Yep, it’s true, 2009 has been declared the year of the Gorilla by the UNEP Convention on Migratory Species, the UNEP/UNESCO Great Ape Survival Partnership and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. So in honor of this landmark year for our endangered friend, we’re reinforcing our commitment to our clients to help them elevate their brands.
For instance, today, while partaking in a resolution of my own (that of running on a treadmill which is terribly uneventful), I was perusing the January 09 Wired (another resolution – reading…a lot) and I came across the article “All grown up” by Steve Levy. The piece dealt with the Mac legacy and why the company been so successful (and unsuccessful) during its first 25 years.
Regarding its recent success (now nudging into double digits in market share), Apple COO Tim Cook lists six ingredients of the company’s success: better computers, better software, seamless compatibility, smart marketing, successful retail stores and the bad luck of the arch rival’s latest platform.
Imagine that – marketing listed as one of the six most important factors of the rebirth of the Apple computer. Try to keep that in mind this year. Sure you need to have a great product or service, a competitive edge, etc., but ultimately, people have to know about your offering. Smart marketing is how you tell them. Smart marketing is how you elevate your brand.
Happy Gorilla Year. We hope you find nothing but good fortune in 2009.
Jon
