Mitch McConnell recently accused President Donald Trump of “excessive expectations” with regard to the speed at which democracy moves. As a brand planner I kind of like excessive expectations. The right brand strategy can snowball into many more business accomplishments than most marketing directors would ever agree to. I like to load up on business objectives when thinking about brand strategy.
I once explained to the head of marketing at a huge health care system that the brand strategy would increase nurse retention. And reduce the cost of physician hiring. A demure man, he was near apoplectic. “Get the shredder.”
Don’t misunderstand, I am not suggesting a broad and diffuse brand strategy that attempts to accomplish too much – a.k.a. The Fruit Cocktail Effect. (Google it.) Brand strategy needs to be tight: One claim, three proof planks. But the more excessive the expectations during the planning stages, the more likely the finished product will deliver.
Powerful bespoke brand strategy starts with high expectation.
Peace.