One of the most difficult tasks for brand marketers is aligning an enterprise around a corporate Brand Purpose (North Star) and Brand Promise. Gaining adherents rather than mere acceptors is a difficult goal. Regions and local sectors tend to push back on global brand dictates, even if the centrally-sent statements ring true.
Jack Welch, renowned CEO of General Electric, used to say that your business should be #1 or #2 in your market. If not, get out. This belief was derived from the famous PIMS work begun in the 1960s. Initiated at General Electric, PIMS, Profit Impact of Marketing Strategy, focused on identifying factors that would impact economic success. ROI (Return on Investment) was the primary measure of success, alongside Return on Sales (ROS) and real (organic)...
Some of the most consequential decisions a brand makes never arrive looking consequential. They appear as cost decisions. Growth plans. New operating models. Policy changes. Shifts in KPIs.
Most leaders understand positioning. They know their brand needs to stand for something clear, relevant, and defensible in the minds of the people most important to its future. That is clear. However, problems arise when an organization drifts from its core strengths or when those strengths are now weaknesses.
There is a moment in many employee-owned companies when the story sounds complete. “We are employee-owned.” It is a powerful statement. It signals commitment. It suggests accountability. It tells customers, partners, and prospective employees that the people inside the business have something personal at stake.
