage their combined functional expertise and broad business experience. The NCP’s selection process + continuous development program ensure its members provide effective business advice /support."in RecommendationsWhen you write recommendations for another member of The NCP, how you write it markets you as well as the person you recommend and it impacts the NCP brand image. Write with due consideration to all 3 perspectives.
do-dont-The NCP-branding-V1b (2018)A quick summary of the guidelines Using The NCP-checklist 7-2018A quick reference for 7 branding applications