Kevin Harrington // marketing // blog

Posts Tagged ‘branding’

Morris Marina 1975

In the last century some of the UK’s best brands have been motor cars and motor manufacturers. The history and demise of one of the best (and worst) players is dealt with very well in this feature: Longbridge merger that put it on the road to ruin-Business-Columnists-TimesOnline

Today the UK’s biggest strength is in the information and service sectors. Will we go the same way with these valuable businesses as we did with the motor industry?

Hand in Pocket?

What a great book title for a volume about negotiating.

It immediately makes it stand out from the rest.

This book, like most, is on Amazon.

2012 Olympics Logo

The 2012 Olympics logo – I’m not sure I’ve got the energy for this debate!

What do I think of it? Well, at the risk of being controversial, I think it has a fair bit going for it. Who else is using that colour? Who else has used those shapes? What other logo has been recently launched and become so well recognised so quickly.

Some very well scripted vitriol to the contrary is available at Guardian Unlimited: Arts blog – art: How Lisa Simpson got ahead at the Olympics

I am always mindful that a good slagging off from The Guardian doesn’t mean it is a commercial failure.

This is a well written piece: Why “Differentiate” is a Dirty Word Small Business Marketing & Branding

Quote: In the business world “differentiation” is divine. The word is used in a highly positive context. “Unique” is in. Meanwhile, back in society, when someone is referred to as “different”, it has a negative connotation. As much as we hate to admit it, “Conformity” is in.

My comments on it are:

Isn’t the point that companies need to root out valuable points of difference for their products or services or brands?

If they don’t, what is the focus for advertising and communications? The only tool could end up being price and we all know the dangers of discounting.