I have been in contact with Shawn Parr who is the CEO of Bulldog Drummond, a design and innovation consultancy headquartered in San Diego whose clients include Starbucks, Pepsi, Adidas, MTV, Nestle, Virgin, Disney, Nike. Shawn is a great guy on branding and I wanted to share with you all his new year resolutions for branding.
1. BE COURAGEOUS, OFTEN
Take bold steps to stand out from the crowd. Reflect on 2010 and look at what you did well,and what you could have been different. Take courageous steps to help your brand stand out in2011.
2. REVISIT AND REFINE YOUR PURPOSE
Take the time to look back at your mission and vision and ask if you were living it in 2010.Look for places to bring it to life with your team and explore whether you need to refine it.Remember: the words aren't set in stone. If they're not resonating, rewrite and revise!
3. SHUT UP AND LISTEN
There's a lot to learn if you just take the time to listen. Make sure you ask your team forfeedback, ideas and suggestions. Listen to your consumers and pay attention to research.Listen to what they have to say and act on what you've heard. Honest, unfiltered feedback isfuel for change.
4. FIND AN ENEMY
An enemy gives you and your team something to push against–something to challenge. Anenemy inspires passion! This year, define a clear enemy and rally your team. It could be acompetitor, a trend or an element of your internal culture. No matter what it is, create a plan tobeat it, share the mission with your team and go forth!
5. STRETCH AND SET SOME BIG GOALS
Set at least one wild and audacious goal for 2011–something you've never tried before. Outlinethe goal, share it with your team and challenge them to play their part in achieving it. Just don'tforget to celebrate the small victories and successes on the journey.
6. BUILD A PASSIONATE AND ENGAGED TEAM
Your most valuable resource is your people. This year, weed out those don't contribute andaren't engaged. Replace them with active, passionate and energized people who will make atrue difference to the rest of your team and your brand.
7. INJECT FUN INTO THE EVERYDAY
One of the best motivators for your team is a great work environment. This year, start doingsmall things that make your employees happy. A monthly massage for a those who have putin extra hours or a weekly pot-luck for the team. Small gestures or events can make a bigdifference. And the benefits won't just stop with your team - they will show through everythingthat your brand does. Happy people equals happy brand.
8. PLAN FOR LEARNING
This year, make a commitment and ensure you company is continually learning and is inspiredby the word at large. Create a program that allows your team to take classes. Host a "learninglunch" monthly with guest speakers. Injecting new thinking into your organization will energizeyour team and, ultimately, benefit your brand.
9. MAKE FRIENDS WITH OTHER BRANDS
Partner brands can be your best ally–whether they're in your space or not. This year, charta "circle of love," identifying brands with similar values that you'd like to partner with in 2011.Set one member of your team with a potential relationship and have them explore how to collaborate. You'll be surprised by the results, even just the initial conversations you'll haveabout your own brand.
10. SAY THANK YOU AND SHOW THAT YOU REALLY MEAN IT
And, lastly, do what your mother told you! Thanking people goes a long way to creatingvalued and appreciated fans–internally and externally. This year, find new ways to show youappreciate your team, your customers and your partners, in ways that truly make a differencein their lives. You'll be surprised and delighted by the results.
Great thoughts which I wanted to share with you all - thanks Shawn!
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