Keeping your Rep: Your game plan for Brand reputation management

We all had a reputation to protect when we were younger - either being the baddest, coolest, or smartest kid on the block was a big thing back in the day. 

Well, in the brand world, keeping your rep is equally important, especially with the ever-changing social landscape of today.  It's easy to see the downfalls of letting down your Brand Guard - ask anyone at ExxonMobil after the Valdez incident, or recently the disaster at the radio station 790 the Zone here in Atlanta and you'll see what improper Brand reputation management creates.

So, here's a 7 point game plan to keep you on track of managing your Brand Rep!

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They're BACK! The Twinkies Comeback Story

Several months ago, I lamented about the downfall of an icon - Twinkies.  And yes, Hostess Cupcakes, Ding Dongs, etc. some of the best memories of my youth.

Well... they're BACK!  Yes, the Twinkie lives on and will be back on shelves in July.  Look, I know it's not healthy, I know those things will live as long as Keith Richards and cockroaches, but who cares!

You know you went out and bought a Hostess product when you heard they were going out of business, don't deny it!  I did - and loved every bit of those Ding Dongs...

All I can say, welcome back you processed yellow hunk of sugar lovin!

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Brand Building - key tenets from Steve Jobs

I am a big fan of Apple, and have been for years.  We have 7 Apple devices in our house, all of which have now become staples in our everyday lives.  And I remember my first computer - the Apple II.  Yes, a total dinosaur by today's standards, but at that time another innovation by Apple and it's co-founder Steve Jobs.

I will say I was upset when he passed away, as I saw in him some similarities to my life, specifically on the transplant front.  So, when he passed away, I read his biography, and came to realize how influential he truly was as an entrepreneur and brand builder.

His brand building philosophy boils down to a simple tenet - laser-like focus on your brand's identity in the marketplace.  Yes, product innovation, expansion, marketing, creative, design - they are all part of the process of building a great company.  However, in Jobs' mind, branding is not a peripheral - building and maintaining your brand's integrity is central to everything about a company.

Here are some quotes related to Steve Jobs' branding philosophy that you may find interesting:

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Wherefore art thou o' J. Peterman?

What's happened to the J. Peterman company, and no I'm not talking about the Seinfeld character.  (for those of the millenial generation, google Seinfeld TV show, and Peterman - or go here)

The J. Peterman company is a catalog retailer that had a cult following and a brand personality that was completely unique.  Their catalog was a work of art in and of itself, but somewhere between the dawn of the Internet and web 2.0, they went by the wayside. 

So how could that personality and flair fail to resonate with Internet browsers?  Its all in one, little, distinct word - engagement.  The company didn't engage with its consumers online, a place where it's uniqueness and creativity could actively create dialog with its prospective users.  In other words, J. Peterman didn't embrace the social aspect of the Internet to truly create one on one relationships with its buyers.

Read More of how engaging your audience can help boost sales and create new relationships with your customers.

Custom Beach Towels - Branding the Summer!

Face it folks - it's HOT outside!  School is long out, and we're all headed to places that can relieve the heat - be it the pool, lake, beach or sprinkler!

So why not get your brand out where the peeps are?  Custom Beach towels provide that solution, with a large imprint area, your brand is front and center!  Package it with a Striped Tote, and you are ready for the water!

Custom Beach Towel

Wear your Brand out poolside with Custom Beach Towels!

Monday Motivation: Paying it Forward

I watched this article last week and thought that it really embodied what we as Americans really hold dear to our hearts.

This is about overcoming extreme adversity, collaborating with others to achieve goals, and maintaining the tenacity and discipline to get the job done.  But, more importantly, this is about the human spirit helping others in need.  I know how hard and humble it is to know that you need help to sustain, and how gratifying it is to see people rise to the occassion and offer a helping hand - or organ.

Folks, it is a monday and I'm sure we're all just trying to get it going this week.  I offer up this as a way for all to stop and think about paying something forward to someone - be it a small token or what Ernest did below.  We as Americans are the most charitable people in the world, and its a beautiful thing indeed when you help another soul - Pay it Forward folks, and have a great Monday.

Promo products: Do they really drive brand recognition?

It's time to drive new revenue to your company, so you've put together a fantabulous marketing plan that will bring your company to the next level.  You have your T.V. spots, your advertising placements, billboards and your website is all SEO'd with amazing online ads dialed in.  You are ready for some explosive growth - or are you?

Did you forget an important marketing medium in your mix?  What, you don't think a promotional product is worth it?  Not so fast my friend...

Those trinkets and trash work man!  Surveys show that 70% of consumers remember receiving a promo item, and 88% of them REMEMBER who gave it to them!  How's that for brand recognition or ROI?  So that little lip balm, promo sunglasses, or custom t-shirt might not be a bad investment after all.

Read More of the power of Promo products in you marketing mix!

Promo Sunglasses: Keeping your Brand cool for the Summer!

Everybody wants to look cool during the summer, so find some promo sunglasses for your next event!  With all of the summer events going on, these make great giveaways to showcase your brand to new - and younger - audiences.

Great color selections, and fantastic pricing make these an affordable solution to any promotion.

Promo Sunglasses

These stock sunglasses are available in several colors that will fit your brand identity.  However, if you are looking for a completely custom look, try these on for size.  These promo sunglasses are completely designed to fit your needs - from color matching, to all-over printing, these will fit the bill

Custom Sunglasses

Or if you are looking for a low cost alternative as a quick giveaway, these Rubberized Sunglasses fit the bill as well, and for as low as $.79 each, they hit any budget point.

Custom Rubberized Sunglasses

At Whiteboard Promotions, we'll keep your Brand cool in the heat of Summer!