Wreaking Havoc On Your Own Brand

Wreaking Havoc On Your Own Brand

It’s 8:30 a.m. and I’m in rush-hour traffic heading into downtown.

As the traffic slows ahead, I notice a magnetic sign on the tailgate of a truck that’s right in front of me. I can barely make out the image: it’s a drawing of a woman in shorts and a sexy top and whose knees are adorned with knee pads.

Getting an image?

As the truck slows and I get a better look, I realize it’s a sign advertising a business called Grout Girl Designs.

OK, change of perception. Cool, I think to myself. Perhaps it’s a woman-owned business? I like supporting other females in their entrepreneurial ventures. I need to learn more.

I get a bit closer and discover that they specialize in small tile projects, repairs and glass tile. Again, cool.

Then, just as I snapped a photo of the sign (yes, I am prone to doing that as long as it can be done safely and not at high speed!), I realize there is a smaller sign in the rear windshield (actually, it’s a bumper sticker).

It says, “Did you eat a bowl of stupid for breakfast?” OK, initial perception likely correct.

Or, at the very least, this is someone I no longer care to do business with.
How do your employees and other aspects of your business operations represent your brand?

It’s worth considering…

As always, I welcome your comments, questions, calls and email.

I can be reached via email at
shackney (at) brandingmasters (dot) com
and by phone at 760.504.8563

2 Responses to “Wreaking Havoc On Your Own Brand”
  1. Grout Girl Designs
    02.04.2011

    Wow! Just messing around on the computer this morning and came across your blog. After reading your blog several times, I agree with you about the bumper sticker, which has been removed from the truck. Not a wise idea on my part. However, in reviewing your blog I find that you have judge a business on an outward appearance only. Instead of really finding out what kind of business it is and what it has to offer. Or even contacting the business to discuss your issues with a bumper sticker. I’m just curious, as why you feel its ok to judge something based on your perceived notion. Also if you could barely make out the image….you gave a fairly good description of the illustration. Have a great day…and just try to open up your mind even just a little bit. And Thanks for the blog.

  2. Stephanie
    02.04.2011

    Thanks for taking time to leave a comment.

    As you might have surmised from the name of this site and blog, I provide consulting on branding. One of the first things I teach clients is that you may only get one opportunity to make an impression. Managing the initial impression a potential client has of you and your business is critical. You may never get another chance.

    You stated that, “…you (I) have judged a business on an outward appearance only. Instead of really finding out what kind of business it is and what it has to offer. Or even contacting the business to discuss your issues with a bumper sticker.” And, you asked, “I’m just curious, as why you feel its ok to judge something based on your perceived notion?”

    I’m happy to answer that question: one purpose of this post was to point out that most people do judge a business in a split second. Again, most potential customers make a value judgment based on what they see and hear and they make that decision very quickly. Yes, it is only their “perception,” but perception is reality in the mind of the consumer. Why give them any reason to be put off?

    I applaud you for not being defensive about my comments and for removing the sticker in question. I believe you are much more likely to gain business as a result.

    As for having an open mind, I think you would find that I am one of the most open-minded people you’d ever meet. That said, I have very strong feelings about professionalism in business and am rather intolerant of unprofessional behavior. I believe a business needs to exhibit professionalism at all times if they are to be taken seriously. This includes everything from the condition of the vehicles a business drives to what’s on those vehicles, to the staff and how they dress and behave, to the company’s businesss cards and website, and finally, to the deliverables – the products and services they promise and what they actually put on the table. These are just a few of the ways a company’s brand is represented.

    I wish you all the best with your business and welcome further discussion.


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