Insights - Page 4 of 6 - James Branding

What hosting the IPL signifies for brand ‘Dubai’

Just 10 days away, the Pepsi IPL has created much anticipated frenzy, excitement and buzz in the UAE. For those unfamiliar with this event, IPL refers to the “Indian Premier League” and is a professional league for men’s Twenty20 cricket club. Although only Indian clubs compete at this annual event, each team boasts international cricketers from around the world; making it one the most-watched cricket events in the world! In fact, in 2010, the IPL matches were the first sporting event to be broadcasted on YouTube around the world.

Not a surprise then that the UAE, more particularly Dubai, is hosting the first half of this coveted event.

What IS Creativity?

We throw the word around a lot. Companies advertise for “creative types” to fill “creative roles”, look for people who have “creative thinking skills”, and are able to contribute “creative solutions and perspectives”. Companies claim to be “creative companies” or work in the “creative space”. Job candidates splash the word “creative” all across their resumes, their LinkedIn profiles, and their cover letters. There are industry competitions and awards given to companies in every industry from design to technology to architecture to medicine to law to fashion to agriculture that recognizes those who have been “creative”. But what exactly does it mean to be creative? What exactly IS creativity?

Branding and Start-ups

Success in any activity requires the right ingredients and basic fundamentals. Winning a sports championship requires skill and years of practice, baking requires the right mix of ingredients, – similarly a business requires the basic fundamentals to start, grow and establish a presence in the market. A strategic business plan, clear goals and a robust brand from day one are certainly key ingredients towards a strong foundation and success for any large or small business.

From Fad to Reality: The Evolution of “Green” Brands

“Go Green”. A slogan that once represented a trend today represents a lifestyle. What started as a minor effort to adopt environmentally friendly habits has grown into people being conscious global citizens, who are increasingly contributing to a green planet. Amidst their personal efforts, people have also turned to leading global brands with just one (but by no means small) expectation: how to lead the way towards sustainable development.

The Brand Environment: why looks DO matter!

Whenever we think about a brand—we automatically think of a logo. Visions of the different brands in our lives will flash before our eyes: the cursive red Coca Cola logo, the green Starbucks mermaid, Apple Inc.’s white apple with a bite in it, the patterned “LV” splashed across a Louis Vuitton bag.

But there’s a bigger picture…literally.

Educational Brands: Survival of the Mutant

Brands are living things; they live, age and (sometimes) die, but with nurture they last, and usually for long. Every brand has a set of values that connects to its geography and culture, keeping it on brand and delivering it’s promise; educational brands are no different.

Branding & the FMCG Industry Today

“I don’t eat anything that isn’t grown organically” – how often have we heard this statement in our social circles? The fact of the matter is that increasing number of people are health conscious today, and while this means more people living in their gyms, it also means more people being mindful of their eating habits.

An up rise in this trend poses quite a significant challenge for global food companies that more often than not sell products that aren’t necessarily healthy. In the face of these challenges, marketers are relying increasingly on branding to differentiate their products.

Savvy Social Media & Fashion Brands

Over the past few years, social media has moved fast and has taken its hold in the world of business. Retail brands, in particular, are testing and learning how to increase their online presence and make their brand strategies work on social media platforms. American luxury leather goods company, Coach, is one brand that has managed to master Social Media. For instance, catering to its new market, China, Coach developed a campaign on WeChat titled “Win Gifts on Horseback”, which is also a Chinese pun meaning ‘win gifts immediately’. (WeChat is a mobile text and voice messaging communication service developed in China, first released in January 2011). The campaign comprises of three parts: draw for winning a handbag, a New Year’s wallpaper download, and a red envelope with a gift card and coupon lottery.

Copywriting and Brands: The Role of Taglines and Copy in Driving Brand Success

“Just Do it.” We’ve all heard the phrase; we’ve all used it. The famous line is the slogan of global sportswear brand Nike, and remains the driving force behind the company’s culture, marketing, product development, and customer experience. It’s very difficult to mention Nike in a conversation without referencing the catchphrase, which has become synonymous with the brand and everything it stands for.