Yup, it is indeed about relationships
I love how this graphic gets right to the heart of things, doesn't it? I am not sure I agree that branding is the nirvana at the center of everything - I think your product & service are. Your brand is a reflection of what your are - you can dress up a pig and call it a pony but it will still be a pig. That said you need to articulate who and what you stand for - whether you are a company or a person.
The graphic is a nice demonstration of what a company needs to "BE" --something that your customers articulate not you. Once again it ain't about marketing - it is a strategic shift in how you run your business and relate to your customers.
As I've said and it was much more eloquently echoed here - There is no such thing as a social media campaign, people!
[nod to the breadcrumbs via : Francois...Digital Demystified...Branding Blog]
UPDATE: Zag pointed out this is actually from ZAG by Marty Neumeier! Check out their Brains on Fire blog
Alas, there's no graphic of the silhouetted girl with professionally-styled hair *AFTERWARDS*, in which she says to the ponytailed silhouette, "He was terrible."
The caption: "Consumer Reports"
Posted by: Justin Kownacki | 12/06/2007 at 03:35 AM
Hi Deborah - great post (and graphic). I would like to use these images in my upcoming post. Will that be okay with you? I will of course send you the link love.
Please do let me know,
Michael
Posted by: Michael Brito | 12/11/2007 at 10:48 AM
Justin - very funny!
Michael - not my graphic to give - I got the post via Brand Identity Blog. But go ahead and link to it as long as you give him link love as well [see my bread crumbs]
Posted by: deb schultz | 12/11/2007 at 07:31 PM
what a good way to explain Marketing...
thanks a lot...
i think i may find it of some use for my company...
aks
Website Designing and Development Co. Mumbai.
http://www.HugeH.com
Posted by: Huge H | 01/01/2008 at 09:16 AM
I think as long as we look at these graphics in the context of social media, we need another slide showing the gals validating or disputing that indeed our silhouetted stud muffin is a great lover.
Fantastic blog!
Posted by: Craig Daitch | 01/13/2008 at 09:49 AM
Thanks craig - indeed u are correct we are - ideally - missing final slide with said stud muffin smoking a cig..;)
Posted by: deb | 01/14/2008 at 12:09 AM
Brand Identity Guru did not create that image. It is from the book ZAG by Marty Neumeier - that's where the credit should go to.
Posted by: Zag | 04/04/2008 at 11:24 AM
Zag 0 I stand corrected - thanks for pointing out - will correct asap! BTW - love your blog!
Posted by: Deborah Schultz | 04/07/2008 at 01:34 AM