As a Business Development Partner I’m happy to introduce to you Unknown Group. A brand new global innovation agency. We unlock future business potential by internal and external venturing. Explore new options for future growth. Step into the unknown with us. Read all about it here.
As a Tribe Member I’m happy to introduce to you Ubuntu Trails, the newest venture of my friend and business partner Peter van Houdt.
Ubuntu means ‘humanity’. It is an ancient African philosophy based on tribal culture and nature. Ubuntu believes in balance and in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity. Ubuntu Trails offers leadership training for senior executives and entrepreneurs by learning from walking safaris in pristine big 5 areas in Southern Africa. We help them understand and develop their leadership skills in a practical, fun and intense manner. When you choose to join and walk Trails with us, you also join our Tribe – our online community. And part of the money for your trip is invested into the local communities via our Trust. If you so desire, you can be actively involved in our communal projects.
In 2015 ontwikkelden we een nieuwe merkstrategie en samen met creative agency brndcrmbs tevens een nieuwe visuele identiteit en communicatieconcept voor Batenburg Techniek, met als thema: Smarter focus. Brighter tomorrow. Met als doel om beter de meerwaarde van de groep als geheel te communiceren en met volle kracht de business in de breedte te ontwikkelen. Sindsdien verdriedubbelde de aandelenkoers bijna 😉 . Een fantastisch voorbeeld van hoe branding & business development succesvol in elkaar grijpen. Bekijk de corporate video hier.
Some companies are more spirited than others and the spirit of one company can feel much better than that of another. Spirited means: ‘full of energy, enthusiasm, and determination, lively, vivacious, vibrant, full of life, vital, animated, high-spirited, sparkling, sprightly, energetic, active, vigorous, dynamic, dashing, enthusiastic, passionate, fiery; having a specified character, attitude, or mood and warm-hearted.
Corporate Spirit has a link to the concept of ‘Esprit de Corps’. If you’ve ever been on a sports team that had great morale and team spirit, you’ve experienced ‘esprit de corps’.
It ain’t what you do, it’s the way that you do it. Read my article about corporate spirit here.
There is considerable debate on what constitutes a brand. Brands are much exploited, but still too little explored. A clear statement as to the nature of a brand and how the idea of ‘the brand’ has developed is crucial, both for the valuation of a brand as an asset on the balance sheet and for positioning the brand strategically. A brand is more than a logo, color palette or a slogan. It’s the driving force behind your business. Corporates and startups alike should crack the brand code to fully apply its power! Read all about it here.
Already in 2006, I co-founded the ‘Pro Logo’ platform BrandAid (using the brandaid.org url) to inspire the best brands of the world also to become the best brands for the world.
Now again, Erik Saelens of BrandHome asks attention for this idea.
More than bands, brands have the power to change the world for better/build a better world.
After BandAid, it’s time for BrandAid.
Instead of blaming brands to be the cause of many problems in the world and saying ‘No Logo’, it’s time we demand brands to seize the opportunity and become the solution by putting a purposeful positioning in practice!
Read Erik’s article in The Drum here.
In essence a corporation needs two kinds of people: customers and employees. They are the players in the game of the name (of the company, the corporate brand). Just like on the client market corporations need to build brand strength in an integrative way on the talent market: employer branding. The ultimate aim of integrated brand management is to deliver a consistent and distinctive experience, both to customers as well as to employees. And culture is the linking pin. The modern discipline of employer brand management takes a holistic approach to shaping the culture of the organization, by seeking to ensure that every people management touch-point is aligned with the purpose of the organization.
A brand can be a company’s most valuable commercial asset, but persuading CEOs to invest in theirs is sometimes hard. In an open letter to all CMOs, everywhere, Tom Roach, Managing Partner at advertising agency BBH, shares key data-points to help them in that task.
Have a look at his presentation about the most valuable business tool ever invented, here.
