
Introduction: What Branding Can Do for You
suming public will understand their core propositions. Brands
can’t be left to chance; careful planning and positioning are vital
to a brand’s success. Indeed, when a brand is represented in a man-
ner that is either inconsistent or confusing, the buying public will
draw its own assumptions that may or may not be accurate.
For example, you wouldn’t want to wake up Tuesday morning
and find that your favorite Starbucks has suddenly added a conven-
ience-store hot dog grill next to the muffins and scones, promoting
three hot dogs for $1.39. That would be a shock. That would be a
surprise. That would be bizarre, especially ...