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INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (43,1,'2008-08-26 12:50:37','2008-08-26 16:50:37','I can’t tell you how many times I have heard companies say they want to revise and improve their company brand.  Nine out of 10 times, what they really mean is that they want to come up with a new and improved logo, website or other visual presentations of their brand’s “look and feel.” A company’s logo/corporate identity, website and other visual elements are important in communicating a brand, but by no means are they the only things that represent your brand.\r\n\r\nYour brand is a relationship you have with your customers, prospects, suspects, partners, vendors and the general business community. It’s hard for me to imagine how a logo, website or other visual elements solely convey what your brand represents. My personal feeling is that strong brands require much more thought than just a shinny logo or slick website.\r\n\r\nI believe that strong brands, first and foremost, are strategically designed around what space you want to own and why your company is better than the competition. The company has to know just why it is better, and know how to effectively communicate that simple message clearly and concisely.\r\n\r\nGreat companies know how to effectively market and get their message out, not only through advertising, but through multiple mediums that reach their targets via the mediums that their targets interact with. You must accept and believe that these days it requires many mediums to be able to make a connection that is real and cuts through the clutter to drive results.\r\n\r\nFirst, you have to know how to integrate this message into your company internally. Get the operations, sales and marketing all on the same page and understand what the brand stands for and how to deliver on the stated brand promise.\r\n\r\nGreat companies also understand that it takes more than looks.  Your product or service has to fulfill the promise that it is cracked up to be.  It has to be able to deliver the goods and make customers and clients true brand believers.\r\n\r\nFor a brand to be great these days you have to have strategy, substance, succinct message, and yes, a good logo and nice website.  But you also must have the determination and commitment to succeed. A great brand requires a holistic and integrated approach, much more than just a snappy logo.\r\n\r\n<em>Written by Michael Doyle, President of Brand Iron</em>','Branding- It\'s not about the logo',0,'','publish','open','open','','branding-its-not-about-the-logo','','','2008-08-26 12:54:35','2008-08-26 16:54:35','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=43',0,'post','',15),(3,1,'2007-09-13 13:16:00','2007-09-13 17:16:00','The days of the Pony Express are long gone, and Brand Iron decided to get up with the times. Now instead of the Bi-monthly newsletter sent to your mailboxes, you will be able to keep up with us through our freshly-prepared blog.','NEW Pony Express',0,'','publish','open','open','','new-pony-express','','','2007-09-13 13:16:00','2007-09-13 17:16:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=3',0,'post','',0),(4,1,'2007-10-03 10:43:00','2007-10-03 14:43:00','As you can imagine, we don\'t hire just anyone. The quality and speed of the work we do for you is a high priority. That\'s why we\'ve hired Natasha Martinez and Dave Lilly.<br /><br /><br /><br />Natasha serves as our Office Manager. She maintains the operational processes for Brand Iron and also supports our internal sales and marketing efforts. We\'ve also hired David Lilly as a Design Intern. As a graduate of Columbus Institute of Art and Design, Lilly has been designing for more than four years.<br /><br /><br /><br />With our additional staffing, we continue to provide services and strategy that will build your brand value.','More Hands on Our Ranch',0,'','publish','open','open','','more-hands-on-our-ranch','','','2007-10-03 10:43:00','2007-10-03 14:43:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=4',0,'post','',0),(5,1,'2007-10-03 10:58:00','2007-10-03 14:58:00','A<span style=\"font-size:85%;\">s you can imagine, we don\'t hire just anyone. The quality and speed of the work we do for you is a high priority. That\'s why we\'ve hired Natasha Martinez and Dave Lilly. </span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"></span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\">Natasha serves as our Office Manager. She maintains the operational processes for Brand Iron and also supports our internal sales and marketing efforts. We\'ve also hired David Lilly as a Design Intern. As a graduate of Columbus Institute of Art and Design, Lilly has been designing for more than four years. </span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"></span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\">With our additional staffing, we continue to provide services and strategy that will build your brand value.</span>','Previous: More Hands on Our Ranch',0,'','publish','open','open','','previous-more-hands-on-our-ranch','','','2007-10-03 10:58:00','2007-10-03 14:58:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=5',0,'post','',0),(6,1,'2007-10-03 11:00:00','2007-10-03 15:00:00','<span style=\"font-size:85%;\">Brand Iron\'s new web site showcases our many offerings. We combine branding, positioning and business consulting with marketing, advertising and public relations to help companies increase sales and meet their financial goals.</span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"></span><br /><span style=\"color:#663300;\"><span style=\"color:#330000;\"><strong>Brand Iron Offers You:</strong><br /><strong>A Holistic Approach</strong></span><br /></span><span style=\"font-size:85%;\">With our holistic branding process, Brand Iron analyzes every aspect of your business to identify the real barriers to growth and develops a strategy from an SMO (sales, marketing and operations) perspective.</span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"></span><br /><span style=\"color:#330000;\"><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"><strong>Sales, Marketing and Operations Integration</strong></span> </span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\">Each of your sales, marketing and operations departments are critical for the success of your business, but if they are working independently of each other, you are not creating a consistent and strong brand in the minds of your customers. One or all of these areas may be the reason you aren\'t achieving success (or increasing your bottom line).</span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"></span><br /><span style=\"color:#990000;\"><span style=\"font-size:85%;color:#330000;\"><strong>Financials-Focused Branding</strong></span><br /></span><span style=\"font-size:85%;\">Brands aren\'t built with four-leaf clovers, soft kittens or fairy dust. A strong brand requires an integrated strategy that produces results. We are a great match for companies experiencing declining business growth, those who are committed to change and companies who want to grow rapidly.</span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"></span><br /><span style=\"color:#990000;\"><span style=\"font-size:85%;color:#330000;\"><strong>A Proven Trail to Success</strong></span><br /></span><span style=\"font-size:85%;\">We\'ll guide your company to those greener pastures you\'ve been dreaming about. This isn\'t our first pony show - we\'ll show you a better way to build your business and secure your company\'s future with our 3-phase, 7-step process.</span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"></span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"><strong><span style=\"color:#330000;\">PLUS</span></strong> ---</span><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"> How does your brand stand up?Use our Brand Scorecard™ to see if your brand is reaching its full potential. Find out what you can do to increase your brand equity by visiting <a href=\"http://www.brandscorecard.com/\">http://www.brandscorecard.com/</a>.</span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"></span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;color:#330000;\"><strong>Your brand is more than your bottom line. Mosey on over to our new site at www.brandiron.net and discover how Brand Iron can lead you to greener pastures.</strong></span>','New Site Focuses on Holistic Approach to Branding',0,'','publish','open','open','','new-site-focuses-on-holistic-approach-to-branding','','','2007-10-03 11:00:00','2007-10-03 15:00:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=6',0,'post','',0),(7,1,'2007-10-03 11:15:00','2007-10-03 15:15:00','<span style=\"font-size:85%;\">Leading-edge companies are already taking advantage in what seems to be the newest trends in partner loyalty marketing. As you are reading - you\'ll learn about Brand Iron\'s new corporate identities and new value propositions.  What hasn\'t changed is our loyalty to our partner network and our desire to continue to develop a vast network of strategic partners. We wanted to share with you a few concepts that have increased our success in loyalty marketing - along with some tangible examples of ways you can use these market trends - today.</span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"></span><br /><strong><span style=\"font-size:85%;color:#330000;\">Developing Your Network</span></strong><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\">Developing a community of businesses bound by geography or similar industries/interests is very important in creating a sense of loyalty around your brand. The ideal network will be one that everyone involved will have something to offer and something to take.  A devoted partner, one who can speak to the success and quality of your product or service, will come to be your best source of new business.</span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"></span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"><strong>   <span style=\"color:#330000;\">What you can do today:</span></strong>    </span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\">    · Develop a list of potential partners.</span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"></span><br /><strong><span style=\"font-size:85%;color:#330000;\">Creating Strength From Your Network</span></strong><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\">Surveying your customers and receiving their feedback doesn\'t have to be a painful and rigidly-formal process.  When your have an open line of communication with your current clients and they play an active role in your brand community - feedback can come in many different forms.  Using candid and honest feedback from your brand community is the first step in addressing your company\'s potential barriers to growth or inconsistencies in messaging or value proposition.  Your peers will likewise appreciate your feedback and analysis of their business. As the group gets stronger, the companies become more profitable, and your brand community grows to be more widespread and dedicated to your brand and particular area of expertise.</span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"></span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\">    <strong><span style=\"color:#330000;\">What you can do today:</span></strong></span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\">    · Develop a networking group composed of people you can help and those who can help you.   </span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\">    (Don\'t forget to start with Brand Iron.) Take turns leading interactive meetings and </span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\">    discussions with your group.</span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"></span><br /><strong><span style=\"font-size:85%;color:#330000;\">We\'ll help you create a partner loyalty campaign that gives your brand a sense of community.  Contact us today.</span></strong>','Your Partner Loyalty Strategy and How It Relates to Your Brand',0,'','publish','open','open','','your-partner-loyalty-strategy-and-how-it-relates-to-your-brand','','','2007-10-03 11:15:00','2007-10-03 15:15:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=7',0,'post','',0),(8,1,'2007-10-03 11:21:00','2007-10-03 15:21:00','Brand Iron has developed a niche in the Denver market by helping new companies develop strategic and consumer-oriented messages and corporate identities. Here are some examples of our recent work:<br /><br /><br /><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117133319118339890\" style=\"DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center\" alt=\"\" src=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/RwO1pFpdPzI/AAAAAAAAABM/YbAd9NUgw_s/s200/growlogo+2-clr2.jpg\" border=\"0\" /><br /><p><span style=\"color:#330000;\"><strong><em>Grow LLC </em></strong></span>- Is a new consulting firm that helps emerging companies transform into<br />profitable, visionary businesses. Brand Iron helped them to clearly identify<br />their key messaging points that include:<br /></p><br /><ul><br /><li>Access to capital<br /></li><li>Acquisition and exits </li><br /><li>Outsourced business services</li></ul><p><br />We also helped them to package their message with a logo, tagline and corporate identity package.<a href=\"http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=xffakacab.0.0.jngljacab.0&amp;ts=S0254&amp;p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.brandiron.net%2Four_work.php&amp;id=preview\" target=\"_blank\"></a><a href=\"http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=xffakacab.0.0.jngljacab.0&amp;ts=S0254&amp;p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.brandiron.net%2Four_work.php&amp;id=preview\" target=\"_blank\"></a><br /><br /><br /></p><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117131833059655426\" style=\"DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center\" alt=\"\" src=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/RwO0SlpdPwI/AAAAAAAAAA0/VYkQXmrNIyM/s200/epilogo-4-clr%2Btag.jpg\" border=\"0\" /><br /><br /><span style=\"color:#330000;\"><strong><em>EPI</em></strong></span> - Brand Iron helped in the strategic planning and transformation from Education Partners, an organizational and development firm, to EPI, a custom solutions provider helping companies leverage the power of people. We established a logo, tagline and corporate identity based on their message, benefits and positioning.<a href=\"http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=xffakacab.0.0.jngljacab.0&amp;ts=S0254&amp;p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.brandiron.net%2Four_work.php&amp;id=preview\" target=\"_blank\"></a><a href=\"http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=xffakacab.0.0.jngljacab.0&amp;ts=S0254&amp;p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.brandiron.net%2Four_work.php&amp;id=preview\" target=\"_blank\"></a><br /><br />A snazzy logo is only as good as the strategy behind it. Brand Iron starts at the beginning - by developing a with a financially-focused brand strategy with you. To see these examples and to view others, click on the \"Our Work\" quick link below.','New Corporate Positioning and Identities',0,'','publish','open','open','','new-corporate-positioning-and-identities','','','2007-10-03 11:21:00','2007-10-03 15:21:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=8',0,'post','',0),(9,1,'2007-10-03 17:06:00','2007-10-03 21:06:00','<span style=\"font-size:85%;\">Marni Myers, Brand Iron\'s Art Director, gave birth to Gabriella Sophia Myers at 9:25am on July the 12th. Gabriella weighed in at 6 pounds 9 ounces and stretches to a lengthy 19 inches. She has red hair like her father and is doing great. Marni, her husband Tim and big brother Casey, are treasuring every moment with their new bundle of joy.<br /><br />Dean McCready has taken the reins while Marni is on maternity leave. Dean studied under Sherry Heart in Boulder and came away with a fun heartfelt balance of color theory and composition focusing on oil painting and Prismacolor pencil drawings. He graduated from the Colorado Institute of Art in Graphic Design.</span><br /><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\">Dean is a Boulder native who now resides in Congress Park here in Denver. He brings a wealth of experience to Brand Iron with more than 20 years experience as a graphic and fine artist.</span>','New Additions To Brand Iron Family',0,'','publish','open','open','','new-additions-to-brand-iron-family','','','2007-10-03 17:06:00','2007-10-03 21:06:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=9',0,'post','',0),(10,1,'2007-10-03 17:08:00','2007-10-03 21:08:00','<a href=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/RwQHrFpdP2I/AAAAAAAAABk/eD7BlAGokX8/s1600-h/Name+Tag.jpg\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117223513431555938\" style=\"FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 129px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 82px\" height=\"82\" alt=\"\" src=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/RwQHrFpdP2I/AAAAAAAAABk/eD7BlAGokX8/s200/Name+Tag.jpg\" width=\"174\" border=\"0\" /></a><br /><p align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/RwQHB1pdP1I/AAAAAAAAABc/bRDaJ7tE4zA/s1600-h/Name+Tag.jpg\"></a></p><br /><div align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size:85%;\">A popular theme song goes, \"Sometimes you want to go, where everybody knows your name.\" This is the precise recognition that all companies are trying to accomplish through their marketing and advertising efforts. Companies like Brand Iron are here to make sure those efforts are well-focused and drive results. I just got off the phone with a client who now understands the effort it took to get his brand over the \"everyone-knows-our-name\" hurdle. Every brand has a different hurdle to clear, but here are some simple ideas on what it might take to get your brand over the hurdle, and start producing tangible results:<br /><br />1. Understand what really separates you from your competition. Figure out what space you own and make the message as simple to understand as possible. Package your message in a tangible fashion that is clear and concise.<br /><br />2. Identify who the right targets are for your product or service and discuss the most effective ways to get your message out.<br /><br />3. Take a look at your company and see what the \"barriers to growth\" may be. Be sure to look at your:<br /><br /><strong><span style=\"color:#330000;\">Marketing</span></strong>- Do you have enough contact points with your target audience for them to know who you are and will they be receptive when you call? Do they know who and what your brand is all about? Does your brand leave them with a positive feeling that will compel them to make that purchase?<br /><br /><strong><span style=\"color:#330000;\">Sales</span></strong> - Can your sales staff close the leads the marketing department is generating? Can they close the customers that walk through your doors?<br /><br /><strong><span style=\"color:#330000;\">Operations</span></strong> - Is your customer service approach and database up to snuff? Can your company deliver on the promises that your sales team is making?<br /><br />4. Address your internal brand and make sure that your company\'s brand is represented from the inside out. Look at everything from how you answer the phone to delivering your service, or even how you receive payment and send out a bill. These little things matter a great deal and will leave a lasting impression.<br /><br />5. Develop a holistic branding plan that integrates your company\'s marketing, sales and operations. Map out the tactical items necessary for you and your company to fill up your sales funnel.<br /><br />6. Execute your branding plan flawlessly, ensuring that you are going to execute on a regular basis, no matter how busy you become. You want to do this to avoid the sales rollercoaster.<br /><br /><em>As a close friend says, \"Go the extra mile; it\'s the final 5%<br />that makes what you do either great or mediocre.\"</em><br /><br />7. Monitor how you are doing against your goals and objectives and modify those things that aren\'t working. Once the failing areas are identified, determine how you can rectify the situation and do it quickly.<br /><br />8. Execute and get your entire organization to commit to succeed.<br /><br /><strong><span style=\"color:#330000;\">Follow these steps, and someday you might walk into a place and realize that everybody knows your name.</span></strong></span></div>','&quot;My name is ________&quot;',0,'','publish','open','open','','my-name-is-________','','','2007-10-03 17:08:00','2007-10-03 21:08:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=10',0,'post','',0),(11,1,'2007-10-03 17:21:00','2007-10-03 21:21:00','<a href=\"http://bp1.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/RwQIRlpdP3I/AAAAAAAAABs/eHGaYEGZG2E/s1600-h/logos_nslttr_wrg.jpg\"><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117224174856519538\" style=\"DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center\" alt=\"\" src=\"http://bp1.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/RwQIRlpdP3I/AAAAAAAAABs/eHGaYEGZG2E/s200/logos_nslttr_wrg.jpg\" border=\"0\" /></span></a><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"> <strong>The Wright Group</strong> offers personalized commercial insurance and employee benefits plans for emerging organizations. They have the specialized knowledge and experience to strategically develop and execute customized insurance plans for companies that need to stay competitive. Meeting your company\'s financial and lifestyle goals is The Wright Group\'s number one priority.<br />Brand Iron and The Wright Group are working together to create a brand that will help drive revenue. Stay tuned for The Wright Group\'s new delivery process, website rollout and other marketing that is sure to demand the attention of their target market.</span><br /><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"></span><br /><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117226653052649346\" style=\"DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 110px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 116px; TEXT-ALIGN: center\" height=\"116\" alt=\"\" src=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/RwQKh1pdP4I/AAAAAAAAAB0/qI1km6bxohM/s200/DrHaas.jpg\" width=\"126\" border=\"0\" /><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"><strong><span style=\"color:#330000;\">Caring Hands Chiropractic</span></strong> is Brand Iron\'s newest Small Business Model client. Dr. Haas, Owner of Caring Hands Chiropractic, has dedicated his practice to helping his clients live a pain-free life. He believes the keys to a healthy lifestyle are rooted in good fitness/exercise habits, regular sleep habits, work/life balance, healthy eating habits and experienced chiropractic care.<br /><br />Brand Iron is assisting Dr. Haas in crafting and communicating his unique selling position. He has taken a pro-active approach within his industry - focusing on preventative care and focusing on his clients\' long- and short-term health. Brand Iron is helping his business grow through increased brand recognition and unique messaging.</span><br /><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"></span><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"><br />Brand Iron\'s Small Business Model is the perfect solution for companies who want to succeed. We\'ll coach you on:<br /></span><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"></span><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"><ul><br /><li>Creating brand value </li><br /><li>Generating additional revenue </li><br /><li>Developing and executing tactical implementation plans </li><br /><li></span><span style=\"font-size:85%;\">Sales, Marketing and Operations strategy</span></li></ul><br /><span style=\"font-size:85%;color:#330000;\"><strong>If you are interested in the Small Business Model - please call us at 303-534-1901 for a free 15-minute consultation on whether this program is right for your company.</strong></span>','New Clients That Have Saddled-up',0,'','publish','open','open','','new-clients-that-have-saddled-up','','','2007-10-03 17:21:00','2007-10-03 21:21:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=11',0,'post','',0),(12,1,'2007-10-03 17:42:00','2007-10-03 21:42:00','<a href=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/RwQNbVpdP6I/AAAAAAAAACE/zm6BoOuJnM8/s1600-h/newspaper_popout2.jpg\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117229839918383010\" style=\"FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand\" alt=\"\" src=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/RwQNbVpdP6I/AAAAAAAAACE/zm6BoOuJnM8/s320/newspaper_popout2.jpg\" border=\"0\" /></a><br /><div><span style=\"font-size:85%;\">Brand Iron\'s holistic approach to strengthening brand value for clients often involves generating quality news media coverage. Recently, Academy Sports Turf and JE Dunn Construction, two long-time Brand Iron clients, were prominently featured in the regional trade and business media.<br /><br />Academy Sports Turf was on the front page of the Daily Journal (a construction trade publication) detailing a project in which they installed synthetic turf along city streets in Aurora. Academy Sports Turf installed 45,000-square-foot of turf last fall in street medians for an experimental pilot project that the city believes can save water and maintenance costs.<br /><br />JE Dunn was featured in a recent edition of the Denver Business Journal. Real Estate reporter Paula Moore wrote about trends in healthcare construction in a story entitled, \"\'Green\' Hospitals Cheer Patients.\" A photo of JE Dunn president Steve Hamline, and vice president of healthcare Bob Latas accompanied the story. JE Dunn recently completed construction on the Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland and Memorial Hospital North in Colorado Springs.</span></div>','The Power of the Press',0,'','publish','open','open','','the-power-of-the-press','','','2007-10-03 17:42:00','2007-10-03 21:42:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=12',0,'post','',0),(13,1,'2007-10-03 17:47:00','2007-10-03 21:47:00','<div><a href=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/RwQOU1pdP7I/AAAAAAAAACM/-w731fktn8g/s1600-h/web_pages_bci.jpg\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117230827760861106\" style=\"FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand\" alt=\"\" src=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/RwQOU1pdP7I/AAAAAAAAACM/-w731fktn8g/s200/web_pages_bci.jpg\" border=\"0\" /></a><br /><br /><div><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"><strong><span style=\"color:#330000;\">Baceline Investments, LLC</span></strong><br />On July 9th, we launched Baceline Investments\' new website. We helped Baceline Investments craft their new message and developed a new look and feel to communicate their new positioning. The website features a client/prospective client log-in - that is adding value for their web viewers.</span></div><br /><div><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"></span></div><br /><div><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"></span></div><br /><div><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"></span></div><br /><div><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"></span></div><br /><div><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"></span></div><a href=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/RwQOrVpdP8I/AAAAAAAAACU/udPp3z4-tqk/s1600-h/SPC-02245_Overview1sheetV8-.jpg\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117231214307917762\" style=\"FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand\" alt=\"\" src=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/RwQOrVpdP8I/AAAAAAAAACU/udPp3z4-tqk/s200/SPC-02245_Overview1sheetV8-.jpg\" border=\"0\" /></a><br /><div><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"></span></div><div><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"></span></div><div><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"><strong><span style=\"color:#330000;\">Sales Productivity Consultants, Inc </span></strong></span></div><div><span style=\"font-size:85%;\"><strong><span style=\"color:#330000;\">(SPC)</span></strong> recently launched their new website. Brand Iron also created an informative one-sheet that will kick-off their new positioning. SPC has evolved from the traditional sales consulting - and they needed material to show that they are forefront of developing effective sales strategies.<br /><br />No matter where your company is in the branding process - good, eye-catching, effective creative work will help you get your message across and break-through to your audience.</span></div></div>','Sharp-Shootin\' Creative',0,'','publish','open','open','','sharp-shootin-creative','','','2007-10-03 17:47:00','2007-10-03 21:47:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=13',0,'post','',0),(14,1,'2007-10-29 13:08:00','2007-10-29 17:08:00','It was great to see everybody this past August during our first Rockies game partner event. Although our Rockies didn’t win, there was plenty of food, fun and excitement.<br /><br />The afternoon started off at Brand Iron’s new office space (same address, new suite) with hot dogs and all the fixin’s.<br /><br />Brand Iron’s partner events are our way of saying “thank you” to our clients and partners. Many times, when our partners and clients meet each other – they find out they have a lot more in common than just working with Brand Iron – and they build their own business relationships.<br /><br />Our events are held quarterly, so please stay tuned for our next one.  Thanks again for all who attended and made this day one to remember.<br /><br />Click on the album below to view the pics.<br /><br /><table style=\"width:194px;\"><tr><td align=\"center\" style=\"height:194px;background:url(http://picasaweb.google.com/f/img/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left\"><a href=\"http://picasaweb.google.com/brandiron.denver/BrandIronPartnerEvent\"><img src=\"http://lh6.google.com/brandiron.denver/RyX0rB795hE/AAAAAAAAAEU/PpdPk4v3u0g/s160-c/BrandIronPartnerEvent.jpg\" width=\"160\" height=\"160\" style=\"margin:1px 0 0 4px;\" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=\"text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px\"><a href=\"http://picasaweb.google.com/brandiron.denver/BrandIronPartnerEvent\" style=\"color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;\">Brand Iron Partner Event</a></td></tr></table>','Brand Iron Partner Event - Aug. 2007',0,'','publish','open','open','','brand-iron-partner-event-aug-2007','','','2007-10-29 13:08:00','2007-10-29 17:08:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=14',0,'post','',0),(15,1,'2007-11-02 14:23:00','2007-11-02 18:23:00','Internal branding is the way a brand comes to life, and it directly impacts the relationship your customers have with your brand. The power behind your brand is most evident when the mere mention of your brand can invoke positive feelings in the minds of your customers.<br /><br />Your internal brand starts from within your organization. Your sales, marketing and operations all have to communicate the same message. For example, if your company’s unique selling position is “ease of use” – this message should be the focal point of brochures, inserts and all marketing materials. The phone script your sales team uses should include phrases like, “usability” and “user-friendly”. Furthermore, the proposals your sales team prepares should be clear and to the point. Within your operations, invoices should be easy to understand, and payments can be processed through a variety of ways. Likewise, the services you provide and the service your customers expect should be very straightforward.<br /><br />To develop your internal brand – it must start at the top. The c-level executives set the philosophy, and it is then carried out by the rest of the team. Without c-level support and initiation – your brand will not carry out the promises of your company – and customers will be disappointed. Only when the entire team is clear about the brand – and how to live it, will you start impacting your customers by creating a positive brand experience.<br /><br />Steps to developing your brand internally:<br /><br />1. Develop your company’s brand promise.<br /><br />2. Map out what it takes to fulfill that promise.<br /><br />3. Understand why your promise is better than the competition.<br /><br />4. Train all employees on your brand and what the brand stands for.<br /><br />5. Commit to the brand on all levels.<br /><br />6. Execute and stick to the plan.<br /><br />Your internal brand will drive how your customers see your company and what kind of feeling they get from working with you. Positive internal brands lead to positive external brands - and both make it easier for you to reach your sales and communication goals.','Internal Branding - What is it and why it matters',0,'','publish','open','open','','internal-branding-what-is-it-and-why-it-matters','','','2007-11-02 14:23:00','2007-11-02 18:23:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=15',0,'post','',1),(16,1,'2007-11-19 18:13:00','2007-11-19 22:13:00','I read an article this week in October’s Advertising & Marketing Review on social marketing and networking. While it was a great article, I thought it concentrated too heavily on the online aspect. While online social networking is definitely growing at an alarming rate and can be a valuable new tool – I think face-to-face is also worth writing about.<br /><br />(These days you can’t swing a mouse over your head without hitting someone that’s on Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace, Bacn or any of the others. These are great ‘virtual’ social networking platforms and a lot of what is to follow will have relevance in the online realm, too.)<br /><br />For any size business, physical social networking (vs. virtual social networking), plays a very important role in getting new business. More than 75% of Brand Iron’s business comes from our network of partners, associates and clients. It can be a very cost-effective tool OR it can be a complete waste of time. In this article I wanted to give you some simple steps to follow so you can effectively integrate social marketing into your brand.<br /><br />● Research. <br />See what is available in your local area. A lot of national organizations have local chapters. Make a list of everything available, whether it’s in your direct space or on the fringe. When compiling this list, it’s okay to be too broad.<br /><br />● Set goals.<br />What do you want to accomplish from your social networks? Figure out if you want to grow your sales funnel, increase conversions, raise awareness of your company, etc.  Depending on your goals, join the group that has the greatest potential to help you reach those goals. For example, if you want to increase awareness of your company, you would benefit greatest from a large group where you could get a lot of exposure. On the flip side, if you are looking to increase sales in a high dollar market, join a smaller group that will allow you to build the kind of life-long relationships your sales process requires.<br /><br />● Join and get involved.<br />Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Start slowly and be committed to the group(s) you do join. A group is only as effective as each member, and if everyone gives it the attention it deserves – everyone will be reaping the rewards. <br /><br />Use what you learn from the other members. If you are having a business problem, chances are that you aren’t the first to have this problem, and others in your group might have valuable advice for you.  Also, use your group as a test market and collaborate on your new products, services or processes.<br /><br />● Track.<br />Make sure you develop a system for tracking the effectiveness of each group. Whether it’s tracking new leads, measuring exposure or building your database – you’ll need to get sophisticated.<br /><br />● Evaluate<br />Every year, evaluate your networking groups against the goals you established in the beginning. This should be easy if you’ve been tracking results throughout the term.  Keep the winners and find replacements for the losers.<br /><br />Social networking can play a large role when developing and building brand. The new connections you make will help you drive business and increase your revenue. Brand Iron can help you establish a targeted social (physical and virtual) networking strategy.   <br /><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\">PS – Brand Iron is getting ready to launch “BIZfuse” a Denver-based, social networking group of professionals that exchange ideas and meet to discuss various industry-related topics. <br />Stay tuned...</span><br /><br />By Josh Barker, Brand Wrangler','Get Connected: Social Marketing for Your Brand',0,'','publish','open','open','','get-connected-social-marketing-for-your-brand','','','2007-11-19 18:13:00','2007-11-19 22:13:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=16',0,'post','',1),(17,1,'2007-12-03 15:36:00','2007-12-03 19:36:00','The Internship Stigma\r\n\r\nHowdy.  Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Nicole Salerno, and I am currently a marketing intern at Brand Iron.  I joined the ranch about a month ago, and love every minute of it.  Some people may look at the title of “intern” as lowly and not so glamorous; however, this stereotype is evolving.  As a part time intern, young professionals get the chance to explore many areas of the advertising and marketing industry.  These internships, nay, opportunities can be looked at as aptitude tests for your special talents.  Not only is an intern’s job never done, it also never stays the same.  Currently, I am assisting with monthly client updates, proposals and new business meetings.  Just the other day, I sat in on a four-hour “BrandStorm.”  I am meeting leaders in the industry every day.  These networking opportunities should never be passed up or looked over.\r\n\r\nAs an intern, no one is expecting anything from you because you are “green” or a “newbie.”  This allows for the best opportunity to stun those around you.  Show to them that you aren’t just a student and you can be so much more than someone to answer phones and courier papers.  This is the time for my generation to take advantage of these temporary positions and soak as much up as possible.  The next door that opens is always through the influence of the previous door that has closed.\r\n\r\nAt Brand Iron, I have learned the importance of complete appreciation for clients, prospects and partners.  A simple gesture, such as a hand-written “Thank you” or a Brand Iron stick pony, are just a couple things that set us apart from other agencies.  By showing these clients, prospects and partners that they are valued, further emphasizes what Brand Iron’s services are worth.\r\n\r\nNicole Salerno, Marketing Intern','From the Desk of an Intern',0,'','publish','open','open','','from-the-desk-of-an-intern','','','2009-03-12 16:16:39','2009-03-12 20:16:39','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=17',0,'post','',1),(173,7,'2009-03-12 16:27:18','2009-03-12 20:27:18','<p class=\"MsoNormal\">When in a service industry of any kind, the state of the economy can take a large toll on a company’s profitability.<span> </span>Lately, the economic downturn has forced many companies to cut budgets, freeze spending, initiate layoffs, or worse – close their doors.<span> </span>When speaking to many of our clients, partners and friends, it seems that many people are either suffering or prospering – there truly is a balance of good and bad right now.<span> </span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">However, it is difficult to ignore all of the negative media coverage regarding the current economic state.<span> </span>The media’s redundant message of “doom and gloom” eventually convinces us all that we must surrender and give in to the recession that is upon us.<span> </span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">Brand Iron disagrees.<span> </span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">As a company, we’re opting to not participate in the recession this year.<span> </span>Yes, you heard it here first.<span> </span>Brand Iron is not giving in to the “doom and gloom.”<span> </span>We challenge you to do the same.<span> </span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">Many companies are focusing on the positives and the new opportunities that this changing business landscape has opened up.<span> </span>For example, in an industry (luxury travel) where economic woes can take a gigantic toll on profitability Carnival Cruise Lines is saying “we will not go quietly into the night” and await the inevitable.<span> </span>Carnival continues to make strides towards out-of-the-box, interactive advertising.<span> </span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">I’m sure we have all seen the <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUtWVmjoqyU\" target=\"_blank\">commercial</a> with the large beach ball floating around downtown Dallas.<span> </span>That commercial was an extremely effective way for Carnival to catch the attention of the business-class professional on their lunch break.<span> </span>Throw a gigantic beach ball onto a bustling street full of unhappy professionals and see what happens – attention, positive feedback and enjoyment, that’s what.<span> </span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">Today, I came across an <a href=\"http://www.brandfreak.com/2009/03/carnival-cruise-lines-and-arnold-will-bring-the-ocean-to-the-city.html\" target=\"_blank\">article</a> about Carnival’s latest attempt at interactive advertising.<span> </span>They’ve managed to take advantage of the empty street-level office spaces in the Houston, Baltimore, Los Angeles, New   York and D.C. areas by installing “virtual aquariums” for all to interact with.<span> </span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">Picture this, you’re walking down a cold city sidewalk on your lunch break when you look to your right – no longer is there an empty office space with a broker’s contact information in the window.<span> </span>No, you now see a 12-foot digital aquarium.<span> </span>Not only is this virtual aquarium engaging, it’s interactive.<span> </span>In five easy steps, you can use your cell phone to design a personalized fish to appear instantly in that very same window.<span> </span>This is an example of a company seeing an opportunity that may not have presented itself before the downturn in the economy. This is brand evolution and adaptation at its best.<span> </span>If there are three pearls of wisdom that we should all recognize after this economic downturn, they would be: never stay static, always engage new ways of marketing, and consistently separate yourselves from the competition.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><em>Written by Nicole Salerno, Junior Brand Wrangler</em></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/aquarium.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"560\" height=\"357\" /></p>','The Economy is a State of Mind: Positive or Negative, Take Advantage',0,'','publish','open','open','','the-economy-is-a-state-of-mind-positive-or-negative-take-advantage','','','2009-03-12 16:33:17','2009-03-12 20:33:17','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=173',0,'post','',0),(18,1,'2007-12-17 17:27:00','2007-12-17 21:27:00','<a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R2bsoMt6JmI/AAAAAAAAAEk/fQGSNXz-B3c/s1600-h/glassesIMG_1022.jpg\"><img style=\"float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R2bsoMt6JmI/AAAAAAAAAEk/fQGSNXz-B3c/s200/glassesIMG_1022.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145059799670072930\" /></a><br />“Smooth, velvety, spicy and lively with a peppery edge to the currant and pomegranate flavors lingering nicely.” With a description like that, who wouldn’t want a taste of Oxford Landing GSM? This was just one of the wines we sampled at our quarterly partner event this past Wednesday. Our president, Michael Doyle found The Reserve List, a shining little venue tucked away on South Pearl Street.<br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R2bu_st6J4I/AAAAAAAAAGw/d9ImllakBpM/s1600-h/IMG_1026.jpg\"><img style=\"float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R2bu_st6J4I/AAAAAAAAAGw/d9ImllakBpM/s200/IMG_1026.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145062402420254594\" /></a> <br />The Reserve List is a fine wine shop as well as a primo tasting facility. With fine art on the walls, black tablecloths, silver trays, and some tantalizing wines; we mingled amongst our good friends and partners. Everyone enjoyed themselves and the company. By the end of the night we had numerous empty bottles, finished another successful partner event and made some new friends. <br /><br />Thank you to Mēgan from The Reserve List, and thank you to all of the partners who joined us to sample wines.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\"></span> written by Natasha Martinez, Brand Iron Office Manager<br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp1.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R2bsy8t6JnI/AAAAAAAAAEs/0D-omJn7Py0/s1600-h/IMG_0984.jpg\"><img style=\"float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp1.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R2bsy8t6JnI/AAAAAAAAAEs/0D-omJn7Py0/s200/IMG_0984.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145059984353666674\" /></a><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R2bszct6JoI/AAAAAAAAAE0/3rzSUwIe_U0/s1600-h/IMG_0987.jpg\"><img style=\"float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R2bszct6JoI/AAAAAAAAAE0/3rzSUwIe_U0/s200/IMG_0987.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145059992943601282\" /></a><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R2bszst6JpI/AAAAAAAAAE8/s4XU4GGOrg0/s1600-h/IMG_0989.jpg\"><img style=\"float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R2bszst6JpI/AAAAAAAAAE8/s4XU4GGOrg0/s200/IMG_0989.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145059997238568594\" /></a><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp1.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R2bsz8t6JqI/AAAAAAAAAFE/OgQuX5_3088/s1600-h/IMG_1007.jpg\"><img style=\"float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp1.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R2bsz8t6JqI/AAAAAAAAAFE/OgQuX5_3088/s200/IMG_1007.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145060001533535906\" /></a><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R2bs0Mt6JrI/AAAAAAAAAFM/v0cjDU2i1_U/s1600-h/IMG_1012.jpg\"><img style=\"float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R2bs0Mt6JrI/AAAAAAAAAFM/v0cjDU2i1_U/s200/IMG_1012.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145060005828503218\" /></a><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R2buCct6JxI/AAAAAAAAAF4/iEBZYCMZbSQ/s1600-h/IMG_1013.jpg\"><img style=\"float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R2buCct6JxI/AAAAAAAAAF4/iEBZYCMZbSQ/s200/IMG_1013.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145061350153266962\" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R2buZMt6J0I/AAAAAAAAAGQ/EKSB4UjXF3s/s1600-h/IMG_1018.jpg\"><img style=\"float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R2buZMt6J0I/AAAAAAAAAGQ/EKSB4UjXF3s/s200/IMG_1018.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145061740995290946\" /></a><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp1.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R2bur8t6J1I/AAAAAAAAAGY/_pN-S2DuA20/s1600-h/IMG_1027.jpg\"><img style=\"float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp1.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R2bur8t6J1I/AAAAAAAAAGY/_pN-S2DuA20/s200/IMG_1027.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145062063117838162\" /></a><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R2busMt6J2I/AAAAAAAAAGg/UavTSfk_daY/s1600-h/IMG_1033.jpg\"><img style=\"float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R2busMt6J2I/AAAAAAAAAGg/UavTSfk_daY/s200/IMG_1033.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145062067412805474\" /></a><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R2busct6J3I/AAAAAAAAAGo/HFiRpGotrIM/s1600-h/pouringIMG_1028.jpg\"><img style=\"float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R2busct6J3I/AAAAAAAAAGo/HFiRpGotrIM/s200/pouringIMG_1028.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145062071707772786\" /></a>','Partner Event is Smooth, Velvety, Spicy and Lively',0,'','publish','open','open','','partner-event-is-smooth-velvety-spicy-and-lively','','','2007-12-17 17:27:00','2007-12-17 21:27:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=18',0,'post','',0),(19,1,'2008-01-03 18:13:00','2008-01-03 22:13:00','At the first of every year, I encourage all of our clients and prospects to address their brand goals and objectives for the coming year and set out a plan to obtain them.  This year is no different; it is time to look back at what was accomplished, both positively and negatively, in regards to your brand for this past year. Did you make the advances you had hoped to get accomplished?<br /> <br />It is also the time of year when I ask another question: “Are you really committed to addressing your barriers to growth from a holistic perspective in order to reach these goals and objectives?”  To answer “yes” means looking and improving sales, marketing and operations in your company.<br /><br />My experience is that most companies say they want to get to the next level, but very few can actually (1) develop the strategy, (2) understand the activity level necessary to make those become a reality and (3) apply themselves to make it happen. <br /><br />So, I suggest making that commitment to yourself and your company by laying out where you want your brand to be a year from now.  Here are some tips to get you there:<br /><br />First, address all of the items that need to be accomplished, in order for you to advance your brand from the inside out.  Plan out the brand strategy, making sure everyone within the company knows what it is going to take to get there.