Many of us here at Belmont are big Idol fans. Mornings after the show, you’ll hear renditions of “Pants on the Ground” and opinions about the best and worst contestants and the antics of the judges. But this year, we have all been buzzing about the loss of one staple of the show and the impending loss of, arguably, the star of the show.

So, being the branders that we are, we have begun the discussion about what the loss of these two human elements of the corporate brand … read more

Whether it’s a small mom and pop shop or a multi-million dollar corporation, employees are critical to the brand of an organization, and are ultimately responsible for delivering on a brand promise. Their actions, appearance and even tone of voice convey the brand, influencing brand perception and ultimately the company’s success.

So how do you go about relaying something as abstract as a brand to every employee in the company, so that they might follow and embody it? In my view, this begins with leadership. Leaders are the key component … read more

I was watching 60 Minutes the other night and had a thought. While the main segments of the show act kind of like White Papers, based in fact, interview and research, Andy Rooney’s finale segment acts more like a video blog. His pieces are still mostly based in fact, but more often than not, have much more to do with opinion. There’s something about his few minutes at the end of every show that makes the show less hard-hitting, more personal, and keeps viewers coming back for more. It just struck … read more

As you may know from my earlier post, I’m in the market for baby gear. I’ve been shopping, and reading, and researching. Like anyone, my thoughts about certain products are formed by what my friends have told me and what I have read, but more importantly, what’s familiar. Brands whose names I recognize are more appealing to me. Graco, for example, is a very “safe” brand — they’ve been around forever, and I see the logo everywhere I go.

BUT… I found a stroller, made by a brand I’d never heard of before, which … read more

We are living in a brand conscious society. Consumers are increasingly aware of the brands and names that permeate our buying habits, our news headlines, and our celebrity-filled tabloids. This growing brand consciousness has created awareness among parents of how the names that they choose can shape their children’s future.

These days, we hear names like “Apple Martin” and “Shiloh Jolie-Pitt,” and the trend is leaning toward more unique names, away from those with more familial or historical implications. Tradition has been set aside for many parents who look to give their … read more