Is reputation important to your business?

Reputation is nowhere near the top of the priority list for a lot of organisations, especially at a time when financial stability matters to such an extent that cost-management, cashflow, efficiency and sales are the only focus.

Could Apple have gained the reputation it has today by thinking in those terms?

Our view is a definite no. Of course we would say that, but just look at the investment Apple puts into protecting its IP, the way it designs products, creates demand, presents products to the market and consistently reinforces its brand. That’s supported with continuous marketing communications activity across broad-ranging channels.

In four decades the company has established and maintained one of the most successful brands ever. We could all learn a thing or two from that.

So look at your customers. Are they apostles or hostages? What could you do to engage them more effectively with your brand?

Brand engagement may sound like the kind of term bandied about by “marketing people”, but is it really the luxury many perceive it to be?