How to scale a business is an often asked question by successful business owner searching for ways to extend the reach of their services from one-on-one to one-to-many. Entrepreneurs such as business trainers and coaches, personal coaches, health and wellness practitioners, and even software companies with unique products or training methods can create a certification program to scale a business.
A certification program can significantly broaden brand recognition using brand extension and trademark licensing to scale a business beyond the personal services of the founder. The brand becomes more well-known, and the entrepreneur has the chance to build a legacy for his or her work.
Learn how to scale a business by creating your certification program from a leading expert. Cheryl Hodgson has created a free guide and checklist to help you develop, implement, and manage a legal certification and licensing program. There’s much more to know to make your certification program is legitimate, and that your Intellectual Property is protected.
Start Your Certification Program With Cheryl’s Free Checklist
Cheryl is recognized as one of the world’s top global trademark attorneys. She helped many entrepreneurs create a certification program to scale a business. Following successful completion of the certification program training, the certifier and the graduates, enter into a written license for the use of proprietary content. They also receive a license to use the certification trademark created for use only by certified graduates.
What is a Certification Program?
A trademark certification program allows the founder to establish a community and network of graduates of your certification training in your signature process, method, or healing modality. By certifying individuals in your system or method, they are licensed to use your copyrighted content and proprietary system, while operating as independent business owners. These licensees utilize your unique service delivery system and proprietary Intellectual Property to serve their clients. They market their services and signify their status as a licensed graduate by use of the certification trademark and logo created for use by those who are certified and licensed.
Certification programs for specific products—such as software applications or specialized coaching or training methodologies—can significantly broaden public recognition of your brand, Certification programs move your signature process or method from one-to-one training to one-to-many.
A well-structured certification program, especially when paired with a registered trademark and certification logo, can greatly amplify your brand’s reputation. This strategy is not only a way to scale a business but also helps build a lasting legacy for the specialized knowledge and training you have developed.
Scale a Business with Trademark Licensing
Trademark licensing involves a trademark owner (the licensor) granting another party (the licensee) the right to produce, sell, and distribute goods or services under the licensor’s trademark.
When you combine a registered trademark with a certification training program it becomes a cornerstone of a robust certification framework. The licensed trademark serves to identify and protect the services offered by your certified consultants or program graduates. A well-crafted licensing agreement is crucial—it safeguards Intellectual Property, outlines the rights and responsibilities of the licensee, and facilitates the rapid expansion of products or services delivered by certified practitioners. By leveraging trademark licensing, you ensure consistent quality and extend the brand’s reputation while enabling accelerated growth through a network of certified licensees.
Legitimize Your Certification Program
Cheryl Hodgson has created many certification programs. She will make certain your license agreements and certification marks are enforceable and that your assets are protected.
Download the check list here. And to learn more, contact our office to get started.
Learn More:
Brand Guidelines Inform Trademark Use – Brand guidelines are an essential part of sustaining brand protection. Find out more about the importance of creating an effective brand guide.
Trademarking a Business Name – Two parties use the same mark, but neither registers. Who wins? Bill Finkelstein & Cheryl Hodgson discuss territorial rights for brands that don’t register a trademark but advertise on the Internet.
A Trademarkable Brand in Six Steps – The trademarks you select and register to represent your business are among the most important decisions you’ll make when starting an online business. There are six steps to creating Intellectual Property that will increase the value of your business, establish brand legitimacy, secure your exclusive niche in the market, and create a lasting legacy.
