Archive for July 10th, 2009
Forget the Rock Band, I Want to Start a Rock BRAND!
As a child, I was always creative. I loved art, music, and eccentricity. God bless my parents because I put them through hell during my teenage years. If I could label my teens and early twenties, I would call them my “Rockstar” years.
I started my undergrad degree as a rockin’, partying, art student. But after a few years I realized that, while I loved art, I didn’t want to end up a “starving artist” so I changed my major to Marketing. This was probably the best decision I ever made because, little did I know at the time, Marketing was my calling. While pondering my evolution, I had an epiphany. I may have grown older and my focus has shifted to my family and career, but I haven’t lost my rockstar roots.
To build a successful brand, YOU have to be a ROCKSTAR!
- Stand out! Be the company that sports pink hair, so to speak. Make people within your respective industry stand up and take notice.
- Go against the grain. It’s okay to be controversial. Burger King is the first example that comes to mind. They make a lot of people question their advertising methods but they continue to win over fans from their target market.
- Revolutionize. You say you want a revolution? Create one! Be the first to try new things. Break the mold. Give your customers new and improved products. Try a new distribution method or take your advertising strategy up a notch.
- Keep it real! Don’t be fake; authenticity is key. Be consistent in your brand messaging, stay true to yourself and company values, and be genuine.
- Nobody likes a sell-out. Fans know if you’re the real deal. Give them what they want and stay true to who you are. You can’t be everything to everyone. Be you!
- Start a fan club. Build a sense of community around your brand. Give your customers an interactive experience. Plan events, encourage feedback, and reward your loyal customers. Harley Davidson has mastered this strategy.
So, to all my fellow rockstars – the key to your success is staying true to who you are, making yourself the center of attention, and embracing your fans. If you keep this in mind, your brand will continue to ROCK ON!
