How CSR and Social Activism Are Defining Brands Today
Brand marketing has evolved from product-centric to consumer-centric to values-centric today. CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) has become an essential ingredient in the marketing strategy and an integral part of the day-to-day operations of most companies. Importantly this emerging role of CSR has expanded the traditional principles of capitalism about financial performance or maximizing shareholder wealth. Most executives now recognize that there must be a balance between profitability and corporate responsibility. The rise of CSR reflects the changing values of consumers. A...
Read MoreThe Emerging Challenges For Managing Brand Risk
Last year was a watershed year for business and our society, where rising populism, Trump’s polarizing accusations and various socio-economic trends have made the topic of “brand risk” a top priority concern for every marketer. Traditionally politics has always been avoided by business leaders as it could lead to unpredictable problems, with no assured benefit for their brands or corporate reputation. Today it is almost impossible to avoid taking a position on many political and socio-economic issues, especially with social media ready to spread news (and sometimes distort content)...
Read MoreNaming Brands – The Unsubtle (Trump) And The Subtle (Drug Companies)
Most people think “branding” is simply about creating a catchy, memorable name for a product, service, organization and even people. However branding is much more complex. Good branding starts with the development of a message or impression that reflects the unique benefits and characteristics of that entity, and then creating a name that ideally communicates its qualities and personality to targeted customers. As one can imagine, there are numerous approaches and philosophies for brand naming. Here are two contrasting examples: Trump’s tendency to coin descriptive, simplistic (and...
Read MoreHow The New Tax Bill Exacerbates Millennials’ Frustration With “Brand Capitalism”
“Capitalism” is really the brand of our free market economic system which has been the driving force for American commercial success since its founding. But is it working as a fair and just system for all today? Millennials don’t think so, especially after the 2008 Great Recession. And now the new tax bill may become a tipping point for the Millennials’ frustration. Three years ago I wrote a blog that reflected these concerns: “Why Capitalism Must Be Re-Branded – And How” (http://www.thepathfindergroup.net/2014/12/17/why-capitalism-must-be-re-branded-and-how/). Since then, several...
Read MoreBuilding A Stronger Brand And Culture With “Keystone Habits”
Marketing is ultimately about changing the behavior of a customer (e.g. a purchase decision). Related to this, creating new behavior patterns of employees is also essential for transforming a company culture and brand. With social media dominating our lives today, the behavior of company employees and external customers is intertwined, presenting new opportunities for strengthening company brands. In a recent newsletter from a friend, Rich Czerniawski, he referred to the concept of “keystone habits”, which came from Charles Duhhig’s book, “The Power of Habit – Why We Do What We Do in...
Read MoreThe Resurgence Of Values-Based Branding For Restoring Trust
The scary decline of trust in all facets of our society has created a new challenge for brands: how can brands overcome the growing skepticism and lack of credibility caused by this distrust to authentically relate to their customers. These trends have led to a rise of cynicism, where most Americans trust news or feedback more from “people like themselves” rather than the government, media or big business and brands. Appealing to these distrustful customers who lack confidence and motivation has become a top priority. The answer will involve a new type of marketing, values-based...
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