Is Now the Time to Rebrand—and Why Do It? 

Every company has a brand, whether they set out to or not. At its most basic form, a company launches their “brand” when they first open their doors and create an identity—the extent of which typically consists of a logo, letterhead, and signage.

Have a Healthy, Heart-Hitting Company Brand

Why is Walt Disney World® magical? Why are Volvos safe? Why are Jeeps® adventurous? Each of these answers boils down to one thing: brand essence. It is the emotion your brand conveys. In other words, it is the emotional heart—some would say, soul—of your brand. So, Disney World, Volvos, and Jeeps evoke feelings of magic, safety, and adventure, respectively, among their customers. Better yet, these characteristics are associated with these companies even by people who don’t buy Jeeps, Volvos, or go to Disney. Well done.

Last Updated on 6/11/2020

The Connection between Brand and the Bottom Line

Years ago, management guru Peter Drucker said, “Because the purpose of business is to create and keep a customer, the business enterprise has two—and only two—basic functions: marketing and innovation. Marketing and innovation produce results; all the rest are costs. Marketing is the distinguishing, unique function of the business.”

Branding Basics

Forbes.com contributor Scott Davis puts it best: a brand must inspire how people feel, influence how they behave, and compel them to act. How do you achieve this? Through the successful implementation of a solid and focused brand strategy, of course! This applies across industries and business models—from B2C to B2B. It’s just as relevant for industrial manufacturers. A strong industrial branding strategy is the most important aspect of your marketing efforts. Indeed, it is the foundation that supports and informs all of your marketing messaging. Without an integral brand, your company will blend in with the competition. Use brand development to differentiate yourself from competitors and to communicate your promise to customers. Not only is it your brand’s job to deliver your brand promise, but it should also be directly connected to consumer needs, emotions, and competitive environments. After all, you want your brand to be distinctive to create value and connection among customers.

How Do Your Clients and Prospects Get You and Get to You Through Your Brand Promise?

Do you honestly know how many competitors you really have? How many companies are direct competitors? How many other companies are there that provide different products and services, but are chasing the same decision makers as you?

Many B2B companies compete for attention in a very specific marketplace. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of small to medium manufacturing companies chasing the same OEMs in the medical device, military, aerospace, automotive, and other markets.