talkable likeable

I don’t want Coke to sell me a toaster. And I don’t want Google to be my social platform.

Just because you’re big doesn’t mean you can win at anything

Google is about making digital information accessible, facebook is my social network

Steve Jobs on Apple’s brand values

[edit] via 9t05mac

Rumours abound about the name for the (apparently) forthcoming Apple tablet. iSlate? iReview?

The romantic in me still thinks reclaiming Newton would be the daring move.

Far better to ask – will they pay for my brand?

Are you thinking hard enough about what you really provide to them – rationally and emotionally?

Is it really only news you sell, or is it reassurance? Or a signal for other people of your status? Is your magazine selling entertainment – or is it a way to pass the time? Or feel connected? Or feel good about yourself?

How can you take these underlying values and translate them into other product forms (guide books, insurance services etc)

I’ve previously written about my view that people will pay for content if you make it easy. But if they won’t pay for your brand, you really are in trouble

The task when launching media products is clear: get noticed, generate trial.

In True Blood, the FX channel have got an awesome property. Now in its second season on HBO, the vampire series is dark, sexy, supernatural and sophisticated.

Sadly, I fear this poster does not convey any of that; it’s aiming too low and simply lacks, umm, bite.

Do watch the programme though – it’s excellent.

It’s smart of Pret to offer free wi-fi, but it’s smarter still to puncture the dryness of the message with witty, on-brand support copy

Too often mission statements are glib, interchangeable and soaked with avarice. Businesses might as well use a website to generate one.

Great ones are simple, positive and rally everyone behind an idea. Twitter appears to have one of those. Techcrunch reports, as part of the controversial leaked documents haul, that internally they are shooting:

to be the pulse of the planet

I think that’s great – memorable, audacious and benevolent.

Spotted on 37 Signals

What do you do when you’ve got great brand heritage but the times are changing?

Re-imagine, re-introduce or remix your product.

Trainer companies have long found new ways to benefit from nostalgia – see Reebok Classics or Converse all-stars – and long-defunct video games are making a comeback on new platforms.

I wonder how long it will be before mobile phone manufacturers do something with classic handsets?

Up to now phones have been getting smaller, techier and more serious. Maybe there’s opportunity in doing something different – I can imagine Shoreditch fashionistas slipping their SIM card into a second, old-skool phone before a night out.

As a brand opportunity, heritage in mobiles is one thing Nokia and Motorola have over Apple.

Is there nowhere the Top Gear brand can’t go?
Full marks for lateral opportunism and carrying through their trademark irreverent wit