If You Were a Brand, What Would you Be?

It is said that Richard Branson embodies the very brand of Virgin. He has become synonymous with the company he founded and everything that the company stands for seems to be reflected in his own personality.

It is a good effort to get brand personality so strong, but is it dangerous? Where will the brand be if he decides to pack it all in and head off on the next balloon?

So, if Richard Branson = Virgin, then what brand do you represent? To get you thinking, here are some suggestions:

• Woolworths – a once great name that faded away and got confused by the modern world. Showed a lack of ability to recognise what people want or how to solve financial difficulties. It now stands as a tired, battered reminder of better days. I’m thinking Gordon Brown.
• Kappa – once the extravagant brand of choice for the hoody on the street corner. Tries to portray a youthful image, but as likely to be seen adorning a granny as a teenager these days. It’s got to be Wayne Rooney.
• Range Rover – on one hand it cries “Get out of my way at all costs, I own both the road and the countryside,” but also is a venerable institution in Britain with an affection that few of us can really explain. Stand up the Royal Family.

Oh, and naturally I’m Aston Martin…