Contributors
Patrick T. Davis
Responsible for vision and strategy of the firm and its clients, Mr. Davis bridges a broad range of disciplines, from economics to semantics. He works across North America, Europe and the Middle East, combining cultural insights for practical application. His book, The Semantic Marketplace: The Age of Brand Meaning and Malleability, is forthcoming. He writes about emerging industry issues, brand capital and social media for Unbound Edition.
Technology's impact on brand management, in this month's BrandPlus: http://bit.ly/bV9cH1
Articles by Patrick T. Davis
Whoopi Goldberg’s Racist Logic
Today, during her premiere on ABC’s “The View,” Whoopi Goldberg came to the defense of Michael Vick. Whether publicity stunt for ratings, genuinely held opinion, or spontaneous outpouring of stupidity, there’s a fundamental problem with Goldberg’s logic. It’s racist, at its core.
Evolved Volvo
Marketers seem a bit surprised today that Volvo is evolving its core brand positioning to evoke some sexiness alongside its legendary safety. Anyone who has a confused reaction to this is way behind the times. The tired notion of brand as repeated “one-note” song has hobbled some of the biggest companies in the world. (Wal-Mart’s challenges might be tied back to its singular focus on “low prices,” which led consumers to see the entire company – rich as it is – as “cheap.” And everything Ford is doing is “bold,” right? Except sales.)
Eco or Ego?
While I applaud and, I hope, help advance the “green” movement on a number of fronts, I think it is important also to recognize the functional selfishness of the entire effort. If we are honest, “going green” isn’t really about saving the planet or improving the environment. It’s about saving ourselves. Our broad, cultural hubris may let us forget these are separate things.
Mainstreet Brands
The branding of cities may be popular. But fading corporate approaches don’t work when it is time to capture the true character and competitive value of a place.
Brand Spanking, New: Hospitable Hilton?
This won’t be nice, or gentle. It’s not meant to be. This is a brand spanking, and it is much overdue and greatly deserved. Pants down. Right now. In public.
Faking It: Brand Tom Ford
Horacio Silva, the New York Times critical shopper, recently detailed the rough handling he suffered amidst the unbearable preciousness of Tom Ford’s new menswear boutique on Madison Avenue.
Reputation on the Auction Block
Mr. Murdoch wants the take it up a notch and buy Dow Jones & Company and the world’s leading financial paper, the Wall Street Journal. Who can blame him, really. His portfolio of holdings could be more balanced, and the Journal certainly could benefit from his legendary approach to cost management.
Meaning, One Cup at a Time
Starbucks and other "experience brands" need to evolve into the age of brand meaning quickly. Why? Because the brands that win today are ones that drive social agendas.
