Recently when the Vancouver Canucks lost the Stanley Cup to the Boston Bruins, several thousand “fans” went nuts in Vancouver’s downtown outside the stadium. It shocked the entire country, and has led many to ask the question, “Will this hurt Vancouver and by extension – Canada’s pristine brand’s world image.” Depending on how they handle this, I don’t think it will.
Like any of us know in business, brand damage from an unfortunate event has everything to do with with how you handle the problem. Done correctly and swiftly, this event will be brushed aside. Running and hiding will exasperate the problem and harm the brand. Perception is reality – right? So, handling it correctly, can make a negative, a huge opportunity for Vancouver. It can come out of this stronger and better.
I’d like to ask the readership here at Small Business Branding, if you believe that this sports riot will harm the brands of Vancouver and Canada for years to come. Is it even on your radar?