Happy Holidays

With the holidays around the corner, and in the spirit of spending time with friends and family, I am signing off from my blog until the New Year.

2010 has been an exciting year with my recent move to London, as I continue to pursue my passion in branding to help brands make meaning and live it daily.

But 2010 has also been a very exciting year for branding.

We saw a number of noteworthy rebranding initiatives. Some of which made me think, 'good move' (i.e. Aol., Reebok & MySpace), while some others made me raise an eyebrow (i.e. Comcast & Gap).

• The New Aol.
• Rebranding Done Right & Wrong
• Focusing on the bright spots

We also saw the impact social media has had on brands, such as BP and Gap. Proving that the branding process is becoming more democratic in that if customers don't like what they see, they will demand change.

• How far can brand damage spread?
• Please mind the Gap

The rise of mobile technology is changing how we deliver a brand's promise to consumers. Whether it be through something as simple as online status/association, or delivering utility extending the brand experience to live anywhere at any time, when needed most.

• Branding continues to evolve
• Our online identities' impact on brand value

Although this may not be new to 2010, but the importance in attracting and retaining talent, which aligns to the brand's purpose, is key to adequately deliver on its promise, especially when considering the declining workforce due to an aging population. In addition, having a meaningful purpose that genuinely resides at the core of the organization, like TOMS, is in high demand from future talent. As they want to know they are contributing to society and in what way.

• People create the brand
• Meaning will attract & retain future talent
• The purposeful organization: TOMS Shoes

Thank you for another great year of blogging, and I look forward to writing more in the New Year.

Happy Holidays,
Nicole