Articles on Brand Identity & Positioning:

Sauce of Conversation [PDF]
By Vanessa Cohen

In this article, Vanessa discusses Pizza Hut’s rebranding of some of its outlets as ‘Pasta Hut’ and whether or not it will produce long-term growth for the brand.  (Also available at http://www.brandstrategy.co.uk/) (Brand Strategy, December 2008)

Make the Endorser Strategy Work [PDF]
By Kevin O'Donnell

I’m as fond of Mrs. Butterworth and her syrup as the next person. Splashed on pancakes or waffles? Delicious. As a special sauce to make my insurance bills a bit more palatable? Maybe not so much. (Marketing News, September 2008)

How to Win the Hearts and Minds of Hispanic Customers [PDF]
By Andrew Pierce and Jorge Aguilar

With the Hispanic population in the US expected to surpass white non-Hispanic inhabitants by 2030, marketers are scrambling for ways to tap into growing spending power while generating loyalty to their brands. Strong, enduring brand loyalty can be built among Hispanics, but not by using tactics that work for white, Middle America. (MarketingProfs, June 17, 2008)

RISQUÉ BUSINESS: Sex Sells. Or Does it? [PDF]
By Kevin O'Donnell

Your customers—current and intended—have certain expectations of both your brand and your category. There’s a fine line between outrageous and offensive messaging, and the risk of crossing it and alienating more customers than you entice must be evaluated. (Marketing News, April 2008)

A Shot to the Heart [PDF]
By Kevin O'Donnell

Brand extensions are often seen as a silver bullet to all that ails maturing brands and business categories. Succeed and you may be on the path to substantial organic growth. Fail, and you join the ranks of some 90% of all new market entrants that prove irrelevant to customers. (Marketing News, February 1, 2008)

Turning Green Into Gold [PDF]
By Andrew Pierce

In this article, Andrew argues that the question for most companies is not if they will take action to make their brands environmentally friendly, but when and the extent to which they will do so. He then discusses what it takes to successfully make green work as a business and brand builder. (Marketing News, October 1, 2007)

The CMO Challenge: Exiting the Comfort Zone [PDF]
By Michael Dunn

In this article, Michael Dunn argues that in order to be effective, marketers need to up their game, take on the new media, and be prepared to be adventurous, extending their influence over many of the critical business growth drivers. (Argent, September 2007)

The Value of the ABN Amro Brand [PDF]
By Bernhard Schaar and Joseph Gelman

Joseph Gelman and Bernhard Schaar reflect on the utility of rebranding processes at a global level, using the case of ABN Amro to illustrate their argument. *Please note, this article is in Spanish. (Expansión, July 2007)

There's Nothing New in Desperate Marketing [PDF]
By Eloy Trevino and Scott Davis

Two Choices: Burger King and Ford followed different paths in their quests to grow-and stand as case studies of why the best marketing comes from innovation, not desperation. (Advertising Age, April 23, 2007)

How to Get an Ethical Advantage [PDF]
By Prophet

In this article, we discuss three strategies to help companies integrate corporate social responsibility with brand-building efforts. (Brand Strategy, December 2006/January 2007)

At Kohl's, Very Vera Should be Very Wary [PDF]
By Prophet

In this article, Steve Chang discusses the potential impact on Vera Wang's brand by launching a new line of clothing for Kohl's. (BrandWeek.com, October 16, 2006)

The United Nations in Crisis: Negative Perceptions Call for Savvy Marketing to Rebuild its Brand [PDF]
By Prophet

The UN is in a brand crisis. The damage to its reputation is significant, but if the organization is committed to making some significant changes, it's not too late to change course and correct it's tainted image. (Brandchannel.com, August 2005)

How Dupont Used Insights From Needs-Based Research to Redefine Brand, Business [PDF]
By Michael Petromilli and Keith Sena

Insights into how DuPont Performance Coatings, a leading supplier of paint systems to the global automotive industry, used customer insights to reposition its brand. (2005 Handbook of Business Strategy, October 2004)

In Selling Solutions, Success Hinges on Brand's Credibility and Stretch with Customers [PDF]
By Prophet

Technology companies must consider their customers' needs in designing "solutions strategies." This article outlines four key questions that must be addressed to ensure that the brand meets customers' needs. (Influency, a publication of the CMO Council, Fall 2004)

Three Strategies for Integrating CSR with Brand Marketing [PDF]
By Prophet

Increasingly, companies are putting a public face on their corporate social responsibility (CSR) activity. The authors describe three different approaches for incorporating CSR activities with marketing activities. (Market Leader, Summer 2004)

Defining "Brand Chicago" is Key to Luring New Business*
By Scott Davis

A perspective on how the city of Chicago can put its brand identity into action and reap the strategic and economic benefits. (Crain's Chicago Business, April 2004)

Effective Branding: More Than Just a Name [PDF]
By Scott Davis

A view on branding today and what a top executive needs to do to protect his/her brand's equity. (MWorld, August 2002)

Your Brand is Your Most Valuable Strategic Asset [PDF]
By Scott Davis

An in-depth interview with Davis, Scott on how to manage your brand as an asset. (B2Buzz, June 2002)

The Insurance Company Branding Challenge [PDF]
By Prophet

This article reviews the challenges facing many insurance company executives as they attempt to extend their brand(s) into a broader financial services market. (Insurance Marketing Magazine, February 2002)