Never a Lack of Ideas

Best Brands — The Remix Happy Halloween! Last year I presented my list of the top ten brands in the United States. After revisiting my list, I wouldn’t change anything, so I figured I’d present the next ten brands on my list. To create this list, I relied heavily upon my opinion of the general perception of each brand versus its competitors, and how much of a premium the brand can charge because of that perception. I didn't get hung up on revenue data or market share numbers — I just went with what I see and hear every day and threw in my own opinion from a marketer's point of view. Here's my list of brands ranked 11-20: 11. Starbucks — Just missing the top ten, Starbucks put gourmet coffee on the map and showed the world how to create a company focused on the customer experience that happens to sell coffee. 12. Disney World — Millions of families make a pilgrimage to Orlando just to visit the theme park every year. I’ll bet your parents took you there when ...

10 Thousand Pictures Say 10 Million Words Lady Gaga should wear a dress to the Grammys composed of nothing but 10,000 photos of her fans. (Click the example on the right.) Last year, she famously wore a dress made of raw meat . This year, why not honor her fans by wearing their pictures on her dress? Lady Gaga is very close to her fans. She calls them her “Little Monsters” and many of them dress in elaborate costumes when they attend her concerts. Her devotion to her fans is one reason she has become so successful. In marketing, it’s important to show love to your biggest fans — your customers. Give them opportunities to provide input about your new product ideas. Allow them to submit feedback and then post that feedback publicly. Send your customers hand written thank you notes. And let your fans submit photos of them using your products. Add This To Your To-Do List Show some love to your fans! Every business has repeat customers. Give them ways to show their love for you by sponsori...