Branding


Recent Branding Articles

Build a Brand Strong Enough to Withstand Controversy

As front man Lance Armstrong bows under the pressure of steroid allegations, Livestrong CEO Doug Ulman says the international brand will remain strong.  Read more

5 Most Common Marketing Mistakes

Effective marketing means stepping back, doing your homework, and (usually) starting over from scratch.  Read more

Why Those Cease-and-Desist Letters Aren't All Bad

In a weird way, William Gilligan and Mike Ferneman figure, attention from lawyers means they have hit the big time.  Read more

5 Ways to Tie Your Brand to News Events 

Public relations advice from serial entrepreneur and investor David Rose, and Scott Gerber, founder of the Young Entrepreneur Council.  Watch video

Brand Messaging: Don't Get Lost in Translation

When people don't understand you, they tune you out. Make sure your customers get what you're saying.  Read more

One Word That Defines a Great Personal Brand

Julia Allison, one of the Web's biggest self-promoters, explains how to define your brand before others do it for you.  Read more

Make Money & Make the World Better (& What It Has to Do With Your Brain)

When you do something altruistic, your brain releases a squirt of the neurotransmitter Dopamine, and you feel good.  Read more

3 Non-Financial "Gifts" for Your Sales Team

Growing sales is not about motivational efforts or higher commissions for your sales force. The best incentive is to invest in your business model and your b...  Read more

5 PR Lessons From the Chick-fil-A Crisis

Embattled Chick-fil-A president Dan Cathy ignited controversy recently by opposing gay marriage. Here's what went wrong--and how you can avoid a PR disaster.  Read more

How to Know if Your Marketing Firm Is Giving You BS

You want results, and all they talk about is "branding." What gives?  Read more

The $1 Million Elevator Ride

It's not always the pitch that matters. Sometimes you need to know when to shut up and listen.  Read more

When Not to Let the Freak Flag Fly

Personal expression shouldn't trump an employer's brand expression. Do your employees know the ground rules?  Read more

4 Tips for Building a Mighty Brand

Kevin Plank, the founder of Under Armour, turned his renegade idea into a brand that's a household name. Here's how he did it.  Read more

Grow Bigger, Better, Faster: 6 Lessons

In rereading Built to Last by Jim Collins and Jerry Porras, it's surprising how many great lessons the book has for CEOs of growing companies.  Read more

Classic Brand Struggles to Balance Old & New

Goldenberg's Peanut Chews have been a Philadelphia favorite since they were first made in 1917. But was new, flashy, packaging hurting sales?  Read more

Zumba: How We Built a Global Fitness Empire 

Zumba Fitness' three founders--Alberto Perlman, Alberto Aghion, and Alberto "Beto" Perez--talk about turning a passion for dance into a rapidly-growing busin...  Watch video

Top 5 Marketing Myths to Avoid

These myths can add to your cost of sales--without offering any benefits. Here's a smarter way to think about marketing.  Read more

What Your Brain Has to Do With Your Brand

Tell your employees and customers about how you think and behave, your innate genetic strengths and preferences, and you'll see your brand loyalty grow.  Read more

How Big Business Ruined 'Artisanal'

When Dunkin' Donuts and Domino's brand with 'artisanal,' does it lose meaning for home-grown companies producing small-batch goodies?  Read more

Cheaper Competitor? 5 Ways to Fight Back

Avoid profit-killing discounts and price wars by differentiating yourself, your firm and your offering from the competition.  Read more

Design a Company Logo That Stands Out 

Hold a design contest online, says Matt Mickiewicz, co-founder of 99designs. Plus, tips from Scott Gerber, founder of the Young Entrepreneur Council.  Watch video

What Microsoft Got Wrong on Windows

Want a valuable lesson on branding? Understand what one of the biggest consumer-facing companies has done wrong.  Read more

Have Customers Write Your Sales Message

Marketers aren't usually very good at writing an effective, strong sales message. You're better off asking customers for help.  Read more

Get More People Talking About Your Brand: 5 Tips 

Advice from Dave Kerpen, CEO of Likeable Media, and Scott Gerber, founder of the Young Entrepreneur Council.  Watch video

Memorable Start-up Logos: 10 Tips

Great logos aren't accidents. Here's a look at a slew of thoughtfully designed logos and why they work.  View slideshow

How to Lead Your Company Through Change

Different employees react differently to change. However each feels about a new situation, you can help all of them adjust.  Read more

Not Producing Content? You Should Be

To distinguish yourself from your competitors, you must have content, and you must have a unique voice.  Read more

Warby Parker's Killer Branding Strategy 

Neil Blumenthal, co-founder of Warby Parker, reveals why the best marketing plans are simple and won't bust your budget.  Watch video

Naming a Business Is a Competitive Sport

A naming professional reminds entrepreneurs to keep their competitors in mind when choosing a name for their company.  Read more

From Charity to Restaurant Empire 

It wasn't long after Hurricane Katrina that John Besh's catering company was ready for more business.  Watch video

How Tragedy Gave Me a Clean Slate 

By 2005, John Besh was living his childhood dream as a 'fancy pants chef' in New Orleans. But then Hurricane Katrina hit.  Watch video

New Social Media Strategy? 5 Questions to Ask First

A fast and focused way to make sure you get the ROI you need.  Read more

From Def Jam Fan to Hip-Hop Entrepreneur 

Daymond John identified a cultural need for hip-hop fashion, and then grew FUBU into a $350 million (sales) clothing business.  Watch video

Daymond John's Branding Secrets 

Daymond John, founder of FUBU, lost $6 million when he steered the clothing line into the music business.  Watch video

How FUBU's Daymond John Does Guerrilla Marketing 

To build momentum for the FUBU clothing brand, Daymond John enlisted rapper LL Cool J.  Watch video