<br /> <br />Next, delegate who is responsible for sales, marketing and the operations brand initiatives. Establish a timeline with milestones and some sort of reward for obtaining your goals.<br /><br />And last but not least, execute by holding yourself and everyone else accountable for getting your brand to the next level. A year from now, you can say, “man we kicked some ass towards our brand goals and objectives this year and can’t wait to make even more progress this year.”<br /><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\">written by Michael Doyle, President & CEO of Brand Iron</span>','Commit to your brand in the New Year.',0,'','publish','open','open','','commit-to-your-brand-in-the-new-year','','','2008-01-03 18:13:00','2008-01-03 22:13:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=19',0,'post','',0),(20,1,'2008-01-10 19:23:00','2008-01-10 23:23:00','Do you remember why the Internet began? It was developed as a way to exchange information. So, in order to exchange information it would be important to read the information in an easy manner. Right?  <br /><br />When designing for the internet it’s important to know how a typeface should be placed on the page. Letters, words, and sentences all crammed together are more difficult to read and understand. Paying careful attention to how much space you give your text is key for readability.  <br /><br />Lines of type that are too long (or too short) slow down reading and comprehension. Combine the wrong line length with the wrong type size and the problem is magnified. <br /><br />The shorter the line length, the smaller the font should be — allowing more words to fit on the line. The longer the line, the larger the font can be.  <br /><br />• Choose a font size that your primary audience can read comfortably, like Arial 11 or 12 point.<br />• Apply the alphabet-and-a-half line length rule, 36 characters.<br />• Balance line length with type size for readability.<br /><br />In the end, the decision to restrict line length is a philosophical one. From a design standpoint, a measure that is comfortable for reading is good practice. One of the fundamental principles of the Web, however, is that users should be able to structure their own view.   <br /><br />Stick with Brand Iron and we\'ll make sure your message reaches your target audience no matter how much (or little) you have to say.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\">written by Marni Myers, Creative</span>','Can you read this?',0,'','publish','open','open','','can-you-read-this','','','2008-01-10 19:23:00','2008-01-10 23:23:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=20',0,'post','',0),(21,1,'2008-01-28 17:30:00','2008-01-28 21:30:00','Hey everyone, I have an announcement!<br /><br />Gather around because I need your full, undivided attention.  What I am about to tell you is big news!  This is exciting so please listen to what I am about to say…<br /><br />Are you ready?  <br /><br />Of course you are.  Who wouldn’t be on the edge of their seat waiting anxiously with that kind of build up?<br /><br />But after the drum roll, unfortunately we usually come away disappointed.  That was it?  That was all you had for me?  <br /><br />Generally, we as information seekers fall for that kind of approach all the time.  We are teased by our TV and radio, and by the front pages of our news Web sites and newspapers.  They sometimes suck us in, and if it is worthy enough of being sucked in, we don’t mind.  But if it isn’t we quickly become immune to it.  Just like the story about the “boy who cried wolf.” <br /><br />But while the news media works to get our attention in various ways, they very often receive similar treatment by the people disseminating news…those of us who work in the communications and public relations world.  <br /> <br />Media members are inundated with email news releases, phone messages, packages and press kits on a constant basis.  They are poked, prodded and pitched by companies who claim to have “really important” news.   <br /><br />I know it’s true and I keep that in mind every time a client suggests we send out a press release just for the sake of sending out a press release.  It’s important to understand what news is and what it’s not.  And it’s important to put ourselves in the shoes of the reporter to whom we are reaching out.<br /><br />The media wants news that is timely and relevant.  Yes, they also prefer ‘exciting,’ but not all news is exciting.  So, if we can find what might be exciting or unique about a particular story, it becomes much more palatable.  <br /><br />Reporters want news that impacts their readers/viewers, not news that only matters to you, the messenger. They want short, sweet and to the point, not long, drawn-out and complicated.<br /><br />Beating down reporters with a constant stream of nothing will only alienate yourself and your firm.  A press release with no intrinsic news value or unique content is just that: a press release with no value.  <br /><br />To communicate effectively, it is important to know that what we communicate is just as important as how we communicate it.  Real news and real stories are fun to share and nothing is better than engaging a reporter who sees the same news value as you do.  <br /><br />The next time you have big news and can’t wait to share it, think for a minute how big, how important and how newsworthy it really is to someone outside of your company.  Maybe it’s best to celebrate internally and leave everyone on the outside wondering what the fuss is all about.<br /><br />Enough fuss that it just may be worthy of a news story.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\">written by Jim Miller, Director of PR</span>','Gimme Some Real News!!!',0,'','publish','open','open','','gimme-some-real-news','','','2008-01-28 17:30:00','2008-01-28 21:30:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=21',0,'post','',1),(22,1,'2008-01-30 15:01:00','2008-01-30 19:01:00','<a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R6DKHunGiXI/AAAAAAAAAG4/hz4cjf2AqQQ/s1600-h/IMG_0096.JPG\"><img style=\"float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R6DKHunGiXI/AAAAAAAAAG4/hz4cjf2AqQQ/s200/IMG_0096.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161347407086520690\" /></a><br /><br />It was the day of the big event, Brand Iron’s Employee Fun Day at Lucky Strike Bowling Alley. The pins stood quivering in fear at the end of the lane as team Brand Iron prepped their shoes, chose their balls, and sipped their first beers. Lucky Strike wasn’t ready for what the cow pokes from Brand Iron were about to dish out.  After spending days upon days working on proposals, one sheets, direct mailers and various client needs, it was time to unwind, and that we did.  Take a look at our team’s triumphant and relaxing venture.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\">The Team</span><br /><p/><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R6DX8unGiuI/AAAAAAAAAJw/jplNf4AbB04/s1600-h/IMG_0104.JPG\"><img style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R6DX8unGiuI/AAAAAAAAAJw/jplNf4AbB04/s200/IMG_0104.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161362611270748898\" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\">Jim likes to give the \"right arm\" ... a lot...</span> <p/><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R6DOqOnGihI/AAAAAAAAAII/cBQu6X_YImg/s1600-h/IMG_0100.JPG\"><img style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R6DOqOnGihI/AAAAAAAAAII/cBQu6X_YImg/s200/IMG_0100.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161352397838518802\" /></a><br /><p/><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R6DPFunGiiI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/WgaLzMwMisk/s1600-h/IMG_0110.JPG\"><img style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R6DPFunGiiI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/WgaLzMwMisk/s200/IMG_0110.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161352870284921378\" /></a><br /><p/><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\">Natasha snuck in her gutter balls with spares...no one was the wiser...</span><br /><p/><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R6DQs-nGikI/AAAAAAAAAIg/tN2cF-CIf08/s1600-h/IMG_0107.JPG\"><img style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R6DQs-nGikI/AAAAAAAAAIg/tN2cF-CIf08/s200/IMG_0107.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161354644106414658\" /></a><br /></p><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\">Josh and Marni dominated...</span><br /></p><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp1.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R6DRsenGilI/AAAAAAAAAIo/IUle_IvHVgQ/s1600-h/IMG_0098.JPG\"><img style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp1.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R6DRsenGilI/AAAAAAAAAIo/IUle_IvHVgQ/s200/IMG_0098.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161355735028107858\" /></a><br /></p><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R6DR8unGimI/AAAAAAAAAIw/Et8cDo-f49Q/s1600-h/IMG_0112.JPG\"><img style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R6DR8unGimI/AAAAAAAAAIw/Et8cDo-f49Q/s200/IMG_0112.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161356014200982114\" /></a><br /></p><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\">Michael took home the trophy!</span><br /></p><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R6DSQunGinI/AAAAAAAAAI4/p_KogX7mMa8/s1600-h/IMG_0111.JPG\"><img style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R6DSQunGinI/AAAAAAAAAI4/p_KogX7mMa8/s200/IMG_0111.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161356357798365810\" /></a><br /></p><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R6DSh-nGioI/AAAAAAAAAJA/9pwOD2aurSg/s1600-h/IMG_0102.JPG\"><img style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R6DSh-nGioI/AAAAAAAAAJA/9pwOD2aurSg/s200/IMG_0102.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161356654151109250\" /></a><br /></p><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\">Obviously Nicole was distraught by Michael\'s victory...</span><br /></p><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp1.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R6DUMenGiqI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/9LhGTZLA6tQ/s1600-h/IMG_0092.JPG\"><img style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp1.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R6DUMenGiqI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/9LhGTZLA6tQ/s200/IMG_0092.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161358483807177378\" /></a><br /></p><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\">El Fin</span>','Letting Loose: Our Employee Fun Day',0,'','publish','open','open','','letting-loose-our-employee-fun-day','','','2008-01-30 15:01:00','2008-01-30 19:01:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=22',0,'post','',0),(23,1,'2008-02-06 19:03:00','2008-02-06 23:03:00','<span style=\"font-weight:bold;\">Part 1: RSS feeds</span><br /><br />The tools are out there, and more importantly, they are easy to use. I wanted to share with you tools that I use on a daily basis that keep me sane. This, and the soon to be released, “Part 2: News Alerts” are both great ways for you to keep up-to-date in your industry and your life.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-weight:bold;\">RSS feeds</span><br />These are a big help if you check multiple websites or blogs, daily or weekly. Instead of going to your favorite web hot spots for news, RSS feeds allow the news to come to you.  A good way to illustrate this is your email inbox: <br /><br />Imagine checking multiple email inboxes depending on who sent you a message. For example, to find out if your friend, Theodore, sent you an email – you would go to his specific inbox to see if he sent you anything new. Pretend that you had to do that with every one of your contacts, multiple times a day.<br /><br />This may seem silly, but if you are not using RSS feeds, this is how you are currently getting your news. Instead of checking multiple sites and blogs in hopes of new information – you can let your news come to you. You will tailor your subscription list to the sites you visit or the sites you want to stay updated on. <br /><br />Here’s an example of mine:<br /><br />In terms of branding and marketing, keeping up-to-date on what you competition is doing is very valuable. Make sure that your products and services continue to be unique in the eyes of your consumers. Scout the landscape with RSS feeds and stay one step ahead of the competition.<br /><br />To begin, you’ll need to sign up for a free Google account and start exploring Reader (Google RSS subscription monitor). Online instructions will teach you everything you need to set up your subscription list. <br /><br />Post a comment on this blog if you have any questions.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\">Written by Josh Barker, Brand Iron Brand Wrangler</span>','Great tools that you are NOT using',0,'','publish','open','open','','great-tools-that-you-are-not-using','','','2008-02-06 19:03:00','2008-02-06 23:03:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=23',0,'post','',0),(24,1,'2008-02-27 14:57:00','2008-02-27 18:57:00','How many of you have accidentally carbon copied a personal contact into a business email?  How many of you have ever had to explain that your “pocket” called your best friend and left a voicemail of an entire business lunch?  These are common occurrences that leave clients and companies defenseless when it comes to the very important issue of client confidentiality.  For example, a former client of Brand Iron happened upon an email trail in which a former employee of Brand Iron called the client “a pain in my ass.”  Needless to say, this wasn’t a breech of confidentiality, but a careless mistake none the less.  It is safe to say that this employee no longer works here.  Sloppy email etiquette is always to blame with some of the most notorious confidentiality mistakes.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-weight:bold;\">Email:  The Post-Postal Predicament</span><br />To avoid common email privacy pitfalls, it is important to look at your current email set up.  It is easy to safeguard your email if you follow a few easy rules…<br /><br /><span style=\"font-weight:bold;\">1. Turn Off Auto Populate</span><br />Most people do not realize that auto populate is one of the most commonly misused areas of email.  This tool, while it may seem convenient, is very dangerous. <br /><br /><span style=\"font-weight:bold;\">2. Apply an Email Disclaimer</span><br />We have all seen them.  They are normally a little lengthy and we skip right over them.  They normally look something like this…<br /><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\">CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This email message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure, or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message. Thank you.</span><br /><br />If you were to be sued for the contents of an email, it is not certain whether an email disclaimer could fully protect you from liability in a lawsuit, but it could certainly help in some situations.  Particularly, “breach of confidentiality” can be avoided by a simple disclaimer that warns the receiver that the email is confidential and proprietary. <br /><br /><span style=\"font-weight:bold;\">3. Implement a Company Email Policy</span><br />If you feel that your company is still exposed by employees that will not use the appropriate “email etiquette,” impose an email policy.  According to a recent article by an affiliate of The Wall Street Journal, “Thirty-eight percent of companies said they employ staff to read or analyze outgoing email messages, and that jumps to 44% of companies with 20,000 or more employees.”  This is just the tip of the email iceberg.  <br /><br />The article goes on to say that almost a third of companies have fired an employee in the last 12 months for violating the set email policies.  Email is no longer being overlooked by the industry giants.  This means that smaller companies should take notice and follow in these same traditions.  Brand Iron values client confidentiality, and we strive to always check, double check, and check again when it comes to client emails.  This is what creates the bond of trust between a client and its marketing firm, however, once the trust is lost, it is much harder to gain it back than taking the correct precautions from the start.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\">written by Nicole Salerno, Marketing Intern</span>','Highly Confidential – This message will self destruct in 5…4…',0,'','publish','open','open','','highly-confidential-%e2%80%93-this-message-will-self-destruct-in-5%e2%80%a64%e2%80%a6','','','2008-02-27 14:57:00','2008-02-27 18:57:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=24',0,'post','',2),(25,1,'2008-03-05 15:37:00','2008-03-05 19:37:00','The only thing more annoying than a company not having a website is a website that is virtually useless. We have all seen them, websites that are created in extremely bad taste whether it is the colors, navigation, or copy. Some simple tips when putting thought into what you want for a website:<br /><br /><span style=\"font-weight:bold;\">To Flash or Not to Flash?</span><br />One thing about using flash for a website, think about using it as an element or enhancement instead of a fancy light show. Sometimes you can only take so many opening animations to a site, and God-forbid they don’t have a “skip intro” button. Who decided that websites need an intro anyway, I mean, I got there, I want something you have, now let me at it! Another thing about movement, the sites with the drop-down lists that move as you mouse over, can be a death threat to a site. If I can’t get the menu to stay still as I try to access something that is 4 levels deep on the menu, I only take a few tries before getting frustrated. At that point it is only how bad I want what they have that keeps me there, I didn’t just pay a carnival game booth to take a few shots, I want to hit my target.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-weight:bold;\">Break out the Decoder Ring</span><br />I think that site navigation is one of the most important things to a website. It is your own personal “you are here” map that tells you that you are going in the right direction. Some sites have guessing-game navigation, meaning that they use unfamiliar words that mean something to the company, but not to the general public. This is great for tactic for keeping to your brand while confusing your customers (bad idea). As for me if I navigate to a site, and I don’t find what I want in the first 3 minutes or less, you may have just lost a customer. Lesson learned: meet people at their level and make your navigation a “no guesses” map to your site.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-weight:bold;\">If I wanted to read a book, I would read a book</span><br />Another thing to remember is concerning the content of your site. While most people go to a site to get information about the company and their products, some people visit in search of something very specific. This is where navigation comes in, but also where copy plays a big role. If you can keep copy short and sweet, perhaps bulleting the main information that would be ideal for most everyone. I understand that for some companies, there is no way to get around the amount of copy, but most sites can keep it short and still educate the public on their products and services.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-weight:bold;\">Don’t Get Caught</span><br />A website that is a bad idea to be seen on is websitesthatsuck.com. This is a site that is dedicated to finding and pointing out random websites that have shortcomings. This is a great resource for what not to do with your website. Each critique is spelled out, and states why the sample site has landed on the ‘websites that suck’ site. <br /><br />The internet is basically free game. There are so many inexpensive and downright simple ways to get “published” on the internet. Make sure your site stands out and looks professional, not templated or gimmicky. Brand Iron can help you get a stand-out site that speaks volumes for you and about you, and has the potential to reach millions. <br /><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\">written by Natasha Martinez</span>','What Your Website Says About You',0,'','publish','open','open','','what-your-website-says-about-you','','','2008-03-05 15:37:00','2008-03-05 19:37:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=25',0,'post','',1),(26,1,'2008-03-13 10:48:00','2008-03-13 14:48:00','The first Brand Iron partner event of 2008 took place at <a href=\"http://www.snoozedenver.com/\">Snooze</a> yesterday.  For those of you that don’t know about Snooze, it is an A.M. Eatery on Larimer and Park Avenue West.  Their fare consists of Upside Down Pineapple Pancakes, Vanilla Almond Oatmeal Brulee, and delectable Juan’s breakfast tacos.  In keeping with the theme of pancakes, Michael presented a short PowerPoint presentation entitled, “Brand Stacking:  Learn from the Global Greats.”  The presentation focused on brands such as Starbucks, Nintendo, Google and BMW, and how they utilize a holistic approach in their branding to consistently raise their profits year to year.<br /><br />We had a great turn-out and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.  With more than 40 people and about 100 pineapple pancakes, there was plenty to go around.  Guests enjoyed Gourmet Bloody Mary’s and various coffee beverages.  A big “Thank You” to all of our guests for coming out and to the wonderful staff at Snooze.','Baristas, Brand Iron, and Breakfast',0,'','publish','open','open','','baristas-brand-iron-and-breakfast','','','2008-03-13 10:48:00','2008-03-13 14:48:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=26',0,'post','',0),(27,1,'2008-03-17 12:06:00','2008-03-17 16:06:00','This last week I read a comment from Warren Buffet; he said that the country is in a recession due to the slow down in retail spending. Most clients ask us during these uncertain economic times whether they should halt their branding efforts and marketing activities. I know what you would expect me to say, and you’re right - “No way!” Now let me explain why. <br /><br />Companies, bosses and employees all must be making money to continue the payment of bills, mortgage, rent, and payroll, while still filling up the gas tank and putting food on the table. These people must continue to market and sell in order to make money.<br /><br />During these challenging economic times, companies are fighting for every dollar available, and if you aren’t in front of your targets, someone else will be.<br /><br />Statistics say that it normally takes 7 – 12 touches for someone to get familiar with you and your brand.<br /><br />Depending on your sales cycle and how long it takes to close a sale, can you afford to slow down or halt marketing efforts?  Do you expect to resume marketing and sales efforts after the recession has cleared and achieve the same desired results?<br /><br />When companies decide to make purchasing decisions they usually have short memories and turn to those companies that have been in touch with them recently.  This means you have to stay in front of your target prospects consistently, and when the time is right you are at the fore front of there mind.<br />With current societal changes, the competition is fierce. There is no better time to look at the competitive landscape and figure out how you can separate your company from the herd, and tell your target markets why you are the best.<br /><br />During tough economic times many companies will struggle and lack proactive marketing and/or sales efforts. If you and your company improve branding, marketing and sales efforts, you can pick up the buying customers and even market share.<br /><br />The second part of what Warren Buffet said this past week is that he was very confident his kids were going to live a more comfortable life than he, and that the current economic conditions were only temporary.  Things will get better. Now is the time and opportunity for your company to take advantage and excel.  There is no better time to be proactively branding and marketing your company.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\">Written by Michael Doyle, President of Brand Iron</span>','Branding, Marketing and the Economy',0,'','publish','open','open','','branding-marketing-and-the-economy','','','2008-03-17 12:06:00','2008-03-17 16:06:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=27',0,'post','',0),(28,1,'2008-03-31 10:27:00','2008-03-31 14:27:00','During this political season, watching the primaries is a great lesson in branding at its bloodiest. Most people/companies like to think that they can do good work and that they don’t have to proactively manage their brand or position. Well you do, because if you don’t someone just may brand or position you for you. Take politics for instance.<br /><br />Most campaigns say they are going to stay above the belt, and most of them do until things get tough.  When that happens they tend to let the dogs loose and go after their opponent. Why? - Because they haven’t been able to effectively make themselves stand out from the crowd. Usually, it is easier to drag your competitor through the mud than take the initiative and effort to properly brand yourself in a “good light.”<br /><br />Take Hillary Clinton’s ad about the 3 am phone call and who you would want answer a call about protecting the country. She painted Barack Obama as someone who would worry you with his inadequate ability to protect the country.  This implies that Hillary would be a better choice. Did it work? – Well, she sure did get some momentum that week which propelled her to win in Texas and Ohio. Take the famous Willy Horton ad as well, some say it was unfair and in poor taste, but it worked, and worked very well. <br /><br />Much like politics, people and companies attack their competitors. When the negative advertising/positioning starts to work, a lot of times it is like blood in the water to sharks, once they smell it, they go after the victim with a ferocity that won’t quit. <br /><br />Positioning your competitors works not only in politics, but in the corporate world as well. You can be sure that people and companies talk about your company, your pricing, services, capabilities, ability or lack of ability to do the job, your competence or lack of competence as well. <br /><br />The more successful you are the more they are going to come after you. It happens everyday, so take action and positively position your company’s brand to separate yourself from the rest of the herd.  Be the leader of the pack. <br /><br />Brand yourself before the competition does it for you.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\">Written by Michael Doyle, President of Brand Iron</span>','Politics, some of the Bloodiest Branding',0,'','publish','open','open','','politics-some-of-the-bloodiest-branding','','','2008-03-31 10:27:00','2008-03-31 14:27:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=28',0,'post','',1),(29,1,'2008-04-02 12:53:00','2008-04-02 16:53:00','This morning, Brand Iron President, Michael Doyle, joined other industry experts to speak on the client acquisition process - how to complete the puzzle that will lead to more business. The turnout was great and the audience was bright-eyed and bushy-tailed  with GREAT questions during this a.m. event. Approximately 40 area presidents, CEOs, owners and top-level marketing and sales executives gathered to learn from:<br /><br />Joe Contrino, CEO, <a href=\"http://www.contrino.com/\">Contrino Direct Marketing, Inc. </a></td><br />John Kaufman, Principal & Senior Consultant, <a href=\"http://www.thecrmconnection.com/\">The CRM Connection, LLC.</a></td><br />Michael Doyle, President, <a href=\"http://www.brandiron.net/\">Brand Iron </a></td><br />Steve Parry, President, <a href=\"http://www.salesproductivity.us/\">Sales Productivity Consultants </a></td><br />Criag Harrell, President, <a href=\"http://www.rainmaker-marketing.com/\">Rainmaker Marketing </a></td><br /><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\"><center>Joe Contrino talks about how important it is to target the right prospects with the right list.</center></span><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R_O6JByJ-oI/AAAAAAAAAKo/wNAXerN9-O0/s1600-h/IMG_0265.JPG\"><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R_O6JByJ-oI/AAAAAAAAAKo/wNAXerN9-O0/s320/IMG_0265.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184692260293966466\" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\"><center>John Kaufman illustrates how using the right system could save you thousands of dollars and weeks of time.</center></span><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R_O6PhyJ-pI/AAAAAAAAAKw/pn-klHu8ZPo/s1600-h/IMG_0268.JPG\"><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R_O6PhyJ-pI/AAAAAAAAAKw/pn-klHu8ZPo/s320/IMG_0268.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184692371963116178\" /></a><br /><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\"><center>Michael Doyle helps the audience understand the value of a brand and how you can use that value to drive results.</center></span><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R_O6VByJ-qI/AAAAAAAAAK4/ZOI3P6W6fZ8/s1600-h/IMG_0269.JPG\"><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R_O6VByJ-qI/AAAAAAAAAK4/ZOI3P6W6fZ8/s320/IMG_0269.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184692466452396706\" /></a><br /><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\"><center>Michael answers a question on how you track and evaluate your branding ROI.</center></span><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R_O6bhyJ-rI/AAAAAAAAALA/JfEDme5_Prs/s1600-h/IMG_0271.JPG\"><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R_O6bhyJ-rI/AAAAAAAAALA/JfEDme5_Prs/s320/IMG_0271.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184692578121546418\" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\"><center>Steve Parry, the panel\'s host, uses a great (and timely) baseball reference on how any sales team can diagnose, develop and produce sales.</center></span><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp1.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R_O6hxyJ-sI/AAAAAAAAALI/bV9eU667HRc/s1600-h/IMG_0275.JPG\"><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp1.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R_O6hxyJ-sI/AAAAAAAAALI/bV9eU667HRc/s320/IMG_0275.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184692685495728834\" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\"><center>Craig Harrell drives the presentation home with a discussion on how staying emotionally connected will help close the deal. </center></span><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R_O6rhyJ-tI/AAAAAAAAALQ/Mp6-hxFKdj4/s1600-h/IMG_0276.JPG\"><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R_O6rhyJ-tI/AAAAAAAAALQ/Mp6-hxFKdj4/s320/IMG_0276.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184692852999453394\" /></a><br /><br />Thank you to everyone who attended. If you couldn\'t make this one, please stay tuned - this presentation will be given again in May.','Panel event: &quot;Solving the Growth Puzzle: The Client Acquisition Process&quot;',0,'','publish','open','open','','panel-event-solving-the-growth-puzzle-the-client-acquisition-process','','','2008-04-02 12:53:00','2008-04-02 16:53:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=29',0,'post','',1),(30,1,'2008-05-05 15:17:00','2008-05-05 19:17:00','<a href=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SB9h75Tn1MI/AAAAAAAAAMs/woPI0wKd19w/s1600-h/IMG_0379.JPG\"><img style=\"float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SB9h75Tn1MI/AAAAAAAAAMs/woPI0wKd19w/s200/IMG_0379.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196980176632140994\" /></a><br />Well hello there ya’ll!  My name is Peter Christou and I just started working at Brand Iron as a part-time intern. <br /><br />So far, as an intern here at Brand Iron, I have planned an office event, partner event, learned the basics in cutting with a sharp blade, learned about the expiration dates of cupcakes, learned about the clients of Brand Iron, and have done internet research for networking events.  Good stuff I tell ya.  <br /><br />A little background about me, I spent many years running and managing a family owned business and made the decision to change my career path and get into marketing.  I just wanted a change which I think everyone needs at different points in their lives.  I would love to have a successful career in marketing when I “grow up”, and Brand Iron will give me some of the skills and know-how to make it happen.  I’ve had experience in marketing at my previous job, and enjoyed all the aspects associated with it, from the initial brainstorming, to the creative process, to seeing the finished product of the job.  <br /><br />Branding is everywhere, whether you realize it or not.  I think it’s very interesting how we are drawn to certain products over others, why we choose to go with one bank over another, and why we pick certain restaurants to eat at for special occasions over other restaurants.  It always starts with how those businesses market themselves and how they try to sell themselves to you/us, the consumers.  Anyhow, I am really excited to be a part of the Brand Iron team and I’ll keep you posted on how things are going from time to time.','Following in Nicole\'s Footsteps',0,'','publish','open','open','','following-in-nicoles-footsteps','','','2008-05-05 15:17:00','2008-05-05 19:17:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=30',0,'post','',1),(31,1,'2008-05-05 15:21:00','0000-00-00 00:00:00','<a href=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SB9fVpTn1FI/AAAAAAAAAL0/xYPCdCN2YIQ/s1600-h/IMG_0362.JPG\"><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SB9fVpTn1FI/AAAAAAAAAL0/xYPCdCN2YIQ/s200/IMG_0362.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196977320478889042\" /></a><br /><a href=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SB9fWJTn1GI/AAAAAAAAAL8/3qFuucpeD1c/s1600-h/IMG_0363.JPG\"><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SB9fWJTn1GI/AAAAAAAAAL8/3qFuucpeD1c/s200/IMG_0363.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196977329068823650\" /></a><br /><a href=\"http://bp1.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SB9fWZTn1HI/AAAAAAAAAME/FI1Uy_GhSag/s1600-h/IMG_0364.JPG\"><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp1.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SB9fWZTn1HI/AAAAAAAAAME/FI1Uy_GhSag/s200/IMG_0364.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196977333363790962\" /></a><br /><a href=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SB9fW5Tn1II/AAAAAAAAAMM/ZiXFWZkD150/s1600-h/IMG_0365.JPG\"><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SB9fW5Tn1II/AAAAAAAAAMM/ZiXFWZkD150/s200/IMG_0365.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196977341953725570\" /></a><br /><a href=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SB9fX5Tn1JI/AAAAAAAAAMU/x4C6pEmfsTE/s1600-h/IMG_0359.JPG\"><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SB9fX5Tn1JI/AAAAAAAAAMU/x4C6pEmfsTE/s200/IMG_0359.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196977359133594770\" /></a><br />','',0,'','draft','open','open','','','','','2008-05-05 15:21:00','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=31',0,'post','',0),(32,1,'2008-05-05 15:39:00','2008-05-05 19:39:00','We here at Brand Iron like to get together every month for some good \'ol fun.  We got together after work this past Friday to welcome in our new additons to the ranch - Lisa, Mike and Peter.  Flying Dog Brewery was a lot of fun.<br /><br /><a href=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SB9jpJTn1NI/AAAAAAAAAM0/lUz99mIvojU/s1600-h/IMG_0361.JPG\"><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SB9jpJTn1NI/AAAAAAAAAM0/lUz99mIvojU/s200/IMG_0361.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196982053532849362\" /></a><br /><center>Steve, Rob and Michael Doyle</center><br /><a href=\"http://bp1.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SB9jpZTn1OI/AAAAAAAAAM8/8GssmcjLDR8/s1600-h/IMG_0362.JPG\"><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp1.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SB9jpZTn1OI/AAAAAAAAAM8/8GssmcjLDR8/s200/IMG_0362.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196982057827816674\" /></a><br /><center>Mike Slife and Nicole Salerno</center><br /><a href=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SB9jp5Tn1PI/AAAAAAAAANE/zD2ddSSfg_s/s1600-h/IMG_0363.JPG\"><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SB9jp5Tn1PI/AAAAAAAAANE/zD2ddSSfg_s/s200/IMG_0363.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196982066417751282\" /></a><br /><center>Trinh and Josh Barker</center><br /><a href=\"http://bp1.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SB9jqZTn1QI/AAAAAAAAANM/VaB5iTtMLC4/s1600-h/IMG_0364.JPG\"><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp1.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SB9jqZTn1QI/AAAAAAAAANM/VaB5iTtMLC4/s200/IMG_0364.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196982075007685890\" /></a><br /><center>Michael Doyle</center><br /><a href=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SB9jqpTn1RI/AAAAAAAAANU/h9LuoXbMhWg/s1600-h/IMG_0365.JPG\"><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SB9jqpTn1RI/AAAAAAAAANU/h9LuoXbMhWg/s200/IMG_0365.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196982079302653202\" /></a><br /><center>Lisa Heavers striking a pose</center>','Brand Iron Fun Event - May 2008',0,'','publish','open','open','','brand-iron-fun-event-may-2008','','','2008-05-05 15:39:00','2008-05-05 19:39:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=32',0,'post','',0),(33,1,'2008-05-07 12:30:00','2008-05-07 16:30:00','Brand Iron\'s Michael Doyle was a part of the business owners panel at the CapitalValue M&A seminar “Uncertainty and Opportunity; Lessons in Mergers and Acquisitions” on April 30th, which took place at The Inverness Hotel & Conference Center in Englewood, CO.  About 50 people were in attendance at the event which was presented by CapitalValue’s Managing Directors Chris Younger, David Tolson and Mark Luecke.  <br /><br /><br /><a href=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SCHaJ0AEI3I/AAAAAAAAANc/dAz9Ziq3mbI/s1600-h/IMG_0320.JPG\"><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SCHaJ0AEI3I/AAAAAAAAANc/dAz9Ziq3mbI/s320/IMG_0320.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197675307074855794\" /></a><br /><center>Michael Doyle sitting on the business panel</center><br /><a href=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SCHaKUAEI4I/AAAAAAAAANk/Yf5tB5XVk5w/s1600-h/IMG_0323.JPG\"><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SCHaKUAEI4I/AAAAAAAAANk/Yf5tB5XVk5w/s320/IMG_0323.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197675315664790402\" /></a><br /><a href=\"http://bp1.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SCHaKkAEI5I/AAAAAAAAANs/6unAmyE9r5Q/s1600-h/IMG_0332.JPG\"><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp1.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SCHaKkAEI5I/AAAAAAAAANs/6unAmyE9r5Q/s320/IMG_0332.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197675319959757714\" /></a><br /><center>Chris Younger, David Tolson and Mark Luecke presenting for CapitalValue M&A</center>','Panel Event: &quot;Uncertainty and Opportunity: Lessons in Mergers and Acquisitions&quot;',0,'','publish','open','open','','panel-event-uncertainty-and-opportunity-lessons-in-mergers-and-acquisitions','','','2008-05-07 12:30:00','2008-05-07 16:30:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=33',0,'post','',0),(34,1,'2008-05-12 13:24:00','2008-05-12 17:24:00','You see it on the news and read about it in the papers.  Opinions are often circulating about high profile companies or celebrities getting “bad PR.”  Sometimes you hear references about an organization, an individual or a politician who has “turned on the PR machine.”  Maybe you’ve heard about a “PR stunt.” <br /><br />But at the end of the day, what really is PR?  Those in the public relations industry can effectively define it, but do most people really understand what it is and why it exists? <br /><br /> There are many out there, I’m sure, who believe PR exists only to help corporate America or high-profile celebrities tip-toe through a crisis or embarrassing situation.  Those not familiar with the true value of PR most likely believe that it is a reactive function only, rather than a proactive function that is critical for long-term success.<br />  <br />Here is the Institute of Public Relations’ definition:<br /><br />“Public Relations practice is the planned and sustained effort to establish and maintain goodwill and mutual understanding between an organization and its publics<br /><br />The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), a leading organization of PR professionals, adopts the following definition of public relations: <br /><br />“Public relations helps an organization and its publics adapt mutually to each other.”  <br /><br />In this definition, the essential functions of research, planning, communications and evaluation are implied. Key words are “organization,” rather than the limiting implication of “company” or “business,” and “publics,” which recognizes that all organizations have multiple publics from which they must earn consent and support.<br /><br />In its simplest form, PR is all about effective communications with targeted audiences.  It involves establishing a positive image and then managing and protecting your organization’s reputation.  It’s about creating a protective coat of armor that can help you withstand periodic attacks.<br /><br />Let’s quickly look at what public relations can do:<br /><br />o Public relations can enhance the image of a business<br />o It can help sell a product or service<br />o It can build credibility from third parties<br />o It can enhance knowledge and understanding<br />o It can play a critical role in averting or diminishing negative reactions in a crisis situation<br />o It can also help in monitoring public opinion and, if necessary, shift public opinion by communicating accurate messages and educating the masses<br /><br />On the flip side, here are the things PR can’t do:<br /><br />o Public relations can’t hide or change the truth<br />o It can’t be a quick fix<br />o It can’t manipulate public opinion<br /><br />When considering how PR can positively impact your business, be sure to think from a strategic, big-picture view, not just how to avoid negative media coverage.','Understanding What PR is and What it is Not',0,'','publish','open','open','','understanding-what-pr-is-and-what-it-is-not','','','2008-05-12 13:24:00','2008-05-12 17:24:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=34',0,'post','',0),(35,1,'2008-06-06 13:52:00','2008-06-06 17:52:00','Hello, my name is Mike Slife and I am a new member of the Brand Iron Team. I recently moved from Cleveland and my short time spent in Denver has been great. <br /><br />I am the Ranch Boss (executive operations assistant) here at Brand Iron.  My main function will be to further develop and utilize our Microsoft CRM software. I will also be assisting with financial projections and current financial data, along with many other projects at Brand Iron.  I have only been here a month and I can see Brand Iron has a great potential for growth in the near future.  <br /><br />My past experience was working for a large Fortune 500 manufacturing company in Cleveland. I worked in the corporate audit department and prior to that was in operations accounting.  The adjustment working for a small company was easier than I expected. The staff at Brand Iron has made it an easy transition to work here. I enjoy the challenges a smaller company has to offer. I get to wear a few more hats here, which is both interesting and demanding. <br /><br />So being from Cleveland and being a die-hard Cleveland sports fan has been interesting. I have already been reminded about “The Drive” and “The Fumble” by both clients and co-workers. There is a saying in Cleveland that unfortunately has been used far too long, “Wait till next year”. But as a Cleveland sports fan in Denver, I can’t complain too much.  The Cavs went the NBA finals last year, the Browns had their best record since coming back to Cleveland (10-6) and the Indians were one game away from the World Series.<br /><br />I am sure I will be writing here again in the next month or so. I will keep you updated on what I am doing and also on Cleveland sports.<br /><br />Indians 24-29<br />Cavs lost in Game 7 v. Boston.<br />Browns are undefeated in 2008','Meet Mike - The Brand Iron Ranch Boss',0,'','publish','open','open','','meet-mike-the-brand-iron-ranch-boss','','','2008-06-06 13:52:00','2008-06-06 17:52:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=35',0,'post','',0),(36,1,'2008-07-09 13:14:00','2008-07-09 17:14:00','\"Gee, I really think this whole \'internet\' and \'world wide web\' thing is going to be huge someday.\" - Josh Barker, Brand Wrangler, Brand Iron, July 2008<br /><br />Of course this may be the understatement of the century.  Currently, we are evaluating web presence for nearly 75% of our client base.  There are many different ways in today’s economy to create web presence without stretching your budget thinner than it already is.   Brand Iron suggests four simple and cost-effective ways to create an online strategy for your company.<br /><br />1. Social Networking<br />Many of you notice your kids using social networks such as Facebook and  MySpace, but did you know that industry professionals are utilizing those sites for  marketing purposes?  These sites are free of charge and are a great tool to leverage when trying to expand your partner network or get some buzz surrounding your business.  For the more business-savvy professional, Linked In is a site devoted  completely to the business world and your immediate connection to thousands of  like-minded professionals in various industries.  <br />2. Blogging<br />Keeping a blog tied to your company’s website is an easy way to make a larger  presence on the web which will in turn boost organic search results of your  company.  When it comes to searches, the more words that you have “tagged” to  your blog, the more it comes up in search engine results.  By keeping your blog  consistently updated with fresh articles and topics, you will in turn draw more  traffic to your site.<br />3. Interactive Web Applications<br />Using interactive web applications is a hassle-free way to keep in front of  prospects and current clients.  For example, a <a href=\"http://www.maddenmedia.com/index.html\">WOWget (by Madden Media)</a> is an  application that Brand Iron is set to utilize in the near future.  The WOWget  allows the user to post video to his/her website and then link it to a MySpace,  Facebook, or a Blog page.  This is an interactive video that users can view  through many different mediums. <br />4. Google AdWords<br />When on a tight budget, why not use advertising that will adhere to the  guidelines you set?  Google AdWords allows the advertiser to set a limit on how  much is spent daily on their advertising.  When a key word is searched through  Google, ads appear on the right hand side of the screen.  These advertisers  specifically chose their ad to display when that key word is searched. Google  keeps track of all of the click throughs to your sight each day, and when the  budget number is met that day, say $10, Google does not post your ad on the right  hand side of the screen.  Each click through is cost dependent on the key word.<br /> <br />Here’s how it works…<br />   - User searches a key word<br />   - Ad is displayed on the right side of the screen<br />   - User clicks through the ad<br />   - Advertiser is charged for the click through<br />   - Once the click through limit is reached  ($10), Google no longer places the advertiser’s ad on the side bar<br /><br />These are just a few ways to stay under budget and in the face of your prospects and customers in a tight economy.  Contact us to learn about all of the cost effective ways to market and advertise while on a strict budget.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\">written by Nicole Salerno, Junior Brand Wrangler, Brand Iron</span>','Using the Web to Get Ahead',0,'','publish','open','open','','using-the-web-to-get-ahead','','','2008-07-09 13:14:00','2008-07-09 17:14:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=36',0,'post','',1),(37,1,'2008-07-18 10:41:00','2008-07-18 14:41:00','As gas prices hit over $4.00 nationally and the economy continues to fall, it is inevitable that people and companies are struggling.  That said, it is even more vital to measure yourself against your competition, ensuring your current efforts are properly focused to set yourself and your company up for a strong second half of the year. Unfortunately, we are currently in an arduous game of survival of the fittest, and it is time to focus your marketing efforts.<br /> <br />While this conversation is a continuous topic internally, I was pleasantly surprised to find a new client that had the same ideas. I was in a planning session the other day and our client communicated that their industry was experiencing a slow-down given the economy and being that we are in the middle of the summer.  They realized that it was the perfect time to position and brand themselves against their competition in order to separate themselves from the herd.  This client wanted to take advantage of the current situation in which, a fair amount of companies are pulling back their spending. Our client wants to step it up and set themselves up for a strong fall and second half of the year, as well as prepare for 2009. Needless to say, I agreed with this client, and was refreshed at their goals and strategy to step up their game.  <br /><br />We are halfway through the year, an excellent time to review your yearly goals and objectives.  See what is working, what’s not, and what needs to be adjusted in order for you to keep things going strong, maintain, or try to catch up.  