Posts by Jay Gronlund

A Branding Perspective On The Popularity Of The British Monarchy

Posted by on Oct 17, 2022 in Blog | 0 comments

A Branding Perspective On The Popularity Of The British Monarchy

  The end of Queen Elizabeth’s 70 year reign brought sadness around the world, but also questions for this well-known brand for the future.  Examining the monarchy as a famous brand provides some useful lessons for marketers, especially the implications of Queen Elizabeth’s beloved and revered appeal.  And looking ahead, can Charles III replicate the dignity and respect that Elizabeth achieved, and importantly bring people together like Elizabeth did? Why The Monarchy Excelled Under Elizabeth II There are some special principles for successful branding which Elizabeth personified for the...

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How Far-Right Extremist Groups Are Rebranding

Posted by on Sep 15, 2022 in Blog | 0 comments

How Far-Right Extremist Groups Are Rebranding

A key driver of the severe polarization today has been the aggressive, disruptive action of extremist militia groups.  The far-right in America is basically a decentralized network of groups, militias and political movements. Their “reason for being” consists of three core brand values in common: Passionate resistance to government overreach, often reflected in violence An obsession with individual freedom and independence, even if negating major social benefits A philosophy built mainly on false conspiracy theories and disinformation, usually spread over social media. Most of these...

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PR Firms Face Brand Image Challenge On Climate Change

Posted by on Aug 17, 2022 in Blog | 0 comments

PR Firms Face Brand Image Challenge On Climate Change

Public relations is a distinct communications vehicle because it uses primarily third party groups to spread information to shape public opinion (e.g. “the best PR is invisible PR”), hence considered somewhat “neutral” and more credible.  The brand image of PR is based on this high level of trust and credibility, but this perception is now being challenged due to its continued support of fossil fuel companies and the issue of climate change. Public relations is a distinct communications vehicle because it uses primarily third party groups to spread information to shape public opinion (e.g....

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The Rising Pressures To Re-Brand MBAs And Update Curriculums

Posted by on Jul 19, 2022 in Blog | 0 comments

The Rising Pressures To Re-Brand MBAs And Update Curriculums

  Decades ago when I got my MBA from Tuck at Dartmouth (the first graduate school of management – 1900), there was only one course that focused on soft, interpersonal skills – OB or Organizational Behavior. Surprisingly many classmates later admitted that they found this course invaluable when they discovered the realities of corporate politics and other cultural nuances.  Until recently Tuck and other leading business schools have focused on the traditional topics of finance, marketing, accounting, digital literacy, strategy, microeconomics, etc. An MBA is the most popular postgraduate...

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The Dynamics of Friendship, Branding and Politics

Posted by on Jun 16, 2022 in Blog | 0 comments

The Dynamics of Friendship, Branding and Politics

  I recently went to my college (Colby) reunion and was reminded of how rewarding it was to reconnect with old friends.  Despite our different careers and social lives over the years, we still share the same values and interests.  This experience reminded me of the similarities to good branding and also some frustrating dimensions of our political system. What Friendships And Branding Have In Common Trusted relationships are the key for friendships and successful brands, where an emotional bond exists between friends and between a brand and its customers.  In a recent book, “Friends” by...

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