Several months back in an article discussing Brand Extendibility, I touched on a humorous exchange between In-N-Out Burger and a microbrewery regarding some obvious trademark infringement. In that case, the burger chain’s attorneys decided to approach the situation in a light hearted manner, issuing a pun-filled cease and desist notice. Earlier this month, however, the […]
The “Secret Formula” for Choosing a Brand Name
| Posted in Blog | No commentUnarguably, one of the most important branding decisions to be made by an entrepreneur is the name of the venture. Some of the world’s most iconic brands not only have catchy names, but also names with a great story behind them. These stories often offer a glimpse at the company’s history, whether or not the […]
If the Shoe Fits: The Case for Endorsements as a Branding Tool
| Posted in Blog | No commentEndorsements have long been a strategy for brand managers to help boost brand equity and product sales. Historically, high profile endorsements have primarily been reserved for the world’s largest companies – those with deep pockets. In today’s world of social media influencers, however, the strategy is far more available even to the smallest startups. And […]
From Santa Claus to Kaepernick: The Role of Brand Association in Building Iconic Brands
| Posted in Blog | No commentOne recent example of emotional branding by taking a stance is Nike’s “Dream Crazy” ad campaign featuring Colin Kaepernick. This campaign received enormous press coverage and viewership outside of just its paid placements (the YouTube video of the ad has over 26 million views on the company’s page as of this writing). Over the years, Nike has masterfully constructed an emotional brand that is often associated with overcoming adversity and celebrating one’s abilities. The company’s slogan of “Just do it” carries a certain emotional weight as a call to action for anyone doubting themselves. With the recent Kaepernick ad, the company is clearly trying to appeal to the emotions of pride and passion by showcasing a variety of athletes overcoming hardship in the form of cultural, physical and societal barriers to achieve greatness in and out of their sports.