Going strong is the key phrase, while playing the game of catch up seems to be the reality for too many companies today. <br /><br />A perfect example of the “catch up game,” was when American Airlines and United announced they were going to charge $15 and $25 respectively, for checking bags. While these airlines are trying to play catch-up, Southwest is focusing its efforts on marketing, sales and operations to boost sales and keep customers happy.  They are responding directly to the competition and the consumer by announcing that they aren\'t charging premiums for extra baggage and rising fuel costs. <br /><br />The summer is a slower period and many people take time off, thus creating a great opportunity to not only look at your goals, but figure out how you can position yourself against the competition. Take advantage of the tough times and really separate your company from the  herd by communicating your key differences and why you are a better choice than the competition.<br /><br />Now is the time to evaluate, focus, and take advantage to be the fittest. If your company wants to be around when the economy turns around, call Brand Iron today.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\">written by Michael Doyle, President of Brand Iron</span>','Survival of the Fittest',0,'','publish','open','open','','survival-of-the-fittest','','','2008-07-18 10:41:00','2008-07-18 14:41:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=37',0,'post','',1),(38,1,'2008-07-31 10:48:00','0000-00-00 00:00:00','','NBC News Clip - Blogging 2.0',0,'','draft','open','open','','','','','2008-07-31 10:48:00','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=38',0,'post','',0),(39,1,'2008-07-31 10:52:00','2008-07-31 14:52:00','Blogging is a trend on the rise.  It was just a few years ago that people started to post their opinions on the web about anything and everything by writing a personal blog.  Now, more and more companies and their CEO’s are posting blogs, exciting consumers about new products, services, events, or just getting them caught up on industry related news.  <br /><br />Here at Brand Iron, we too keep a weekly blog, written by everyone from the president to the interns to help keep our customers informed. Recently, we came across this story on NBC Nightly News-hear what the “experts” say about blogging and how you can utilize blogging to help promote your company.<br /><br /><iframe height=\"339\" width=\"425\" src=\"http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22425001/vp/25786242#25786242\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"></iframe>','Blogging 2.0',0,'','publish','open','open','','blogging-20','','','2008-07-31 10:52:00','2008-07-31 14:52:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=39',0,'post','',0),(40,1,'2008-08-01 12:14:00','2008-08-01 16:14:00','There are three key elements in order to have a successful website:  <br />1. A marketing strategy that makes the site an extension of your brand<br />2. Effective SEO to touch the correct audience and make your site get viewed<br />3. A user-friendly, content rich, and aesthetically pleasing design<br /><br />In order to effectively achieve these three elements, a company must first identify what they want their site to accomplish.  Is this site a way to develop lead generation?  Is the site purely for information distribution?  Do you want to display your products/services for consumers to purchase online?  Whatever the purpose of the site may be, there must be a strategic plan in place.  Milestones and critical dates must be set up for review of the site.  It is important to evaluate what is working and what is not.  In order to touch the correct audience, SEO strategies must be evaluated.  Keep your site in front of the correct audience by developing Google Ad Word strategies and social networking/media components.  Finally, a web site needs to have strong design. <br /><br />Within this element, there are three parts to deeming it worthy of the title, “good design”:<br />1. usability/functionality<br />2. strong content<br />3. aesthetic presentation<br /><br />Many websites achieve one or two of the three areas, but very few successfully bring the three together.  For instance, a website is functional and the content is easy to understand and valuable, however the color scheme is black, orange, red and yellow with a pixilated logo and a scanned photo of the staff.  The company managed to secure (1) usability/functionality and (2) strong content, but not (3) aesthetic presentation.  Companies must achieve a balance between all three of these areas for successful penetration to the end user.<br /><br />Keep in mind that good design transcends technology.  Interestingly enough, there were many well-designed websites in the mid 90’s that successfully communicated their brand message well and eventually went on to become multi-billion dollar companies.<br /><br />The Old Apple Site:<br /></p><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SJN_qauZMaI/AAAAAAAAAOE/xc0AqgIoEE4/s1600-h/applescreenshot.jpg\"><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SJN_qauZMaI/AAAAAAAAAOE/xc0AqgIoEE4/s320/applescreenshot.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229663959012422050\" /></a><br /></p><br />The New Apple Site:<br /></p><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SJN_yiHFJVI/AAAAAAAAAOM/_XEBrVOgSpg/s1600-h/apple1.jpg\"><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SJN_yiHFJVI/AAAAAAAAAOM/_XEBrVOgSpg/s320/apple1.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229664098433967442\" /></a><br /></p><br /><br />There are many complicated elements to successful web design (grid theory, the rule of thirds, unity, harmonious color schemes, etc.), but complete focus on the three areas that I have gone through previously will always result in a website that engages a user and in turn encourages repeat visits.  A successful website allows for the end-user to be pleased with the design that displays the company’s brand and the content that clearly communicates their message.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-weight:bold;\">Case Study: Caring Hands Chiropractic</span><br />Caring Hands Chiropractic has been successfully practicing in Denver for over 10 years. The client wanted the website to be less sterile and more comforting. Brand Iron was hired to recreate the brand, and in the process created a successful new website that re-enforces the brand message and communicates well with the end-user. Take a look at the before and after versions of CaringHandsChiro.com<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SJM25v7QbcI/AAAAAAAAAN0/JC9DSJfjlfg/s1600-h/chc.bmp\"><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SJM25v7QbcI/AAAAAAAAAN0/JC9DSJfjlfg/s320/chc.bmp\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229583958052728258\" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SJM3I1XnkkI/AAAAAAAAAN8/A_PvPh6TB60/s1600-h/chc2.bmp\"><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/SJM3I1XnkkI/AAAAAAAAAN8/A_PvPh6TB60/s320/chc2.bmp\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229584217211900482\" /></a><br /><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\">Written by Andrew Hoffman, Brand Iron Design Bandit</span>','Web and the Power of Three',0,'','publish','open','open','','web-and-the-power-of-three','','','2008-08-01 12:14:00','2008-08-01 16:14:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=40',0,'post','',0),(41,1,'2008-08-07 15:20:00','2008-08-07 19:20:00','People and marketers alike normally have two theories about copy length. They either abide by the rule of K.I.S.S. (Keep it simple stupid) or they want to explain every last detail/benefit to the customer.<br /><br /> So, which is better? Who is right?<br /><br />We’ll show you how both theories can be used effectively – and more importantly, when to use each.<br /><br />One of the more important aspects to answering this question – is to test, test and re-test. Continue to refine and pinpoint what works for your sales and marketing process and your company.<br /><br />1.  Do your research – Start collecting your competitor’s marketing materials. For example, for one of our clients, two of their competitors were offering incentives with very little copy supporting the message. We, by contrast, offered a similar incentive but included more descriptive copy on the value and the details of the offer. We separated our client from their competition – by offering a better explanation on how our incentive provided more value than the competition’s offers. Our client was pleased with the results – as it far surpassed any of their past incentives.<br /><br />2.  Sales process – What are you asking your customer to do? Are you asking them to buy a car? Or, are you asking them to go online and claim their free gift? The level of commitment you are asking should drive copy length. <br /><br />In the example of buying a car: if you are asking the customer to call their local dealership, keep the copy short and the benefits direct and simple. Later in the sales process, when you are at the point of getting the customer to buy, the information you need to communicate will be much more involved. At this stage, the copy will need to completely communicate the facts, the benefits, the options, the cost and the value. You will need to put the customer as ease, providing as much information to help them justify purchasing your product, which in this case, is a high-dollar commitment.<br /><br /><br />3.  Quality – Above all, whether your copy is long or short – it’s the quality that matters most in the end. Copy needs to communicate a message that is value-driven and benefit-oriented. You need to communicate your company and services in a way that differentiates you from your competition. <br /><br /><br />The length of your message loosely depends on the level of commitment you seek and how complicated your message is. Brand Iron can help you determine the right amount of copy it takes to break through the clutter, differentiate yourself from the competition – and most importantly, get the results that will help your company succeed.<br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\"></span>','Have I said too much? Know when to say &quot;when&quot; with copy length.',0,'','publish','open','open','','have-i-said-too-much-know-when-to-say-when-with-copy-length','','','2008-08-07 15:20:00','2008-08-07 19:20:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=41',0,'post','',0),(42,1,'2008-08-15 14:42:00','2008-08-15 18:42:00','In the spirit of NBC’s coverage of the Summer Olympic Games, I am writing today’s blog in real time.  You are actually reading it live.  In other words, I promise not to write the next word until you read the current one.<br /><br />Ok, that’s not true.  I’m sorry.<br />  <br />But I think I can get it to pass as “plausibly live.”  As you read this, I hope you have the sensation of reading it over my shoulder as I type.<br />  <br />The term “plausibly live” and international sporting events – particularly the Olympics – are synonymous.  Olympic events that take place half way around the globe are recorded, then played back in “prime time” as if they are being shown in real time.  Even the NBC studio hosts are trained to play along.<br /><br />The other day, Today Show host Matt Lauer told those of us watching in America that the Opening Ceremonies would be happening later “tonight” when in fact they were in progress not far from where he was standing in Beijing.<br /><br />My first “plausibly live” Olympic experience took place when I was a kid and it was traumatizing.  Although it was 28 years ago, I can still vividly remember 9News sportscaster Ron Zappalo (now of Fox 31 News fame) opening the 5 p.m. newscast waving a small United States flag and informing me that the USA Hockey team had beaten the Russians.<br /><br />“How could he know?” I wondered.  The game wasn’t scheduled to begin on TV for another few hours.  Miracle on Ice?  It was “Miracle on the Set,” I thought, that he somehow already knew.<br /><br />In July, NBC announced that it would be providing an average of 212 hours of Olympic coverage daily through 12 different sources including broadcast, cable and broadband offerings.  When you add it up, it means 3,600 hours of coverage, more than all previous Summer Olympics combined.<br /><br />NBC claims that 75 percent of its coverage will be live but who wants to watch Michael Phelps win gold medals and break world records on their cell phone as they wait in line for coffee?<br /><br />In today’s internet, instant-gratification world, why not offer us a chance to watch the event live on TV?  The Mountain Time Zone is 14 hours behind Beijing, but many of us would be willing to watch certain events on TV early in the morning rather than wait for a prime-time, pre-edited and pre-packaged version.  At least give us the option.  I don’t know about you, but knowing the score of a game or the result of a competition ahead of time (something that is hard to avoid in this day and age) kind of takes away the fun of watching it.<br /><br />And speaking of live, how about the most recent zinger out of China: the little girl who performed “Ode to the Motherland” as China’s flag was paraded into the stadium during the opening ceremony was only lip-syncing.  Chinese officials replaced the actual singer, 7-year-old Yang Peivi, because “she was deemed not cute enough.”<br /><br />I saw Yang’s picture.  Sure, she was missing a few front teeth and didn’t have gymnast sparkles in her hair, but she was still cute.  <br /><br />Plausibly cute at least.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-style:italic;\">Written by Jim Miller, Brand Iron\'s Director of Public Relations</span>','Is it “Plausibly Live” or is it Memorex?',0,'','publish','open','open','','is-it-%e2%80%9cplausibly-live%e2%80%9d-or-is-it-memorex','','','2008-08-15 14:42:00','2008-08-15 18:42:00','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=42',0,'post','',1),(44,1,'2008-08-26 12:49:28','2008-08-26 16:49:28','I can’t tell you how many times I have heard companies say they want to revise and improve their company brand.  Nine out of 10 times, what they really mean is that they want to come up with a new and improved logo, website or other visual presentations of their brand’s “look and feel.” A company’s logo/corporate identity, website and other visual elements are important in communicating a brand, but by no means are they the only things that represent your brand.\n\nYour brand is a relationship you have with your customers, prospects, suspects, partners, vendors and the general business community. It’s hard for me to imagine how a logo, website or other visual elements solely convey what your brand represents. My personal feeling is that strong brands require much more thought than just a shinny logo or slick website.\n\nI believe that strong brands, first and foremost, are strategically designed around what space you want to own and why your company is better than the competition. The company has to know just why it is better, and know how to effectively communicate that simple message clearly and concisely.\n\nGreat companies know how to effectively market and get their message out, not only through advertising, but through multiple mediums that reach their targets via the mediums that their targets interact with. You must accept and believe that these days it requires many mediums to be able to make a connection that is real and cuts through the clutter to drive results.\n\nFirst, you have to know how to integrate this message into your company internally. Get the operations, sales and marketing all on the same page and understand what the brand stands for and how to deliver on the stated brand promise.\n\nGreat companies also understand that it takes more than looks.  Your product or service has to fulfill the promise that it is cracked up to be.  It has to be able to deliver the goods and make customers and clients true brand believers.\n\nFor a brand to be great these days you have to have strategy, substance, succinct message, and yes, a good logo and nice website.  But you also must have the determination and commitment to succeed. A great brand requires a holistic and integrated approach, much more than just a snappy logo.\n\nWritten by Michael Doyle, President of Brand Iron','Branding- It\'s not about the logo',0,'','inherit','open','open','','43-revision','','','2008-08-26 12:49:28','2008-08-26 16:49:28','',43,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=44',0,'revision','',0),(45,1,'2008-08-26 12:50:37','2008-08-26 16:50:37','I can’t tell you how many times I have heard companies say they want to revise and improve their company brand.  Nine out of 10 times, what they really mean is that they want to come up with a new and improved logo, website or other visual presentations of their brand’s “look and feel.” A company’s logo/corporate identity, website and other visual elements are important in communicating a brand, but by no means are they the only things that represent your brand.\r\n\r\nYour brand is a relationship you have with your customers, prospects, suspects, partners, vendors and the general business community. It’s hard for me to imagine how a logo, website or other visual elements solely convey what your brand represents. My personal feeling is that strong brands require much more thought than just a shinny logo or slick website.\r\n\r\nI believe that strong brands, first and foremost, are strategically designed around what space you want to own and why your company is better than the competition. The company has to know just why it is better, and know how to effectively communicate that simple message clearly and concisely.\r\n\r\nGreat companies know how to effectively market and get their message out, not only through advertising, but through multiple mediums that reach their targets via the mediums that their targets interact with. You must accept and believe that these days it requires many mediums to be able to make a connection that is real and cuts through the clutter to drive results.\r\n\r\nFirst, you have to know how to integrate this message into your company internally. Get the operations, sales and marketing all on the same page and understand what the brand stands for and how to deliver on the stated brand promise.\r\n\r\nGreat companies also understand that it takes more than looks.  Your product or service has to fulfill the promise that it is cracked up to be.  It has to be able to deliver the goods and make customers and clients true brand believers.\r\n\r\nFor a brand to be great these days you have to have strategy, substance, succinct message, and yes, a good logo and nice website.  But you also must have the determination and commitment to succeed. A great brand requires a holistic and integrated approach, much more than just a snappy logo.\r\n\r\nWritten by Michael Doyle, President of Brand Iron','Branding- It\'s not about the logo',0,'','inherit','open','open','','43-revision-2','','','2008-08-26 12:50:37','2008-08-26 16:50:37','',43,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=45',0,'revision','',0),(46,1,'0000-00-00 00:00:00','0000-00-00 00:00:00','A little self discovery on blogs and business\r\n\r\nSo my first blog was just an introduction of myself. Being that was the first blog I have ever written I had no idea what to say. Actually Brand Iron’s blog was really the first blog I ever read.\r\n\r\nSince then, I have took some time to learn more about blogs and what role can play in the business world. I have graduated from blogging 101, and I’d like to share what I’ve learned.\r\n\r\nI found that blogging is a way to:\r\n\r\n● Drive interest or marketing “touches”\r\n● Become an industry thought-leader\r\n● Educate your audience\r\n● Provide a casual forum to get feedback\r\n● Generate free advertising and improve search results\r\n\r\nI also found that blogging is everywhere.\r\n\r\nBusinesses, school teachers, actors/actresses, world leaders, Mr. &amp; Mrs. John Q. Public, friends, family, anybody and everyone blogs. Just recently I read that Brett Farve, the former Green Bay Packers Quarterback now NY Jets QB, was offered a $20 million dollar marketing deal to stay with the Packers. This deal included a merchandise line, autographs, personal appearances and even a blog. A BLOG!?! How times have changed. Blogging has become so big that it is in athletes’ contracts. Obviously someone thought blogging was important enough to include it in a deal to try to keep the best quarterback in franchise history and a guaranteed future hall of famer in Green Bay. Farve didn’t take the deal but it was clearly because of his unwillingness to compete for the starting QB position with Aaron Rogers.\r\n\r\nThe point of this blog is people read these things and they have some influence on their decision making. Well I hope this blog has educated, influenced and spotlighted how blogging has some power in this world.','I require a blog',0,'','draft','open','open','','','','','2008-09-04 19:06:23','2008-09-04 23:06:23','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=46',0,'post','',0),(47,1,'2008-09-04 19:05:05','2008-09-04 23:05:05','A little self discovery on blogs and business\n\nSo my first blog was just an introduction of myself. Being that was the first blog I have ever written I had no idea what to say. Actually Brand Iron’s blog was really the first blog I ever read.\n\nSince then, I have took some time to learn more about blogs and what role can play in the business world. I have graduated from blogging 101, and I’d like to share what I’ve learned.\n\nI found that blogging is a way to:\n\n● Drive interest or marketing “touches”\n● Become an industry thought-leader\n● Educate your audience\n● Provide a casual forum to get feedback\n● Generate free advertising and improve search results\n\nI also found that blogging is everywhere.\n\nBusinesses, school teachers, actors/actresses, world leaders, Mr. &amp; Mrs. John Q. Public, friends, family, anybody and everyone blogs. Just recently I read that Brett Farve, the former Green Bay Packers Quarterback now NY Jets QB, was offered a $20 million dollar marketing deal to stay with the Packers. This deal included a merchandise line, autographs, personal appearances and even a blog. A BLOG!?! How times have changed. Blogging has become so big that it is in athletes’ contracts. Obviously someone thought blogging was important enough to include it in a deal to try to keep the best quarterback in franchise history and a guaranteed future hall of famer in Green Bay. Farve didn’t take the deal but it was clearly because of his unwillingness to compete for the starting QB position with Aaron Rogers.\n\nThe point of this blog is people read these things and they have some influence on their decision making. Well I hope this blog has educated, influenced and spotlighted how blogging has some power in this world.','I require a blog',0,'','inherit','open','open','','46-revision','','','2008-09-04 19:05:05','2008-09-04 23:05:05','',46,'http://www.brandiron.net/beta/blog/?p=47',0,'revision','',0),(48,4,'0000-00-00 00:00:00','0000-00-00 00:00:00','Brand Iron\'s new ad campaign for <a href=\"http://www.denverathleticclub.org\">The Denver Athletic Club</a> debuted earlier this week. The ad appears in <em>5280</em> and <em>Mile High Sports</em> Magazines and has already created quite the positive buzz around Denver.  This is the first of many ads that will highlight the Club\'s rich tradition and new style.\r\n\r\nThe ad campaign features REAL Denver Athletic Club pics from the 1920s through the 70s. Keep an eye out at your local newstand for more ads that showcase the deep history and a new level of greatness - only found at The Denver Athletic Club.','Denver Athletic Club ad campaign launches',0,'','draft','open','open','','','','','2008-09-05 17:03:56','2008-09-05 21:03:56','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=48',0,'post','',0),(49,1,'2008-09-05 17:03:30','2008-09-05 21:03:30','Brand Iron\'s new ad campaign for <a href=\"http://www.denverathleticclub.org\">The Denver Athletic Club</a> debuted earlier this week. The ad appears in <em>5280</em> and Mile High Sports and has already created quite the positive buzz around Denver.  This is the first of many ads that will highlight the Club\'s rich tradition and new style.\n\nThe ad campaign features REAL Denver Athletic Club pics from the 1920s through the 70s. Keep an eye out at your local newstand for more ads that showcase the deep history and a new level of greatness - only found at The Denver Athletic Club.','Denver Athletic Club ad campaign launches',0,'','inherit','open','open','','48-revision','','','2008-09-05 17:03:30','2008-09-05 21:03:30','',48,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=49',0,'revision','',0),(50,2,'2008-09-05 17:32:54','2008-09-05 21:32:54','<table style=\"width:auto;\"><tr><td><a href=\"http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Q7NkKVneqe26QS12Ieo3-Q\"><img src=\"http://lh4.ggpht.com/joshuaraybarker/SMGlH-FTyvI/AAAAAAAABuk/ZOvZ-Wkqc6A/s400/5280big.jpg\" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=\"font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right\"></table>\r\n<table style=\"width:auto;\"><tr><td><a href=\"http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2hoH4Mk9e9gpPoa1G6jYLA\"><img src=\"http://lh4.ggpht.com/joshuaraybarker/SMGhY9WLh7I/AAAAAAAABuc/XVI4loLCTzI/s400/DAC_Sept_5280_ad.png\" /></a></td></tr></table>\r\n\r\nBrand Iron\'s new ad campaign for <a href=\"http://www.denverathleticclub.org\">The Denver Athletic Club</a> debuted earlier this week. The ad appears in <em>5280</em> and <em>Mile High Sports</em> Magazines and has already created quite the positive buzz around Denver. This is the first of many ads that will highlight the Club\'s rich tradition and new style.\r\n\r\nThe ad campaign features REAL Denver Athletic Club pics from the 1920s through the 70s. Keep an eye out at your local newstand for more ads that showcase the deep history and new style - only found at The Denver Athletic Club.','Denver Athletic Club ad campaign launches',0,'','publish','open','open','','denver-athletic-club-ad-campaign-launches','','','2008-09-05 17:32:54','2008-09-05 21:32:54','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=50',0,'post','',1),(51,2,'2008-09-05 17:07:40','2008-09-05 21:07:40','Brand Iron\'s new ad campaign for <a href=\"http://www.denverathleticclub.org\">The Denver Athletic Club</a> debuted earlier this week. The ad appears in <em>5280</em> and <em>Mile High Sports</em> Magazines and has already created quite the positive buzz around Denver. This is the first of many ads that will highlight the Club\'s rich tradition and new style.\n\nThe ad campaign features REAL Denver Athletic Club pics from the 1920s through the 70s. Keep an eye out at your local newstand for more ads that showcase the deep history and new style - only found at The Denver Athletic Club.','Denver Athletic Club ad campaign launches',0,'','inherit','open','open','','50-revision','','','2008-09-05 17:07:40','2008-09-05 21:07:40','',50,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=51',0,'revision','',0),(52,2,'2008-09-05 17:07:44','2008-09-05 21:07:44','Brand Iron\'s new ad campaign for <a href=\"http://www.denverathleticclub.org\">The Denver Athletic Club</a> debuted earlier this week. The ad appears in <em>5280</em> and <em>Mile High Sports</em> Magazines and has already created quite the positive buzz around Denver. This is the first of many ads that will highlight the Club\'s rich tradition and new style.\r\n\r\nThe ad campaign features REAL Denver Athletic Club pics from the 1920s through the 70s. Keep an eye out at your local newstand for more ads that showcase the deep history and new style - only found at The Denver Athletic Club.','Denver Athletic Club ad campaign launches',0,'','inherit','open','open','','50-revision-2','','','2008-09-05 17:07:44','2008-09-05 21:07:44','',50,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=52',0,'revision','',0),(53,2,'2008-09-05 17:31:57','2008-09-05 21:31:57','<table style=\"width:auto;\"><tr><td><a href=\"http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Q7NkKVneqe26QS12Ieo3-Q\"><img src=\"http://lh4.ggpht.com/joshuaraybarker/SMGlH-FTyvI/AAAAAAAABuk/ZOvZ-Wkqc6A/s400/5280big.jpg\" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=\"font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right\"></table>\n<table style=\"width:auto;\"><tr><td><a href=\"http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2hoH4Mk9e9gpPoa1G6jYLA\"><img src=\"http://lh4.ggpht.com/joshuaraybarker/SMGhY9WLh7I/AAAAAAAABuc/XVI4loLCTzI/s400/DAC_Sept_5280_ad.png\" /></a></td></tr></table>\n\nBrand Iron\'s new ad campaign for <a href=\"http://www.denverathleticclub.org\">The Denver Athletic Club</a> debuted earlier this week. The ad appears in <em>5280</em> and <em>Mile High Sports</em> Magazines and has already created quite the positive buzz around Denver. This is the first of many ads that will highlight the Club\'s rich tradition and new style.\n\nThe ad campaign features REAL Denver Athletic Club pics from the 1920s through the 70s. Keep an eye out at your local newstand for more ads that showcase the deep history and new style - only found at The Denver Athletic Club.','Denver Athletic Club ad campaign launches',0,'','inherit','open','open','','50-revision-3','','','2008-09-05 17:31:57','2008-09-05 21:31:57','',50,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=53',0,'revision','',0),(60,1,'2008-09-09 15:16:03','2008-09-09 19:16:03','At Brand Iron, we all strive to be brand champions.  “What is a brand champion” you ask?  A brand champion is anyone at your company that “rides for the brand.” He/She leads and rally’s the troops, takes the brand to the next level and has the vision and passion to make things happen.\r\n\r\nThe team here lives the brand.  We talk about our services with strangers and we reiterate the value we bring to current clients.\r\n\r\nJust today, Mike Slife, our Ranch Boss was approached by a printer sales representative at the front desk.  His question to us was if we are satisfied with our printer, Mike responded with, “Yes, but we are always interested in information regarding new vendors.”  This led to Mikes inquiry, “Do you have a website?”  When the print vendor responded, “No,” Mike took it upon himself to give our 30 second elevator pitch and ask, “who is responsible for making marketing decisions at your company?”  A simple question that led to a prospective client.  That is “riding for the brand.”  At that moment, Mike was Brand Iron’s brand champion.\r\n\r\nWho’s your brand champion?','Who Is Your Brand Champion?',0,'','inherit','open','open','','58-revision-2','','','2008-09-09 15:16:03','2008-09-09 19:16:03','',58,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=60',0,'revision','',0),(61,1,'2008-09-09 15:16:11','2008-09-09 19:16:11','At Brand Iron, we all strive to be brand champions.  “What is a brand champion” you ask?  A brand champion is anyone at your company that “rides for the brand.” He/She leads and rally’s the troops, takes the brand to the next level and has the vision and passion to make things happen.\r\n\r\nThe team here lives the brand.  We talk about our services with strangers and we reiterate the value we bring to current clients.\r\n\r\nJust today, Mike Slife, our Ranch Boss was approached by a printer sales representative at the front desk.  His question to us was if we are satisfied with our printer, Mike responded with, “Yes, but we are always interested in information regarding new vendors.”  This led to Mikes inquiry, “Do you have a website?”  When the print vendor responded, “No,” Mike took it upon himself to give our 30 second elevator pitch and ask, “who is responsible for making marketing decisions at your company?”  A simple question that led to a prospective client.  That is “riding for the brand.”  At that moment, Mike was Brand Iron’s brand champion.\r\n\r\nWho’s your brand champion?','Who Is Your Brand Champion?',0,'','inherit','open','open','','58-revision-3','','','2008-09-09 15:16:11','2008-09-09 19:16:11','',58,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=61',0,'revision','',0),(62,1,'2008-09-09 15:28:53','2008-09-09 19:28:53','At Brand Iron, we all strive to be brand champions.  “What is a brand champion” you ask?  A brand champion is anyone at your company that “rides for the brand.” He/She leads and rallies the troops, takes the brand to the next level and has the vision and passion to make things happen.\n\nThe team here lives the brand.  We talk about our services with strangers and we reiterate the value we bring to current clients.\n\nJust today, Mike Slife, our Ranch Boss was approached by a printer sales representative at the front desk.  His question to us was if we are satisfied with our printer, Mike responded with, “Yes, but we are always interested in information regarding new vendors.”  This led to Mikes inquiry, “Do you have a website?”  When the print vendor responded, “No,” Mike took it upon himself to give our 30 second elevator pitch and ask, “who is responsible for making marketing decisions at your company?”  A simple question that led to a prospective client.  That is “riding for the brand.”  At that moment, Mike was Brand Iron’s brand champion.\n\nWho’s your brand champion?','Who Is Your Brand Champion?',0,'','inherit','open','open','','58-autosave','','','2008-09-09 15:28:53','2008-09-09 19:28:53','',58,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=62',0,'revision','',0),(58,5,'2008-09-09 15:16:11','2008-09-09 19:16:11','At Brand Iron, we all strive to be brand champions.  “What is a brand champion” you ask?  A brand champion is anyone at your company that “rides for the brand.” He/She leads and rallies the troops, takes the brand to the next level and has the vision and passion to make things happen.\r\n\r\nThe team here lives the brand.  We talk about our services with strangers and we reiterate the value we bring to current clients.\r\n\r\nJust today, Mike Slife, our Ranch Boss was approached by a printer sales representative at the front desk.  His question to us was if we are satisfied with our printer, Mike responded with, “Yes, but we are always interested in information regarding new vendors.”  This led to Mikes inquiry, “Do you have a website?”  When the print vendor responded, “No,” Mike took it upon himself to give our 30 second elevator pitch and ask, “who is responsible for making marketing decisions at your company?”  A simple question that led to a prospective client.  That is “riding for the brand.”  At that moment, Mike was Brand Iron’s brand champion.\r\n\r\nWho’s your brand champion?','Who Is Your Brand Champion?',0,'','publish','open','open','','who-is-your-brand-champion','','','2008-09-09 15:28:09','2008-09-09 19:28:09','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=58',0,'post','',0),(59,1,'2008-09-09 15:16:00','2008-09-09 19:16:00','At Brand Iron, we all strive to be brand champions.  “What is a brand champion” you ask?  A brand champion is anyone at your company that “rides for the brand.” He/She leads and rally’s the troops, takes the brand to the next level and has the vision and passion to make things happen.\n\nThe team here lives the brand.  We talk about our services with strangers and we reiterate the value we bring to current clients.\n\nJust today, Mike Slife, our Ranch Boss was approached by a printer sales representative at the front desk.  His question to us was if we are satisfied with our printer, Mike responded with, “Yes, but we are always interested in information regarding new vendors.”  This led to Mikes inquiry, “Do you have a website?”  When the print vendor responded, “No,” Mike took it upon himself to give our 30 second elevator pitch and ask, “who is responsible for making marketing decisions at your company?”  A simple question that led to a prospective client.  That is “riding for the brand.”  At that moment, Mike was Brand Iron’s brand champion.\n\nWho’s your brand champion?','Who Is Your Brand Champion?',0,'','inherit','open','open','','58-revision','','','2008-09-09 15:16:00','2008-09-09 19:16:00','',58,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=59',0,'revision','',0),(57,1,'0000-00-00 00:00:00','0000-00-00 00:00:00','So my first blog was just an introduction of myself. Being that was the first blog I have ever written I had no idea what to say. Actually Brand Iron’s blog was really the first blog I ever read.\n\nSince then, I have took some time to learn more about blogs and what role can play in the business world. I have graduated from blogging 101, and I’d like to share what I’ve learned.\n\nI found that blogging is a way to:\n\n● Drive interest or marketing “touches”\n● Become an industry thought-leader\n● Educate your audience\n● Provide a casual forum to get feedback\n● Generate free advertising and improve search results\n\nI also found that blogging is everywhere.\n\nBusinesses, school teachers, actors/actresses, world leaders, Mr. &amp; Mrs. John Q. Public, friends, family, anybody and everyone blogs. Just recently I read that Brett Farve, the former Green Bay Packers Quarterback now NY Jets QB, was offered a $20 million dollar marketing deal to stay with the Packers. This deal included a merchandise line, autographs, personal appearances and even a blog. A BLOG!?! How times have changed. Blogging has become so big that it is in athletes’ contracts. Obviously someone thought blogging was important enough to include it in a deal to try to keep the best quarterback in franchise history and a guaranteed future hall-of-famer in Green Bay. Farve didn’t take the deal but it was clearly because of his unwillingness to compete for the starting QB position with Aaron Rogers.\n\nThe point of this blog is people read these things and they have some influence on their decision making. Well I hope this blog has educated, influenced and spotlighted how blogging has some power in this world.\n\nWritten by Mike Slife, Ranch Boss','A little self discovery on blogs and business',0,'','draft','open','open','','','','','2008-09-09 12:10:07','2008-09-09 16:10:07','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=57',0,'post','',0),(63,4,'2008-09-09 18:49:54','2008-09-09 22:49:54','Brand Iron’s new website, which was designed and developed in-house, is featured on <a href=\"http://cssheaven.com\">CSSHeaven.com</a>. CSS Heaven is a web design gallery that showcases innovative CSS/XHTML web designs submitted by web designers and developers from around the world. CSS Heaven’s objective is to provide its viewers a central resource to experience a wide range of eye-catching and innovative web designs. We are proud to be featured on this site, which showcases today’s most innovative web sites.  Contact us to learn more about how we can help you achieve great web design and results.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://cssheaven.com\"><img title=\"Screen Shot\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/screenshot.jpg\" alt=\"Screen Shot\"/></a>','Brand Iron featured on CSSHeaven.com',0,'','publish','open','open','','brand-iron-featured-on-cssheavencom','','','2008-09-10 15:02:21','2008-09-10 19:02:21','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=63',0,'post','',0),(64,1,'2008-09-09 18:49:41','2008-09-09 22:49:41','Brand Iron’s new website, which was designed and developed in-house, is featured on <a href=\"http://cssheaven.com\">CSSHeaven.com</a>. CSS Heaven is web design gallery that showcases innovative CSS / XHTML web designs submitted by web designers and developers from around the world. CSS Heaven’s objective is to provide its viewers a central resource to experience a wide range of eye-catching and innovative web designs. We are proud to be featured on this site, which showcases today’s most innovative web sites.  Contact us to learn more about how we can help you achieve great web design and results.<p>\n<a href=\"http://cssheaven.com\"><img src=\"http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/5691/screenshotiw8.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"Image Hosted by ImageShack.us\"/></a>','Brand Iron featured on CSSHeaven.com',0,'','inherit','open','open','','63-revision','','','2008-09-09 18:49:41','2008-09-09 22:49:41','',63,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=64',0,'revision','',0),(65,1,'2008-09-09 18:49:54','2008-09-09 22:49:54','Brand Iron’s new website, which was designed and developed in-house, is featured on <a href=\"http://cssheaven.com\">CSSHeaven.com</a>. CSS Heaven is web design gallery that showcases innovative CSS / XHTML web designs submitted by web designers and developers from around the world. CSS Heaven’s objective is to provide its viewers a central resource to experience a wide range of eye-catching and innovative web designs. We are proud to be featured on this site, which showcases today’s most innovative web sites.  Contact us to learn more about how we can help you achieve great web design and results.<p>\r\n<a href=\"http://cssheaven.com\"><img src=\"http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/5691/screenshotiw8.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"Image Hosted by ImageShack.us\"/></a>','Brand Iron featured on CSSHeaven.com',0,'','inherit','open','open','','63-revision-2','','','2008-09-09 18:49:54','2008-09-09 22:49:54','',63,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=65',0,'revision','',0),(66,1,'2008-09-10 14:58:41','2008-09-10 18:58:41','Brand Iron’s new website, which was designed and developed in-house, is featured on <a href=\"http://cssheaven.com\">CSSHeaven.com</a>. CSS Heaven is a web design gallery that showcases innovative CSS/XHTML web designs submitted by web designers and developers from around the world. CSS Heaven’s objective is to provide its viewers a central resource to experience a wide range of eye-catching and innovative web designs. We are proud to be featured on this site, which showcases today’s most innovative web sites.  Contact us to learn more about how we can help you achieve great web design and results.\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"500\" caption=\"\"]<a href=\"http://brandiron.net/Blogimages/screenshot.jpg\"><img title=\"Screen Shot\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/screenshot.jpg\" alt=\"Screen Shot\" width=\"500\" height=\"431\" /></a>[/caption]','Brand Iron featured on CSSHeaven.com',0,'','inherit','open','open','','63-autosave','','','2008-09-10 14:58:41','2008-09-10 18:58:41','',63,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=66',0,'revision','',0),(67,1,'2008-09-09 18:56:47','2008-09-09 22:56:47','Brand Iron’s new website, which was designed and developed in-house, is featured on <a href=\"http://cssheaven.com\">CSSHeaven.com</a>. CSS Heaven is a web design gallery that showcases innovative CSS/XHTML web designs submitted by web designers and developers from around the world. CSS Heaven’s objective is to provide its viewers a central resource to experience a wide range of eye-catching and innovative web designs. We are proud to be featured on this site, which showcases today’s most innovative web sites.  Contact us to learn more about how we can help you achieve great web design and results.<p>\r\n<a href=\"http://cssheaven.com\"><img src=\"http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/5691/screenshotiw8.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"Image Hosted by ImageShack.us\"/></a>','Brand Iron featured on CSSHeaven.com',0,'','inherit','open','open','','63-revision-3','','','2008-09-09 18:56:47','2008-09-09 22:56:47','',63,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=67',0,'revision','',0),(71,8,'2008-09-15 18:31:23','2008-09-15 22:31:23','<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">I am guilty of being a sports junky since my early childhood. And in that time, I have noticed athletic teams, both college and professional, always changing their logos and uniforms. </span></p>\r\n\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">Most likely, everyone’s first thought is: “they change their uniforms for the obvious reason—money.” But this is not the case. Major League Baseball teams do not directly make profit from jersey sales. The MLB as a whole has official licensing revenue sharing from official MLB merchandise sold. The New York Yankees lead the MLB in apparel sold, but they do not receive direct revenue from those sales. The NFL and NBA have similar revenue sharing models. This opens the question, “why do they change their logo or uniforms?”\r\n<!--[endif]--></span>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">The first reason teams re-brand themselves is that they are starting a new era.</span></strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"> Many times it is a front office change in ownership. The new owner wants fans and its competition to know that not only will there be a change in its uniform, but also a change in how they will run their operations. We have seen this in many professional teams. For example, the Dallas Mavericks made a change in their look when Mark Cuban took ownership of the franchise. You can see here their <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.bluemumble.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/dal_uni_03.jpg\" target=\"_self\">old logo and uniforms</a></span> changed to the <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.nbaticketsnow.com/images/dallas.jpg\">new look</a></span> after Cuban took ownership. Not only did the Mavericks change their uniform, they changed how they compete and how they were coached and run from the front office.<span> </span>The same can be said for the Cleveland Cavaliers, whose old uniforms went from <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.nba.com/media/history/cavaliers_19941997_240.jpg\">black and blue</a></span> to their <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.jumpingadvantage.com/Lebron/Lebron-James-Jersey.jpg\">new look</a></span>. The new uniforms changed when Lebron James was drafted, but the <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.nba.com/media/cavaliers/logos_400.gif\">logo</a></span> changed when new owner Dan Gilbert took ownership of the team in 2005. More examples of ownership changing and the uniforms changing related to a team’s success is the New England Patriots. They went from <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.ssur.org/research/CK_NFLUniforms/images/nepatriots%20throwback.jpg\">the angry Pat the patriot</a></span> to <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.ssur.org/research/CK_NFLUniforms/images/nepatriots99.jpg\">a more statuesque look</a></span>. Here is a better view of the <a href=\"http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/jackolantern22/PatriotslogoPatPatriot.gif\">old Pat</a>. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim went from a <a href=\"http://www.sportslogos.net/logo.php?id=4915\">Disney owned uniform</a> to <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.mlb.com/images/2002/10/27/RT8Vdj4U.jpg\">a more traditional </a></span>look, and after the change, won the World Series. </span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">The second reason for a team to re-brand its uniform is a change in venue.</span></strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"> Some teams change uniforms when they get a new stadium. An example was when the Buffalo Bills rebuilt Ralph Wilson Stadium in 2002. The Bills went from these <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.classicbuffalo.com/images/JimKelly.jpg\">old uniforms</a></span> to their <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2115/fredjackson.jpg\">new look</a></span>. The Cleveland Indians did the same when they left Municipal Stadium to Jacobs Field (now called Progressive Field) in 1994. They went from old block lettering that was even used in the movie <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/cle/images/ticketing/promosked/promosked_majorleagueposter.gif\">Major League</a></span> to this <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/80/031_5128~Kenny-Lofton-Cleveland-Indians-Posters.jpg\">fresher look</a></span>.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">Another reason for change is an attempt to disconnect itself from a long history of losing.</span></strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"> Some of these eras can be a few years but some have been a few decades.<span> </span>The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a great example. The Bucs were on a decade-long losing season streak with these <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://nusportspost.com/dilfer_line_of_scrimmage_1995.jpg\">beauties</a></span> and changed to these more <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.nflhs.org/images/Fitness/WarrickDunn.jpg\">modern looking uniforms</a></span>. After the change, it took Tampa four years to make it to the NFC championship game and the following year, Tampa won the Super Bowl. The Los Angles Kings started the “silver and black” era when they acquired Wayne Gretzky from the Edmonton Oilers. The Kings went from a <a href=\"http://www.puckjunk.com/images/cards/cotw/mccourt_topps_f_zoom.jpg\">men’s league look</a> to the more <a href=\"http://cdn.nhl.com/images/upload/2007/12/wayne_gretzky_kings99.jpg\">recognizable sweaters</a>. The Cleveland Cavs had similar success after making a switch in uniforms. Once dead last in the league standings, the team made it to the NBA finals before losing to San Antonio. <span> </span>The Denver Nuggets made a change to their colors in 2003 when they drafted Carmelo Anthony out of Syracuse. They had a more <a href=\"http://www.nba.com/media/history/den_uni_07.jpg\">traditional color scheme</a> that was changed to a <a href=\"http://www.jordanextreme.com/nikegallery/AJ19/040213RookieChalFriCarmeloDunk2ndHalf17pts.jpg\">fresh and bright</a> colored jersey.</span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">Sometimes teams change the logo.