Brand Focus: Getting to the point

One of the primary tasks of strategic marketing is helping brands focus both their message and their target audience.
One day I decided I needed a bluetooth headset. So I popped into my local phone shop to pick one up. I was confronted with a wall of over 30 identical-looking, PVC blister-packed, bluetooth headsets. "Which is best for me?" I wondered.
Many business people are openly dismissive of “branding” as meaningless fluff. I agree. Twenty-odd years of brand consulting has convinced me that they're right. The word "branding" itself has no more substance than a dust bunny and about as much impact on the bottom line. That’s why if brand management means anything to your company, take this advice: Ditch the word “branding.”
What are the opportunities and challenges facing brands who wish to market themselves internationally? This was the focus of "Amerikadagen." I was thrilled to share the stage with some of the sharpest thinkers in international marketing and brand development and thought I'd share a few of their insights with you.