Abiah.com, Christian Organization and Ministry Brand Development

One of the legendary brands in music

I meant to post about this yesterday so I hope you'll forgive me for being a little behind.

On Wednesday night my husband and I skipped Shark Week (which could easily be called "commercial week") and watched the story of Stax Records.  And what a story it was.

It discussed the rise and fall of the Stax label (whose performers included Booker T and the MGs, Isaac Hayes, and the incomparable Otis Redding among many other legends of R&B). It was a fascinating story on so many levels since it discussed how the business was founded and grew, how it was a haven of racial harmony at a time of widespred inequality in a place where violence broke out (including the tragic slaying of Dr. King).

It also shared the competition among and differences between Motown (known as Hitsville) and Stax (who labeled themselves Soulsville) and the masterly bit of branding each business did to appeal to its target market and how that market was able to expand by delivery of an outstanding product.

If you missed it, check your local PBS listings for what was truly a great episode of Great Performances.

And pick up a copy of any one of several celebrations of the Stax label, crank open your sunroof, and enjoy the glorious sounds and glorious summer.

Saying goodbye to your pet

My cat has cancer. 

I never had a cat before I took her in as a stray 11 ½ years ago.  I didn’t know anything about cats other than their reputation as aloof creatures with an air of superiority.

From the start, Lucky was never true to her brand.

She didn’t always want to be held when you wanted to hold her, that’s true.  But she was nowhere near as independent as cat press agents would have you believe.

Finicky eater?  Not my Lucky.  Growing up she was a regular little

Garfield

. She actually jumped into an open refrigerator and on to a slice of pizza which she then began to chew on.

She ate greenbeans.

Vote for your favorite product

Hey, get on over to USAToday and check out their top 25 inventions of the past 25 years.

There's even a poll so you can vote for your favorite.  Mine's Caller ID...what's yours?

So what's YOUR brand?

Hello Brand Builders-

Last night I went to get cleaned up before bed and there was a "Daddy Longlegs" (which apparently is not a true spider...) on the mirror.  You know the kind I mean...the ones with the tiny bodies but amazingly long, thin legs.  I usually see them in the garden.

I washed my face and then decided Daddy had to go outside to do whatever it is Daddy Longlegs do.  I just wanted him to do it outside.

I managed to get him in a plastic cup and I asked my husband, Lou, to open the front door for me so I could set Daddy free. 

While heading downstairs, Lou asked me what I would have done if, instead of a Daddy Longlegs, I had found a regular spider on the mirror.  "Kill him of course," I replied.

This made Lou laugh of course and he wanted me to explain why the Daddy Longlegs got saved but a true spider would have been squashed like the bug he is.  "Because spiders are creepy and Daddy Longlegs are gentle," I explained. 

That's when it really hit me -- Every thing, every place, every product, every person...has a brand!

To me, Daddy Longlegs' brand is gentle and non-threatening while spiders' have a brand that's creepy and is threatening because I know they bite.  Yuck!

Every individual has a brand too.  Think about your best employee, your favorite person at work, or even your spouse.  What words do others use to describe that person?  What words do you use to describe them?  People I know who work with or have worked with Lou (who's a corporate attorney) always describe him the same way:  easy-going, calm, and dedicated to helping you solve your problem.  So, he's always sending out consistent, clear, and constant messages that people don't misinterpret.

Some people think Daddy Longlegs are creepy and maybe they would have crushed him.  He doesn't have a very consistent or clear brand. I think he should hire Abiah Designs to do a re-brand for him (LOL).

So what's YOUR brand?  Is it clear, consistent, and constant?  If it's not, drop us a note and let's talk about it before you're business gets smushed.

Just some thoughts to help drive a great return for your brand.

Until next time,

Winnie Anderson on behalf of the team at Abiah Designs