When building a Brand Strategy, you must define yourself through a “unique” proposition to your target demo. Fail to make a clear positioning, and you risk entering a world that is Shark infested, and you will quickly get eaten alive.
In order to avoid such a death, make sure you build a solid foundational, first and foremost by defining brand or product market position against your competitors. One that outlines your brand values/lifestyle, translated into a unique product proposition. This is your initial focus, but then find some “Open Water” , one where no one else is swimming. Stay away from the “Blood” bath of commodity, “me too” products, where your only competitive advantage is price with no value. If price is your competitive positioning, then get out of the way as someone will run you over sooner rather than later.
Finding a “unique” proposition can take many forms, such as; giving your consumer a purchase “experience” (i.e, Apple) through effective retail presentation, building a lifestyle your consumers want to experience (ie. Nike,Ralph Lauren), or driving an “anti-demo” mystique message (ie.Oakley). Each is unique and effective, but each must be managed with strict discipline.
Although difficult, you must find your Open Water and this will allow you to swim freely while others getting eaten alive in the “Blood” bath of playing it safe !!
Always look to find your “Unique” selling proposition…
Always find your “Open Water” …
Alwaysavoid the “Blood Bath” of Imitator products…
Be an “Innovator ” .. !
Enjoy the Ride !
Bryan Smeltzer
LiquidMind
#LiquidMindInnovation
#BrandStrategy
LiquidMindsite.com
“Product Innovation and Marketing Success..”
The author
Bryan Smeltzer is a successful consumer products business executive and entrepreneur. He has held executive-level roles in business development, product, and marketing with some of the world's most prestigious brands, including; Oakley, TaylorMade, Adidas, K-Swiss, Schutt Sports, among other international brands. In addition, Mr. Smeltzer founded an apparel brand, successfully running a profitable business for ten years, eventually selling to a VC firm. He currently oversees LiquidMind Inc., a global brand strategy firm that partners with both start-ups and established brands to empower their businesses to think different, be different, drive a passionate culture, and execute relentlessly.