Brands are Personal

This image went viral on Facebook the past few weeks. If you’re not from New Orleans, I do not expect you to get it. The image us obviously based on the famous Joan de Joanes’ “Last Supper”, but what may not be so obvious is the iconic New Orleans’ brands.

Artist unknown.

I’m not going to give you an education on these brands because unless you’re from New Orleans, they don’t matter and you’d forget them anyway. (Although, I hope you recognize the Saints bobblehead near the center along with the George Rodrigue’s Blue Dog.) The importance of this image is that it spread like wildfire via social media, but to a small demographic of the world – New Orleanians. To all New Orleanians, this image resonated with them and made us all think about how brands effect our lives.

As an example, the snowman character on the far right, Mr. Bingle, is presented each year in City Park’s Celebration in the Oaks as part of New Orleans’ Christmas even though the character’s brand, Maison Blanche, has been closed for over 20 years. Also, the baker to the right of him, Simon of Hubigs Pies, represents a brand still current in New Orleans. This brand made numerous adults cry last year as Hubigs’ bakery burnt causing a mad dash to stores to buy the remaining stock.

These are B-to-C brands, making them more universal, but B-to-B businesses can create this passion and personal connection, especially in select vertical markets. It starts with having a good product or service, building a brand community and also having a personality. Think about the companies you work with, which ones do you fight for and protect?

Do your clients fight for you? Are they passionate about you and your success? Would your clients cry if you closed your doors? If you answer no to any of these questions, how do you change that?

When your clients are passionate about you, they don’t leave you and these raving fans spread your message and grow your company.