Another Christmas gone and another banner sales sweep for Apple. Just look at the stock. It makes you wonder if Steve Jobs can do no wrong.
A few years back, some colleagues and I were exchanging examples of companies that had been good or bad stewards of their brands. The usual suspects were discussed: Wal-Mart, McDonalds, Coke, Microsoft, and others. Of course Apple, fresh off the resounding success of the iPod, was cited as a company that had an uncanny ability to keep its brand at true north, constantly innovating and redefining its own category. At the time, I wondered aloud whether Apple’s success would someday become its downfall. At what point would Apple become the monolithic IBM it so famously villified in the now legendary ‘1984′ ad? (more…)
No matter what political stripe, elected officials, especially presidents, will face a series of challenges during their time in office. Some have their entire legacy marked by challenges…or scandal. Companies are similar. At some point they may be faced with a crisis that reflects negatively on their brand. So while the going is good wise communicators do whatever they can to burnish the brand’s – or the politician’s – image. Build the foundation of good public relations before the tidal wave hits. That’s why I like what the 
