The document discusses branding and how creating a unique brand identity can help companies differentiate themselves in competitive markets where products and services are becoming commoditized. It defines key branding concepts like brand, brand identity, positioning, and personality. The document advocates for brands that have both a rational, sustainable point of difference as well as genuine emotion that appeals to audiences. It also provides examples of how Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Tiffin Motorhomes strengthened their brands through targeted messaging and marketing strategies.

1. Branding: Different is Better than Better
Creating demand and a point of difference in a
confusing, competitive and commoditized market.

2. Ken Wilson
VP, Managing Director
Lewis Communications, Nashville

3. Why Am I here?
• Discussion of branding
• Some case examples, but you have your own
• Hopefully, stimulate a few ideas

4. Competition isn’t your problem

5. Commoditization is

6. When consumers believe that all brands are the same, the
cheapest or most convenient one wins.

7. Commoditization is why Geico wins…

8. The opposite of commoditization is why Starbucks
wins

9. A Marketers Reality
• Very few of us have products or services that are truly different.
• There are many, many acceptable substitutes to choose from.

10. Brands are what distinguish you

11. Branding Definitions
• “Brand”
– Lives in the minds of your target audience
– Often have different perceptions based on audience
– You don’t control your brand, you can only influence it
– Brands are defined by a multitude of influences

12. Branding Definitions
• “Brand Identity”
– Logo, name, graphic standards
– Not your brand, but symbols of your brand

13. Branding Definitions
• “Brand Positioning”
– What you do to influence how your brand is perceived.
– Includes the messages you send, and the channels you use.
– This is what you do control.

14. Branding Definitions
• “Brand Personality”
– The intangibles you put behind your brand.
– Tone of voice, responsiveness, attitude, character, behavior.

15. Creating A Brand
• Rational or Emotional?

16. Creating A Brand
• Rational or Emotional?
– Both
– Rational, sustainable point of difference, wrapped in genuine emotion.
– Both must be relevant to the audience.

17. Creating A Brand
• Objective Market Evaluation
– Competitive review and comparative analysis.
– Geography, accessibility, visibility, etc.
– SOV, SOM, other qualified measurements
– First, fix whatever needs fixing

18. Creating A Brand
• Talk to Key Stakeholders
– Internal audiences
– External audiences
– Influencers

19. Creating A Brand
• Formal vs. Informal Research
• Qualitative vs. quantitative

20. Creating A Brand
• What to ask:
– Internal Audiences: “Why are you here?”
– External Audiences: “Would you recommend this company to a friend?”
(why or why not)

21. Creating A Brand
• Formulate a brand position, personality, and a strategy
– Often test, but sometimes you have to go with it.

22. Case Examples
Vanderbilt University Medical Center

23. VUMC
• 1996
– Ranked fourth in preference in the market
– “If I’m dying take me here, otherwise, take me somewhere else”
– Quality and technical capabilities unchallenged
– Perceived as a cold and sterile place to be
– Needed personality, warmth in the brand
– “Hearts and Minds”

25. VUMC
• 2000
– Moved into a position ofchallenger
• Now rankedsecondin preference.
• Needed the brand voice to begin to speak from one of leadership.
• Began a second opinion strategy.

27. VUMC
• 2004 –2008
– Reached dominant position in market.
– Began to expand leadership gap.

29. VUMC
• 2008 –on
– Begin to expand reach.
– Focus on relevant message outside of market as well as local.

32. Case Examples
Tiffin Motorhomes

33. Tiffin
• Favorable brand perception, but marketing an after thought.
• Desire to expand into luxury category.
• Low quality marketing was a disconnect with desired brand position.
• Unparalleled customer service created a core base of loyalists.
• “Whereever You Go, We Go”

34. Tiffin
• Integrated Campaign Materials
– Interactive Marketing
– Website
– E-Mail Marketing
– Banner Ads
– Virtual Tours
– Google AdWords
• Social Media
• CRM
• Loyalty Club
• Traditional advertising as support
• Product Materials and Dealer Support

39. Tiffin
• Brand results:
– Market share grew from 4% to over 20% in last eight years.
– Moved from eighth ranked to number one selling Class A motorhome for
last three years.

40. Questions?