Monday, May 05, 2008

People Buy Brands Like They Make Friends

This morning I came across an interesting article on brandchannel.com -People Buy Brands Like They Make Friends. The article proposes an alternative perspective on brand relationship as a 'friend', the bond is still strong and emotional based on a reciprocal relationship of trust and familiarity.

Some of the top lines from the article:

  • Every action associated with a brand (products, advertising, events) has implications for brand friendship.
  • Just like our friends, brands shape our experiences. They show up at work, at home, and everywhere in between.
  • People have one great love story, if they’re lucky, but they will form several strong friendships.
  • Brand just like friends could play any number of roles viz. Builder, Companion, Connector, Collaborator, Energizer, Mind Opener, Navigator, and Champion.
  • Brand needs to build - TRUST, INFLUENCE, SELF-IDENTIFICATION, SHARED ACTIVITY & EVOLUTION.