</span></strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"> The Seattle Seahawks once had <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.hollywoodcollectibles.com/Images/football_helmet_seattle_mid.jpg\">this logo</a></span> and moved to a <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https://www.americansportscollectibles.com/Seattle-Seahawks-Helmet.jpg\">fiercer looking hawk</a></span>. The New York Football Giants made a change with this<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"> <a href=\"http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/PHO/AAGZ060_8x10-Action~Lawrence-Taylor-Posters.jpg\">helmet logo</a></span> to the <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://k53.pbase.com/g6/53/688553/2/86879410.vdWyCdHf.jpg\">current one</a></span>. Sometimes a change brings good luck, the Denver Broncos went from <a href=\"http://artfiles.art.com/images/-/John-Elway---Old-Uniform---Photofile-Photograph-C10108067.jpeg\">these uniforms</a> and logo to this <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.hollywoodcollectibles.com/autographed/memorabilia/sports/collectibles/authentic/Football/8x10%20Photos/John_Elway_Photo7_MID.jpg\">new look</a></span>. After the Broncos made the change, they won back-to-back Super Bowls in the 1998 and 1999 seasons. The Anaheim Ducks, formerly the Mighty Ducks, went from the <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://hockey.virtuacare.com/images/jiggyducks.jpg\">Disney classic uniforms</a></span> to <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://dsp.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/p3720784p275w.jpg\">today’s look</a></span> and won the Stanley Cup two years after the change.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">Not all changes have been for the better.</span></strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"> Here are some that have gone wrong. This <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/mavericks/2003-10-31-mavs-unis_x.htm\">space look</a></span> from the Dallas Mavericks only lasted one game. The MLB dabbled in this <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1412/543928718_5b592157b8_o.jpg\">futuristic look</a></span> shown by the Rockies and <a href=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1272/989635709_46cca0367c_o.jpg\">Seattle</a>, which I deem horrendous. The one season NASL (National American Soccer League) team Caribous of Colorado may have the ugliest uniform in history of all uniforms which featured <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.premiershirts.net/wearthat/wearthatshirts/colorado.jpg\">western style tassels</a></span>. The University  of Oregon football team has 384 different combinations of uniforms which range from <a href=\"http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/pac10/2006-09-12-oregon-uniforms_x.htm\">unique</a> to <a href=\"http://i.cnn.net/si/2003/sioncampus/09/10/the_final0916/lg_oregon.jpg\">ugly</a>. This is because Nike’s founders are former Ducks themselves and the world headquarters are located near the Eugene,  Oregon Campus. The University of Colorado stole a <a href=\"http://www.bevosports.com/images/oregon-helmet-live.jpg\">play</a> from the Oregon playbook with their new <a href=\"http://www.buffzone.com/photos/2008/aug/07/97782/\">shoulder pattern</a> design. When creating a logo or corporate image you might want to also make sure that it makes sense in that industry or within your company brand. In 1976 the Chicago White Sox had a double header against the Kansas City Royals and they ran onto the field wearing <a href=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1196/533405137_7d19448365_o.jpg\">these interesting uniforms</a>. Surprisingly the Sox only wore them for the first game of the double header. An opposing Royal, John Mayberry exclaimed, “You guys are the sweetest team we’ve seen yet.” </span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"> </span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">We can learn from the success and mistakes of sports uniform branding.</span></strong><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;\"> You might want to consider creating a new logo when your company makes a change. If you change your mission statement or services you should consider doing a re-branding. The new logo or corporate identity created should be done simultaneously. You want to show this improvement in your approach and in all of your company’s materials. The change in your look should and will be reflected in the change you made internally within your company. This change in your brand must be calculated and well thought out to convey your message to your target audience and to the general public. At Brand Iron, we have made some great improvements in a company’s identity when they change their message or services. A great example of this is with our clients David, Hicks and Lampert and Caring Hands Chiropractic which can be see <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"../../work.htm\">here</a></span>. </span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;\">For improvements in your brand or suggestions please call us at 303-534-1901.</span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;\">For more information on the history of sports uniforms email Mike  Slife: mslife@brandiron.net</span></p>','Uniform Effect: Branding Your Company to Begin a New Era.',0,'','publish','open','open','','uniform-effect-branding-your-company-to-begin-a-new-era','','','2008-11-14 18:33:39','2008-11-14 22:33:39','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=71',0,'post','',5),(69,1,'2008-09-10 15:00:02','2008-09-10 19:00:02','Brand Iron’s new website, which was designed and developed in-house, is featured on <a href=\"http://cssheaven.com\">CSSHeaven.com</a>. CSS Heaven is a web design gallery that showcases innovative CSS/XHTML web designs submitted by web designers and developers from around the world. CSS Heaven’s objective is to provide its viewers a central resource to experience a wide range of eye-catching and innovative web designs. We are proud to be featured on this site, which showcases today’s most innovative web sites.  Contact us to learn more about how we can help you achieve great web design and results.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://brandiron.net/Blogimages/screenshot.jpg\"><img title=\"Screen Shot\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/screenshot.jpg\" alt=\"Screen Shot\" width=\"466\" height=\"401\" /></a>','Brand Iron featured on CSSHeaven.com',0,'','inherit','open','open','','63-revision-5','','','2008-09-10 15:00:02','2008-09-10 19:00:02','',63,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=69',0,'revision','',0),(68,1,'2008-09-10 14:59:03','2008-09-10 18:59:03','Brand Iron’s new website, which was designed and developed in-house, is featured on <a href=\"http://cssheaven.com\">CSSHeaven.com</a>. CSS Heaven is a web design gallery that showcases innovative CSS/XHTML web designs submitted by web designers and developers from around the world. CSS Heaven’s objective is to provide its viewers a central resource to experience a wide range of eye-catching and innovative web designs. We are proud to be featured on this site, which showcases today’s most innovative web sites.  Contact us to learn more about how we can help you achieve great web design and results.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"500\" caption=\"\"]<a href=\"http://brandiron.net/Blogimages/screenshot.jpg\"><img title=\"Screen Shot\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/screenshot.jpg\" alt=\"Screen Shot\" width=\"500\" height=\"431\" /></a>[/caption]','Brand Iron featured on CSSHeaven.com',0,'','inherit','open','open','','63-revision-4','','','2008-09-10 14:59:03','2008-09-10 18:59:03','',63,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=68',0,'revision','',0),(70,1,'2008-09-10 15:00:55','2008-09-10 19:00:55','Brand Iron’s new website, which was designed and developed in-house, is featured on <a href=\"http://cssheaven.com\">CSSHeaven.com</a>. CSS Heaven is a web design gallery that showcases innovative CSS/XHTML web designs submitted by web designers and developers from around the world. CSS Heaven’s objective is to provide its viewers a central resource to experience a wide range of eye-catching and innovative web designs. We are proud to be featured on this site, which showcases today’s most innovative web sites.  Contact us to learn more about how we can help you achieve great web design and results.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://cssheaven.com\"><img title=\"Screen Shot\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/screenshot.jpg\" alt=\"Screen Shot\" width=\"466\" height=\"401\" /></a>','Brand Iron featured on CSSHeaven.com',0,'','inherit','open','open','','63-revision-6','','','2008-09-10 15:00:55','2008-09-10 19:00:55','',63,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=70',0,'revision','',0),(72,1,'2008-09-15 18:13:51','2008-09-15 22:13:51','<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">I am guilty of being a sports junky since my early childhood. And in that time, I have noticed athletic teams, both college and professional, always changing their logos and uniforms. </span></p>\n\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">Most likely, everyone’s first thought is: “they change their uniforms for the obvious reason—money.” But this is not the case. Major League Baseball teams do not directly make profit from jersey sales. The MLB as a whole has official licensing revenue sharing from official MLB merchandise sold. The New York Yankees lead the MLB in apparel sold, but they do not receive direct revenue from those sales. The NFL and NBA have similar revenue sharing models. This opens the question, “why do they change their logo or uniforms?”\n<!--[endif]--></span>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">The first reason teams re-brand themselves is that they are starting a new era.</span></strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"> Many times it is a front office change in ownership. The new owner wants fans and its competition to know that not only will there be a change in its uniform, but also a change in how they will run their operations. We have seen this in many professional teams. For example, the Dallas Mavericks made a change in their look when Mark Cuban took ownership of the franchise. You can see here their <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.bluemumble.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/dal_uni_03.jpg\">old logo and uniforms</a></span> changed to the <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.nbaticketsnow.com/images/dallas.jpg\">new look</a></span> after Cuban took ownership. Not only did the Mavericks change their uniform, they changed how they compete and how they were coached and run from the front office.<span> </span>The same can be said for the Cleveland Cavaliers, whose old uniforms went from <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.nba.com/media/history/cavaliers_19941997_240.jpg\">black and blue</a></span> to their <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.jumpingadvantage.com/Lebron/Lebron-James-Jersey.jpg\">new look</a></span>. The new uniforms changed when Lebron James was drafted, but the <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.nba.com/media/cavaliers/logos_400.gif\">logo</a></span> changed when new owner Dan Gilbert took ownership of the team in 2005. More examples of ownership changing and the uniforms changing related to a team’s success is the New England Patriots. They went from <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.ssur.org/research/CK_NFLUniforms/images/nepatriots%20throwback.jpg\">the angry Pat the patriot</a></span> to <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.ssur.org/research/CK_NFLUniforms/images/nepatriots99.jpg\">a more statuesque look</a></span>. Here is a better view of the <a href=\"http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/jackolantern22/PatriotslogoPatPatriot.gif\">old Pat</a>. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim went from a <a href=\"http://www.sportslogos.net/logo.php?id=4915\">Disney owned uniform</a> to <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.mlb.com/images/2002/10/27/RT8Vdj4U.jpg\">a more traditional </a></span>look, and after the change, won the World Series. </span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">The second reason for a team to re-brand its uniform is a change in venue.</span></strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"> Some teams change uniforms when they get a new stadium. An example was when the Buffalo Bills rebuilt Ralph Wilson Stadium in 2002. The Bills went from these <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.classicbuffalo.com/images/JimKelly.jpg\">old uniforms</a></span> to their <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2115/fredjackson.jpg\">new look</a></span>. The Cleveland Indians did the same when they left Municipal Stadium to Jacobs Field (now called Progressive Field) in 1994. They went from old block lettering that was even used in the movie <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/cle/images/ticketing/promosked/promosked_majorleagueposter.gif\">Major League</a></span> to this <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/80/031_5128~Kenny-Lofton-Cleveland-Indians-Posters.jpg\">fresher look</a></span>.<span> </span></span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">Another reason for change is an attempt to disconnect itself from a long history of losing.</span></strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"> Some of these eras can be a few years but some have been a few decades.<span> </span>The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a great example. The Bucs were on a decade-long losing season streak with these <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://nusportspost.com/dilfer_line_of_scrimmage_1995.jpg\">beauties</a></span> and changed to these more <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.nflhs.org/images/Fitness/WarrickDunn.jpg\">modern looking uniforms</a></span>. After the change, it took Tampa four years to make it to the NFC championship game and the following year, Tampa won the Super Bowl. The Los Angles Kings started the “silver and black” era when they acquired Wayne Gretzky from the Edmonton Oilers. The Kings went from a <a href=\"http://www.puckjunk.com/images/cards/cotw/mccourt_topps_f_zoom.jpg\">men’s league look</a> to the more <a href=\"http://cdn.nhl.com/images/upload/2007/12/wayne_gretzky_kings99.jpg\">recognizable sweaters</a>. The Cleveland Cavs had similar success after making a switch in uniforms. Once dead last in the league standings, the team made it to the NBA finals before losing to San Antonio. <span> </span>The Denver Nuggets made a change to their colors in 2003 when they drafted Carmelo Anthony out of Syracuse. They had a more <a href=\"http://www.nba.com/media/history/den_uni_07.jpg\">traditional color scheme</a> that was changed to a <a href=\"http://www.jordanextreme.com/nikegallery/AJ19/040213RookieChalFriCarmeloDunk2ndHalf17pts.jpg\">fresh and bright</a> colored jersey.</span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">Sometimes teams change the logo.</span></strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"> The Seattle Seahawks once had <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.hollywoodcollectibles.com/Images/football_helmet_seattle_mid.jpg\">this logo</a></span> and moved to a <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https://www.americansportscollectibles.com/Seattle-Seahawks-Helmet.jpg\">fiercer looking hawk</a></span>. The New York Football Giants made a change with this<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"> <a href=\"http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/PHO/AAGZ060_8x10-Action~Lawrence-Taylor-Posters.jpg\">helmet logo</a></span> to the <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://k53.pbase.com/g6/53/688553/2/86879410.vdWyCdHf.jpg\">current one</a></span>. Sometimes a change brings good luck, the Denver Broncos went from <a href=\"http://artfiles.art.com/images/-/John-Elway---Old-Uniform---Photofile-Photograph-C10108067.jpeg\">these uniforms</a> and logo to this <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.hollywoodcollectibles.com/autographed/memorabilia/sports/collectibles/authentic/Football/8x10%20Photos/John_Elway_Photo7_MID.jpg\">new look</a></span>. After the Broncos made the change, they won back-to-back Super Bowls in the 1998 and 1999 seasons. The Anaheim Ducks, formerly the Mighty Ducks, went from the <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://hockey.virtuacare.com/images/jiggyducks.jpg\">Disney classic uniforms</a></span> to <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://dsp.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/p3720784p275w.jpg\">today’s look</a></span> and won the Stanley Cup two years after the change.<span> </span></span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">Not all changes have been for the better.</span></strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"> Here are some that have gone wrong. This <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/mavericks/2003-10-31-mavs-unis_x.htm\">space look</a></span> from the Dallas Mavericks only lasted one game. The MLB dabbled in this <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1412/543928718_5b592157b8_o.jpg\">futuristic look</a></span> shown by the Rockies and <a href=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1272/989635709_46cca0367c_o.jpg\">Seattle</a>, which I deem horrendous. The one season NASL (National American Soccer League) team Caribous of Colorado may have the ugliest uniform in history of all uniforms which featured <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.premiershirts.net/wearthat/wearthatshirts/colorado.jpg\">western style tassels</a></span>. The University  of Oregon football team has 384 different combinations of uniforms which range from <a href=\"http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/pac10/2006-09-12-oregon-uniforms_x.htm\">unique</a> to <a href=\"http://i.cnn.net/si/2003/sioncampus/09/10/the_final0916/lg_oregon.jpg\">ugly</a>. This is because Nike’s founders are former Ducks themselves and the world headquarters are located near the Eugene,  Oregon Campus. The University of Colorado stole a <a href=\"http://www.bevosports.com/images/oregon-helmet-live.jpg\">play</a> from the Oregon playbook with their new <a href=\"http://www.buffzone.com/photos/2008/aug/07/97782/\">shoulder pattern</a> design. When creating a logo or corporate image you might want to also make sure that it makes sense in that industry or within your company brand. In 1976 the Chicago White Sox had a double header against the Kansas City Royals and they ran onto the field wearing <a href=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1196/533405137_7d19448365_o.jpg\">these interesting uniforms</a>. Surprisingly the Sox only wore them for the first game of the double header. An opposing Royal, John Mayberry exclaimed, “You guys are the sweetest team we’ve seen yet.” </span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"> </span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">We can learn from the success and mistakes of sports uniform branding.</span></strong><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;\"> You might want to consider creating a new logo when your company makes a change. If you change your mission statement or services you should consider doing a re-branding. The new logo or corporate identity created should be done simultaneously. You want to show this improvement in your approach and in all of your company’s materials. The change in your look should and will be reflected in the change you made internally within your company. This change in your brand must be calculated and well thought out to convey your message to your target audience and to the general public. At Brand Iron, we have made some great improvements in a company’s identity when they change their message or services. A great example of this is with our clients David, Hicks and Lampert and Caring Hands Chiropractic which can be see <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"../../work.htm\">here</a></span>. </span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;\">For improvements in your brand or suggestions please call us at 303-534-1901.</span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;\">For more information on the history of sports uniforms email Mike  Slife: mslife@brandiron.net</span></p>','Uniform Effect: Branding Your Company to Begin a New Era.',0,'','inherit','open','open','','71-revision','','','2008-09-15 18:13:51','2008-09-15 22:13:51','',71,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=72',0,'revision','',0),(73,1,'2008-09-15 18:23:06','2008-09-15 22:23:06','<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">I am guilty of being a sports junky since my early childhood. And in that time, I have noticed athletic teams, both college and professional, always changing their logos and uniforms. </span></p>\n\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">Most likely, everyone’s first thought is: “they change their uniforms for the obvious reason—money.” But this is not the case. Major League Baseball teams do not directly make profit from jersey sales. The MLB as a whole has official licensing revenue sharing from official MLB merchandise sold. The New York Yankees lead the MLB in apparel sold, but they do not receive direct revenue from those sales. The NFL and NBA have similar revenue sharing models. This opens the question, “why do they change their logo or uniforms?”\n<!--[endif]--></span>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">The first reason teams re-brand themselves is that they are starting a new era.</span></strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"> Many times it is a front office change in ownership. The new owner wants fans and its competition to know that not only will there be a change in its uniform, but also a change in how they will run their operations. We have seen this in many professional teams. For example, the Dallas Mavericks made a change in their look when Mark Cuban took ownership of the franchise. You can see here their <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.bluemumble.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/dal_uni_03.jpg\">old logo and uniforms</a></span> changed to the <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.nbaticketsnow.com/images/dallas.jpg\">new look</a></span> after Cuban took ownership. Not only did the Mavericks change their uniform, they changed how they compete and how they were coached and run from the front office.<span> </span>The same can be said for the Cleveland Cavaliers, whose old uniforms went from <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.nba.com/media/history/cavaliers_19941997_240.jpg\">black and blue</a></span> to their <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.jumpingadvantage.com/Lebron/Lebron-James-Jersey.jpg\">new look</a></span>. The new uniforms changed when Lebron James was drafted, but the <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.nba.com/media/cavaliers/logos_400.gif\">logo</a></span> changed when new owner Dan Gilbert took ownership of the team in 2005. More examples of ownership changing and the uniforms changing related to a team’s success is the New England Patriots. They went from <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.ssur.org/research/CK_NFLUniforms/images/nepatriots%20throwback.jpg\">the angry Pat the patriot</a></span> to <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.ssur.org/research/CK_NFLUniforms/images/nepatriots99.jpg\">a more statuesque look</a></span>. Here is a better view of the <a href=\"http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/jackolantern22/PatriotslogoPatPatriot.gif\">old Pat</a>. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim went from a <a href=\"http://www.sportslogos.net/logo.php?id=4915\">Disney owned uniform</a> to <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.mlb.com/images/2002/10/27/RT8Vdj4U.jpg\">a more traditional </a></span>look, and after the change, won the World Series. </span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">The second reason for a team to re-brand its uniform is a change in venue.</span></strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"> Some teams change uniforms when they get a new stadium. An example was when the Buffalo Bills rebuilt Ralph Wilson Stadium in 2002. The Bills went from these <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.classicbuffalo.com/images/JimKelly.jpg\">old uniforms</a></span> to their <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2115/fredjackson.jpg\">new look</a></span>. The Cleveland Indians did the same when they left Municipal Stadium to Jacobs Field (now called Progressive Field) in 1994. They went from old block lettering that was even used in the movie <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/cle/images/ticketing/promosked/promosked_majorleagueposter.gif\">Major League</a></span> to this <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/80/031_5128~Kenny-Lofton-Cleveland-Indians-Posters.jpg\">fresher look</a></span>.<span> </span></span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">Another reason for change is an attempt to disconnect itself from a long history of losing.</span></strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"> Some of these eras can be a few years but some have been a few decades.<span> </span>The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a great example. The Bucs were on a decade-long losing season streak with these <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://nusportspost.com/dilfer_line_of_scrimmage_1995.jpg\">beauties</a></span> and changed to these more <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.nflhs.org/images/Fitness/WarrickDunn.jpg\">modern looking uniforms</a></span>. After the change, it took Tampa four years to make it to the NFC championship game and the following year, Tampa won the Super Bowl. The Los Angles Kings started the “silver and black” era when they acquired Wayne Gretzky from the Edmonton Oilers. The Kings went from a <a href=\"http://www.puckjunk.com/images/cards/cotw/mccourt_topps_f_zoom.jpg\">men’s league look</a> to the more <a href=\"http://cdn.nhl.com/images/upload/2007/12/wayne_gretzky_kings99.jpg\">recognizable sweaters</a>. The Cleveland Cavs had similar success after making a switch in uniforms. Once dead last in the league standings, the team made it to the NBA finals before losing to San Antonio. <span> </span>The Denver Nuggets made a change to their colors in 2003 when they drafted Carmelo Anthony out of Syracuse. They had a more <a href=\"http://www.nba.com/media/history/den_uni_07.jpg\">traditional color scheme</a> that was changed to a <a href=\"http://www.jordanextreme.com/nikegallery/AJ19/040213RookieChalFriCarmeloDunk2ndHalf17pts.jpg\">fresh and bright</a> colored jersey.</span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">Sometimes teams change the logo.</span></strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"> The Seattle Seahawks once had <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.hollywoodcollectibles.com/Images/football_helmet_seattle_mid.jpg\">this logo</a></span> and moved to a <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https://www.americansportscollectibles.com/Seattle-Seahawks-Helmet.jpg\">fiercer looking hawk</a></span>. The New York Football Giants made a change with this<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"> <a href=\"http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/PHO/AAGZ060_8x10-Action~Lawrence-Taylor-Posters.jpg\">helmet logo</a></span> to the <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://k53.pbase.com/g6/53/688553/2/86879410.vdWyCdHf.jpg\">current one</a></span>. Sometimes a change brings good luck, the Denver Broncos went from <a href=\"http://artfiles.art.com/images/-/John-Elway---Old-Uniform---Photofile-Photograph-C10108067.jpeg\">these uniforms</a> and logo to this <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.hollywoodcollectibles.com/autographed/memorabilia/sports/collectibles/authentic/Football/8x10%20Photos/John_Elway_Photo7_MID.jpg\">new look</a></span>. After the Broncos made the change, they won back-to-back Super Bowls in the 1998 and 1999 seasons. The Anaheim Ducks, formerly the Mighty Ducks, went from the <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://hockey.virtuacare.com/images/jiggyducks.jpg\">Disney classic uniforms</a></span> to <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://dsp.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/p3720784p275w.jpg\">today’s look</a></span> and won the Stanley Cup two years after the change.<span> </span></span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">Not all changes have been for the better.</span></strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"> Here are some that have gone wrong. This <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/mavericks/2003-10-31-mavs-unis_x.htm\">space look</a></span> from the Dallas Mavericks only lasted one game. The MLB dabbled in this <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1412/543928718_5b592157b8_o.jpg\">futuristic look</a></span> shown by the Rockies and <a href=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1272/989635709_46cca0367c_o.jpg\">Seattle</a>, which I deem horrendous. The one season NASL (National American Soccer League) team Caribous of Colorado may have the ugliest uniform in history of all uniforms which featured <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.premiershirts.net/wearthat/wearthatshirts/colorado.jpg\">western style tassels</a></span>. The University  of Oregon football team has 384 different combinations of uniforms which range from <a href=\"http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/pac10/2006-09-12-oregon-uniforms_x.htm\">unique</a> to <a href=\"http://i.cnn.net/si/2003/sioncampus/09/10/the_final0916/lg_oregon.jpg\">ugly</a>. This is because Nike’s founders are former Ducks themselves and the world headquarters are located near the Eugene,  Oregon Campus. The University of Colorado stole a <a href=\"http://www.bevosports.com/images/oregon-helmet-live.jpg\">play</a> from the Oregon playbook with their new <a href=\"http://www.buffzone.com/photos/2008/aug/07/97782/\">shoulder pattern</a> design. When creating a logo or corporate image you might want to also make sure that it makes sense in that industry or within your company brand. In 1976 the Chicago White Sox had a double header against the Kansas City Royals and they ran onto the field wearing <a href=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1196/533405137_7d19448365_o.jpg\">these interesting uniforms</a>. Surprisingly the Sox only wore them for the first game of the double header. An opposing Royal, John Mayberry exclaimed, “You guys are the sweetest team we’ve seen yet.” </span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"> </span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">We can learn from the success and mistakes of sports uniform branding.</span></strong><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;\"> You might want to consider creating a new logo when your company makes a change. If you change your mission statement or services you should consider doing a re-branding. The new logo or corporate identity created should be done simultaneously. You want to show this improvement in your approach and in all of your company’s materials. The change in your look should and will be reflected in the change you made internally within your company. This change in your brand must be calculated and well thought out to convey your message to your target audience and to the general public. At Brand Iron, we have made some great improvements in a company’s identity when they change their message or services. A great example of this is with our clients David, Hicks and Lampert and Caring Hands Chiropractic which can be see <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"../../work.htm\">here</a></span>. </span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;\">For improvements in your brand or suggestions please call us at 303-534-1901.</span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;\">For more information on the history of sports uniforms email Mike  Slife: mslife@brandiron.net</span></p>','Uniform Effect: Branding Your Company to Begin a New Era.',0,'','inherit','open','open','','71-revision-2','','','2008-09-15 18:23:06','2008-09-15 22:23:06','',71,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=73',0,'revision','',0),(74,1,'2008-09-15 18:25:10','2008-09-15 22:25:10','<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">I am guilty of being a sports junky since my early childhood. And in that time, I have noticed athletic teams, both college and professional, always changing their logos and uniforms. </span></p>\r\n\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">Most likely, everyone’s first thought is: “they change their uniforms for the obvious reason—money.” But this is not the case. Major League Baseball teams do not directly make profit from jersey sales. The MLB as a whole has official licensing revenue sharing from official MLB merchandise sold. The New York Yankees lead the MLB in apparel sold, but they do not receive direct revenue from those sales. The NFL and NBA have similar revenue sharing models. This opens the question, “why do they change their logo or uniforms?”\r\n<!--[endif]--></span>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">The first reason teams re-brand themselves is that they are starting a new era.</span></strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"> Many times it is a front office change in ownership. The new owner wants fans and its competition to know that not only will there be a change in its uniform, but also a change in how they will run their operations. We have seen this in many professional teams. For example, the Dallas Mavericks made a change in their look when Mark Cuban took ownership of the franchise. You can see here their <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.bluemumble.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/dal_uni_03.jpg\">old logo and uniforms</a></span> changed to the <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.nbaticketsnow.com/images/dallas.jpg\">new look</a></span> after Cuban took ownership. Not only did the Mavericks change their uniform, they changed how they compete and how they were coached and run from the front office.<span> </span>The same can be said for the Cleveland Cavaliers, whose old uniforms went from <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.nba.com/media/history/cavaliers_19941997_240.jpg\">black and blue</a></span> to their <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.jumpingadvantage.com/Lebron/Lebron-James-Jersey.jpg\">new look</a></span>. The new uniforms changed when Lebron James was drafted, but the <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.nba.com/media/cavaliers/logos_400.gif\">logo</a></span> changed when new owner Dan Gilbert took ownership of the team in 2005. More examples of ownership changing and the uniforms changing related to a team’s success is the New England Patriots. They went from <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.ssur.org/research/CK_NFLUniforms/images/nepatriots%20throwback.jpg\">the angry Pat the patriot</a></span> to <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.ssur.org/research/CK_NFLUniforms/images/nepatriots99.jpg\">a more statuesque look</a></span>. Here is a better view of the <a href=\"http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/jackolantern22/PatriotslogoPatPatriot.gif\">old Pat</a>. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim went from a <a href=\"http://www.sportslogos.net/logo.php?id=4915\">Disney owned uniform</a> to <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.mlb.com/images/2002/10/27/RT8Vdj4U.jpg\">a more traditional </a></span>look, and after the change, won the World Series. </span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">The second reason for a team to re-brand its uniform is a change in venue.</span></strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"> Some teams change uniforms when they get a new stadium. An example was when the Buffalo Bills rebuilt Ralph Wilson Stadium in 2002. The Bills went from these <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.classicbuffalo.com/images/JimKelly.jpg\">old uniforms</a></span> to their <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2115/fredjackson.jpg\">new look</a></span>. The Cleveland Indians did the same when they left Municipal Stadium to Jacobs Field (now called Progressive Field) in 1994. They went from old block lettering that was even used in the movie <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/cle/images/ticketing/promosked/promosked_majorleagueposter.gif\">Major League</a></span> to this <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/80/031_5128~Kenny-Lofton-Cleveland-Indians-Posters.jpg\">fresher look</a></span>.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">Another reason for change is an attempt to disconnect itself from a long history of losing.</span></strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"> Some of these eras can be a few years but some have been a few decades.<span> </span>The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a great example. The Bucs were on a decade-long losing season streak with these <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://nusportspost.com/dilfer_line_of_scrimmage_1995.jpg\">beauties</a></span> and changed to these more <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.nflhs.org/images/Fitness/WarrickDunn.jpg\">modern looking uniforms</a></span>. After the change, it took Tampa four years to make it to the NFC championship game and the following year, Tampa won the Super Bowl. The Los Angles Kings started the “silver and black” era when they acquired Wayne Gretzky from the Edmonton Oilers. The Kings went from a <a href=\"http://www.puckjunk.com/images/cards/cotw/mccourt_topps_f_zoom.jpg\">men’s league look</a> to the more <a href=\"http://cdn.nhl.com/images/upload/2007/12/wayne_gretzky_kings99.jpg\">recognizable sweaters</a>. The Cleveland Cavs had similar success after making a switch in uniforms. Once dead last in the league standings, the team made it to the NBA finals before losing to San Antonio. <span> </span>The Denver Nuggets made a change to their colors in 2003 when they drafted Carmelo Anthony out of Syracuse. They had a more <a href=\"http://www.nba.com/media/history/den_uni_07.jpg\">traditional color scheme</a> that was changed to a <a href=\"http://www.jordanextreme.com/nikegallery/AJ19/040213RookieChalFriCarmeloDunk2ndHalf17pts.jpg\">fresh and bright</a> colored jersey.</span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">Sometimes teams change the logo.</span></strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"> The Seattle Seahawks once had <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.hollywoodcollectibles.com/Images/football_helmet_seattle_mid.jpg\">this logo</a></span> and moved to a <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https://www.americansportscollectibles.com/Seattle-Seahawks-Helmet.jpg\">fiercer looking hawk</a></span>. The New York Football Giants made a change with this<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"> <a href=\"http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/PHO/AAGZ060_8x10-Action~Lawrence-Taylor-Posters.jpg\">helmet logo</a></span> to the <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://k53.pbase.com/g6/53/688553/2/86879410.vdWyCdHf.jpg\">current one</a></span>. Sometimes a change brings good luck, the Denver Broncos went from <a href=\"http://artfiles.art.com/images/-/John-Elway---Old-Uniform---Photofile-Photograph-C10108067.jpeg\">these uniforms</a> and logo to this <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.hollywoodcollectibles.com/autographed/memorabilia/sports/collectibles/authentic/Football/8x10%20Photos/John_Elway_Photo7_MID.jpg\">new look</a></span>. After the Broncos made the change, they won back-to-back Super Bowls in the 1998 and 1999 seasons. The Anaheim Ducks, formerly the Mighty Ducks, went from the <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://hockey.virtuacare.com/images/jiggyducks.jpg\">Disney classic uniforms</a></span> to <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://dsp.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/p3720784p275w.jpg\">today’s look</a></span> and won the Stanley Cup two years after the change.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">Not all changes have been for the better.</span></strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"> Here are some that have gone wrong. This <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/mavericks/2003-10-31-mavs-unis_x.htm\">space look</a></span> from the Dallas Mavericks only lasted one game. The MLB dabbled in this <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1412/543928718_5b592157b8_o.jpg\">futuristic look</a></span> shown by the Rockies and <a href=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1272/989635709_46cca0367c_o.jpg\">Seattle</a>, which I deem horrendous. The one season NASL (National American Soccer League) team Caribous of Colorado may have the ugliest uniform in history of all uniforms which featured <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.premiershirts.net/wearthat/wearthatshirts/colorado.jpg\">western style tassels</a></span>. The University  of Oregon football team has 384 different combinations of uniforms which range from <a href=\"http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/pac10/2006-09-12-oregon-uniforms_x.htm\">unique</a> to <a href=\"http://i.cnn.net/si/2003/sioncampus/09/10/the_final0916/lg_oregon.jpg\">ugly</a>. This is because Nike’s founders are former Ducks themselves and the world headquarters are located near the Eugene,  Oregon Campus. The University of Colorado stole a <a href=\"http://www.bevosports.com/images/oregon-helmet-live.jpg\">play</a> from the Oregon playbook with their new <a href=\"http://www.buffzone.com/photos/2008/aug/07/97782/\">shoulder pattern</a> design. When creating a logo or corporate image you might want to also make sure that it makes sense in that industry or within your company brand. In 1976 the Chicago White Sox had a double header against the Kansas City Royals and they ran onto the field wearing <a href=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1196/533405137_7d19448365_o.jpg\">these interesting uniforms</a>. Surprisingly the Sox only wore them for the first game of the double header. An opposing Royal, John Mayberry exclaimed, “You guys are the sweetest team we’ve seen yet.” </span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"> </span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">We can learn from the success and mistakes of sports uniform branding.</span></strong><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;\"> You might want to consider creating a new logo when your company makes a change. If you change your mission statement or services you should consider doing a re-branding. The new logo or corporate identity created should be done simultaneously. You want to show this improvement in your approach and in all of your company’s materials. The change in your look should and will be reflected in the change you made internally within your company. This change in your brand must be calculated and well thought out to convey your message to your target audience and to the general public. At Brand Iron, we have made some great improvements in a company’s identity when they change their message or services. A great example of this is with our clients David, Hicks and Lampert and Caring Hands Chiropractic which can be see <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"../../work.htm\">here</a></span>. </span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;\">For improvements in your brand or suggestions please call us at 303-534-1901.</span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;\">For more information on the history of sports uniforms email Mike  Slife: mslife@brandiron.net</span></p>','Uniform Effect: Branding Your Company to Begin a New Era.',0,'','inherit','open','open','','71-revision-3','','','2008-09-15 18:25:10','2008-09-15 22:25:10','',71,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=74',0,'revision','',0),(117,1,'2008-11-26 11:48:40','2008-11-26 15:48:40','<p class=\"MsoNormal\">This week the Brighton High School (Colorado) administration decided that students with the Grenade Gloves <a href=\"http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x91/camaroboyz28/offroadrace054.jpg\">sticker</a> on their automobiles will receive severe disciplinary action if they were not removed immediately. School Administrators called it “offensive” and a “symbol of terrorism”.</p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">To begin, this is in direct conflict with our freedom of speech, not to mention that the owner of Grenade Gloves, Danny Kass, is a two-time Olympic silver medalist. Grenades slogan is actually “<a href=\"http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3241/2437773036_8c51b9ba84.jpg?v=0\">Make Gloves Not War</a>”.</p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">The school eventually reversed its decision and allowed the students to park their cars on school property with the Grenade stickers on the windows. This has resulted in a great opportunity for Grenade Gloves to get some free national media attention. The window is closing fast on this story and Grenade needs to proactively respond I a positive fashion. They have an opportunity to bring their company and products to the forefront of controversy and all national media sources.<span> </span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">Grenade Gloves was just served up a softball pitch right over the plate and did not seize the opportunity. This is any company’s dream: a story that you did not have to create by doing anything besides make the product that you sell.<span> </span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">Public relations is a very effective piece of every strategic marketing plan. We understand the important media impact of a story, good or bad. Please give us a call to talk about public relations and how it can play a strategic role in your company’s external image.</p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><em>Written by Mike Slife.</em></p>','Brighton High School, Serving up PR for Grenade Gloves',0,'','inherit','open','open','','116-revision','','','2008-11-26 11:48:40','2008-11-26 15:48:40','',116,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=117',0,'revision','',0),(118,7,'2008-12-08 17:33:26','2008-12-08 21:33:26','<img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"Guest Blog\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/guest.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"460\" height=\"95\" />\r\n\r\n<strong>Denver’s Commercial Real Estate Market –\r\nBetter than You Might Think\r\nby Eric Nesbitt, President and CEO, The Nesbitt Group</strong>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Despite the uncertainty and unpredictability of the national economy, Denver’s commercial real estate market continues to remain steady, particularly in the office and industrial sectors. Although many local large companies are holding off on major real estate decisions, Denver’s commercial real estate market continues to perform well compared to other markets in the country, where vacancies are higher and rents are decreasing.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Denver office and industrial properties continued to positive absorption of vacant space in the third quarter, while retail space such as shopping centers and malls had negative absorption. Retail space is more consumer-oriented than other commercial property types and, therefore, more affected by the economy and consumer problems such as housing foreclosures. However, Colorado’s improving housing market should benefit the retail sector. The state’s foreclosure rate has shown significant improvement this year, and many analysts believe the Denver-area housing market is ahead of the national cycle for recovery.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Overall, vacancy rates increased for office, industrial and retail properties, but despite this softening, average rental rates increased for all three property types. Metro Denver office space saw its total vacancy rate, including sublease space, increase to 15% in the third quarter. However, average asking office rental rates inched up to $20.99 per sq. ft. per year in the third quarter from roughly $20.60 from the same period last year. On the industrial side, total third-quarter vacancy increased to 7.4%, which is still relatively healthy. Average asking rates also increased to $6.41per square foot from $6.00 per sq. ft. for the same quarter last year. Finally, the total retail vacancy rate continued to increase in the third quarter to 7.5%, but the average asking lease rate still rose to $18.04 per square foot per year from nearly $16.00 for the same period last year.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">What does this all mean for you and your business? Despite a slumping economy, companies seeking to lease office or industrial may be surprised that landlords are unwilling to do “screaming deals” to get tenants in their buildings. At least for the time being, rental rates remain stable or continue to rise, and commercial landlords have not been overly impacted by the economic slowdown. Of course, this may change in the next few months or as we head in to the New Year.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a href=\"http://www.thenesbittgroup.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft\" title=\"Logo\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/nesbittlogo.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"243\" height=\"59\" /></a></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">For more information on The Nesbitt Group, please click <a title=\"The Nesbitt Group\" href=\"http://www.thenesbittgroup.com\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>','Guest Blog by Eric Nesbitt',0,'','publish','open','open','','guest-blog-from-eric-nesbitt-the-nesbitt-group','','','2008-12-08 18:13:50','2008-12-08 22:13:50','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=118',0,'post','',0),(116,8,'2008-11-26 11:51:28','2008-11-26 15:51:28','<p class=\"MsoNormal\">This week the Brighton High School (Colorado) administration decided that students with the Grenade Gloves <a href=\"http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x91/camaroboyz28/offroadrace054.jpg\">sticker</a> on their automobiles will receive severe disciplinary action if they were not removed immediately. School Administrators called it “offensive” and a “symbol of terrorism”.