Learn branding basics to boost your small business. Maria Ross of Red Slice was a keynote presenter at the Seattle Chamber of Commerce's Smart + Simple Strategies Event in June 2010. Maria enlivened and enlightened the crowd of more than 150 entrepreneurs and small business owners. She covered what brand is and why it matters to your bottom line, how to build your own brand strategy and she delved into two big branding mistakes that small business owners make. An insightful and energetic speaker, Maria also signed her newest book, Branding Basics for Small Business: How to Create an Irresistible Brand on Any Budget (2010, Norlights Press) for the crowd.