Brand Dots

Posts Tagged ‘Social Media’

MTV has taken building interactivity and community into a brand strategy to the next level.  They are giving their fans complete creative control over their branding.  Today I came across this really cool website that allows people to submit their own version of the MTV logo, and if enough people like it, it will be used on the MTV website.  How cool!

MTV’s brand strategy had a humble beginning.  For those of you who haven’t noticed, MTV doesn’t really stand for “music television” as it once did.  MTV is synonymous with “pop culture,” so why not choose a logo that represents the same.

Frank Olinsky, Pat Gorman, and Patti Rogoff, young independent designers at the time, created the first MTV logo.  The original design consisted of a blocky 3-D “M” with a graffiti-scrawled “tv” on top of it. In the spirit of pure-nonconformity – rather than choosing “corporate colors” for the logo, they decided that the logo should always change, as music, art, and culture changes.  Over time, it has changed size and style, but the fundamental logo design has stayed consistent.  The ever-evolving design has kept the brand strategy current and trendy.

Now that’s what I call brilliant design!

Personal branding is the rage these days.  If you haven’t jumped on the bandwagon, you should.  Otherwise, you’re going to miss out on huge career-making opportunities!

The Brand Called You is an article that could change your life!  Thanks to the author, Tom Peters, an increasing number of professionals are branding themselves.  And take it from someone who helped hire hundreds of sales professionals, if you’ve branded yourself correctly, you WILL get hired over the next guy that hasn’t taken personal branding seriously.

As I researched this topic, I determined that the most important steps of the personal branding process include:

1. Become an Expert! Follow great leaders, find your expertise, learn everything you can about it, and fake it till you make it!
2. Social Media is King! Start a blog.  Create profiles on social media sites such as Linked In, Facebook, Twitter, and more.
3. Letters of Recommendation Rock! Collect testimonials, articles about you, and endorsements from other credible professionals.
4. Write all about it! Write about what you know.  Share your knowledge.  Write articles for newsletters, magazines, your blog, and industry publications.
5. Be Heard! Speak at meetings, seminars, and workshops.  If this scares you, overcome your fear by joining a local Toastmasters International group.

The best part about this process is that as you network, blog, and establish your own personal brand, you’ll learn a lot about yourself in the process.  You’ll find your niche and gain confidence, ultimately giving you a greater advantage in the workplace.

What have you done to establish your own personal brand?

I love my DVR! Most people that have a DVR (Digital Video Recorder), can’t imagine life without one. They enjoy the convenience of watching their favorite shows when they want to, replaying good TV, and most importantly, fast forwarding through commercials.
Sources say that between 50 and 97 percent of DVR and TiVo owners fast forward though commercials. In 2006 DVRs threatened more than $8 billion of the $74 billion TV advertising revenue. I can only imagine that this figure has grown over the years.

I love good advertising just as much as the next marketing fan but, over time, I’ve felt like I’m missing out on viewing great commercials because of my DVR. These days, I find most commercials by surfing the web.So, what about online advertising? Are online ads more effective? Not according to AdWeek. They report that only 3 percent of people feel banner ads and search links leave a lasting impression viewers, compared to the 42 percent that feel TV advertising is the way to go.

I don’t think we should discredit online advertising. Technology is making it easier to reach specific target markets. Marketers can use social profiles and consumer search history to push products to clients that show common interests. And believe it or not, most consumers don’t even realize they are viewing an ad online when they see it.

What are your thoughts? Did DVR kill the TV commercial? Is online advertising the best alternative?

About a week and a half ago, I wrote a blog post on Burger King’s Square Butts commercial so when I came across Burger King’s newest attempt at selling burgers…or in this case, Star Trek glasses…I couldn’t help but share it with you.  I think you’ll find it pretty humorous.

First of all, I am a huge fan of JJ Abrams, the director of the new Star Trek movie, Lost, Alias, and Cloverfield.  So when I saw that Burger King was partnering with Star Trek, I couldn’t wait to see what they’d do.  Burger King has hired Crispin Porter + Bogusky to do countless ads over the years.  After all, they were the minds being the creepy, plastic-faced “king.”

