Seminal research demonstrates that companies who underinvest in branding potentially face an extinction event as diminishing share of market and declining price support make profitability elusive. Even in the best market conditions, brand investments play a key role in deciding outcomes among competitors.
The world of marketing has evolved, and today the companies that supply marketing communications and brand strategy are very different. There was a time when ad agencies were also the chief brand builders for their clients. It was called the 20th century. But that era is over and even big and brilliant agencies are no longer qualified to work on brand strategy.
Kraft Heinz recently announced a planned split into two separate companies with the goal of improving operating performance and accompanying shareholder return for each of the successor entities. This announcement has generated significant coverage in the business and financial press, with much of this coverage focusing on the challenges Kraft Heinz has faced related to changing consumer tastes and preferences. Additionally, many other companies in consumer products have lamented recent softness in consumer spending across...
From all my years in research and consulting, I think I’ve learned a thing or two about marketing worth sharing. Enduring fundamentals, mostly yet often overlooked. So, this year, I want to share some snippets for your consideration. I hope they’re helpful.
For some time now, almost since its inception, Peloton has avoided communicating why it is relevantly differentiated from other exercise platforms. Even though Peloton has a unique and significant purpose and promise, the brand has neglected to tell anyone. The brand’s promise and essence are seemingly secrets. You tend to learn about “why Peloton” by osmosis, after signing up and/or buying the hardware. By withholding Peloton’s reason for being, Peloton has cycled through a multitude...
