Comments on: It’s the culture, stupid!

By: kevinkeohane

kevinkeohane — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 15:59:41 +0000

The problem is usually that what is “authentic” about an organisation and its culture isn’t necessarily what its key stakeholders want to believe, or certainly not express. It’s this self-delusion/spin/corporate b.s. that ruins the effort. Which is why we as branding professionals need to have spines, and nerves of steel.

By: Mike Frommelt

Mike Frommelt — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 15:34:42 +0000

Totally agree – great post!
It’s impossible to brand, promote or sell yourself as anything other than what you truly are, and of course what you truly are is a reflection of your “core values”. Consequently, if you put forth a set of core values that are inaccurate, or are simply “marketing speak” you WILL be found out. The world today is too small and too transparent – treating employees, customers, vendors or anyone, poorly is very quickly recognized with the open forums on the web. Identifying the internal culture of a company is not nearly as difficult today as it was just 5-10 years ago.
Keep up the great work!

By: Dan Gray

Dan Gray — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 21:25:04 +0000

Thanks, Brandon. As a coach, you’ll know that I appreciate the affirmation!

By: Brandon R Allen

Brandon R Allen — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 16:29:23 +0000

Totally agree. We worry so much about external events and forces that we forget to worry about things we can control. How we treat employees, how we treat customers, product innovation etc. How we act and create vlaue for others is the most powerful brand force that exists. Enjoyed the post.

By: Mike Mirkil

Mike Mirkil — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:56:35 +0000

Nice insight. We concur. And as we see it, corporate responsibility is simply one aspect of a brand culture. Every employee in a rich and enduring brand culture will understand his or her role in helping advocate corporate responsibility, as one of many shared values and beliefs.

Best, Mike