Congress Breaks Its Brand Promise and Hurts Its Brand Image
DO THE ENDS JUSTIFY THE MEANS?
Just like private companies, the U.S. Congress has a brand. That brand and its corresponding brand promise are owned by its constituents. And just like private companies, its brand promise is a function of the expectations of its customers--in this case, the voters. Those voters expect...
4 Dangers of Producing Exclusive Brands
SHORT-SIGHTED SUCCESS
Whether you call them control brands, own brands, or exclusive brands, supermarkets and box stores love to have products labeled with their own brands. And, they have some good reasons: they like cutting out the middleman, thus making more profit; they are also concerned about building...
Brand Identity Belongs to the Consumer, and is Hard to Change
FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE - OR NOT?
Your consumers own your brand identity. Even though it was you who spent years establishing a particular association in their minds, it is in their minds. They own it now. In other words, you were successful. But now what happens if events change and the identity...
Yahoo Changes its Logo with Caution, Strategy, and Thoughtfulness
EVOLUTION, NOT REVOLUTION
Changing your logo can be dangerous - especially after 18 years of stability, creating an identity with a customer base, and establishing a business around it. Your logo is the flag everyone salutes whether they are your employees, customers, or advertisers. A sudden change can rock...
The Ten Commandments of Brand Stewardship
ACQUISITION IS JUST THE BEGINNING
Companies that acquire a brand may think they “own” it, but they are really brand stewards. They are responsible, like parents, to protect and grow the brand so it will continue to thrive under their stewardship. Many brands have survived multiple owners. Many have died in...
Distinguish Your Brand with Unique Packaging
THE REPUBLIC OF TEA RULES
When it comes to consumer products, packaging can distinguish your brand from your competitors. Like most consumer products, there are many choices and lots of competition for space on the shelf in the marketplace. So, how does your product stand out? We are big tea drinkers....
Why Real-Time Face-to-Face Communication is Essential to Sales
PASSION AND STORY TRUMP FEATURES AND BENEFITS
People buy with their heart and justify with their brain. If you believe that, as we do, you must be sincerely excited about what it is you are selling. Sure, you can get excited about the features and benefits, but what captures people's attention is your...
When it Comes to Creativity, Let Sales Direct Marketing
RESPECT THE RESTRICTIONS OF THE MARKETPLACE
Creativity in the Real World We were recently asked by an MBA marketing grad, “How can I successfully use the creative skills I have learned in the real world?” We responded with the biggest lesson we learned while building the Barefoot wine brand. It’s the lesson...
7 Elements for Successful Merchandizing Materials
WHY SHOULD I BUY THIS?
Whether you call it point-of-purchase (POP) or point-of-sale (POS), interpretive signage that distinguishes your brand is a must. Especially in consumer goods, these signs are the final chance you have to sell your brand’s products. Some are located on the shelf (known as shelf-talkers), or on...
Seize the Moment to Build your Brand!
ON-TIME TRUMPS 'PERFECT'
For new brands, seizing an opportunity when it presents itself is key to success. One of the big advantages small start-ups have over their big, corporate counterparts is their ability to quickly take advantage of openings in the market and time-sensitive circumstances. We have found that...
Blog Branding: Is Content Still King?
DOES EXCESS TRUMP CONTENT?
For years we’ve been advised that content is king, but is it really? Today the newsfeeds on everyone’s social networks are crowded with posts that go racing by to the bottom of the page and beyond. Once they are off the page, they are out of...
Build Customer Loyalty with Good Business Manners
GO THE EXTRA MILE
Customer retention is a popular buzzword these days, but real customer loyalty starts with the first contact and is reinforced by progressively proactive communication. To increase your customer retention, start by teaching your own people good business manners. Show them how to relieve your customer’s potential...
Successful Branding Requires a Comprehensive Plan
ONLY AS STRONG AS ITS WEAKEST LINK
When you are branding, be thoughtful, thorough, and multi-faceted. Look at your branding from all sides. Think of all the different ways it will be used, viewed and maybe, booed! Don’t leave anything out because whatever is missing will stick out like a sore thumb. And...
Personal Brand Means Reputation
HOW’S YOUR BRAND?
Today the definition of the word brand has evolved to mean reputation, and even feelings about a product, service, organization, or person. This is especially true of so-called personal branding. We now regularly use terms such as, “That’s going to help (or hurt) their (a person’s)...
A Trademark Infringement – An Alternative Solution
OUT OF LEFT FIELD!
It’s easy to be so close to a problem that an out-of-the-box solution is hard to visualize. We have found that by closely examining the problem from all sides and comparing it to other challenges you face, you are more likely to discover the “elegant” solution...
5 Elements of House Brands
SANTA’S NORTH POLE FROZEN PEAS - NAUGHTY OR NICE?
Whether they are called own brands, control brands, custom brands, or house brands, retailers are increasing the shelf space devoted to their own labels. These control brands, or private labels, have both advantages and disadvantages for retailers, suppliers, producers, and consumers. They are born out of...
Logo Design – Perception Trumps Purpose
CUSTOMERS OWN LOGOS
Limited to the design table, it is easy for logo designers and administrators to become isolated and insulated from the perceptions of their constituency, clientele and customer base. Recently, the University of California realized something. Not only did the public reject the design of their new...
The 7 Essentials of Branding with Authenticity
THE REAL McCOY
Certain brands have woven authenticity into their products, delivery and message. These brands have a distinctive look and feel about them that says, “This is the original,” or “This is the genuine article.” Over time, they have carved out a place at the apex of their...