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">To begin, this is in direct conflict with our freedom of speech, not to mention that the owner of Grenade Gloves, Danny Kass, is a two-time Olympic silver medalist. Grenades slogan is actually “<a href=\"http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3241/2437773036_8c51b9ba84.jpg?v=0\">Make Gloves Not War</a>”.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">The school eventually reversed its decision and allowed the students to park their cars on school property with the Grenade stickers on the windows. This has resulted in a great opportunity for Grenade Gloves to get some free national media attention. The window is closing fast on this story and Grenade needs to proactively respond I a positive fashion. They have an opportunity to bring their company and products to the forefront of controversy and all national media sources.<span> </span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">Grenade Gloves was just served up a softball pitch right over the plate and did not seize the opportunity. This is any company’s dream: a story that you did not have to create by doing anything besides make the product that you sell.<span> </span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">Public relations is a very effective piece of every strategic marketing plan. We understand the important media impact of a story, good or bad. Please give us a call to talk about public relations and how it can play a strategic role in your company’s external image.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><em>Written by Mike Slife.</em></p>','Brighton High School, Serving up PR for Grenade Gloves',0,'','publish','open','open','','brighton-high-school-serving-up-pr-for-grenade-gloves','','','2008-11-26 11:51:28','2008-11-26 15:51:28','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=116',0,'post','',0),(77,7,'2008-09-18 15:10:03','2008-09-18 19:10:03','Brand Iron’s new website is featured on <a href=\"http://cssloaf.com/?start=35\" target=\"_blank\">CSSloaf.com</a>. CSSloaf.com is a UK-based, all in one CSS gallery, an online showcase that displays the top websites from 35 of the best online CSS galleries in the world.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignleft\" src=\"http://jigsaw.w3.org/css-validator/images/vcss\" alt=\"\" width=\"88\" height=\"31\" />Brandiron.net also adheres to the <a href=\"http://jigsaw.w3.org/css-validator/validator?uri=http%3A%2F%2Fbrandiron.net&amp;profile=css21&amp;usermedium=all&amp;warning=1〈=en\" target=\"_blank\">World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) CSS standards</a>. W3C is an international consortium where member organizations, a full-time staff, and the public work together to develop web standards. W3C\'s mission is: “To lead the World Wide Web to its full potential by developing protocols and guidelines that ensure long-term growth for the Web.” The WC3 director is Tim Berners-Lee, who also happens to be the inventor of the World Wide Web.\r\n\r\n<strong>Does your website pass the W3C CSS? Click <a href=\"http://jigsaw.w3.org/css-validator\" target=\"_blank\">here</a> to test your website now.</strong>\r\n\r\nYou may be wondering what the heck is CSS?  CSS is an acronym for Cascading Style Sheets, which is a web programming language that defines the layout and presentation of your website. CSS was a revolution in web design, which replaced table-based websites as the standard. There is a possibility that your site is a table-based design and needs to be updated to CSS. The concrete benefits of CSS include:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Allows for better Search Engine Optimization (SEO)</li>\r\n	<li>More precise control of layout</li>\r\n	<li>Can apply to different media-types, such as mobile phones</li>\r\n	<li>Has numerous advanced and sophisticated techniques</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nDoes your website meet the standards? <a href=\"http://brandiron.net/contact.htm\" target=\"_blank\">Contact us</a> to learn more about how we can help you achieve great web design and results.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://cssloaf.com/?start=35\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/cssloaf.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"380\" height=\"317\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<em>-Andrew Hoffman, Brand Iron\'s Design Bandit</em>','Brand Iron is featured on CSSloaf.com',0,'','publish','open','open','','brand-iron%e2%80%99s-new-website-is-featured-on-cssloafcom','','','2008-09-18 16:02:55','2008-09-18 20:02:55','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=77',0,'post','',0),(78,1,'2008-09-18 15:09:41','2008-09-18 19:09:41','Brand Iron’s new website is featured on <a href=\"http://cssloaf.com/?start=35\" target=\"_blank\">CSSloaf.com</a>. CSSloaf.com is a UK-based, all in one CSS gallery, an online showcase that displays the top websites from 35 of the best online CSS galleries in the world.\n\n<img class=\"alignleft\" src=\"http://jigsaw.w3.org/css-validator/images/vcss\" alt=\"\" width=\"88\" height=\"31\" />Brandiron.net also adheres to the <a href=\"http://jigsaw.w3.org/css-validator/validator?uri=http%3A%2F%2Fbrandiron.net&amp;profile=css21&amp;usermedium=all&amp;warning=1〈=en\" target=\"_blank\">World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) CSS standards</a>. W3C is an international consortium where member organizations, a full-time staff, and the public work together to develop web standards. W3C\'s mission is: “To lead the World Wide Web to its full potential by developing protocols and guidelines that ensure long-term growth for the Web.” The WC3 director is Tim Berners-Lee, who also happens to be the inventor of the World Wide Web.\n\n<strong>Does your website pass the W3C CSS? Click <a href=\"http://jigsaw.w3.org/css-validator\" target=\"_blank\">here</a> to test your website now.</strong>\n\nYou may be wondering what the heck is CSS?  CSS is an acronym for Cascading Style Sheets, which is a web programming language that defines the layout and presentation of your website. CSS was a revolution in web design, which replaced table-based websites as the standard. There is a possibility that your site is a table-based design and needs to be updated to CSS. The concrete benefits of CSS include:\n<ul>\n	<li>Allows for better Search Engine Optimization (SEO)</li>\n	<li>More precise control of layout</li>\n	<li>Can apply to different media-types, such as mobile phones</li>\n	<li>Has numerous advanced and sophisticated techniques</li>\n</ul>\nDoes your website meet the standards? <a href=\"http://brandiron.net/contact.htm\" target=\"_blank\">Contact us</a> to learn more about how we can help you achieve great web design and results.\n\n<a href=\"http://cssloaf.com/?start=35\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/cssloaf.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"380\" height=\"317\" /></a>\n\n-','Brand Iron’s new website is featured on CSSloaf.com',0,'','inherit','open','open','','77-revision','','','2008-09-18 15:09:41','2008-09-18 19:09:41','',77,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=78',0,'revision','',0),(79,1,'2008-09-18 15:10:03','2008-09-18 19:10:03','Brand Iron’s new website is featured on <a href=\"http://cssloaf.com/?start=35\" target=\"_blank\">CSSloaf.com</a>. CSSloaf.com is a UK-based, all in one CSS gallery, an online showcase that displays the top websites from 35 of the best online CSS galleries in the world.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignleft\" src=\"http://jigsaw.w3.org/css-validator/images/vcss\" alt=\"\" width=\"88\" height=\"31\" />Brandiron.net also adheres to the <a href=\"http://jigsaw.w3.org/css-validator/validator?uri=http%3A%2F%2Fbrandiron.net&amp;profile=css21&amp;usermedium=all&amp;warning=1〈=en\" target=\"_blank\">World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) CSS standards</a>. W3C is an international consortium where member organizations, a full-time staff, and the public work together to develop web standards. W3C\'s mission is: “To lead the World Wide Web to its full potential by developing protocols and guidelines that ensure long-term growth for the Web.” The WC3 director is Tim Berners-Lee, who also happens to be the inventor of the World Wide Web.\r\n\r\n<strong>Does your website pass the W3C CSS? Click <a href=\"http://jigsaw.w3.org/css-validator\" target=\"_blank\">here</a> to test your website now.</strong>\r\n\r\nYou may be wondering what the heck is CSS?  CSS is an acronym for Cascading Style Sheets, which is a web programming language that defines the layout and presentation of your website. CSS was a revolution in web design, which replaced table-based websites as the standard. There is a possibility that your site is a table-based design and needs to be updated to CSS. The concrete benefits of CSS include:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Allows for better Search Engine Optimization (SEO)</li>\r\n	<li>More precise control of layout</li>\r\n	<li>Can apply to different media-types, such as mobile phones</li>\r\n	<li>Has numerous advanced and sophisticated techniques</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nDoes your website meet the standards? <a href=\"http://brandiron.net/contact.htm\" target=\"_blank\">Contact us</a> to learn more about how we can help you achieve great web design and results.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://cssloaf.com/?start=35\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/cssloaf.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"380\" height=\"317\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<em>-Andrew Hoffman, Brand Iron\'s Design Bandit</em>','Brand Iron’s new website is featured on CSSloaf.com',0,'','inherit','open','open','','77-revision-2','','','2008-09-18 15:10:03','2008-09-18 19:10:03','',77,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=79',0,'revision','',0),(80,1,'0000-00-00 00:00:00','0000-00-00 00:00:00','While the title of this blog may not have been fitting for the majority of the Rockies 2008 season, it was the case on the day of the Brand iron Partner Event.  Thank you to all of our partners and clients who joined us for our fabulous hot dog barbecue and adventure to the Rockies game.  Personally, I fried- but of course just on one side of my body.\n\nHowever, the day was a success; it was great to see people making connections and it was excellent for those of us at Brand Iron to connect with people on a more casual level.  Here are some pictures from the day.  We had fun and we hope you did too.  Oh yeah, the Rockies won 1-0 on a homerun.\n\nIf you\'d like to learn more about our Brand Partners Program or any of t','And the Rockies Win!',0,'','draft','open','open','','','','','2008-10-01 14:46:26','2008-10-01 18:46:26','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=80',0,'post','',0),(81,3,'2008-10-14 11:49:25','2008-10-14 15:49:25','A quick note: From time to time I will be writing about some brands I consider to be bold and who stand out for various reasons.\r\n\r\n1] Southwest Airlines – Talk about being bold, unique and different. They have a strong business plan; they connect with their customers; have happy employees; are picking up market share, kicking their competitors’ butt and producing good results in a very tough market.\r\n\r\n<object width=\"425\" height=\"344\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/7kcmaD25KP4&hl=en&fs=1\"></param><param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\"></param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/7kcmaD25KP4&hl=en&fs=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" width=\"425\" height=\"344\"></embed></object>\r\n\r\n2] Mac – Here is another great example of a company that has clearly defined its own brand, [young, hip, easy to use, putting a young and friendly face with a computer] while going after and negatively defining its competitor, PC, [older, overweight, geeky, out of touch, unreliable, full of bugs and so on]. Talk about pro-actively defining and managing your brand.\r\n\r\n<object width=\"425\" height=\"344\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/qcg07U8JkuQ&hl=en&fs=1\"></param><param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\"></param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/qcg07U8JkuQ&hl=en&fs=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" width=\"425\" height=\"344\"></embed></object>\r\n\r\n3] Fox News – News has always been news. It was never right or wrong, left or right. As Sargent Friday, from the television series, Dragnet, used to say “just that facts ma’am”. Love them or hate them, Fox News came in seized the opportunity to redefine news as we know it. They must have felt that news had become one-sided and it was time for a new source of news that is “fair and balanced”. Fox has become the clear leader in cable news. Even in our office both parties are represented. We don’t ask which political representation they are affiliated with. We don’t have to, they just ask which news do you watch?\r\n\r\n<object width=\"425\" height=\"344\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/fKiQTNDHJiY&hl=en&fs=1\"></param><param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\"></param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/fKiQTNDHJiY&hl=en&fs=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" width=\"425\" height=\"344\"></embed></object>\r\n\r\nSo today’s lesson: make your brand bold, effective and the results will follow.\r\n\r\nMichael','Brands that stand out',0,'','publish','open','open','','brands-that-stand-out','','','2008-10-14 12:12:49','2008-10-14 16:12:49','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=81',0,'post','',0),(82,1,'2008-10-14 11:43:42','2008-10-14 15:43:42','A quick note: from time to time I will be writing about some brands I consider to be bold and who stand out for various reasons.\n\n1] Southwest Airlines – Talk about being bold, unique and different. They have a strong business plan; they connect with their customers; have happy employees; are picking up market share, kicking their competitors’ but and producing good results in a very tough market.\n\n<object width=\"425\" height=\"344\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/7kcmaD25KP4&hl=en&fs=1\"></param><param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\"></param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/7kcmaD25KP4&hl=en&fs=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" width=\"425\" height=\"344\"></embed></object>\n\n2] Mac – Here is another great example of a company that has clearly defined its own brand, [young, hip, easy to use, putting a young and friendly face with a computer] while going after and negatively defining its competitor, PC, [older, overweight, geeky, out of touch, unreliable, full of bugs and so on]. Talk about pro-actively defining and managing your brand.\n\n<object width=\"425\" height=\"344\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/qcg07U8JkuQ&hl=en&fs=1\"></param><param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\"></param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/qcg07U8JkuQ&hl=en&fs=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" width=\"425\" height=\"344\"></embed></object>\n\n3] Fox News – News has always been news. It was never right or wrong, left or right. As Sargent Friday, from the television series, Dragnet, used to say “just that facts ma’am”. Love them or hate them, Fox News came in seized the opportunity to redefine news as we know it. They must have felt that news had become one-sided and it was time for a new source of news that is “fair and balanced”. Fox has become the clear leader in cable news. Even in our office both parties are represented. We don’t ask which political representation they are affiliated with. We don’t have to, they just ask which news do you watch?\n\n<object width=\"425\" height=\"344\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/b25k_W9qcJ4&hl=en&fs=1\"></param><param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\"></param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/b25k_W9qcJ4&hl=en&fs=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" width=\"425\" height=\"344\"></embed></object>\n\nSo today’s lesson: make your brand bold, effective and the results will follow.\n\nMichael','Brands that stand out',0,'','inherit','open','open','','81-revision','','','2008-10-14 11:43:42','2008-10-14 15:43:42','',81,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=82',0,'revision','',0),(83,1,'2008-10-14 12:07:22','2008-10-14 16:07:22','A quick note: from time to time I will be writing about some brands I consider to be bold and who stand out for various reasons.\n\n1] Southwest Airlines – Talk about being bold, unique and different. They have a strong business plan; they connect with their customers; have happy employees; are picking up market share, kicking their competitors’ butt and producing good results in a very tough market.\n\n<object width=\"425\" height=\"344\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/7kcmaD25KP4&hl=en&fs=1\"></param><param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\"></param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/7kcmaD25KP4&hl=en&fs=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" width=\"425\" height=\"344\"></embed></object>\n\n2] Mac – Here is another great example of a company that has clearly defined its own brand, [young, hip, easy to use, putting a young and friendly face with a computer] while going after and negatively defining its competitor, PC, [older, overweight, geeky, out of touch, unreliable, full of bugs and so on]. Talk about pro-actively defining and managing your brand.\n\n<object width=\"425\" height=\"344\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/qcg07U8JkuQ&hl=en&fs=1\"></param><param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\"></param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/qcg07U8JkuQ&hl=en&fs=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" width=\"425\" height=\"344\"></embed></object>\n\n3] Fox News – News has always been news. It was never right or wrong, left or right. As Sargent Friday, from the television series, Dragnet, used to say “just that facts ma’am”. Love them or hate them, Fox News came in seized the opportunity to redefine news as we know it. They must have felt that news had become one-sided and it was time for a new source of news that is “fair and balanced”. Fox has become the clear leader in cable news. Even in our office both parties are represented. We don’t ask which political representation they are affiliated with. We don’t have to, they just ask which news do you watch?\n\n<object width=\"425\" height=\"344\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/fKiQTNDHJiY&hl=en&fs=1\"></param><param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\"></param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/fKiQTNDHJiY&hl=en&fs=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" width=\"425\" height=\"344\"></embed></object>\n\nSo today’s lesson: make your brand bold, effective and the results will follow.\n\nMichael','Brands that stand out',0,'','inherit','open','open','','81-autosave','','','2008-10-14 12:07:22','2008-10-14 16:07:22','',81,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=83',0,'revision','',0),(84,1,'2008-10-14 11:49:25','2008-10-14 15:49:25','A quick note: from time to time I will be writing about some brands I consider to be bold and who stand out for various reasons.\r\n\r\n1] Southwest Airlines – Talk about being bold, unique and different. They have a strong business plan; they connect with their customers; have happy employees; are picking up market share, kicking their competitors’ but and producing good results in a very tough market.\r\n\r\n<object width=\"425\" height=\"344\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/7kcmaD25KP4&hl=en&fs=1\"></param><param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\"></param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/7kcmaD25KP4&hl=en&fs=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" width=\"425\" height=\"344\"></embed></object>\r\n\r\n2] Mac – Here is another great example of a company that has clearly defined its own brand, [young, hip, easy to use, putting a young and friendly face with a computer] while going after and negatively defining its competitor, PC, [older, overweight, geeky, out of touch, unreliable, full of bugs and so on]. Talk about pro-actively defining and managing your brand.\r\n\r\n<object width=\"425\" height=\"344\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/qcg07U8JkuQ&hl=en&fs=1\"></param><param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\"></param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/qcg07U8JkuQ&hl=en&fs=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" width=\"425\" height=\"344\"></embed></object>\r\n\r\n3] Fox News – News has always been news. It was never right or wrong, left or right. As Sargent Friday, from the television series, Dragnet, used to say “just that facts ma’am”. Love them or hate them, Fox News came in seized the opportunity to redefine news as we know it. They must have felt that news had become one-sided and it was time for a new source of news that is “fair and balanced”. Fox has become the clear leader in cable news. Even in our office both parties are represented. We don’t ask which political representation they are affiliated with. We don’t have to, they just ask which news do you watch?\r\n\r\n<object width=\"425\" height=\"344\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/b25k_W9qcJ4&hl=en&fs=1\"></param><param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\"></param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/b25k_W9qcJ4&hl=en&fs=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" width=\"425\" height=\"344\"></embed></object>\r\n\r\nSo today’s lesson: make your brand bold, effective and the results will follow.\r\n\r\nMichael','Brands that stand out',0,'','inherit','open','open','','81-revision-2','','','2008-10-14 11:49:25','2008-10-14 15:49:25','',81,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=84',0,'revision','',0),(85,1,'2008-10-14 12:08:57','2008-10-14 16:08:57','A quick note: from time to time I will be writing about some brands I consider to be bold and who stand out for various reasons.\r\n\r\n1] Southwest Airlines – Talk about being bold, unique and different. They have a strong business plan; they connect with their customers; have happy employees; are picking up market share, kicking their competitors’ butt and producing good results in a very tough market.\r\n\r\n<object width=\"425\" height=\"344\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/7kcmaD25KP4&hl=en&fs=1\"></param><param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\"></param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/7kcmaD25KP4&hl=en&fs=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" width=\"425\" height=\"344\"></embed></object>\r\n\r\n2] Mac – Here is another great example of a company that has clearly defined its own brand, [young, hip, easy to use, putting a young and friendly face with a computer] while going after and negatively defining its competitor, PC, [older, overweight, geeky, out of touch, unreliable, full of bugs and so on]. Talk about pro-actively defining and managing your brand.\r\n\r\n<object width=\"425\" height=\"344\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/qcg07U8JkuQ&hl=en&fs=1\"></param><param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\"></param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/qcg07U8JkuQ&hl=en&fs=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" width=\"425\" height=\"344\"></embed></object>\r\n\r\n3] Fox News – News has always been news. It was never right or wrong, left or right. As Sargent Friday, from the television series, Dragnet, used to say “just that facts ma’am”. Love them or hate them, Fox News came in seized the opportunity to redefine news as we know it. They must have felt that news had become one-sided and it was time for a new source of news that is “fair and balanced”. Fox has become the clear leader in cable news. Even in our office both parties are represented. We don’t ask which political representation they are affiliated with. We don’t have to, they just ask which news do you watch?\r\n\r\n<object width=\"425\" height=\"344\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/fKiQTNDHJiY&hl=en&fs=1\"></param><param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\"></param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/fKiQTNDHJiY&hl=en&fs=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" width=\"425\" height=\"344\"></embed></object>\r\n\r\nSo today’s lesson: make your brand bold, effective and the results will follow.\r\n\r\nMichael','Brands that stand out',0,'','inherit','open','open','','81-revision-3','','','2008-10-14 12:08:57','2008-10-14 16:08:57','',81,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=85',0,'revision','',0),(86,1,'2008-10-14 12:11:16','2008-10-14 16:11:16','A quick note: From time to time I will be writing about some brands I consider to be bold and who stand out for various reasons.\r\n\r\n1] Southwest Airlines – Talk about being bold, unique and different. They have a strong business plan; they connect with their customers; have happy employees; are picking up market share, kicking their competitors’ butt and producing good results in a very tough market.\r\n\r\n<object width=\"425\" height=\"344\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/7kcmaD25KP4&hl=en&fs=1\"></param><param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\"></param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/7kcmaD25KP4&hl=en&fs=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" width=\"425\" height=\"344\"></embed></object>\r\n\r\n2] Mac – Here is another great example of a company that has clearly defined its own brand, [young, hip, easy to use, putting a young and friendly face with a computer] while going after and negatively defining its competitor, PC, [older, overweight, geeky, out of touch, unreliable, full of bugs and so on]. Talk about pro-actively defining and managing your brand.\r\n\r\n<object width=\"425\" height=\"344\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/qcg07U8JkuQ&hl=en&fs=1\"></param><param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\"></param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/qcg07U8JkuQ&hl=en&fs=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" width=\"425\" height=\"344\"></embed></object>\r\n\r\n3] Fox News – News has always been news. It was never right or wrong, left or right. As Sargent Friday, from the television series, Dragnet, used to say “just that facts ma’am”. Love them or hate them, Fox News came in seized the opportunity to redefine news as we know it. They must have felt that news had become one-sided and it was time for a new source of news that is “fair and balanced”. Fox has become the clear leader in cable news. Even in our office both parties are represented. We don’t ask which political representation they are affiliated with. We don’t have to, they just ask which news do you watch?\r\n\r\n<object width=\"425\" height=\"344\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/fKiQTNDHJiY&hl=en&fs=1\"></param><param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\"></param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/fKiQTNDHJiY&hl=en&fs=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" width=\"425\" height=\"344\"></embed></object>\r\n\r\nSo today’s lesson: make your brand bold, effective and the results will follow.\r\n\r\nMichael','Brands that stand out',0,'','inherit','open','open','','81-revision-4','','','2008-10-14 12:11:16','2008-10-14 16:11:16','',81,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=86',0,'revision','',0),(87,1,'0000-00-00 00:00:00','0000-00-00 00:00:00','','And the Rockies Win!!!',0,'','draft','open','open','','','','','2008-10-14 12:17:05','2008-10-14 16:17:05','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=87',0,'post','',0),(88,7,'2008-10-14 18:53:43','2008-10-14 22:53:43','While the title of this blog may not have been fitting for the majority of the Rockies 2008 season, it was the case on the day of the Brand Iron Partner Event.  Thank you to all of you our partners and clients who joined us for our fabulous hot dog barbecue and adventure to the Rockies game.  Personally, I fried- but of course just on one side of my body.\r\n\r\nHowever, the day was a success; it was great to see people making connections and it was excellent for those of us at Brand iron to connect with people on a more casual level.  Here are some pictures from the day.  We had fun and we hope you did too.  Oh yeah, the Rockies won 1-0 on a homerun.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/rock1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" />\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/rock2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" />\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/rock3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" />\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/rock5.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" />\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/rock6.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" />\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/rock7.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" />\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/rock8.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" />\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/rock10.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" />\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/rock9.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" />','And the Rockies win!!!',0,'','publish','open','open','','and-the-rockies-win','','','2008-10-14 18:55:04','2008-10-14 22:55:04','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=88',0,'post','',0),(89,1,'2008-10-14 18:51:25','2008-10-14 22:51:25','While the title of this blog may not have been fitting for the majority of the Rockies 2008 season, it was the case on the day of the Brand Iron Partner Event.  Thank you to all of you our partners and clients who joined us for our fabulous hot dog barbecue and adventure to the Rockies game.  Personally, I fried- but of course just on one side of my body.\n\nHowever, the day was a success; it was great to see people making connections and it was excellent for those of us at Brand iron to connect with people on a more casual level.  Here are some pictures from the day.  We had fun and we hope you did too.  Oh yeah, the Rockies won 1-0 on a homerun.\n\n<img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/rock1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" />\n\n<img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/rock2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" />\n\n<img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/rock3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" />\n\n<img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/rock5.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" />\n\n<img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/rock6.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" />\n\n<img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/rock7.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" />\n\n<img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/rock8.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" />\n\n<img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/rock10.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" />','And the Rockies win!!!',0,'','inherit','open','open','','88-revision','','','2008-10-14 18:51:25','2008-10-14 22:51:25','',88,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=89',0,'revision','',0),(90,1,'2008-10-14 18:53:43','2008-10-14 22:53:43','While the title of this blog may not have been fitting for the majority of the Rockies 2008 season, it was the case on the day of the Brand Iron Partner Event.  Thank you to all of you our partners and clients who joined us for our fabulous hot dog barbecue and adventure to the Rockies game.  Personally, I fried- but of course just on one side of my body.\r\n\r\nHowever, the day was a success; it was great to see people making connections and it was excellent for those of us at Brand iron to connect with people on a more casual level.  Here are some pictures from the day.  We had fun and we hope you did too.  Oh yeah, the Rockies won 1-0 on a homerun.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/rock1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" />\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/rock2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" />\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/rock3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" />\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/rock5.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" />\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/rock6.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" />\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/rock7.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" />\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/rock8.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" />\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/rock10.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" />','And the Rockies win!!!',0,'','inherit','open','open','','88-revision-2','','','2008-10-14 18:53:43','2008-10-14 22:53:43','',88,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=90',0,'revision','',0),(91,3,'2008-10-16 11:25:10','2008-10-16 15:25:10','Call me crazy, but I must admit I’m a sucker for political ads.  Not only do I like to see how candidates position themselves, but how they position their opponent.\r\n\r\nWe are in the thick of election season, and it is getting ugly.  We see ad after ad of candidates attacking each other and all I can really think is, who is their right mind would want to put themselves in a position to get bludgeoned, attacked, smeared and investigated on television, in blogs, in the paper and on flyers.  \r\n\r\nLet’s face reality: it is strategic branding at its finest.  Planning, punching, counter-attacking, and going after your opponents, while positioning yourself to get the “mother load” of undecided votes.\r\n\r\nWhat was once just a dance around the ring has turned into a full-on blood bath.  With just a few short weeks until Election Day, we will find out the inevitable decision- which candidate will be victorious, and which one will be left picking themself up off the mat, wondering, “What the hell happened!?!”\r\n\r\n\r\n<em>Written by Michael Doyle, President, Brand Iron</em>','The Bloodiest Brands Part 2: Brands that have a competitive edge',0,'','publish','open','open','','the-bloodiest-brands-part-2-brands-that-have-a-competitive-edge','','','2008-10-16 11:26:21','2008-10-16 15:26:21','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=91',0,'post','',0),(92,1,'2008-10-16 11:23:40','2008-10-16 15:23:40','Call me crazy, but I must admit I’m a sucker for political ads.  Not only do I like to see how candidates position themselves, but how they position their opponent.\n\nWe are in the thick of election season, and it is getting ugly.  We see ad after ad of candidates attacking each other and all I can really think is, who is their right mind would want to put themselves in a position to get bludgeoned, attacked, smeared and investigated on television, in blogs, in the paper and on flyers.  \n\nLet’s face reality: it is strategic branding at its finest.  Planning, punching, counter-attacking, and going after your opponents, while positioning yourself to get the “mother load” of undecided votes.\n\nWhat was once just a dance around the ring has turned into a full-on blood bath.  With just a few short weeks until Election Day, we will find out the inevitable decision- which candidate will be victorious, and which one will be left picking themself up off the mat, wondering, “What the hell happened!?!”\n\n\n<em>Written by Michael Doyle, President, Brand Iron</em>','The Bloodiest Brands Part 2: Brands that have a competitive edge',0,'','inherit','open','open','','91-revision','','','2008-10-16 11:23:40','2008-10-16 15:23:40','',91,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=92',0,'revision','',0),(93,1,'2008-10-16 11:25:03','2008-10-16 15:25:03','Call me crazy, but I must admit I’m a sucker for political ads.  Not only do I like to see how candidates position themselves, but how they position their opponent.\r\n\r\nWe are in the thick of election season, and it is getting ugly.  We see ad after ad of candidates attacking each other and all I can really think is, who is their right mind would want to put themselves in a position to get bludgeoned, attacked, smeared and investigated on television, in blogs, in the paper and on flyers.  \r\n\r\nLet’s face reality: it is strategic branding at its finest.  Planning, punching, counter-attacking, and going after your opponents, while positioning yourself to get the “mother load” of undecided votes.\r\n\r\nWhat was once just a dance around the ring has turned into a full-on blood bath.  With just a few short weeks until Election Day, we will find out the inevitable decision- which candidate will be victorious, and which one will be left picking themself up off the mat, wondering, “What the hell happened!?!”\r\n\r\n\r\n<em>Written by Michael Doyle, President, Brand Iron</em>','The Bloodiest Brands Part 2: Brands that have a competitive edge',0,'','inherit','open','open','','91-revision-2','','','2008-10-16 11:25:03','2008-10-16 15:25:03','',91,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=93',0,'revision','',0),(94,1,'2008-10-16 11:25:10','2008-10-16 15:25:10','Call me crazy, but I must admit I’m a sucker for political ads.  Not only do I like to see how candidates position themselves, but how they position their opponent.\r\n\r\nWe are in the thick of election season, and it is getting ugly.  We see ad after ad of candidates attacking each other and all I can really think is, who is their right mind would want to put themselves in a position to get bludgeoned, attacked, smeared and investigated on television, in blogs, in the paper and on flyers.  \r\n\r\nLet’s face reality: it is strategic branding at its finest.  Planning, punching, counter-attacking, and going after your opponents, while positioning yourself to get the “mother load” of undecided votes.\r\n\r\nWhat was once just a dance around the ring has turned into a full-on blood bath.  With just a few short weeks until Election Day, we will find out the inevitable decision- which candidate will be victorious, and which one will be left picking themself up off the mat, wondering, “What the hell happened!?!”\r\n\r\n\r\n<em>Written by Michael Doyle, President, Brand Iron</em>','The Bloodiest Brands Part 2: Brands that have a competitive edge',0,'','inherit','open','open','','91-revision-3','','','2008-10-16 11:25:10','2008-10-16 15:25:10','',91,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=94',0,'revision','',0),(95,1,'0000-00-00 00:00:00','0000-00-00 00:00:00','','Title Goes Here',0,'','draft','open','open','','','','','2008-10-22 17:23:52','2008-10-22 21:23:52','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=95',0,'post','',0),(96,8,'2008-11-14 18:06:42','2008-11-14 22:06:42','<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><em>Budweiser American Ale</em></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">I first came across this television advertisement for Budweiser American Ale a few Sundays back while watching NBC Sunday Night Football. They are marketing towards their target audience, good start. During the commercial I found it interesting that a Dutch owned company’s (InBev) first new product launch will be called Budweiser American Ale. It made me think, “What are they trying to say?” Is this beer more American than the beers they made in the past?<span> </span>Is it more American than its competition? Or are they just trying to get across that “we are still America’s beer.”</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">This made me analyze what was said in the commercial. They used Words like “savor” and “new friends”. At the end of the commercial they used this interesting line, “not just a new beer, it’s a whole new ale.” This is definitely an attempt to gain greater market share in the growing micro-brewery market. The scene for this ad was in a local pub or tap house much like Falling Rock Tap house in lower downtown Denver.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">They have also launched a website for this new product, which is not uncommon for something new to any market. I did find it interesting that it was the ninth listing down on Google when I searched for “Budweiser American Ale.” It also did not have Google AdWord® support. This led to question, “are they really trying to market this beer to the public?” You would assume it would have been one of the first three in my Google search, if they were truly marketing to the public.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">At Brand Iron, we have had clients who use us for their Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Social Media Optimization (SMO) needs. For example, our company, Brand Iron, is the first one on Google on both the search and the Sponsored Links (AdWords®) section.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">I guess Budweiser could use our Web-O-Nanza service at the very least. So if you are reading this InBev/ Anheuser-Busch give us a call to help brand and promote your new product.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">America.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">Side note: I found this <a href=\"http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2006/jun/19/marketingandpr.worldcup2006\">article</a> from the Guardian, a British news source, to be interesting. This was before the Dutch owned company purchased Anheuser-Busch. The summary goes as follows: during the 2006 World Cup, approximately 1000 Dutch football fans were forced to remove their lederhosen in order to gain access to the stadium. The pants had the name of a competing beer (Bavaria) printed on them. FIFA made the decision in order to secure the right of Budweiser, the official sponsor, to advertise exclusively and to prevent ambush marketing by non-sponsors. Bavaria is not a brand of InBev.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><em>Written by Mike Slife </em></p>','What Are They Branding?',0,'','publish','open','open','','what-are-they-branding','','','2008-11-14 18:30:52','2008-11-14 22:30:52','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=96',0,'post','',2),(97,1,'2008-11-14 18:02:25','2008-11-14 22:02:25','<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><em>Budweiser American Ale</em></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">I first came across this television advertisement for Budweiser American Ale a few Sundays back while watching NBC Sunday Night Football. They are marketing towards their target audience, good start. During the commercial I found it interesting that a Dutch owned company’s (InBev) first new product launch will be called Budweiser American Ale. It made me think, “What are they trying to say?” Is this beer more American than the beers they made in the past?<span> </span>Is it more American than its competition? Or are they just trying to get across that “we are still America’s beer.”</p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">This made me analyze what was said in the commercial. They used Words like “savor” and “new friends”. At the end of the commercial they used this interesting line, “not just a new beer, it’s a whole new ale.” This is definitely an attempt to gain greater market share in the growing micro-brewery market. The scene for this ad was in a local pub or tap house much like Falling Rock Tap house in lower downtown Denver.</p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">They have also launched a website for this new product, which is not uncommon for something new to any market. I did find it interesting that it was the ninth listing down on Google when I searched for “Budweiser American Ale.” It also did not have Google AdWord® support. This led to question, “are they really trying to market this beer to the public?” You would assume it would have been one of the first three in my Google search, if they were truly marketing to the public.</p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">At Brand Iron, we have had clients who use us for their Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Social Media Optimization (SMO) needs. For example, our company, Brand Iron, is the first one on Google on both the search and the Sponsored Links (AdWords®) section.</p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">I guess Budweiser could use our Web-O-Nanza service at the very least. So if you are reading this InBev/ Anheuser-Busch give us a call to help brand and promote your new product.</p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">America.</p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">Side note: I found this <a href=\"http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2006/jun/19/marketingandpr.worldcup2006\">article</a> from the Guardian, a British news source, to be interesting. This was before the Dutch owned company purchased Anheuser-Busch. The summary goes as follows: during the 2006 World Cup, approximately 1000 Dutch football fans were forced to remove their lederhosen in order to gain access to the stadium. The pants had the name of a competing beer (Bavaria) printed on them. FIFA made the decision in order to secure the right of Budweiser, the official sponsor, to advertise exclusively and to prevent ambush marketing by non-sponsors. Bavaria is not a brand of InBev.</p>','What Are They Branding?: Budweiser American Ale',0,'','inherit','open','open','','96-revision','','','2008-11-14 18:02:25','2008-11-14 22:02:25','',96,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=97',0,'revision','',0),(99,1,'2008-11-14 18:29:30','2008-11-14 22:29:30','<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><em>Budweiser American Ale</em></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">I first came across this television advertisement for Budweiser American Ale a few Sundays back while watching NBC Sunday Night Football. They are marketing towards their target audience, good start. During the commercial I found it interesting that a Dutch owned company’s (InBev) first new product launch will be called Budweiser American Ale. It made me think, “What are they trying to say?” Is this beer more American than the beers they made in the past?<span> </span>Is it more American than its competition? Or are they just trying to get across that “we are still America’s beer.”</p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">This made me analyze what was said in the commercial. They used Words like “savor” and “new friends”. At the end of the commercial they used this interesting line, “not just a new beer, it’s a whole new ale.” This is definitely an attempt to gain greater market share in the growing micro-brewery market. The scene for this ad was in a local pub or tap house much like Falling Rock Tap house in lower downtown Denver.</p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">They have also launched a website for this new product, which is not uncommon for something new to any market. I did find it interesting that it was the ninth listing down on Google when I searched for “Budweiser American Ale.” It also did not have Google AdWord® support. This led to question, “are they really trying to market this beer to the public?” You would assume it would have been one of the first three in my Google search, if they were truly marketing to the public.</p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">At Brand Iron, we have had clients who use us for their Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Social Media Optimization (SMO) needs. For example, our company, Brand Iron, is the first one on Google on both the search and the Sponsored Links (AdWords®) section.</p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">I guess Budweiser could use our Web-O-Nanza service at the very least. So if you are reading this InBev/ Anheuser-Busch give us a call to help brand and promote your new product.</p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">America.</p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">Side note: I found this <a href=\"http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2006/jun/19/marketingandpr.worldcup2006\">article</a> from the Guardian, a British news source, to be interesting. This was before the Dutch owned company purchased Anheuser-Busch. The summary goes as follows: during the 2006 World Cup, approximately 1000 Dutch football fans were forced to remove their lederhosen in order to gain access to the stadium. The pants had the name of a competing beer (Bavaria) printed on them. FIFA made the decision in order to secure the right of Budweiser, the official sponsor, to advertise exclusively and to prevent ambush marketing by non-sponsors. Bavaria is not a brand of InBev.</p>','What Are They Branding?',0,'','inherit','open','open','','96-autosave','','','2008-11-14 18:29:30','2008-11-14 22:29:30','',96,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=99',0,'revision','',0),(98,1,'2008-11-14 18:09:21','2008-11-14 22:09:21','<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><em>Budweiser American Ale</em></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">I first came across this television advertisement for Budweiser American Ale a few Sundays back while watching NBC Sunday Night Football. They are marketing towards their target audience, good start. During the commercial I found it interesting that a Dutch owned company’s (InBev) first new product launch will be called Budweiser American Ale. It made me think, “What are they trying to say?” Is this beer more American than the beers they made in the past?