Fast Company blogger and branding expert David Brier works with companies in nearly every industry and nearly every size helping small businesses, new brands, startups and CEOs take smart steps to grow their brand. Over the last 35 years, he's noticed the recurrence of several common questions, 9 of which that stand heads and heels over others. http://www.risingabovethenoise.com Special thanks to http://www.unsplash.com for their great photographers who share their talents.