I asked myself a question this morning, one that became more difficult to answer than I would have thought.
Question: What is your single, all-time favorite brand?
By that, I mean a brand that has stood the test of time, creating warm feelings of gladness, enduring attachment, readiness to go-out-my-way for the brand experience, and an easy readiness to tell others about it.
Hmmmm…that would be my wife, actually! OK, let’s limit this to non-relationships…
I thought about products and services I’ve used over the years. There’s Netscape Navigator, my first browser through which I experienced the Internet. How I loved seeing that big “N” symbol with the moving stars, as I first began to explore the early web! And how bummed out I was when Microsoft was able to overwhelm Netscape! Alas, Netscape Navigator, while a very positive brand, was not an enduring one.
Musicians create their own brands, and some, over the years, have embedded themselves in my mind and heart. Ambrosia, Chicago, The Moody Blues, and others in my youth. Nightnoise (a Celtic-oriented Windham Hill group that seems to have, regretfully, stopped recording). Secret Garden. Phil Keaggy. If Coldplay follows on with something as good as X&Y, they’ll join the list. But, each has its place in my eclectic listening universe, and my auditory attachments often go in phases.
Then there is Starbucks. My introduction to more-than-the-usual cup of coffee. I still enjoy their coffee, but more than that, Starbucks opened my eyes to enjoying coffee as a higher pleasure, not just as a cup of wake-up juice. Very much as Samuel Adams caused me to appreciate great beer that rises above the mass-market average. Both of these positive brands span a couple of solid decades, and have earned my consistent recommendations. But does anything go all the way back to first half of my life as well?
Then I finally thought of one. It’s not a product, not a service, not something purchased, but still experienced. It has changed over the years but basically remained true to its mission. It has managed to develop an enduring following – even fanatical to some extent. Can you guess what it is (I’ll give the answer later in the comments).
In the meantime – what is your favorite brand of all time? Is there one to which you are attached above all others? And why? Leave your comments and let’s discuss which brand is truly the “cream of the crop” in your eyes!
Without a lot of thought, I’d pick Hellman’s mayo. No matter what it costs, I’d always, always buy it and no other brand of mayo. I honestly don’t know why; it’s probably full of chemicals and assorted stuff that’s real bad for you. I’d buy it anyway:)
That is a good question Steve… It didn’t take me long to stumble onto my choice.
I’ve got to say without a doubt: Google. They’ve stuck with me through the thick and the thin searching the to the ends of the world (and my desktop) for information I need in an instant.
Have I forgotten a phone number? Need to navigate in a foreign country? Need to get that website I was on a few weeks ago? Well, Google knows where it is and I’m left happy as Larry as it pops instantly onto my desktop/laptop.
Also, you’d think a free seminar hosted by such a large company would be a pretty small event, but not Google’s AdSense seminar. There was beer, wine, pastries, snacks and waiters tending to us. Then, to top it off, the event was held at the Hilton hotel where I live.
Even with such a huge company, Google just does things right. They deliver two-fold, the value you would recive from their competition and their attention to the needs of their customers is second to none. I suppose they know more than anyone out there seeing as they store so much data about me.
I’m sure there are a lot of other Google “fan bois” out there, just like me. Even writing this this right now solidifies my respect for the company.
Good question, Steve…
It’s not an easy question to answer, but off the top of my head I’d say Adobe.
As a designer I use their products so often that it’d be a tough job without them.
All very good, no doubt, but Coke is still number one in my book. They’ve survived since the 1800’s as an indelible part of American culture. The brand is so strong that it survives even bad business decisions, such as “New Coke.” And who can forget “I’d like to teach the world to sing” from the ’70s with the flower children climbing the hill!
There are three that stand out in my mind. All are known the world over and have remained focused on their original missions.
McDonalds The golden arches are recognized around the world. Their mascot is a happy clown. Their sandwiches are almost a brand all their own. If someone says they want a Quarter-Pounder or Big Mac, you know they want McDonalds.
Disney W.E. Disney set out to entertain. When you think Disney, you think entertainment, be it movies, television, music, theme parks, etc. Mickey’s ears are everywhere.
Coca-Cola Growing up in the south, we had a word for soda…Coke.
Favorite Brands of All Time
Samuel Adams – Finally, a beer that tastes like, well… a beer. Finely crafted every time fufilling the promise of a deep rich embodied lager. Drank one my freshman year in college and I was hooked for life.
Adobe- I’m a designer and creative by nature so I would of course tout the tools of the trade. These folks develop tools that make my job a little easier…and without patches.
Pixar now Disney Pixar – A creative power house that always delivers quality entertainment with memorable characters and heartwarming stories. Walt would be proud of Steve.
Miramax – Artistic films that have a broad appeal to the masses.
Boston Bruins – One of the original six hockey teams that manage their brand well.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)- ASPCA’s Marketing Director successfully raised their branding awareness from grassroots to the mainstream of animal issues.
Memorable brands are those that engage the heart, mind and soul of the audience. All senses are engaged to influence the consumer to order that pilsner, buy the latest software or view the latest film release. We wear our favorite brands on shirts, hats, and other apparel…and so do our cars. It is amazing to me how much branding really influences our choices and decision making.
These are some great comments, with some brand names coming up that I would not have anticipated (esp. Hellman’s mayo!). I do agree that Google has become so incredibly indispensable that it may win the award for most rapid and deep uptake of a brand ever. And I can see how designers and marketers would be smitten with Adobe.
The “brand” I was referring to in my post? Star Trek! I’m not one of those fanatics, but I’ve enjoyed the whole Star Trek concept and execution for decades, and I still enjoy watching episodes from the original series. As with Superman, or Rocky, or Batman, some of these “larger than life” series end up with an incredibly long lifespan, and great fan attachment.
What about “Superman” as a brand? Sure, it’s had its weaker moments… but I’m sure it’s more popular than Google and probably at least equal with Coke.
It definitely satisfies the ‘all time’ requirement and if ‘favorite’ means that it provokes an emotional response… then this fits well. I’ve always loved the Superman franchise – still do.
Moreover, it wont ever be replaced… only retold and extended. The brand stands for everything good in the world (and krypton!) so will continue to be a metaphor for hope, freedom and justice… which will only become more relevant as the years progress.
Levi’s. Definitely.
Delorean. I think there is something so magical about that brand since I saw the movie Back to the Future. The scarcity and nostalgia of it make me just love it. I can’t figure out why its ranked 350 of the most loved brand on brand-mojo leader-board. Oh well, it is still my favorite brand.