<span> </span>Is it more American than its competition? Or are they just trying to get across that “we are still America’s beer.”</p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">This made me analyze what was said in the commercial. They used Words like “savor” and “new friends”. At the end of the commercial they used this interesting line, “not just a new beer, it’s a whole new ale.” This is definitely an attempt to gain greater market share in the growing micro-brewery market. The scene for this ad was in a local pub or tap house much like Falling Rock Tap house in lower downtown Denver.</p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">They have also launched a website for this new product, which is not uncommon for something new to any market. I did find it interesting that it was the ninth listing down on Google when I searched for “Budweiser American Ale.” It also did not have Google AdWord® support. This led to question, “are they really trying to market this beer to the public?” You would assume it would have been one of the first three in my Google search, if they were truly marketing to the public.</p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">At Brand Iron, we have had clients who use us for their Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Social Media Optimization (SMO) needs. For example, our company, Brand Iron, is the first one on Google on both the search and the Sponsored Links (AdWords®) section.</p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">I guess Budweiser could use our Web-O-Nanza service at the very least. So if you are reading this InBev/ Anheuser-Busch give us a call to help brand and promote your new product.</p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">America.</p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">Side note: I found this <a href=\"http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2006/jun/19/marketingandpr.worldcup2006\">article</a> from the Guardian, a British news source, to be interesting. This was before the Dutch owned company purchased Anheuser-Busch. The summary goes as follows: during the 2006 World Cup, approximately 1000 Dutch football fans were forced to remove their lederhosen in order to gain access to the stadium. The pants had the name of a competing beer (Bavaria) printed on them. FIFA made the decision in order to secure the right of Budweiser, the official sponsor, to advertise exclusively and to prevent ambush marketing by non-sponsors. Bavaria is not a brand of InBev.</p>','What Are They Branding?',0,'','inherit','open','open','','96-revision-2','','','2008-11-14 18:09:21','2008-11-14 22:09:21','',96,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=98',0,'revision','',0),(100,1,'2008-11-14 18:09:52','2008-11-14 22:09:52','<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><em>Budweiser American Ale</em></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">I first came across this television advertisement for Budweiser American Ale a few Sundays back while watching NBC Sunday Night Football. They are marketing towards their target audience, good start. During the commercial I found it interesting that a Dutch owned company’s (InBev) first new product launch will be called Budweiser American Ale. It made me think, “What are they trying to say?” Is this beer more American than the beers they made in the past?<span> </span>Is it more American than its competition? Or are they just trying to get across that “we are still America’s beer.”</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">This made me analyze what was said in the commercial. They used Words like “savor” and “new friends”. At the end of the commercial they used this interesting line, “not just a new beer, it’s a whole new ale.” This is definitely an attempt to gain greater market share in the growing micro-brewery market. The scene for this ad was in a local pub or tap house much like Falling Rock Tap house in lower downtown Denver.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">They have also launched a website for this new product, which is not uncommon for something new to any market. I did find it interesting that it was the ninth listing down on Google when I searched for “Budweiser American Ale.” It also did not have Google AdWord® support. This led to question, “are they really trying to market this beer to the public?” You would assume it would have been one of the first three in my Google search, if they were truly marketing to the public.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">At Brand Iron, we have had clients who use us for their Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Social Media Optimization (SMO) needs. For example, our company, Brand Iron, is the first one on Google on both the search and the Sponsored Links (AdWords®) section.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">I guess Budweiser could use our Web-O-Nanza service at the very least. So if you are reading this InBev/ Anheuser-Busch give us a call to help brand and promote your new product.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">America.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">Side note: I found this <a href=\"http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2006/jun/19/marketingandpr.worldcup2006\">article</a> from the Guardian, a British news source, to be interesting. This was before the Dutch owned company purchased Anheuser-Busch. The summary goes as follows: during the 2006 World Cup, approximately 1000 Dutch football fans were forced to remove their lederhosen in order to gain access to the stadium. The pants had the name of a competing beer (Bavaria) printed on them. FIFA made the decision in order to secure the right of Budweiser, the official sponsor, to advertise exclusively and to prevent ambush marketing by non-sponsors. Bavaria is not a brand of InBev.</p>','What Are They Branding?',0,'','inherit','open','open','','96-revision-3','','','2008-11-14 18:09:52','2008-11-14 22:09:52','',96,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=100',0,'revision','',0),(101,1,'2008-11-14 18:28:11','2008-11-14 22:28:11','<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><em>Budweiser American Ale</em></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">I first came across this television advertisement for Budweiser American Ale a few Sundays back while watching NBC Sunday Night Football. They are marketing towards their target audience, good start. During the commercial I found it interesting that a Dutch owned company’s (InBev) first new product launch will be called Budweiser American Ale. It made me think, “What are they trying to say?” Is this beer more American than the beers they made in the past?<span> </span>Is it more American than its competition? Or are they just trying to get across that “we are still America’s beer.”</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">This made me analyze what was said in the commercial. They used Words like “savor” and “new friends”. At the end of the commercial they used this interesting line, “not just a new beer, it’s a whole new ale.” This is definitely an attempt to gain greater market share in the growing micro-brewery market. The scene for this ad was in a local pub or tap house much like Falling Rock Tap house in lower downtown Denver.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">They have also launched a website for this new product, which is not uncommon for something new to any market. I did find it interesting that it was the ninth listing down on Google when I searched for “Budweiser American Ale.” It also did not have Google AdWord® support. This led to question, “are they really trying to market this beer to the public?” You would assume it would have been one of the first three in my Google search, if they were truly marketing to the public.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">At Brand Iron, we have had clients who use us for their Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Social Media Optimization (SMO) needs. For example, our company, Brand Iron, is the first one on Google on both the search and the Sponsored Links (AdWords®) section.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">I guess Budweiser could use our Web-O-Nanza service at the very least. So if you are reading this InBev/ Anheuser-Busch give us a call to help brand and promote your new product.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">America.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">Side note: I found this <a href=\"http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2006/jun/19/marketingandpr.worldcup2006\">article</a> from the Guardian, a British news source, to be interesting. This was before the Dutch owned company purchased Anheuser-Busch. The summary goes as follows: during the 2006 World Cup, approximately 1000 Dutch football fans were forced to remove their lederhosen in order to gain access to the stadium. The pants had the name of a competing beer (Bavaria) printed on them. FIFA made the decision in order to secure the right of Budweiser, the official sponsor, to advertise exclusively and to prevent ambush marketing by non-sponsors. Bavaria is not a brand of InBev.</p>','What Are They Branding?',0,'','inherit','open','open','','96-revision-4','','','2008-11-14 18:28:11','2008-11-14 22:28:11','',96,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=101',0,'revision','',0),(102,1,'2008-11-14 18:28:26','2008-11-14 22:28:26','<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><em>Budweiser American Ale</em></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">I first came across this television advertisement for Budweiser American Ale a few Sundays back while watching NBC Sunday Night Football. They are marketing towards their target audience, good start. During the commercial I found it interesting that a Dutch owned company’s (InBev) first new product launch will be called Budweiser American Ale. It made me think, “What are they trying to say?” Is this beer more American than the beers they made in the past?<span> </span>Is it more American than its competition? Or are they just trying to get across that “we are still America’s beer.”</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">This made me analyze what was said in the commercial. They used Words like “savor” and “new friends”. At the end of the commercial they used this interesting line, “not just a new beer, it’s a whole new ale.” This is definitely an attempt to gain greater market share in the growing micro-brewery market. The scene for this ad was in a local pub or tap house much like Falling Rock Tap house in lower downtown Denver.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">They have also launched a website for this new product, which is not uncommon for something new to any market. I did find it interesting that it was the ninth listing down on Google when I searched for “Budweiser American Ale.” It also did not have Google AdWord® support. This led to question, “are they really trying to market this beer to the public?” You would assume it would have been one of the first three in my Google search, if they were truly marketing to the public.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">At Brand Iron, we have had clients who use us for their Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Social Media Optimization (SMO) needs. For example, our company, Brand Iron, is the first one on Google on both the search and the Sponsored Links (AdWords®) section.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">I guess Budweiser could use our Web-O-Nanza service at the very least. So if you are reading this InBev/ Anheuser-Busch give us a call to help brand and promote your new product.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">America.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">Side note: I found this <a href=\"http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2006/jun/19/marketingandpr.worldcup2006\">article</a> from the Guardian, a British news source, to be interesting. This was before the Dutch owned company purchased Anheuser-Busch. The summary goes as follows: during the 2006 World Cup, approximately 1000 Dutch football fans were forced to remove their lederhosen in order to gain access to the stadium. The pants had the name of a competing beer (Bavaria) printed on them. FIFA made the decision in order to secure the right of Budweiser, the official sponsor, to advertise exclusively and to prevent ambush marketing by non-sponsors. Bavaria is not a brand of InBev.</p>','What Are They Branding?',0,'','inherit','open','open','','96-revision-5','','','2008-11-14 18:28:26','2008-11-14 22:28:26','',96,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=102',0,'revision','',0),(103,1,'2008-09-15 18:31:23','2008-09-15 22:31:23','<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">I am guilty of being a sports junky since my early childhood. And in that time, I have noticed athletic teams, both college and professional, always changing their logos and uniforms. </span></p>\r\n\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">Most likely, everyone’s first thought is: “they change their uniforms for the obvious reason—money.” But this is not the case. Major League Baseball teams do not directly make profit from jersey sales. The MLB as a whole has official licensing revenue sharing from official MLB merchandise sold. The New York Yankees lead the MLB in apparel sold, but they do not receive direct revenue from those sales. The NFL and NBA have similar revenue sharing models. This opens the question, “why do they change their logo or uniforms?”\r\n<!--[endif]--></span>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">The first reason teams re-brand themselves is that they are starting a new era.</span></strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"> Many times it is a front office change in ownership. The new owner wants fans and its competition to know that not only will there be a change in its uniform, but also a change in how they will run their operations. We have seen this in many professional teams. For example, the Dallas Mavericks made a change in their look when Mark Cuban took ownership of the franchise. You can see here their <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.bluemumble.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/dal_uni_03.jpg\">old logo and uniforms</a></span> changed to the <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.nbaticketsnow.com/images/dallas.jpg\">new look</a></span> after Cuban took ownership. Not only did the Mavericks change their uniform, they changed how they compete and how they were coached and run from the front office.<span> </span>The same can be said for the Cleveland Cavaliers, whose old uniforms went from <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.nba.com/media/history/cavaliers_19941997_240.jpg\">black and blue</a></span> to their <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.jumpingadvantage.com/Lebron/Lebron-James-Jersey.jpg\">new look</a></span>. The new uniforms changed when Lebron James was drafted, but the <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.nba.com/media/cavaliers/logos_400.gif\">logo</a></span> changed when new owner Dan Gilbert took ownership of the team in 2005. More examples of ownership changing and the uniforms changing related to a team’s success is the New England Patriots. They went from <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.ssur.org/research/CK_NFLUniforms/images/nepatriots%20throwback.jpg\">the angry Pat the patriot</a></span> to <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.ssur.org/research/CK_NFLUniforms/images/nepatriots99.jpg\">a more statuesque look</a></span>. Here is a better view of the <a href=\"http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/jackolantern22/PatriotslogoPatPatriot.gif\">old Pat</a>. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim went from a <a href=\"http://www.sportslogos.net/logo.php?id=4915\">Disney owned uniform</a> to <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.mlb.com/images/2002/10/27/RT8Vdj4U.jpg\">a more traditional </a></span>look, and after the change, won the World Series. </span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">The second reason for a team to re-brand its uniform is a change in venue.</span></strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"> Some teams change uniforms when they get a new stadium. An example was when the Buffalo Bills rebuilt Ralph Wilson Stadium in 2002. The Bills went from these <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.classicbuffalo.com/images/JimKelly.jpg\">old uniforms</a></span> to their <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2115/fredjackson.jpg\">new look</a></span>. The Cleveland Indians did the same when they left Municipal Stadium to Jacobs Field (now called Progressive Field) in 1994. They went from old block lettering that was even used in the movie <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/cle/images/ticketing/promosked/promosked_majorleagueposter.gif\">Major League</a></span> to this <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/80/031_5128~Kenny-Lofton-Cleveland-Indians-Posters.jpg\">fresher look</a></span>.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">Another reason for change is an attempt to disconnect itself from a long history of losing.</span></strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"> Some of these eras can be a few years but some have been a few decades.<span> </span>The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a great example. The Bucs were on a decade-long losing season streak with these <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://nusportspost.com/dilfer_line_of_scrimmage_1995.jpg\">beauties</a></span> and changed to these more <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.nflhs.org/images/Fitness/WarrickDunn.jpg\">modern looking uniforms</a></span>. After the change, it took Tampa four years to make it to the NFC championship game and the following year, Tampa won the Super Bowl. The Los Angles Kings started the “silver and black” era when they acquired Wayne Gretzky from the Edmonton Oilers. The Kings went from a <a href=\"http://www.puckjunk.com/images/cards/cotw/mccourt_topps_f_zoom.jpg\">men’s league look</a> to the more <a href=\"http://cdn.nhl.com/images/upload/2007/12/wayne_gretzky_kings99.jpg\">recognizable sweaters</a>. The Cleveland Cavs had similar success after making a switch in uniforms. Once dead last in the league standings, the team made it to the NBA finals before losing to San Antonio. <span> </span>The Denver Nuggets made a change to their colors in 2003 when they drafted Carmelo Anthony out of Syracuse. They had a more <a href=\"http://www.nba.com/media/history/den_uni_07.jpg\">traditional color scheme</a> that was changed to a <a href=\"http://www.jordanextreme.com/nikegallery/AJ19/040213RookieChalFriCarmeloDunk2ndHalf17pts.jpg\">fresh and bright</a> colored jersey.</span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">Sometimes teams change the logo.</span></strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"> The Seattle Seahawks once had <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.hollywoodcollectibles.com/Images/football_helmet_seattle_mid.jpg\">this logo</a></span> and moved to a <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https://www.americansportscollectibles.com/Seattle-Seahawks-Helmet.jpg\">fiercer looking hawk</a></span>. The New York Football Giants made a change with this<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"> <a href=\"http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/PHO/AAGZ060_8x10-Action~Lawrence-Taylor-Posters.jpg\">helmet logo</a></span> to the <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://k53.pbase.com/g6/53/688553/2/86879410.vdWyCdHf.jpg\">current one</a></span>. Sometimes a change brings good luck, the Denver Broncos went from <a href=\"http://artfiles.art.com/images/-/John-Elway---Old-Uniform---Photofile-Photograph-C10108067.jpeg\">these uniforms</a> and logo to this <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.hollywoodcollectibles.com/autographed/memorabilia/sports/collectibles/authentic/Football/8x10%20Photos/John_Elway_Photo7_MID.jpg\">new look</a></span>. After the Broncos made the change, they won back-to-back Super Bowls in the 1998 and 1999 seasons. The Anaheim Ducks, formerly the Mighty Ducks, went from the <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://hockey.virtuacare.com/images/jiggyducks.jpg\">Disney classic uniforms</a></span> to <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://dsp.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/p3720784p275w.jpg\">today’s look</a></span> and won the Stanley Cup two years after the change.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">Not all changes have been for the better.</span></strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"> Here are some that have gone wrong. This <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/mavericks/2003-10-31-mavs-unis_x.htm\">space look</a></span> from the Dallas Mavericks only lasted one game. The MLB dabbled in this <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1412/543928718_5b592157b8_o.jpg\">futuristic look</a></span> shown by the Rockies and <a href=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1272/989635709_46cca0367c_o.jpg\">Seattle</a>, which I deem horrendous. The one season NASL (National American Soccer League) team Caribous of Colorado may have the ugliest uniform in history of all uniforms which featured <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.premiershirts.net/wearthat/wearthatshirts/colorado.jpg\">western style tassels</a></span>. The University  of Oregon football team has 384 different combinations of uniforms which range from <a href=\"http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/pac10/2006-09-12-oregon-uniforms_x.htm\">unique</a> to <a href=\"http://i.cnn.net/si/2003/sioncampus/09/10/the_final0916/lg_oregon.jpg\">ugly</a>. This is because Nike’s founders are former Ducks themselves and the world headquarters are located near the Eugene,  Oregon Campus. The University of Colorado stole a <a href=\"http://www.bevosports.com/images/oregon-helmet-live.jpg\">play</a> from the Oregon playbook with their new <a href=\"http://www.buffzone.com/photos/2008/aug/07/97782/\">shoulder pattern</a> design. When creating a logo or corporate image you might want to also make sure that it makes sense in that industry or within your company brand. In 1976 the Chicago White Sox had a double header against the Kansas City Royals and they ran onto the field wearing <a href=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1196/533405137_7d19448365_o.jpg\">these interesting uniforms</a>. Surprisingly the Sox only wore them for the first game of the double header. An opposing Royal, John Mayberry exclaimed, “You guys are the sweetest team we’ve seen yet.” </span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"> </span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">We can learn from the success and mistakes of sports uniform branding.</span></strong><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;\"> You might want to consider creating a new logo when your company makes a change. If you change your mission statement or services you should consider doing a re-branding. The new logo or corporate identity created should be done simultaneously. You want to show this improvement in your approach and in all of your company’s materials. The change in your look should and will be reflected in the change you made internally within your company. This change in your brand must be calculated and well thought out to convey your message to your target audience and to the general public. At Brand Iron, we have made some great improvements in a company’s identity when they change their message or services. A great example of this is with our clients David, Hicks and Lampert and Caring Hands Chiropractic which can be see <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"../../work.htm\">here</a></span>. </span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;\">For improvements in your brand or suggestions please call us at 303-534-1901.</span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;\">For more information on the history of sports uniforms email Mike  Slife: mslife@brandiron.net</span></p>','Uniform Effect: Branding Your Company to Begin a New Era.',0,'','inherit','open','open','','71-revision-4','','','2008-09-15 18:31:23','2008-09-15 22:31:23','',71,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=103',0,'revision','',0),(104,1,'2008-11-14 18:34:45','2008-11-14 22:34:45','<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">I am guilty of being a sports junky since my early childhood. And in that time, I have noticed athletic teams, both college and professional, always changing their logos and uniforms. </span></p>\n\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">Most likely, everyone’s first thought is: “they change their uniforms for the obvious reason—money.” But this is not the case. Major League Baseball teams do not directly make profit from jersey sales. The MLB as a whole has official licensing revenue sharing from official MLB merchandise sold. The New York Yankees lead the MLB in apparel sold, but they do not receive direct revenue from those sales. The NFL and NBA have similar revenue sharing models. This opens the question, “why do they change their logo or uniforms?”\n<!--[endif]--></span>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">The first reason teams re-brand themselves is that they are starting a new era.</span></strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"> Many times it is a front office change in ownership. The new owner wants fans and its competition to know that not only will there be a change in its uniform, but also a change in how they will run their operations. We have seen this in many professional teams. For example, the Dallas Mavericks made a change in their look when Mark Cuban took ownership of the franchise. You can see here their <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.bluemumble.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/dal_uni_03.jpg\" target=\"_self\">old logo and uniforms</a></span> changed to the <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.nbaticketsnow.com/images/dallas.jpg\">new look</a></span> after Cuban took ownership. Not only did the Mavericks change their uniform, they changed how they compete and how they were coached and run from the front office.<span> </span>The same can be said for the Cleveland Cavaliers, whose old uniforms went from <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.nba.com/media/history/cavaliers_19941997_240.jpg\">black and blue</a></span> to their <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.jumpingadvantage.com/Lebron/Lebron-James-Jersey.jpg\">new look</a></span>. The new uniforms changed when Lebron James was drafted, but the <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.nba.com/media/cavaliers/logos_400.gif\">logo</a></span> changed when new owner Dan Gilbert took ownership of the team in 2005. More examples of ownership changing and the uniforms changing related to a team’s success is the New England Patriots. They went from <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.ssur.org/research/CK_NFLUniforms/images/nepatriots%20throwback.jpg\">the angry Pat the patriot</a></span> to <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.ssur.org/research/CK_NFLUniforms/images/nepatriots99.jpg\">a more statuesque look</a></span>. Here is a better view of the <a href=\"http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/jackolantern22/PatriotslogoPatPatriot.gif\">old Pat</a>. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim went from a <a href=\"http://www.sportslogos.net/logo.php?id=4915\">Disney owned uniform</a> to <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.mlb.com/images/2002/10/27/RT8Vdj4U.jpg\">a more traditional </a></span>look, and after the change, won the World Series. </span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">The second reason for a team to re-brand its uniform is a change in venue.</span></strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"> Some teams change uniforms when they get a new stadium. An example was when the Buffalo Bills rebuilt Ralph Wilson Stadium in 2002. The Bills went from these <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.classicbuffalo.com/images/JimKelly.jpg\">old uniforms</a></span> to their <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2115/fredjackson.jpg\">new look</a></span>. The Cleveland Indians did the same when they left Municipal Stadium to Jacobs Field (now called Progressive Field) in 1994. They went from old block lettering that was even used in the movie <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/cle/images/ticketing/promosked/promosked_majorleagueposter.gif\">Major League</a></span> to this <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/80/031_5128~Kenny-Lofton-Cleveland-Indians-Posters.jpg\">fresher look</a></span>.<span> </span></span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">Another reason for change is an attempt to disconnect itself from a long history of losing.</span></strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"> Some of these eras can be a few years but some have been a few decades.<span> </span>The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a great example. The Bucs were on a decade-long losing season streak with these <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://nusportspost.com/dilfer_line_of_scrimmage_1995.jpg\">beauties</a></span> and changed to these more <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.nflhs.org/images/Fitness/WarrickDunn.jpg\">modern looking uniforms</a></span>. After the change, it took Tampa four years to make it to the NFC championship game and the following year, Tampa won the Super Bowl. The Los Angles Kings started the “silver and black” era when they acquired Wayne Gretzky from the Edmonton Oilers. The Kings went from a <a href=\"http://www.puckjunk.com/images/cards/cotw/mccourt_topps_f_zoom.jpg\">men’s league look</a> to the more <a href=\"http://cdn.nhl.com/images/upload/2007/12/wayne_gretzky_kings99.jpg\">recognizable sweaters</a>. The Cleveland Cavs had similar success after making a switch in uniforms. Once dead last in the league standings, the team made it to the NBA finals before losing to San Antonio. <span> </span>The Denver Nuggets made a change to their colors in 2003 when they drafted Carmelo Anthony out of Syracuse. They had a more <a href=\"http://www.nba.com/media/history/den_uni_07.jpg\">traditional color scheme</a> that was changed to a <a href=\"http://www.jordanextreme.com/nikegallery/AJ19/040213RookieChalFriCarmeloDunk2ndHalf17pts.jpg\">fresh and bright</a> colored jersey.</span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">Sometimes teams change the logo.</span></strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"> The Seattle Seahawks once had <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.hollywoodcollectibles.com/Images/football_helmet_seattle_mid.jpg\">this logo</a></span> and moved to a <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https://www.americansportscollectibles.com/Seattle-Seahawks-Helmet.jpg\">fiercer looking hawk</a></span>. The New York Football Giants made a change with this<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"> <a href=\"http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/PHO/AAGZ060_8x10-Action~Lawrence-Taylor-Posters.jpg\">helmet logo</a></span> to the <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://k53.pbase.com/g6/53/688553/2/86879410.vdWyCdHf.jpg\">current one</a></span>. Sometimes a change brings good luck, the Denver Broncos went from <a href=\"http://artfiles.art.com/images/-/John-Elway---Old-Uniform---Photofile-Photograph-C10108067.jpeg\">these uniforms</a> and logo to this <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.hollywoodcollectibles.com/autographed/memorabilia/sports/collectibles/authentic/Football/8x10%20Photos/John_Elway_Photo7_MID.jpg\">new look</a></span>. After the Broncos made the change, they won back-to-back Super Bowls in the 1998 and 1999 seasons. The Anaheim Ducks, formerly the Mighty Ducks, went from the <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://hockey.virtuacare.com/images/jiggyducks.jpg\">Disney classic uniforms</a></span> to <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://dsp.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/p3720784p275w.jpg\">today’s look</a></span> and won the Stanley Cup two years after the change.<span> </span></span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">Not all changes have been for the better.</span></strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"> Here are some that have gone wrong. This <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/mavericks/2003-10-31-mavs-unis_x.htm\">space look</a></span> from the Dallas Mavericks only lasted one game. The MLB dabbled in this <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1412/543928718_5b592157b8_o.jpg\">futuristic look</a></span> shown by the Rockies and <a href=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1272/989635709_46cca0367c_o.jpg\">Seattle</a>, which I deem horrendous. The one season NASL (National American Soccer League) team Caribous of Colorado may have the ugliest uniform in history of all uniforms which featured <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.premiershirts.net/wearthat/wearthatshirts/colorado.jpg\">western style tassels</a></span>. The University  of Oregon football team has 384 different combinations of uniforms which range from <a href=\"http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/pac10/2006-09-12-oregon-uniforms_x.htm\">unique</a> to <a href=\"http://i.cnn.net/si/2003/sioncampus/09/10/the_final0916/lg_oregon.jpg\">ugly</a>. This is because Nike’s founders are former Ducks themselves and the world headquarters are located near the Eugene,  Oregon Campus. The University of Colorado stole a <a href=\"http://www.bevosports.com/images/oregon-helmet-live.jpg\">play</a> from the Oregon playbook with their new <a href=\"http://www.buffzone.com/photos/2008/aug/07/97782/\">shoulder pattern</a> design. When creating a logo or corporate image you might want to also make sure that it makes sense in that industry or within your company brand. In 1976 the Chicago White Sox had a double header against the Kansas City Royals and they ran onto the field wearing <a href=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1196/533405137_7d19448365_o.jpg\">these interesting uniforms</a>. Surprisingly the Sox only wore them for the first game of the double header. An opposing Royal, John Mayberry exclaimed, “You guys are the sweetest team we’ve seen yet.” </span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"> </span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">We can learn from the success and mistakes of sports uniform branding.</span></strong><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;\"> You might want to consider creating a new logo when your company makes a change. If you change your mission statement or services you should consider doing a re-branding. The new logo or corporate identity created should be done simultaneously. You want to show this improvement in your approach and in all of your company’s materials. The change in your look should and will be reflected in the change you made internally within your company. This change in your brand must be calculated and well thought out to convey your message to your target audience and to the general public. At Brand Iron, we have made some great improvements in a company’s identity when they change their message or services. A great example of this is with our clients David, Hicks and Lampert and Caring Hands Chiropractic which can be see <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"../../work.htm\">here</a></span>. </span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;\">For improvements in your brand or suggestions please call us at 303-534-1901.</span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;\">For more information on the history of sports uniforms email Mike  Slife: mslife@brandiron.net</span></p>','Uniform Effect: Branding Your Company to Begin a New Era.',0,'','inherit','open','open','','71-autosave','','','2008-11-14 18:34:45','2008-11-14 22:34:45','',71,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=104',0,'revision','',0),(105,1,'2008-11-14 18:32:22','2008-11-14 22:32:22','<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">I am guilty of being a sports junky since my early childhood. And in that time, I have noticed athletic teams, both college and professional, always changing their logos and uniforms. </span></p>\r\n\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">Most likely, everyone’s first thought is: “they change their uniforms for the obvious reason—money.” But this is not the case. Major League Baseball teams do not directly make profit from jersey sales. The MLB as a whole has official licensing revenue sharing from official MLB merchandise sold. The New York Yankees lead the MLB in apparel sold, but they do not receive direct revenue from those sales. The NFL and NBA have similar revenue sharing models. This opens the question, “why do they change their logo or uniforms?”\r\n<!--[endif]--></span>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">The first reason teams re-brand themselves is that they are starting a new era.</span></strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"> Many times it is a front office change in ownership. The new owner wants fans and its competition to know that not only will there be a change in its uniform, but also a change in how they will run their operations. We have seen this in many professional teams. For example, the Dallas Mavericks made a change in their look when Mark Cuban took ownership of the franchise. You can see here their <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.bluemumble.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/dal_uni_03.jpg\" target=\"_blank\">old logo and uniforms</a></span> changed to the <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.nbaticketsnow.com/images/dallas.jpg\" target=\"_blank\">new look</a></span> after Cuban took ownership. Not only did the Mavericks change their uniform, they changed how they compete and how they were coached and run from the front office.<span> </span>The same can be said for the Cleveland Cavaliers, whose old uniforms went from <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.nba.com/media/history/cavaliers_19941997_240.jpg\">black and blue</a></span> to their <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.jumpingadvantage.com/Lebron/Lebron-James-Jersey.jpg\">new look</a></span>. The new uniforms changed when Lebron James was drafted, but the <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.nba.com/media/cavaliers/logos_400.gif\">logo</a></span> changed when new owner Dan Gilbert took ownership of the team in 2005. More examples of ownership changing and the uniforms changing related to a team’s success is the New England Patriots. They went from <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.ssur.org/research/CK_NFLUniforms/images/nepatriots%20throwback.jpg\">the angry Pat the patriot</a></span> to <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.ssur.org/research/CK_NFLUniforms/images/nepatriots99.jpg\">a more statuesque look</a></span>. Here is a better view of the <a href=\"http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/jackolantern22/PatriotslogoPatPatriot.gif\">old Pat</a>. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim went from a <a href=\"http://www.sportslogos.net/logo.php?id=4915\">Disney owned uniform</a> to <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.mlb.com/images/2002/10/27/RT8Vdj4U.jpg\">a more traditional </a></span>look, and after the change, won the World Series. </span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">The second reason for a team to re-brand its uniform is a change in venue.</span></strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"> Some teams change uniforms when they get a new stadium. An example was when the Buffalo Bills rebuilt Ralph Wilson Stadium in 2002. The Bills went from these <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.classicbuffalo.com/images/JimKelly.jpg\">old uniforms</a></span> to their <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2115/fredjackson.jpg\">new look</a></span>. The Cleveland Indians did the same when they left Municipal Stadium to Jacobs Field (now called Progressive Field) in 1994. They went from old block lettering that was even used in the movie <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/cle/images/ticketing/promosked/promosked_majorleagueposter.gif\">Major League</a></span> to this <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/80/031_5128~Kenny-Lofton-Cleveland-Indians-Posters.jpg\">fresher look</a></span>.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">Another reason for change is an attempt to disconnect itself from a long history of losing.</span></strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"> Some of these eras can be a few years but some have been a few decades.<span> </span>The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a great example. The Bucs were on a decade-long losing season streak with these <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://nusportspost.com/dilfer_line_of_scrimmage_1995.jpg\">beauties</a></span> and changed to these more <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.nflhs.org/images/Fitness/WarrickDunn.jpg\">modern looking uniforms</a></span>. After the change, it took Tampa four years to make it to the NFC championship game and the following year, Tampa won the Super Bowl. The Los Angles Kings started the “silver and black” era when they acquired Wayne Gretzky from the Edmonton Oilers. The Kings went from a <a href=\"http://www.puckjunk.com/images/cards/cotw/mccourt_topps_f_zoom.jpg\">men’s league look</a> to the more <a href=\"http://cdn.nhl.com/images/upload/2007/12/wayne_gretzky_kings99.jpg\">recognizable sweaters</a>. The Cleveland Cavs had similar success after making a switch in uniforms. Once dead last in the league standings, the team made it to the NBA finals before losing to San Antonio. <span> </span>The Denver Nuggets made a change to their colors in 2003 when they drafted Carmelo Anthony out of Syracuse. They had a more <a href=\"http://www.nba.com/media/history/den_uni_07.jpg\">traditional color scheme</a> that was changed to a <a href=\"http://www.jordanextreme.com/nikegallery/AJ19/040213RookieChalFriCarmeloDunk2ndHalf17pts.jpg\">fresh and bright</a> colored jersey.</span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">Sometimes teams change the logo.</span></strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"> The Seattle Seahawks once had <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.hollywoodcollectibles.com/Images/football_helmet_seattle_mid.jpg\">this logo</a></span> and moved to a <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https://www.americansportscollectibles.com/Seattle-Seahawks-Helmet.jpg\">fiercer looking hawk</a></span>. The New York Football Giants made a change with this<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"> <a href=\"http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/PHO/AAGZ060_8x10-Action~Lawrence-Taylor-Posters.jpg\">helmet logo</a></span> to the <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://k53.pbase.com/g6/53/688553/2/86879410.vdWyCdHf.jpg\">current one</a></span>. Sometimes a change brings good luck, the Denver Broncos went from <a href=\"http://artfiles.art.com/images/-/John-Elway---Old-Uniform---Photofile-Photograph-C10108067.jpeg\">these uniforms</a> and logo to this <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.hollywoodcollectibles.com/autographed/memorabilia/sports/collectibles/authentic/Football/8x10%20Photos/John_Elway_Photo7_MID.jpg\">new look</a></span>. After the Broncos made the change, they won back-to-back Super Bowls in the 1998 and 1999 seasons. The Anaheim Ducks, formerly the Mighty Ducks, went from the <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://hockey.virtuacare.com/images/jiggyducks.jpg\">Disney classic uniforms</a></span> to <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://dsp.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/p3720784p275w.jpg\">today’s look</a></span> and won the Stanley Cup two years after the change.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">Not all changes have been for the better.</span></strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"> Here are some that have gone wrong. This <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/mavericks/2003-10-31-mavs-unis_x.htm\">space look</a></span> from the Dallas Mavericks only lasted one game. The MLB dabbled in this <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1412/543928718_5b592157b8_o.jpg\">futuristic look</a></span> shown by the Rockies and <a href=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1272/989635709_46cca0367c_o.jpg\">Seattle</a>, which I deem horrendous. The one season NASL (National American Soccer League) team Caribous of Colorado may have the ugliest uniform in history of all uniforms which featured <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.premiershirts.net/wearthat/wearthatshirts/colorado.jpg\">western style tassels</a></span>. The University  of Oregon football team has 384 different combinations of uniforms which range from <a href=\"http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/pac10/2006-09-12-oregon-uniforms_x.htm\">unique</a> to <a href=\"http://i.cnn.net/si/2003/sioncampus/09/10/the_final0916/lg_oregon.jpg\">ugly</a>. This is because Nike’s founders are former Ducks themselves and the world headquarters are located near the Eugene,  Oregon Campus. The University of Colorado stole a <a href=\"http://www.bevosports.com/images/oregon-helmet-live.jpg\">play</a> from the Oregon playbook with their new <a href=\"http://www.buffzone.com/photos/2008/aug/07/97782/\">shoulder pattern</a> design. When creating a logo or corporate image you might want to also make sure that it makes sense in that industry or within your company brand. In 1976 the Chicago White Sox had a double header against the Kansas City Royals and they ran onto the field wearing <a href=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1196/533405137_7d19448365_o.jpg\">these interesting uniforms</a>. Surprisingly the Sox only wore them for the first game of the double header. An opposing Royal, John Mayberry exclaimed, “You guys are the sweetest team we’ve seen yet.” </span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"> </span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">We can learn from the success and mistakes of sports uniform branding.</span></strong><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;\"> You might want to consider creating a new logo when your company makes a change. If you change your mission statement or services you should consider doing a re-branding. The new logo or corporate identity created should be done simultaneously. You want to show this improvement in your approach and in all of your company’s materials. The change in your look should and will be reflected in the change you made internally within your company. This change in your brand must be calculated and well thought out to convey your message to your target audience and to the general public. At Brand Iron, we have made some great improvements in a company’s identity when they change their message or services. A great example of this is with our clients David, Hicks and Lampert and Caring Hands Chiropractic which can be see <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"../../work.htm\">here</a></span>. </span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;\">For improvements in your brand or suggestions please call us at 303-534-1901.</span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;\">For more information on the history of sports uniforms email Mike  Slife: mslife@brandiron.net</span></p>','Uniform Effect: Branding Your Company to Begin a New Era.',0,'','inherit','open','open','','71-revision-5','','','2008-11-14 18:32:22','2008-11-14 22:32:22','',71,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=105',0,'revision','',0),(106,2,'0000-00-00 00:00:00','0000-00-00 00:00:00','McDonalds recently launched a new Quarter Pounder brand in Toyko. Thus far, it’s creating quite the stir in the branding world due to the fact the McDonald’s “Golden arches” are nowhere to be found.\r\n\r\nPIC of MEAL\r\nPIC of STORE\r\n\r\nAccording to Business Week (September 19, 2008), McDonalds ranks #8 on the Best 100 Global Brands lists. (Note: the only other restaurant brand that cracked the Top 100 was KFC at #64.)\r\n\r\nWith $37 billion in brand revenue – the big question is “Why would they deviate from their dominate brand?”\r\nMy only guess to why they would not use the brand they have spent decades and billions creating, is that they want to generate internet buzz around their new product offering. (Hey, it’s working right?)  I imagine this campaign will not rollout worldwide – but the new “no frills bundling” of this McDonald’s classic will be coming to a normally-branded McDonalds near you.\r\n\r\nAfter the buzz has reached nearly every web-savy, fast-food consumer / pop culture junkie, I think they will ditch the black and red “no brand” and you will soon be able to walk into a McDonalds and order the no frills “Quarter Pounder” meal. No choices. No questions. No sizes to choose from. Actually, there is just one choice: single or double:\r\n\r\nPIC OF MENU BOARD\r\n\r\nI think there are some things every business can learn from this.