I have to admit that I’m a big fan of Crispin Porter + Bogusky.  They’ve done an amazing job thinking outside the box and have created some interesting and compelling ad campaigns for their clients. They’ve worked with huge companies such as Volkswagen, Microsoft, and Sprite, to name a few.  The only problem is that their attempt at humor is often so edgy that their ads get pulled from air.

This commercial is pretty out there but the publicity that it’s generating is creating a lot more conversation than what you’re reading or watching about the competition right now.  What are your thoughts? Have they gone to far…again?

Harley-Davidson is one of the most celebrated American brands today and there’s a good reason for their popularity. The motorcycle company has been around for over a century and has had to do very little advertising.  They have built such a strong sense of community among its owners that the brand practically sells itself.

They clearly embrace the outlaw archetype.  When you think Harley-Davidson you think of rebellion, leather, freedom, nonconformity, and endless possibilities.

This commercial says it all.  When you ride a Harley, you’re not just purchasing a motorcycle; you’re becoming a part of something larger.  You’re joining a fleet of black shirt wearing rebels. You’re becoming a part of a group of people that share common interests: the love of the road, riding, and the H-D brand.  It’s not just a bike; it’s a way of life!

Here are several ways that Harley-Davidson has built community among it faithful fans and loyal customers:

• The Harley-Davisdon Owners Group (HOG) was established in 1983.  This group’s membership is restricted to owners.  Brand loyalists are the only welcome members of this community.
• They’ve started Harley-Davidson rituals and traditions through virtual interactivity.  They sponsor Harley rallies, encourage members to share their brand experiences, and even created a H-D Museum .  Harley fans can plan an entire trip through the company website.  They can make travel accommodations, rent bikes, and plan their travel routes. They’ve created a virtual community online.  Their website allows enthusiasts to participate in the brand experience, even when they are away from their motorcycles – Internet marketing and brand building brilliance!
• They give back!  The H-D Foundation encourages employees to volunteer for service organizations, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, veteran groups, and community revitalization projects, among other things.

Harley-Davidson outlets are more than just retail stores and motorcycle dealerships.  They are a gathering place where riders can trade stories and talk to others that share the same passion.

Every company should strive to create the same type of meaningful brand experience.

So, how many logos would you consider tattooing on your body?  For Harley-Davidson followers, there is no question.  Harley Davidson is more than just a brand – IT’S A LIFESTYLE!

Today I found an amazing website called Paper Beats Internet.  It was created by the Ontario College of Art and Design.  This college is using Internet marketing to promote their services.  Visitors to the site can post a drawing and other users can respond or comment on each work of art by posting a drawing in response.  

www.paperbeatsinternet.com

This is a perfect example of how an organization can build a sense of community among its target market and use interactivity to make their product interesting and fun!  I have a passion for art and design so I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to share this website with you.

Believe it or not, I have several friends that have not jumped on the social media bandwagon. They are anti-Myspace and Facebook. While I can understand why some feel social media websites are the anti-Christ, blaming it for failed marriages and shameless self-promotion, millions of people are virtually addicted to them.

Companies and brand managers are missing a huge opportunity if they don’t take advantage of this means of free advertising. Social Media sites offer companies the opportunity to connect with their customers, build brand relationships, and speak directly to their target market. By promoting your company’s image and values to the public and giving consumers the opportunity to post comments about your brand, you build brand equity. Consumers feel like they have a voice and that you are willing to listen to what they have to say. Just make sure you monitor comments before they are posted on your site. You don’t want anything negative floating around about your organization in cyberspace. However, the customer testimonials that will be written about you are priceless and customers will listen to word of mouth advertising over promotional advertising any day. People that you would never imagine being connected in the real-world are getting connected online. Furthermore, their new “friend’s” opinions matter. Hence the importance of building your brand through social media platforms.