\r\n• Creating buzz takes time, money and a great idea\r\n• You can touch a lot of people thru the web\r\n• Interesting and unique news travels fast\r\n• Doing something controversial creates buzz\r\n\r\nMcDonalds has created a pseudo-brand and an entire network of stores in Toyko to drive web excitement around their new product. Most of us develop product sheets and an email blast to inform our customers and to drive excitement. Clearly, when you want BIG results, you need BIG ideas.\r\n\r\nIf you want to get to the next level, you need a unique idea that will set you apart from the competition and the gall to do it. Nice job McDonalds.\r\n\r\nAt Brand Iron, we’ll help you get outside the box when you want to create excitement around your brand. We’ll develop plans, creative ideas and tactics that will get noticed and will get your audience talking.','The \"No Brand\"- by McDonalds- an internet buzz sensation',0,'','draft','open','open','','','','','2008-11-18 14:56:16','2008-11-18 18:56:16','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=106',0,'post','',0),(107,1,'2008-11-18 14:44:59','2008-11-18 18:44:59','McDonalds recently launched a new Quarter Pounder brand in Toyko. Thus far, it’s creating quite the stir in the branding world due to the fact the McDonald’s “Golden arches” are nowhere to be found.\n\nPIC of MEAL\nPIC of STORE\n\nAccording to Business Week (September 19, 2008), McDonalds ranks #8 on the Best 100 Global Brands lists. (Note: the only other restaurant brand that cracked the Top 100 was KFC at #64.)\n\nWith $37 billion in brand revenue – the big question is “Why would they deviate from their dominate brand?”\nMy only guess to why they would not use the brand they have spent decades and billions creating, is that they want to generate internet buzz around their new product offering. (Hey, it’s working right?)  I imagine this campaign will not rollout worldwide – but the new “no frills bundling” of this McDonald’s classic will be coming to a normally-branded McDonalds near you.\n\nAfter the buzz has reached nearly every web-savy, fast-food consumer / pop culture junkie, I think they will ditch the black and red “no brand” and you will soon be able to walk into a McDonalds and order the no frills “Quarter Pounder” meal. No choices. No questions. No sizes to choose from. Actually, there is just one choice: single or double:\n\nPIC OF MENU BOARD\n\nI think there are some things every business can learn from this.\n• Creating buzz takes time, money and a great idea\n• You can touch a lot of people thru the web\n• Interesting and unique news travels fast\n• Doing something controversial creates buzz\n\nMcDonalds has created a pseudo-brand and an entire network of stores in Toyko to drive web excitement around their new product. Most of us develop product sheets and an email blast to inform our customers and to drive excitement. Clearly, when you want BIG results, you need BIG ideas.\n\nIf you want to get to the next level, you need a unique idea that will set you apart from the competition and the gall to do it. Nice job McDonalds.\n\nAt Brand Iron, we’ll help you get outside the box when you want to create excitement around your brand. We’ll develop plans, creative ideas and tactics that will get noticed and will get your audience talking.','The \"No Brand\"- by McDonalds- an internet buzz sensation',0,'','inherit','open','open','','106-revision','','','2008-11-18 14:44:59','2008-11-18 18:44:59','',106,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=107',0,'revision','',0),(108,3,'2008-11-20 12:09:07','2008-11-20 16:09:07','Since the business environment is more competitive than ever, those who stop spending may stop selling.  Those who take their precious time and money and allocate it wisely will survive and potentially thrive in the current economic environment.  Here are some suggestions to ensure the success of your company and brand.\r\n\r\n1. Position yourself to be the best in your space.\r\n2. Communicate value and why your customers should buy you, your product, or your services over your competition.\r\n3. Focus your money on revenue- generating activities:\r\n- Lead generation\r\n- Expansion within current customers\r\n- Expansion within market segments you have experience in\r\n4. Network your ass off. Meet people who are in need of what you have to offer.\r\n5. Make sure you have enough touches (usually 7-12) with your clients, suspects and prospects to reach your goals and objectives.\r\n6. Pick up the phone and call people.\r\n7. Be pro-active and plan to excel, not just survive.\r\n\r\nDo these things and you\'ll be around, so when the market picks back up, you\'ll be way ahead of your competition.\r\n\r\n<em>Written by Michael Doyle, Brand Iron President</em>','Branding during the recession',0,'','publish','open','open','','branding-during-the-recession','','','2008-11-20 17:42:19','2008-11-20 21:42:19','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=108',0,'post','',1),(109,1,'2008-11-20 12:08:43','2008-11-20 16:08:43','Since the business environment is more competitive than ever, those who stop spending may stop selling.  Those who take their precious money and spend wisely can and will survive and potentially survive.  Here are some examples of how the right brand strategy and brand implementation can help.\n1. Position yourself to be the best in your space.\n2. Communicate value and why your customers should buy you, your product, or your services over your competition.\n3. Focus your money on revenue- generating activities:\n           - Lead generation\n           - Expansion within current customers\n           - Expansion within market segments you have experience in\n4. Network your ass off. Meet people who are in need of what you have to offer.\n5. Make sure you have enough touches (usually 7-12) with your clients, suspects and prospects to reach your goals and objectives.\n6. Pick up the phone and call people.\n7. Be pro-active and plan to excel, not just survive.\n\nDo these things and you\'ll be around, so when the market picks back up, you\'ll be way ahead of your competition.\n\n<em>Written by Michael Doyle, Brand Iron President</em>','Branding during the recession',0,'','inherit','open','open','','108-revision','','','2008-11-20 12:08:43','2008-11-20 16:08:43','',108,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=109',0,'revision','',0),(110,1,'2008-11-20 12:09:07','2008-11-20 16:09:07','Since the business environment is more competitive than ever, those who stop spending may stop selling.  Those who take their precious money and spend wisely can and will survive and potentially survive.  Here are some examples of how the right brand strategy and brand implementation can help.\r\n1. Position yourself to be the best in your space.\r\n2. Communicate value and why your customers should buy you, your product, or your services over your competition.\r\n3. Focus your money on revenue- generating activities:\r\n           - Lead generation\r\n           - Expansion within current customers\r\n           - Expansion within market segments you have experience in\r\n4. Network your ass off. Meet people who are in need of what you have to offer.\r\n5. Make sure you have enough touches (usually 7-12) with your clients, suspects and prospects to reach your goals and objectives.\r\n6. Pick up the phone and call people.\r\n7. Be pro-active and plan to excel, not just survive.\r\n\r\nDo these things and you\'ll be around, so when the market picks back up, you\'ll be way ahead of your competition.\r\n\r\n<em>Written by Michael Doyle, Brand Iron President</em>','Branding during the recession',0,'','inherit','open','open','','108-revision-2','','','2008-11-20 12:09:07','2008-11-20 16:09:07','',108,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=110',0,'revision','',0),(111,1,'2008-11-20 17:42:22','2008-11-20 21:42:22','Since the business environment is more competitive than ever, those who stop spending may stop selling.  Those who take their precious time and money and allocate it wisely will survive and potentially thrive in the current economic environment.  Here are some suggestions to ensure the success of your company and brand.\n\n1. Position yourself to be the best in your space.\n2. Communicate value and why your customers should buy you, your product, or your services over your competition.\n3. Focus your money on revenue- generating activities:\n- Lead generation\n- Expansion within current customers\n- Expansion within market segments you have experience in\n4. Network your ass off. Meet people who are in need of what you have to offer.\n5. Make sure you have enough touches (usually 7-12) with your clients, suspects and prospects to reach your goals and objectives.\n6. Pick up the phone and call people.\n7. Be pro-active and plan to excel, not just survive.\n\nDo these things and you\'ll be around, so when the market picks back up, you\'ll be way ahead of your competition.\n\n<em>Written by Michael Doyle, Brand Iron President</em>','Branding during the recession',0,'','inherit','open','open','','108-autosave','','','2008-11-20 17:42:22','2008-11-20 21:42:22','',108,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=111',0,'revision','',0),(113,1,'2008-11-20 17:25:48','2008-11-20 21:25:48','Since the business environment is more competitive than ever, those who stop spending may stop selling.  Those who take their precious time and money and spend wisely can and will survive and potentially thrive in the current economic environment.  Here are some ideas of how the right brand strategy and brand implementation will help you build success in the struggling economy.\r\n\r\n1. Position yourself to be the best in your space.\r\n2. Communicate value and why your customers should buy you, your product, or your services over your competition.\r\n3. Focus your money on revenue- generating activities:\r\n- Lead generation\r\n- Expansion within current customers\r\n- Expansion within market segments you have experience in\r\n4. Network your ass off. Meet people who are in need of what you have to offer.\r\n5. Make sure you have enough touches (usually 7-12) with your clients, suspects and prospects to reach your goals and objectives.\r\n6. Pick up the phone and call people.\r\n7. Be pro-active and plan to excel, not just survive.\r\n\r\nDo these things and you\'ll be around, so when the market picks back up, you\'ll be way ahead of your competition.\r\n\r\n<em>Written by Michael Doyle, Brand Iron President</em>','Branding during the recession',0,'','inherit','open','open','','108-revision-4','','','2008-11-20 17:25:48','2008-11-20 21:25:48','',108,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=113',0,'revision','',0),(112,1,'2008-11-20 12:09:52','2008-11-20 16:09:52','Since the business environment is more competitive than ever, those who stop spending may stop selling.  Those who take their precious money and spend wisely can and will survive and potentially survive.  Here are some examples of how the right brand strategy and brand implementation can help.\r\n\r\n1. Position yourself to be the best in your space.\r\n2. Communicate value and why your customers should buy you, your product, or your services over your competition.\r\n3. Focus your money on revenue- generating activities:\r\n           - Lead generation\r\n           - Expansion within current customers\r\n           - Expansion within market segments you have experience in\r\n4. Network your ass off. Meet people who are in need of what you have to offer.\r\n5. Make sure you have enough touches (usually 7-12) with your clients, suspects and prospects to reach your goals and objectives.\r\n6. Pick up the phone and call people.\r\n7. Be pro-active and plan to excel, not just survive.\r\n\r\nDo these things and you\'ll be around, so when the market picks back up, you\'ll be way ahead of your competition.\r\n\r\n<em>Written by Michael Doyle, Brand Iron President</em>','Branding during the recession',0,'','inherit','open','open','','108-revision-3','','','2008-11-20 12:09:52','2008-11-20 16:09:52','',108,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=112',0,'revision','',0),(114,2,'2008-11-25 11:17:45','2008-11-25 15:17:45','McDonalds recently launched a new Quarter Pounder brand in Toyko. Thus far, it’s creating quite the stir in the branding world due to the fact the McDonald’s “Golden arches” are nowhere to be found.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"meal\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/Golden%20Arches%20Images/Picture1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"540\" height=\"372\" />\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"image2\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/Golden%20Arches%20Images/Picture3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"540\" height=\"390\" />\r\n\r\nAccording to Business Week (September 19, 2008), McDonalds ranks #8 on the Best 100 Global Brands lists. (Note: the only other restaurant brand that cracked the Top 100 was KFC at #64.)\r\n\r\n<strong>With $37 billion in brand revenue – the big question is “Why would they deviate from their dominate brand?” </strong>\r\nMy only guess to why they would not use the brand they have spent decades and billions creating, is that they want to generate internet buzz around their new product offering. (Hey, it’s working right?)  I imagine this campaign will not rollout worldwide – but the new “no frills bundling” of this McDonald’s classic will be coming to a normally-branded McDonalds near you.\r\n\r\nAfter the buzz has reached nearly every web-savy, fast-food consumer / pop culture junkie, I think they will ditch the black and red “no brand” and you will soon be able to walk into a McDonalds and order the no frills “Quarter Pounder” meal. No choices. No questions. No sizes to choose from. Actually, there is just one choice: single or double:\r\n<img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"image3\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/Golden%20Arches%20Images/Picture2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"540\" height=\"178\" />\r\n\r\nI think there are some things every business can learn from this.\r\n• Creating buzz takes time, money and a great idea\r\n• You can touch a lot of people thru the web\r\n• Interesting and unique news travels fast\r\n• Doing something controversial creates buzz\r\n\r\nMcDonalds has created a pseudo-brand and an entire network of stores in Toyko to drive web excitement around their new product. Most of us develop product sheets and an email blast to inform our customers and to drive excitement. Clearly, when you want BIG results, you need BIG ideas.\r\n\r\nIf you want to get to the next level, you need a unique idea that will set you apart from the competition and the gall to do it. Nice job McDonalds.\r\n\r\nAt Brand Iron, we’ll help you get outside the box when you want to create excitement around your brand. We’ll develop plans, creative ideas and tactics that will get noticed and will get your audience talking.\r\n\r\n<em>- Josh Barker, Brand Wrangler</em>','The “No Brand” – by McDonalds, an internet buzz sensation',0,'','publish','open','open','','the-%e2%80%9cno-brand%e2%80%9d-%e2%80%93-by-mcdonalds-an-internet-buzz-sensation','','','2008-11-25 11:17:45','2008-11-25 15:17:45','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=114',0,'post','',2),(115,1,'2008-11-25 11:16:31','2008-11-25 15:16:31','McDonalds recently launched a new Quarter Pounder brand in Toyko. Thus far, it’s creating quite the stir in the branding world due to the fact the McDonald’s “Golden arches” are nowhere to be found.\n\n<img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"meal\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/Golden%20Arches%20Images/Picture1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"540\" height=\"372\" />\n\n<img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"image2\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/Golden%20Arches%20Images/Picture3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"540\" height=\"390\" />\n\nAccording to Business Week (September 19, 2008), McDonalds ranks #8 on the Best 100 Global Brands lists. (Note: the only other restaurant brand that cracked the Top 100 was KFC at #64.)\n\n<strong>With $37 billion in brand revenue – the big question is “Why would they deviate from their dominate brand?” </strong>\nMy only guess to why they would not use the brand they have spent decades and billions creating, is that they want to generate internet buzz around their new product offering. (Hey, it’s working right?)  I imagine this campaign will not rollout worldwide – but the new “no frills bundling” of this McDonald’s classic will be coming to a normally-branded McDonalds near you.\n\nAfter the buzz has reached nearly every web-savy, fast-food consumer / pop culture junkie, I think they will ditch the black and red “no brand” and you will soon be able to walk into a McDonalds and order the no frills “Quarter Pounder” meal. No choices. No questions. No sizes to choose from. Actually, there is just one choice: single or double:\n<img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"image3\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/Golden%20Arches%20Images/Picture2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"540\" height=\"178\" />\n\nI think there are some things every business can learn from this.\n• Creating buzz takes time, money and a great idea\n• You can touch a lot of people thru the web\n• Interesting and unique news travels fast\n• Doing something controversial creates buzz\n\nMcDonalds has created a pseudo-brand and an entire network of stores in Toyko to drive web excitement around their new product. Most of us develop product sheets and an email blast to inform our customers and to drive excitement. Clearly, when you want BIG results, you need BIG ideas.\n\nIf you want to get to the next level, you need a unique idea that will set you apart from the competition and the gall to do it. Nice job McDonalds.\n\nAt Brand Iron, we’ll help you get outside the box when you want to create excitement around your brand. We’ll develop plans, creative ideas and tactics that will get noticed and will get your audience talking.\n\n<em>- Josh Barker, Brand Wrangler</em>','The “No Brand” – by McDonalds, an internet buzz sensation',0,'','inherit','open','open','','114-revision','','','2008-11-25 11:16:31','2008-11-25 15:16:31','',114,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=115',0,'revision','',0),(123,1,'2008-12-08 17:37:31','2008-12-08 21:37:31','<img class=\"alignleft\" title=\"Guest Header\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/guest.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"460\" height=\"95\" />\r\n<p>\r\n<strong>Denver’s Commercial Real Estate Market – Better than You Might Think</strong></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Despite the uncertainty and unpredictability of the national economy, Denver’s commercial real estate market continues to remain steady, particularly in the office and industrial sectors. Although many local large companies are holding off on major real estate decisions, Denver’s commercial real estate market continues to perform well compared to other markets in the country, where vacancies are higher and rents are decreasing.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Denver office and industrial properties continued to positive absorption of vacant space in the third quarter, while retail space such as shopping centers and malls had negative absorption. Retail space is more consumer-oriented than other commercial property types and, therefore, more affected by the economy and consumer problems such as housing foreclosures. However, Colorado’s improving housing market should benefit the retail sector. The state’s foreclosure rate has shown significant improvement this year, and many analysts believe the Denver-area housing market is ahead of the national cycle for recovery.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Overall, vacancy rates increased for office, industrial and retail properties, but despite this softening, average rental rates increased for all three property types. Metro Denver office space saw its total vacancy rate, including sublease space, increase to 15% in the third quarter. However, average asking office rental rates inched up to $20.99 per sq. ft. per year in the third quarter from roughly $20.60 from the same period last year. On the industrial side, total third-quarter vacancy increased to 7.4%, which is still relatively healthy. Average asking rates also increased to $6.41per square foot from $6.00 per sq. ft. for the same quarter last year. Finally, the total retail vacancy rate continued to increase in the third quarter to 7.5%, but the average asking lease rate still rose to $18.04 per square foot per year from nearly $16.00 for the same period last year.</span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">What does this all mean for you and your business? Despite a slumping economy, companies seeking to lease office or industrial may be surprised that landlords are unwilling to do “screaming deals” to get tenants in their buildings. At least for the time being, rental rates remain stable or continue to rise, and commercial landlords have not been overly impacted by the economic slowdown. Of course, this may change in the next few months or as we head in to the New Year.</p>','Guest Blog from Eric Nesbitt, The Nesbitt Group',0,'','inherit','open','open','','118-revision-4','','','2008-12-08 17:37:31','2008-12-08 21:37:31','',118,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=123',0,'revision','',0),(119,1,'2008-12-08 17:32:27','2008-12-08 21:32:27','<img class=\"alignleft\" title=\"Guest Header\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/guest.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"460\" height=\"95\" />\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\">Denver’s Commercial Real Estate Market – Better than You Might Think</span></strong></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\">Despite the uncertainty and unpredictability of the national economy, Denver’s commercial real estate market continues to remain steady, particularly in the office and industrial sectors. Although many local large companies are holding off on major real estate decisions, Denver’s commercial real estate market continues to perform well compared to other markets in the country, where vacancies are higher and rents are decreasing. </span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\">Denver office and industrial properties continued to positive absorption of vacant space in the third quarter, while retail space such as shopping centers and malls had negative absorption. Retail space is more consumer-oriented than other commercial property types and, therefore, more affected by the economy and consumer problems such as housing foreclosures. However, Colorado’s improving housing market should benefit the retail sector. The state’s foreclosure rate has shown significant improvement this year, and many analysts believe the Denver-area housing market is ahead of the national cycle for recovery.</span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\">Overall, vacancy rates increased for office, industrial and retail properties, but despite this softening, average rental rates increased for all three property types. Metro Denver office space saw its total vacancy rate, including sublease space, increase to 15% in the third quarter. However, average asking office rental rates inched up to $20.99 per sq. ft. per year in the third quarter from roughly $20.60 from the same period last year. On the industrial side, total third-quarter vacancy increased to 7.4%, which is still relatively healthy. Average asking rates also increased to $6.41per square foot from $6.00 per sq. ft. for the same quarter last year. Finally, the total retail vacancy rate continued to increase in the third quarter to 7.5%, but the average asking lease rate still rose to $18.04 per square foot per year from nearly $16.00 for the same period last year.</span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\">What does this all mean for you and your business? Despite a slumping economy, companies seeking to lease office or industrial may be surprised that landlords are unwilling to do “screaming deals” to get tenants in their buildings. At least for the time being, rental rates remain stable or continue to rise, and commercial landlords have not been overly impacted by the economic slowdown. Of course, this may change in the next few months or as we head in to the New Year.</span><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;\"></span></p>','Guest Blog from Eric Nesbitt, The Nesbitt Group',0,'','inherit','open','open','','118-revision','','','2008-12-08 17:32:27','2008-12-08 21:32:27','',118,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=119',0,'revision','',0),(120,1,'2008-12-08 18:13:44','2008-12-08 22:13:44','<img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"Guest Blog\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/guest.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"460\" height=\"95\" />\n\n<strong>Denver’s Commercial Real Estate Market –\nBetter than You Might Think\nby Eric Nesbitt, President and CEO, The Nesbitt Group</strong>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Despite the uncertainty and unpredictability of the national economy, Denver’s commercial real estate market continues to remain steady, particularly in the office and industrial sectors. Although many local large companies are holding off on major real estate decisions, Denver’s commercial real estate market continues to perform well compared to other markets in the country, where vacancies are higher and rents are decreasing.</p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Denver office and industrial properties continued to positive absorption of vacant space in the third quarter, while retail space such as shopping centers and malls had negative absorption. Retail space is more consumer-oriented than other commercial property types and, therefore, more affected by the economy and consumer problems such as housing foreclosures. However, Colorado’s improving housing market should benefit the retail sector. The state’s foreclosure rate has shown significant improvement this year, and many analysts believe the Denver-area housing market is ahead of the national cycle for recovery.</p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Overall, vacancy rates increased for office, industrial and retail properties, but despite this softening, average rental rates increased for all three property types. Metro Denver office space saw its total vacancy rate, including sublease space, increase to 15% in the third quarter. However, average asking office rental rates inched up to $20.99 per sq. ft. per year in the third quarter from roughly $20.60 from the same period last year. On the industrial side, total third-quarter vacancy increased to 7.4%, which is still relatively healthy. Average asking rates also increased to $6.41per square foot from $6.00 per sq. ft. for the same quarter last year. Finally, the total retail vacancy rate continued to increase in the third quarter to 7.5%, but the average asking lease rate still rose to $18.04 per square foot per year from nearly $16.00 for the same period last year.</p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">What does this all mean for you and your business? Despite a slumping economy, companies seeking to lease office or industrial may be surprised that landlords are unwilling to do “screaming deals” to get tenants in their buildings. At least for the time being, rental rates remain stable or continue to rise, and commercial landlords have not been overly impacted by the economic slowdown. Of course, this may change in the next few months or as we head in to the New Year.</p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a href=\"http://www.thenesbittgroup.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft\" title=\"Logo\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/nesbittlogo.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"243\" height=\"59\" /></a></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">For more information on The Nesbitt Group, please click <a title=\"The Nesbitt Group\" href=\"http://www.thenesbittgroup.com\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>','Guest Blog by Eri',0,'','inherit','open','open','','118-autosave','','','2008-12-08 18:13:44','2008-12-08 22:13:44','',118,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=120',0,'revision','',0),(122,1,'2008-12-08 17:35:53','2008-12-08 21:35:53','<img class=\"alignleft\" title=\"Guest Header\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/guest.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"460\" height=\"95\" />\r\n<p>\r\n<strong>Denver’s Commercial Real Estate Market – Better than You Might Think</strong></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Despite the uncertainty and unpredictability of the national economy, Denver’s commercial real estate market continues to remain steady, particularly in the office and industrial sectors. Although many local large companies are holding off on major real estate decisions, Denver’s commercial real estate market continues to perform well compared to other markets in the country, where vacancies are higher and rents are decreasing. </span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\">Denver office and industrial properties continued to positive absorption of vacant space in the third quarter, while retail space such as shopping centers and malls had negative absorption. Retail space is more consumer-oriented than other commercial property types and, therefore, more affected by the economy and consumer problems such as housing foreclosures. However, Colorado’s improving housing market should benefit the retail sector. The state’s foreclosure rate has shown significant improvement this year, and many analysts believe the Denver-area housing market is ahead of the national cycle for recovery.</span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\">Overall, vacancy rates increased for office, industrial and retail properties, but despite this softening, average rental rates increased for all three property types. Metro Denver office space saw its total vacancy rate, including sublease space, increase to 15% in the third quarter. However, average asking office rental rates inched up to $20.99 per sq. ft. per year in the third quarter from roughly $20.60 from the same period last year. On the industrial side, total third-quarter vacancy increased to 7.4%, which is still relatively healthy. Average asking rates also increased to $6.41per square foot from $6.00 per sq. ft. for the same quarter last year. Finally, the total retail vacancy rate continued to increase in the third quarter to 7.5%, but the average asking lease rate still rose to $18.04 per square foot per year from nearly $16.00 for the same period last year.</span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\">What does this all mean for you and your business? Despite a slumping economy, companies seeking to lease office or industrial may be surprised that landlords are unwilling to do “screaming deals” to get tenants in their buildings. At least for the time being, rental rates remain stable or continue to rise, and commercial landlords have not been overly impacted by the economic slowdown. Of course, this may change in the next few months or as we head in to the New Year.</span></p>','Guest Blog from Eric Nesbitt, The Nesbitt Group',0,'','inherit','open','open','','118-revision-3','','','2008-12-08 17:35:53','2008-12-08 21:35:53','',118,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=122',0,'revision','',0),(121,1,'2008-12-08 17:33:26','2008-12-08 21:33:26','<img class=\"alignleft\" title=\"Guest Header\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/guest.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"460\" height=\"95\" />\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\">Denver’s Commercial Real Estate Market – Better than You Might Think</span></strong></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\">Despite the uncertainty and unpredictability of the national economy, Denver’s commercial real estate market continues to remain steady, particularly in the office and industrial sectors. Although many local large companies are holding off on major real estate decisions, Denver’s commercial real estate market continues to perform well compared to other markets in the country, where vacancies are higher and rents are decreasing. </span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\">Denver office and industrial properties continued to positive absorption of vacant space in the third quarter, while retail space such as shopping centers and malls had negative absorption. Retail space is more consumer-oriented than other commercial property types and, therefore, more affected by the economy and consumer problems such as housing foreclosures. However, Colorado’s improving housing market should benefit the retail sector. The state’s foreclosure rate has shown significant improvement this year, and many analysts believe the Denver-area housing market is ahead of the national cycle for recovery.</span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\">Overall, vacancy rates increased for office, industrial and retail properties, but despite this softening, average rental rates increased for all three property types. Metro Denver office space saw its total vacancy rate, including sublease space, increase to 15% in the third quarter. However, average asking office rental rates inched up to $20.99 per sq. ft. per year in the third quarter from roughly $20.60 from the same period last year. On the industrial side, total third-quarter vacancy increased to 7.4%, which is still relatively healthy. Average asking rates also increased to $6.41per square foot from $6.00 per sq. ft. for the same quarter last year. Finally, the total retail vacancy rate continued to increase in the third quarter to 7.5%, but the average asking lease rate still rose to $18.04 per square foot per year from nearly $16.00 for the same period last year.</span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\">What does this all mean for you and your business? Despite a slumping economy, companies seeking to lease office or industrial may be surprised that landlords are unwilling to do “screaming deals” to get tenants in their buildings. At least for the time being, rental rates remain stable or continue to rise, and commercial landlords have not been overly impacted by the economic slowdown. Of course, this may change in the next few months or as we head in to the New Year.</span><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;\"></span></p>','Guest Blog from Eric Nesbitt, The Nesbitt Group',0,'','inherit','open','open','','118-revision-2','','','2008-12-08 17:33:26','2008-12-08 21:33:26','',118,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=121',0,'revision','',0),(124,1,'2008-12-08 17:45:43','2008-12-08 21:45:43','<img class=\"alignleft\" title=\"Guest Header\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/guest.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"460\" height=\"95\" />\r\n\r\n<strong>Denver’s Commercial Real Estate Market – Better than You Might Think\r\nby Eric Nesbitt, President and CEO - The Nesbitt Group</strong>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Despite the uncertainty and unpredictability of the national economy, Denver’s commercial real estate market continues to remain steady, particularly in the office and industrial sectors. Although many local large companies are holding off on major real estate decisions, Denver’s commercial real estate market continues to perform well compared to other markets in the country, where vacancies are higher and rents are decreasing.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Denver office and industrial properties continued to positive absorption of vacant space in the third quarter, while retail space such as shopping centers and malls had negative absorption. Retail space is more consumer-oriented than other commercial property types and, therefore, more affected by the economy and consumer problems such as housing foreclosures. However, Colorado’s improving housing market should benefit the retail sector. The state’s foreclosure rate has shown significant improvement this year, and many analysts believe the Denver-area housing market is ahead of the national cycle for recovery.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Overall, vacancy rates increased for office, industrial and retail properties, but despite this softening, average rental rates increased for all three property types. Metro Denver office space saw its total vacancy rate, including sublease space, increase to 15% in the third quarter. However, average asking office rental rates inched up to $20.99 per sq. ft. per year in the third quarter from roughly $20.60 from the same period last year. On the industrial side, total third-quarter vacancy increased to 7.4%, which is still relatively healthy. Average asking rates also increased to $6.41per square foot from $6.00 per sq. ft. for the same quarter last year. Finally, the total retail vacancy rate continued to increase in the third quarter to 7.5%, but the average asking lease rate still rose to $18.04 per square foot per year from nearly $16.00 for the same period last year.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">What does this all mean for you and your business? Despite a slumping economy, companies seeking to lease office or industrial may be surprised that landlords are unwilling to do “screaming deals” to get tenants in their buildings. At least for the time being, rental rates remain stable or continue to rise, and commercial landlords have not been overly impacted by the economic slowdown. Of course, this may change in the next few months or as we head in to the New Year.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">For more information on The Nesbitt Group, please click <a title=\"The Nesbitt Group\" href=\"http://www.thenesbittgroup.com\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></p>','',0,'','inherit','open','open','','118-revision-5','','','2008-12-08 17:45:43','2008-12-08 21:45:43','',118,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=124',0,'revision','',0),(125,1,'2008-12-08 17:56:43','2008-12-08 21:56:43','<img class=\"alignleft\" title=\"Guest Header\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/guest.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"460\" height=\"95\" />\r\n\r\n<strong>Denver’s Commercial Real Estate Market –\r\nBetter than You Might Think\r\nby Eric Nesbitt, President and CEO, The Nesbitt Group</strong>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Despite the uncertainty and unpredictability of the national economy, Denver’s commercial real estate market continues to remain steady, particularly in the office and industrial sectors. Although many local large companies are holding off on major real estate decisions, Denver’s commercial real estate market continues to perform well compared to other markets in the country, where vacancies are higher and rents are decreasing.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Denver office and industrial properties continued to positive absorption of vacant space in the third quarter, while retail space such as shopping centers and malls had negative absorption. Retail space is more consumer-oriented than other commercial property types and, therefore, more affected by the economy and consumer problems such as housing foreclosures. However, Colorado’s improving housing market should benefit the retail sector. The state’s foreclosure rate has shown significant improvement this year, and many analysts believe the Denver-area housing market is ahead of the national cycle for recovery.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Overall, vacancy rates increased for office, industrial and retail properties, but despite this softening, average rental rates increased for all three property types. Metro Denver office space saw its total vacancy rate, including sublease space, increase to 15% in the third quarter. However, average asking office rental rates inched up to $20.99 per sq. ft. per year in the third quarter from roughly $20.60 from the same period last year. On the industrial side, total third-quarter vacancy increased to 7.4%, which is still relatively healthy. Average asking rates also increased to $6.41per square foot from $6.00 per sq. ft. for the same quarter last year. Finally, the total retail vacancy rate continued to increase in the third quarter to 7.5%, but the average asking lease rate still rose to $18.04 per square foot per year from nearly $16.00 for the same period last year.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">What does this all mean for you and your business? Despite a slumping economy, companies seeking to lease office or industrial may be surprised that landlords are unwilling to do “screaming deals” to get tenants in their buildings. At least for the time being, rental rates remain stable or continue to rise, and commercial landlords have not been overly impacted by the economic slowdown. Of course, this may change in the next few months or as we head in to the New Year.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">For more information on The Nesbitt Group, please click <a title=\"The Nesbitt Group\" href=\"http://www.thenesbittgroup.com\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></p>','',0,'','inherit','open','open','','118-revision-6','','','2008-12-08 17:56:43','2008-12-08 21:56:43','',118,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=125',0,'revision','',0),(126,1,'2008-12-08 18:04:08','2008-12-08 22:04:08','<img class=\"alignleft\" title=\"Guest Header\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/guest.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"460\" height=\"95\" />\r\n\r\n<strong>Denver’s Commercial Real Estate Market –\r\nBetter than You Might Think\r\nby Eric Nesbitt, President and CEO, The Nesbitt Group</strong>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Despite the uncertainty and unpredictability of the national economy, Denver’s commercial real estate market continues to remain steady, particularly in the office and industrial sectors. Although many local large companies are holding off on major real estate decisions, Denver’s commercial real estate market continues to perform well compared to other markets in the country, where vacancies are higher and rents are decreasing.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Denver office and industrial properties continued to positive absorption of vacant space in the third quarter, while retail space such as shopping centers and malls had negative absorption. Retail space is more consumer-oriented than other commercial property types and, therefore, more affected by the economy and consumer problems such as housing foreclosures. However, Colorado’s improving housing market should benefit the retail sector. The state’s foreclosure rate has shown significant improvement this year, and many analysts believe the Denver-area housing market is ahead of the national cycle for recovery.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Overall, vacancy rates increased for office, industrial and retail properties, but despite this softening, average rental rates increased for all three property types. Metro Denver office space saw its total vacancy rate, including sublease space, increase to 15% in the third quarter. However, average asking office rental rates inched up to $20.99 per sq. ft. per year in the third quarter from roughly $20.60 from the same period last year. On the industrial side, total third-quarter vacancy increased to 7.4%, which is still relatively healthy. Average asking rates also increased to $6.41per square foot from $6.00 per sq. ft. for the same quarter last year. Finally, the total retail vacancy rate continued to increase in the third quarter to 7.5%, but the average asking lease rate still rose to $18.04 per square foot per year from nearly $16.00 for the same period last year.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">What does this all mean for you and your business? Despite a slumping economy, companies seeking to lease office or industrial may be surprised that landlords are unwilling to do “screaming deals” to get tenants in their buildings. At least for the time being, rental rates remain stable or continue to rise, and commercial landlords have not been overly impacted by the economic slowdown. Of course, this may change in the next few months or as we head in to the New Year.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a href=\"http://www.thenesbittgroup.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft\" title=\"Logo\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/nesbittlogo.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"243\" height=\"59\" /></a></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">For more information on The Nesbitt Group, please click <a title=\"The Nesbitt Group\" href=\"http://www.thenesbittgroup.com\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>','',0,'','inherit','open','open','','118-revision-7','','','2008-12-08 18:04:08','2008-12-08 22:04:08','',118,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=126',0,'revision','',0),(127,1,'2008-12-08 18:04:56','2008-12-08 22:04:56','<img class=\"alignleft\" title=\"Guest Header\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/guest.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"460\" height=\"95\" />\r\n\r\n<strong>Denver’s Commercial Real Estate Market –\r\nBetter than You Might Think\r\nby Eric Nesbitt, President and CEO, The Nesbitt Group</strong>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Despite the uncertainty and unpredictability of the national economy, Denver’s commercial real estate market continues to remain steady, particularly in the office and industrial sectors. Although many local large companies are holding off on major real estate decisions, Denver’s commercial real estate market continues to perform well compared to other markets in the country, where vacancies are higher and rents are decreasing.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Denver office and industrial properties continued to positive absorption of vacant space in the third quarter, while retail space such as shopping centers and malls had negative absorption. Retail space is more consumer-oriented than other commercial property types and, therefore, more affected by the economy and consumer problems such as housing foreclosures. However, Colorado’s improving housing market should benefit the retail sector. The state’s foreclosure rate has shown significant improvement this year, and many analysts believe the Denver-area housing market is ahead of the national cycle for recovery.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Overall, vacancy rates increased for office, industrial and retail properties, but despite this softening, average rental rates increased for all three property types. Metro Denver office space saw its total vacancy rate, including sublease space, increase to 15% in the third quarter. However, average asking office rental rates inched up to $20.99 per sq. ft. per year in the third quarter from roughly $20.60 from the same period last year. On the industrial side, total third-quarter vacancy increased to 7.4%, which is still relatively healthy. Average asking rates also increased to $6.41per square foot from $6.00 per sq. ft. for the same quarter last year. Finally, the total retail vacancy rate continued to increase in the third quarter to 7.5%, but the average asking lease rate still rose to $18.04 per square foot per year from nearly $16.00 for the same period last year.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">What does this all mean for you and your business? Despite a slumping economy, companies seeking to lease office or industrial may be surprised that landlords are unwilling to do “screaming deals” to get tenants in their buildings. At least for the time being, rental rates remain stable or continue to rise, and commercial landlords have not been overly impacted by the economic slowdown. Of course, this may change in the next few months or as we head in to the New Year.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a href=\"http://www.thenesbittgroup.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft\" title=\"Logo\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/nesbittlogo.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"243\" height=\"59\" /></a></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">For more information on The Nesbitt Group, please click <a title=\"The Nesbitt Group\" href=\"http://www.thenesbittgroup.com\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>','',0,'','inherit','open','open','','118-revision-8','','','2008-12-08 18:04:56','2008-12-08 22:04:56','',118,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=127',0,'revision','',0),(128,1,'2008-12-08 18:05:44','2008-12-08 22:05:44','<img class=\"alignleft\" title=\"Guest Header\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/guest.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"460\" height=\"95\" />\r\n\r\n<strong>Denver’s Commercial Real Estate Market –\r\nBetter than You Might Think\r\nby Eric Nesbitt, President and CEO, The Nesbitt Group</strong>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Despite the uncertainty and unpredictability of the national economy, Denver’s commercial real estate market continues to remain steady, particularly in the office and industrial sectors. Although many local large companies are holding off on major real estate decisions, Denver’s commercial real estate market continues to perform well compared to other markets in the country, where vacancies are higher and rents are decreasing.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Denver office and industrial properties continued to positive absorption of vacant space in the third quarter, while retail space such as shopping centers and malls had negative absorption. Retail space is more consumer-oriented than other commercial property types and, therefore, more affected by the economy and consumer problems such as housing foreclosures. However, Colorado’s improving housing market should benefit the retail sector. The state’s foreclosure rate has shown significant improvement this year, and many analysts believe the Denver-area housing market is ahead of the national cycle for recovery.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Overall, vacancy rates increased for office, industrial and retail properties, but despite this softening, average rental rates increased for all three property types. Metro Denver office space saw its total vacancy rate, including sublease space, increase to 15% in the third quarter. However, average asking office rental rates inched up to $20.99 per sq. ft. per year in the third quarter from roughly $20.60 from the same period last year. On the industrial side, total third-quarter vacancy increased to 7.4%, which is still relatively healthy. Average asking rates also increased to $6.41per square foot from $6.00 per sq. ft. for the same quarter last year. Finally, the total retail vacancy rate continued to increase in the third quarter to 7.5%, but the average asking lease rate still rose to $18.04 per square foot per year from nearly $16.00 for the same period last year.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">What does this all mean for you and your business? Despite a slumping economy, companies seeking to lease office or industrial may be surprised that landlords are unwilling to do “screaming deals” to get tenants in their buildings. At least for the time being, rental rates remain stable or continue to rise, and commercial landlords have not been overly impacted by the economic slowdown. Of course, this may change in the next few months or as we head in to the New Year.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a href=\"http://www.thenesbittgroup.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft\" title=\"Logo\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/nesbittlogo.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"243\" height=\"59\" /></a></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">For more information on The Nesbitt Group, please click <a title=\"The Nesbitt Group\" href=\"http://www.thenesbittgroup.com\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>','',0,'','inherit','open','open','','118-revision-9','','','2008-12-08 18:05:44','2008-12-08 22:05:44','',118,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=128',0,'revision','',0),(131,1,'2008-12-08 18:12:02','2008-12-08 22:12:02','<strong>Denver’s Commercial Real Estate Market –\r\nBetter than You Might Think\r\nby Eric Nesbitt, President and CEO, The Nesbitt Group</strong>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Despite the uncertainty and unpredictability of the national economy, Denver’s commercial real estate market continues to remain steady, particularly in the office and industrial sectors. Although many local large companies are holding off on major real estate decisions, Denver’s commercial real estate market continues to perform well compared to other markets in the country, where vacancies are higher and rents are decreasing.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Denver office and industrial properties continued to positive absorption of vacant space in the third quarter, while retail space such as shopping centers and malls had negative absorption. Retail space is more consumer-oriented than other commercial property types and, therefore, more affected by the economy and consumer problems such as housing foreclosures. However, Colorado’s improving housing market should benefit the retail sector. The state’s foreclosure rate has shown significant improvement this year, and many analysts believe the Denver-area housing market is ahead of the national cycle for recovery.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Overall, vacancy rates increased for office, industrial and retail properties, but despite this softening, average rental rates increased for all three property types. Metro Denver office space saw its total vacancy rate, including sublease space, increase to 15% in the third quarter. However, average asking office rental rates inched up to $20.99 per sq. ft. per year in the third quarter from roughly $20.60 from the same period last year. On the industrial side, total third-quarter vacancy increased to 7.4%, which is still relatively healthy. Average asking rates also increased to $6.41per square foot from $6.00 per sq. ft. for the same quarter last year. Finally, the total retail vacancy rate continued to increase in the third quarter to 7.5%, but the average asking lease rate still rose to $18.04 per square foot per year from nearly $16.00 for the same period last year.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">What does this all mean for you and your business? Despite a slumping economy, companies seeking to lease office or industrial may be surprised that landlords are unwilling to do “screaming deals” to get tenants in their buildings. At least for the time being, rental rates remain stable or continue to rise, and commercial landlords have not been overly impacted by the economic slowdown. Of course, this may change in the next few months or as we head in to the New Year.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a href=\"http://www.thenesbittgroup.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft\" title=\"Logo\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/nesbittlogo.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"243\" height=\"59\" /></a></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">For more information on The Nesbitt Group, please click <a title=\"The Nesbitt Group\" href=\"http://www.thenesbittgroup.com\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>','<img src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/guest.jpg\" alt=\"Guest Blog\" width=\"460\" height=\"95\" />',0,'','inherit','open','open','','118-revision-12','','','2008-12-08 18:12:02','2008-12-08 22:12:02','',118,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=131',0,'revision','',0),(129,1,'2008-12-08 18:10:05','2008-12-08 22:10:05','<img class=\"alignleft\" title=\"Guest Header\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/guest.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"460\" height=\"95\" />\r\n\r\n<strong>Denver’s Commercial Real Estate Market –\r\nBetter than You Might Think\r\nby Eric Nesbitt, President and CEO, The Nesbitt Group</strong>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Despite the uncertainty and unpredictability of the national economy, Denver’s commercial real estate market continues to remain steady, particularly in the office and industrial sectors. Although many local large companies are holding off on major real estate decisions, Denver’s commercial real estate market continues to perform well compared to other markets in the country, where vacancies are higher and rents are decreasing.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Denver office and industrial properties continued to positive absorption of vacant space in the third quarter, while retail space such as shopping centers and malls had negative absorption. Retail space is more consumer-oriented than other commercial property types and, therefore, more affected by the economy and consumer problems such as housing foreclosures. However, Colorado’s improving housing market should benefit the retail sector. The state’s foreclosure rate has shown significant improvement this year, and many analysts believe the Denver-area housing market is ahead of the national cycle for recovery.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Overall, vacancy rates increased for office, industrial and retail properties, but despite this softening, average rental rates increased for all three property types. Metro Denver office space saw its total vacancy rate, including sublease space, increase to 15% in the third quarter. However, average asking office rental rates inched up to $20.99 per sq. ft. per year in the third quarter from roughly $20.60 from the same period last year. On the industrial side, total third-quarter vacancy increased to 7.4%, which is still relatively healthy. Average asking rates also increased to $6.41per square foot from $6.00 per sq. ft. for the same quarter last year. Finally, the total retail vacancy rate continued to increase in the third quarter to 7.5%, but the average asking lease rate still rose to $18.04 per square foot per year from nearly $16.00 for the same period last year.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">What does this all mean for you and your business? Despite a slumping economy, companies seeking to lease office or industrial may be surprised that landlords are unwilling to do “screaming deals” to get tenants in their buildings. At least for the time being, rental rates remain stable or continue to rise, and commercial landlords have not been overly impacted by the economic slowdown. Of course, this may change in the next few months or as we head in to the New Year.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a href=\"http://www.thenesbittgroup.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft\" title=\"Logo\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/nesbittlogo.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"243\" height=\"59\" /></a></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">For more information on The Nesbitt Group, please click <a title=\"The Nesbitt Group\" href=\"http://www.thenesbittgroup.com\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>','Guest Blog by Eric Nesbitt',0,'','inherit','open','open','','118-revision-10','','','2008-12-08 18:10:05','2008-12-08 22:10:05','',118,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=129',0,'revision','',0),(130,1,'2008-12-08 18:11:29','2008-12-08 22:11:29','<img class=\"alignleft\" title=\"Guest Header\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/guest.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"460\" height=\"95\" />\r\n\r\n<strong>Denver’s Commercial Real Estate Market –\r\nBetter than You Might Think\r\nby Eric Nesbitt, President and CEO, The Nesbitt Group</strong>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Despite the uncertainty and unpredictability of the national economy, Denver’s commercial real estate market continues to remain steady, particularly in the office and industrial sectors. Although many local large companies are holding off on major real estate decisions, Denver’s commercial real estate market continues to perform well compared to other markets in the country, where vacancies are higher and rents are decreasing.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Denver office and industrial properties continued to positive absorption of vacant space in the third quarter, while retail space such as shopping centers and malls had negative absorption. Retail space is more consumer-oriented than other commercial property types and, therefore, more affected by the economy and consumer problems such as housing foreclosures. However, Colorado’s improving housing market should benefit the retail sector. The state’s foreclosure rate has shown significant improvement this year, and many analysts believe the Denver-area housing market is ahead of the national cycle for recovery.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Overall, vacancy rates increased for office, industrial and retail properties, but despite this softening, average rental rates increased for all three property types. Metro Denver office space saw its total vacancy rate, including sublease space, increase to 15% in the third quarter. However, average asking office rental rates inched up to $20.99 per sq. ft. per year in the third quarter from roughly $20.60 from the same period last year. On the industrial side, total third-quarter vacancy increased to 7.4%, which is still relatively healthy. Average asking rates also increased to $6.41per square foot from $6.00 per sq. ft. for the same quarter last year. Finally, the total retail vacancy rate continued to increase in the third quarter to 7.5%, but the average asking lease rate still rose to $18.04 per square foot per year from nearly $16.00 for the same period last year.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">What does this all mean for you and your business? Despite a slumping economy, companies seeking to lease office or industrial may be surprised that landlords are unwilling to do “screaming deals” to get tenants in their buildings. At least for the time being, rental rates remain stable or continue to rise, and commercial landlords have not been overly impacted by the economic slowdown. Of course, this may change in the next few months or as we head in to the New Year.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a href=\"http://www.thenesbittgroup.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft\" title=\"Logo\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/nesbittlogo.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"243\" height=\"59\" /></a></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">For more information on The Nesbitt Group, please click <a title=\"The Nesbitt Group\" href=\"http://www.thenesbittgroup.com\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>','<img src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/guest.jpg\" alt=\"Guest Blog\" width=\"460\" height=\"95\" />',0,'','inherit','open','open','','118-revision-11','','','2008-12-08 18:11:29','2008-12-08 22:11:29','',118,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=130',0,'revision','',0),(132,7,'2008-12-12 18:10:44','2008-12-12 22:10:44','It’s true, for a relatively cheap investment anyone can “design” with the same tools as a professional designer. However, there are countless reasons why you should work with a professional designer, such as; quality, dependability, and experience. Designers seem to be a dime a dozen, but there are a few qualities that set good designers apart from the herd.\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>Passion – This is the real weapon of a good designer, it cannot be imitated.  A real designer is passionate about his/her craft; it is not just a job or a career but a lifestyle. Regardless of what you might say, first and foremost a graphic designer is an artist. Artistic intuition cannot be taught, passion cannot be taught; you either have it or you don’t and that is why not everyone can be a designer. Brand Iron is proud to have a passionate design staff that creates passionate work day-in and day-out for our clients.</li>\r\n	<li>Don’t just re-design, but re-align – You may have heard this in the past, “it’s outdated, your website needs to be re-designed.” There is more to it. Not only does it need to be redesigned, but realigned with the brand. Good design transcends technology, trends and must be aligned with your brand; something that I’m sure you’re neighbor’s 9th grader probably is not capable of.</li>\r\n	<li>Evolve – A lot of designers think that they get a degree and they’re set for the rest of their lives. Sorry to break it to you but it doesn’t work like that; the design industry is constantly evolving, the technology is constantly changing and in order to create successful design a designer must be constantly evolve with the industry.  A degree is a good start, but it takes continuous research and learning, determination, attention to detail and hard work to be a successful designer.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nAs a business owner you should not expect anything less than what was mentioned above, and if you are, you are literally gambling with your livelihood. Perception is everything, and your brand needs to be perceived as the best. Quality branding is what Brand Iron does best; we forge brands and drive revenue.\r\n\r\n<em>Written by Andrew Hoffman\r\n</em>','My Neighbor’s son has Photoshop…we just have him design our stuff',0,'','publish','open','open','','my-neighbor%e2%80%99s-son-has-photoshop%e2%80%a6we-just-have-him-design-our-stuff','','','2008-12-12 18:13:28','2008-12-12 22:13:28','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=132',0,'post','',1),(133,1,'2008-12-12 17:57:01','2008-12-12 21:57:01','It’s true, for a relatively cheap investment anyone can “design” with the same tools as a professional designer. However, there are countless reasons why you should work with a professional designer, such as; quality, dependability, and experience. Designers seem to be a dime a dozen, but there are a few qualities that set good designers apart from the herd.\n<ol>\n	<li>Passion – This is the real weapon of a good designer, it cannot be imitated.  A real designer is passionate about his/her craft; it is not just a job or a career but a lifestyle. Regardless of what you might say, first and foremost a graphic designer is an artist. Artistic intuition cannot be taught, passion cannot be taught; you either have it or you don’t and that is why not everyone can be a designer. Brand Iron is proud to have a passionate design staff that creates passionate work day-in and day-out for our clients.</li>\n	<li>Don’t just re-design, but re-align – You may have heard this in the past, “it’s outdated, your website needs to be re-designed.” There is more to it. Not only does it need to be redesigned, but realigned with the brand. Good design transcends technology, trends and must be aligned with your brand; something that I’m sure you’re neighbor’s 9th grader probably is not capable of.</li>\n	<li>Evolve – A lot of designers think that they get a degree and they’re set for the rest of their lives. Sorry to break it to you but it doesn’t work like that; the design industry is constantly evolving, the technology is constantly changing and in order to create successful design a designer must be constantly evolve with the industry.  A degree is a good start, but it takes continuous research and learning, determination, attention to detail and hard work to be a successful designer.</li>\n</ol>\nAs a business owner you should not expect anything less than what was mentioned above, and if you are, you are literally gambling with your livelihood. Perception is everything, and your brand needs to be perceived as the best. Quality branding is what Brand Iron does best; we forge brands and drive revenue.','My Neighbor’s son has Photoshop…we just have him design our stuff',0,'','inherit','open','open','','132-revision','','','2008-12-12 17:57:01','2008-12-12 21:57:01','',132,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=133',0,'revision','',0),(134,1,'2008-12-12 18:10:44','2008-12-12 22:10:44','It’s true, for a relatively cheap investment anyone can “design” with the same tools as a professional designer. However, there are countless reasons why you should work with a professional designer, such as; quality, dependability, and experience. Designers seem to be a dime a dozen, but there are a few qualities that set good designers apart from the herd.\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>Passion – This is the real weapon of a good designer, it cannot be imitated.  A real designer is passionate about his/her craft; it is not just a job or a career but a lifestyle. Regardless of what you might say, first and foremost a graphic designer is an artist. Artistic intuition cannot be taught, passion cannot be taught; you either have it or you don’t and that is why not everyone can be a designer. Brand Iron is proud to have a passionate design staff that creates passionate work day-in and day-out for our clients.</li>\r\n	<li>Don’t just re-design, but re-align – You may have heard this in the past, “it’s outdated, your website needs to be re-designed.” There is more to it. Not only does it need to be redesigned, but realigned with the brand. Good design transcends technology, trends and must be aligned with your brand; something that I’m sure you’re neighbor’s 9th grader probably is not capable of.</li>\r\n	<li>Evolve – A lot of designers think that they get a degree and they’re set for the rest of their lives. Sorry to break it to you but it doesn’t work like that; the design industry is constantly evolving, the technology is constantly changing and in order to create successful design a designer must be constantly evolve with the industry.  A degree is a good start, but it takes continuous research and learning, determination, attention to detail and hard work to be a successful designer.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nAs a business owner you should not expect anything less than what was mentioned above, and if you are, you are literally gambling with your livelihood. Perception is everything, and your brand needs to be perceived as the best. Quality branding is what Brand Iron does best; we forge brands and drive revenue.','My Neighbor’s son has Photoshop…we just have him design our stuff',0,'','inherit','open','open','','132-revision-2','','','2008-12-12 18:10:44','2008-12-12 22:10:44','',132,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=134',0,'revision','',0),(135,7,'2008-12-18 18:29:22','2008-12-18 22:29:22','Brand Iron is proud to report that our client, Gene Gioia of Gioia Gaming Systems, has been nominated in the category of \"Innovator of the Year\" - in the <a href=\"http://pokereuropa.net/content.php?id=18\">European Poker Awards</a>.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignleft\" src=\"http://lh5.ggpht.com/_r5Cc5VYffnw/SUrJZz0T_PI/AAAAAAAACk4/0OXStyEXVWA/s400/gene.png\" alt=\"\" padding=\"5\"/></a>\r\n\r\nGene Gioia has turned his life-long passion for poker into the development of system that uses real cards and a real deal in an online poker room. Players can trust the system because it deals hands based on the automatic shuffling of real cards - and NOT random number generators. His development comes at a time when the industry needs it most. There have been a couple high-profile accounts of cheating and insider manipulation in the industry - and the Gioia Gaming System will revolutionize the way online poker is played - and will dramatically increase the level of trust from players. With the Gioia Gaming System, players can also call for an audit of any questionable game and will receive verification that the game was fair.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/syyWNiEI95SGjnaLmnXorQ\">\r\n</a>\r\n\r\nCongratulations Gene, and good luck at the awards.\r\n\r\nThe award ceremony will be held during the annual Euro Final of Poker - in mid-January.\r\n\r\nFor more information on Gioia Systems, <a href=\"http://www.gioiasystems.com\">visit their website</a>.\r\n\r\nGene Gioia and the Gioia Gaming Systems were also recently featured in <em>The Denver Business Journal</em>, <a href=\"http://denver.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2008/09/15/smallb1.html\">click here to see the article</a>.','European Poker Awards nominates Gene Gioia as Innovator of the Year',0,'','publish','open','open','','european-poker-awards-nominates-gene-gioia-as-innovator-of-the-year','','','2008-12-18 18:33:29','2008-12-18 22:33:29','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=135',0,'post','',2),(136,1,'2008-12-18 18:28:33','2008-12-18 22:28:33','Brand Iron is proud to report that our client, Gene Gioia of Gioia Gaming Systems, has been nominated in the category of \"Innovator of the Year\" - in the <a href=\"http://pokereuropa.net/content.php?id=18\">European Poker Awards</a>.\n\n<a href=\"http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/syyWNiEI95SGjnaLmnXorQ\"><img class=\"alignleft\" src=\"http://lh5.ggpht.com/_r5Cc5VYffnw/SUrJZz0T_PI/AAAAAAAACk4/0OXStyEXVWA/s400/gene.png\" alt=\"\" padding=\"5\"/></a>\n\nGene Gioia has turned his life-long passion for poker into the development of system that uses real cards and a real deal in an online poker room. Players can trust the system because it deals hands based on the automatic shuffling of real cards - and NOT random number generators. His development comes at a time when the industry needs it most. There have been a couple high-profile accounts of cheating and insider manipulation in the industry - and the Gioia Gaming System will revolutionize the way online poker is played - and will dramatically increase the level of trust from players. With the Gioia Gaming System, players can also call for an audit of any questionable game and will receive verification that the game was fair.\n\n<a href=\"http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/syyWNiEI95SGjnaLmnXorQ\">\n</a>\n\nCongratulations Gene, and good luck at the awards.\n\nThe award ceremony will be held during the annual Euro Final of Poker - in mid-January.\n\nFor more information on Gioia Systems, <a href=\"http://www.gioiasystems.com\">visit their website</a>.\n\nGene Gioia and the Gioia Gaming Systems were also recently featured in <em>The Denver Business Journal</em>, <a href=\"http://denver.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2008/09/15/smallb1.html\">click here to see the article</a>.','European Poker Awards nominates Gene Gioia as Innovator of the Year',0,'','inherit','open','open','','135-revision','','','2008-12-18 18:28:33','2008-12-18 22:28:33','',135,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=136',0,'revision','',0),(139,1,'2008-12-18 18:33:02','2008-12-18 22:33:02','Brand Iron is proud to report that our client, Gene Gioia of Gioia Gaming Systems, has been nominated in the category of \"Innovator of the Year\" - in the <a href=\"http://pokereuropa.net/content.php?id=18\">European Poker Awards</a>.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignleft\" src=\"http://lh5.ggpht.com/_r5Cc5VYffnw/SUrJZz0T_PI/AAAAAAAACk4/0OXStyEXVWA/s400/gene.png\" alt=\"\" padding=\"5\"/></a>\r\n\r\nGene Gioia has turned his life-long passion for poker into the development of system that uses real cards and a real deal in an online poker room. Players can trust the system because it deals hands based on the automatic shuffling of real cards - and NOT random number generators. His development comes at a time when the industry needs it most. There have been a couple high-profile accounts of cheating and insider manipulation in the industry - and the Gioia Gaming System will revolutionize the way online poker is played - and will dramatically increase the level of trust from players. With the Gioia Gaming System, players can also call for an audit of any questionable game and will receive verification that the game was fair.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/syyWNiEI95SGjnaLmnXorQ\">\r\n</a>\r\n\r\nCongratulations Gene, and good luck at the awards.\r\n\r\nThe award ceremony will be held during the annual Euro Final of Poker - in mid-January.\r\n\r\nFor more information on Gioia Systems, <a href=\"http://www.gioiasystems.com\">visit their website</a>.\r\n\r\nGene Gioia and the Gioia Gaming Systems were also recently featured in <em>The Denver Business Journal</em>, <a href=\"http://denver.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2008/09/15/smallb1.html\">click here to see the article</a>.','European Poker Awards nominates Gene Gioia as Innovator of the Year',0,'','inherit','open','open','','135-revision-3','','','2008-12-18 18:33:02','2008-12-18 22:33:02','',135,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=139',0,'revision','',0),(137,1,'2008-12-18 18:32:03','2008-12-18 22:32:03','Brand Iron is proud to report that our client, Gene Gioia of Gioia Gaming Systems, has been nominated in the category of \"Innovator of the Year\" - in the <a href=\"http://pokereuropa.net/content.php?id=18\">European Poker Awards</a>.\n\n<img class=\"alignleft\" src=\"http://lh5.ggpht.com/_r5Cc5VYffnw/SUrJZz0T_PI/AAAAAAAACk4/0OXStyEXVWA/s400/gene.png\" alt=\"\" padding=\"5\"/></a>\n\nGene Gioia has turned his life-long passion for poker into the development of system that uses real cards and a real deal in an online poker room. Players can trust the system because it deals hands based on the automatic shuffling of real cards - and NOT random number generators. His development comes at a time when the industry needs it most. There have been a couple high-profile accounts of cheating and insider manipulation in the industry - and the Gioia Gaming System will revolutionize the way online poker is played - and will dramatically increase the level of trust from players. With the Gioia Gaming System, players can also call for an audit of any questionable game and will receive verification that the game was fair.\n\n<a href=\"http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/syyWNiEI95SGjnaLmnXorQ\">\n</a>\n\nCongratulations Gene, and good luck at the awards.\n\nThe award ceremony will be held during the annual Euro Final of Poker - in mid-January.\n\nFor more information on Gioia Systems, <a href=\"http://www.gioiasystems.com\">visit their website</a>.\n\nGene Gioia and the Gioia Gaming Systems were also recently featured in <em>The Denver Business Journal</em>, <a href=\"http://denver.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2008/09/15/smallb1.html\">click here to see the article</a>.','European Poker Awards nominates Gene Gioia as Innovator of the Year',0,'','inherit','open','open','','135-autosave','','','2008-12-18 18:32:03','2008-12-18 22:32:03','',135,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=137',0,'revision','',0),(138,1,'2008-12-18 18:29:22','2008-12-18 22:29:22','Brand Iron is proud to report that our client, Gene Gioia of Gioia Gaming Systems, has been nominated in the category of \"Innovator of the Year\" - in the <a href=\"http://pokereuropa.net/content.php?id=18\">European Poker Awards</a>.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/syyWNiEI95SGjnaLmnXorQ\"><img class=\"alignleft\" src=\"http://lh5.ggpht.com/_r5Cc5VYffnw/SUrJZz0T_PI/AAAAAAAACk4/0OXStyEXVWA/s400/gene.png\" alt=\"\" padding=\"5\"/></a>\r\n\r\nGene Gioia has turned his life-long passion for poker into the development of system that uses real cards and a real deal in an online poker room. Players can trust the system because it deals hands based on the automatic shuffling of real cards - and NOT random number generators. His development comes at a time when the industry needs it most. There have been a couple high-profile accounts of cheating and insider manipulation in the industry - and the Gioia Gaming System will revolutionize the way online poker is played - and will dramatically increase the level of trust from players. With the Gioia Gaming System, players can also call for an audit of any questionable game and will receive verification that the game was fair.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/syyWNiEI95SGjnaLmnXorQ\">\r\n</a>\r\n\r\nCongratulations Gene, and good luck at the awards.\r\n\r\nThe award ceremony will be held during the annual Euro Final of Poker - in mid-January.\r\n\r\nFor more information on Gioia Systems, <a href=\"http://www.gioiasystems.com\">visit their website</a>.\r\n\r\nGene Gioia and the Gioia Gaming Systems were also recently featured in <em>The Denver Business Journal</em>, <a href=\"http://denver.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2008/09/15/smallb1.html\">click here to see the article</a>.','European Poker Awards nominates Gene Gioia as Innovator of the Year',0,'','inherit','open','open','','135-revision-2','','','2008-12-18 18:29:22','2008-12-18 22:29:22','',135,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=138',0,'revision','',0),(140,7,'2008-12-19 19:05:22','2008-12-19 23:05:22','Hello Everyone!\r\n\r\nMy name is Meghan Herlehy. I started out at Brand Iron in May 2008 as a Graphic Design Intern. I have recently moved out of the intern title to Brand Iron’s new Design &amp; Marketing Coordinator. After working on the ranch for the past 7 months, I have learned the value of Brand Iron and what we do, Forge Brands, Drive Revenue. I am very excited about all of the new marketing projects that are scheduled to begin in 2009.\r\n\r\nHere is a little background on me. As I was growing up, anything creative sparked my interest. I was always painting or drawing on something. I realized my freshman year of college that I could turn my passion into my career. I transferred from Colorado State University to The Art Institute of Colorado and received my Bachelors of Fine Art in Graphic Design in March of 2008.\r\n\r\nI began working for a printing company in Denver while in school. They hired me with no experience and threw me in “the real world” of graphic design and printing. I quickly picked it up and ran with it.\r\n\r\nI enjoy the process that comes with creating new things and collaborating with new people. I travel as much as I can and take inspiration from the different places that I visit. I hope to someday soon make my way to Europe to see more of the world and it\'s fascinating places. Living in Colorado,  I ski and head up into the mountains quite often but a beach vacation would always be my first choice! I\'m kind of a nut about fashion and someday hope to lend my creativity to that industry. There\'s nothing that the right purse and shoes can\'t fix!\r\n\r\nI look forward to taking on new marketing projects with Brand Iron. My interests  go far beyond the design of a marketing piece. I often look for a quality value message and a motivating call to action in marketing materials to further my knowledge and handle on the effects of a great marketing campaign.\r\n\r\nLook for our new materials coming shortly to a mail box or inbox near you!','Brand Iron\'s New Addition to The Ranch',0,'','publish','open','open','','brand-irons-new-addition-to-the-ranch','','','2008-12-19 19:05:22','2008-12-19 23:05:22','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=140',0,'post','',0),(141,1,'2008-12-19 19:04:13','2008-12-19 23:04:13','Hello Everyone!\n\nMy name is Meghan Herlehy. I started out at Brand Iron in May 2008 as a Graphic Design Intern. I have recently moved out of the intern title to Brand Iron’s new Design &amp; Marketing Coordinator. After working on the ranch for the past 7 months, I have learned the value of Brand Iron and what we do, Forge Brands, Drive Revenue. I am very excited about all of the new marketing projects that are scheduled to begin in 2009.\n\nHere is a little background on me. As I was growing up, anything creative sparked my interest. I was always painting or drawing on something. I realized my freshman year of college that I could turn my passion into my career. I transferred from Colorado State University to The Art Institute of Colorado and received my Bachelors of Fine Art in Graphic Design in March of 2008.\n\nI began working for a printing company in Denver while in school. They hired me with no experience and threw me in “the real world” of graphic design and printing. I quickly picked it up and ran with it.\n\nI enjoy the process that comes with creating new things and collaborating with new people. I travel as much as I can and take inspiration from the different places that I visit. I hope to someday soon make my way to Europe to see more of the world and it\'s fascinating places. Living in Colorado,  I ski and head up into the mountains quite often but a beach vacation would always be my first choice! I\'m kind of a nut about fashion and someday hope to lend my creativity to that industry. There\'s nothing that the right purse and shoes can\'t fix!\n\nI look forward to taking on new marketing projects with Brand Iron. My interests  go far beyond the design of a marketing piece. I often look for a quality value message and a motivating call to action in marketing materials to further my knowledge and handle on the effects of a great marketing campaign.\n\nLook for our new materials coming shortly to a mail box or inbox near you!','Brand Iron\'s New Addition to The Ranch',0,'','inherit','open','open','','140-revision','','','2008-12-19 19:04:13','2008-12-19 23:04:13','',140,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=141',0,'revision','',0),(142,3,'2009-01-05 18:44:18','2009-01-05 22:44:18','I think we can all agree that after going through this past year, it is certainly time for a “New Start” for the New Year. We could all use a fresh start for the economy, housing, banking, government and business. As it applies to your business, if you aren’t prepared and proactive to the challenges that are certain to arise, you will be left behind.\r\n\r\nI can’t tell you how many times I have heard recently from our partners, clients, prospects, leads, etc. that people are “just waiting to see what happens”. Unfortunately, most who take this “wait and see approach” end up losing time and results.\r\n\r\nWith things being tight and people and businesses being guarded with resources, it’s a more competitive landscape than ever before. People and companies are struggling and the weak are getting ravaged. Are you positioning yourself and your company to be as competitive as possible? Now is the time to take advantage of the current economic situation and propel yourself to be the leader in your field.\r\n\r\nSince it is the beginning of the New Year, it is time to make a “New Start”.\r\n\r\n<strong>Revenue</strong>\r\nLet’s start the thing that most people and companies are in need of: Revenue. Have you evaluated your lead generation activities? Are you doing enough to fill your pipeline? Are you utilizing online marketing, networking, partnering, calling and mailings to get people to say “yes” to meetings or walking through the doors of your business?\r\n\r\n<strong>Sales</strong>\r\nDo you know what it is going to take to get prospects to convert to clients? Do you know what it is going to take to move them off the dime? Are you asking for the business?\r\n\r\n<strong>Brand Positioning</strong>\r\nDo you have the right message? ...a strong call to action? ... positioning that separates you from the competition? Do you understand not just why you are as good as the competition, but why you are better than the competition? Why should someone purchase you, your product or service over the competition?\r\n\r\nAre you being pro-active and creating enough opportunities for you to reach your goals and objectives? Are you doing enough marketing and sales activities to make the numbers work in your favor?\r\n\r\nIf you can’t answer “yes” to all of these questions, it is probably time to get off the dime and make the New Year a “New Start” to reaching your goals and objectives. Brand Iron can help you develop proactive goals for 2009 and a roadmap of what it is going to take to get you there.\r\n\r\nIt’s time to get started and map out a plan to succeed in this New Year.\r\n\r\n<em>Written by Michael Doyle, Brand Iron President</em>','\"New Start\"',0,'','publish','open','open','','new-start','','','2009-02-16 17:52:34','2009-02-16 21:52:34','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=142',0,'post','',0),(143,1,'2009-01-05 18:38:28','2009-01-05 22:38:28','I think we can all agree that after going through this past year, it is certainly time for a “New Start” for the New Year. We could all use a fresh start for the economy, housing, banking, government and business. As it applies to your business, if you aren’t prepared and proactive to the challenges that are certain to arise, you will be left behind.\n\nI can’t tell you how many times I have heard recently from our partners, clients, prospects, leads, etc. that people are “just waiting to see what happens”. Unfortunately, most who take this “wait and see approach” end up losing time and results.\n\nWith things being tight and people and businesses being guarded with resources, it’s a more competitive landscape than ever before. People and companies are struggling and the weak are getting ravaged. Are you positioning yourself and your company to be as competitive as possible? Now is the time to take advantage of the current economic situation and propel yourself to be the leader in your field.\n\nSince it is the beginning of the New Year, it is time to make a “New Start”.\n\n<strong>Revenue</strong>\nLet’s start the thing that most people and companies are in need of: Revenue. Have you evaluated your lead generation activities? Are you doing enough to fill your pipeline? Are you utilizing online marketing, networking, partnering, calling and mailings to get people to say “yes” to meetings or walking through the doors of your business?\n\n<strong>Sales</strong>\nDo you know what it is going to take to get prospects to convert to clients? Do you know what it is going to take to move them off the dime? Are you asking for the business?\n\n<strong>Brand Positioning</strong>\nDo you have the right message? ...a strong call to action? ... positioning that separates you from the competition? Do you understand not just why you are as good as the competition, but why you are better than the competition? Why should someone purchase you, your product or service over the competition?\n\nAre you being pro-active and creating enough opportunities for you to reach your goals and objectives? Are you doing enough marketing and sales activities to make the numbers work in your favor?\n\nIf you can’t answer “yes” to all of these questions, it is probably time to get off the dime and make the New Year a “New Start” to reaching your goals and objectives. Brand Iron can help you develop proactive goals for 2009 and a roadmap of what it is going to take to get you there.\n\nIt’s time to get started and map out a plan to succeed in this New Year.\n\n<em>Written by Michael Doyle, Brand Iron President</em>','\"New Start\"',0,'','inherit','open','open','','142-revision','','','2009-01-05 18:38:28','2009-01-05 22:38:28','',142,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=143',0,'revision','',0),(144,1,'2009-01-05 18:43:23','2009-01-05 22:43:23','I think we can all agree that after going through this past year, it is certainly time for a “New Start” for the New Year. We could all use a fresh start for the economy, housing, banking, government and business. As it applies to your business, if you aren’t prepared and proactive to the challenges that are certain to arise, you will be left behind.\r\n\r\nI can’t tell you how many times I have heard recently from our partners, clients, prospects, leads, etc. that people are “just waiting to see what happens”. Unfortunately, most who take this “wait and see approach” end up losing time and results.\r\n\r\nWith things being tight and people and businesses being guarded with resources, it’s a more competitive landscape than ever before. People and companies are struggling and the weak are getting ravaged. Are you positioning yourself and your company to be as competitive as possible? Now is the time to take advantage of the current economic situation and propel yourself to be the leader in your field.\r\n\r\nSince it is the beginning of the New Year, it is time to make a “New Start”.\r\n\r\n<strong>Revenue</strong>\r\nLet’s start the thing that most people and companies are in need of: Revenue. Have you evaluated your lead generation activities? Are you doing enough to fill your pipeline? Are you utilizing online marketing, networking, partnering, calling and mailings to get people to say “yes” to meetings or walking through the doors of your business?\r\n\r\n<strong>Sales</strong>\r\nDo you know what it is going to take to get prospects to convert to clients? Do you know what it is going to take to move them off the dime? Are you asking for the business?\r\n\r\n<strong>Brand Positioning</strong>\r\nDo you have the right message? ...a strong call to action? ... positioning that separates you from the competition? Do you understand not just why you are as good as the competition, but why you are better than the competition? Why should someone purchase you, your product or service over the competition?\r\n\r\nAre you being pro-active and creating enough opportunities for you to reach your goals and objectives? Are you doing enough marketing and sales activities to make the numbers work in your favor?\r\n\r\nIf you can’t answer “yes” to all of these questions, it is probably time to get off the dime and make the New Year a “New Start” to reaching your goals and objectives. Brand Iron can help you develop proactive goals for 2009 and a roadmap of what it is going to take to get you there.\r\n\r\nIt’s time to get started and map out a plan to succeed in this New Year.\r\n\r\n<em>Written by Michael Doyle, Brand Iron President</em>','\"New Start\"',0,'','inherit','open','open','','142-revision-2','','','2009-01-05 18:43:23','2009-01-05 22:43:23','',142,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=144',0,'revision','',0),(145,4,'2009-01-15 18:31:11','2009-01-15 22:31:11','Who better to recruit future students to an entrepreneurship and leadership-focused charter high school situated in the heart of Denver than the school’s students themselves?\r\n\r\nBrand Iron has teamed up with Denver Venture School, a first-year public charter school that embraces entrepreneurship and leadership. They have challenged its current student body to design and execute a recruiting plan to attract students for the 2009-10 school year.  Teams, or what they call “crews,” made up of 12-15 students will compete against one another in an attempt to bring in the largest number of new student applications.\r\n\r\n“We want to have our current scholars be the voice of recruitment,” said DVS Head of School, Ami Desai.  “We have a bright and energetic group of scholars who are best suited to encourage other scholars to attend our school.”\r\n\r\nThe cool part is that the students must take the very entrepreneurial and (business-like) approach of submitting a written recruitment/marketing plan outlining various strategies and tactics, then work together to execute the plan and sign up students. The crews producing the most applications will win an assortment of prizes including Colorado Rockies baseball tickets, iPods and gift certificates. Michael Doyle is currently working with the DVS students and faculty to implement this challenge.\r\n\r\nThe school’s mission statement is “to enable a diverse group of students to achieve academic, social, and career success by offering a relevant, project-based, entrepreneurship and leadership focused curriculum in a small public school environment.”\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/dvs.JPG\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" />\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/dvs2.JPG\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" />\r\n\r\nThey hope to generate at least 160 applications for next year’s freshman class of 120 and at least 80 applications for the 40 available spots for next year’s sophomore class.\r\n\r\nDenver Venture School is public charter school that opened in August 2008 and is free to attend and open to all students in the metro Denver area. By 2011 DVS expects to serve approximately 400 students in grades 9 through 12.\r\n\r\nBrand Iron is working with Denver Venture School on a pro bono basis.\r\n\r\n<em>\r\nWritten by Jim Miller</em>','Denver Venture School Kicks-Off Student Recruiting Challenge',0,'','publish','open','open','','denver-venture-school-kicks-off-student-recruiting-challenge','','','2009-01-15 18:31:11','2009-01-15 22:31:11','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=145',0,'post','',1),(146,1,'2009-01-15 18:25:07','2009-01-15 22:25:07','Who better to recruit future students to an entrepreneurship and leadership-focused charter high school situated in the heart of Denver than the school’s students themselves?\n\nBrand Iron has teamed up with Denver Venture School, a first-year public charter school that embraces entrepreneurship and leadership. They have challenged its current student body to design and execute a recruiting plan to attract students for the 2009-10 school year.  Teams, or what they call “crews,” made up of 12-15 students will compete against one another in an attempt to bring in the largest number of new student applications.\n\n“We want to have our current scholars be the voice of recruitment,” said DVS Head of School, Ami Desai.  “We have a bright and energetic group of scholars who are best suited to encourage other scholars to attend our school.”\n\nThe cool part is that the students must take the very entrepreneurial and (business-like) approach of submitting a written recruitment/marketing plan outlining various strategies and tactics, then work together to execute the plan and sign up students. The crews producing the most applications will win an assortment of prizes including Colorado Rockies baseball tickets, iPods and gift certificates. Michael Doyle is currently working with the DVS students and faculty to implement this challenge.\n\nThe school’s mission statement is “to enable a diverse group of students to achieve academic, social, and career success by offering a relevant, project-based, entrepreneurship and leadership focused curriculum in a small public school environment.”\n\n<img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/dvs.JPG\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" />\n\n<img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/dvs2.JPG\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" />\n\nThey hope to generate at least 160 applications for next year’s freshman class of 120 and at least 80 applications for the 40 available spots for next year’s sophomore class.\n\nDenver Venture School is public charter school that opened in August 2008 and is free to attend and open to all students in the metro Denver area. By 2011 DVS expects to serve approximately 400 students in grades 9 through 12.\n\nBrand Iron is working with Denver Venture School on a pro bono basis.','Denver Venture School Kicks-Off Student Recruiting Challenge',0,'','inherit','open','open','','145-revision','','','2009-01-15 18:25:07','2009-01-15 22:25:07','',145,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=146',0,'revision','',0),(147,1,'2009-01-15 18:30:45','2009-01-15 22:30:45','Who better to recruit future students to an entrepreneurship and leadership-focused charter high school situated in the heart of Denver than the school’s students themselves?\r\n\r\nBrand Iron has teamed up with Denver Venture School, a first-year public charter school that embraces entrepreneurship and leadership. They have challenged its current student body to design and execute a recruiting plan to attract students for the 2009-10 school year.  Teams, or what they call “crews,” made up of 12-15 students will compete against one another in an attempt to bring in the largest number of new student applications.\r\n\r\n“We want to have our current scholars be the voice of recruitment,” said DVS Head of School, Ami Desai.  “We have a bright and energetic group of scholars who are best suited to encourage other scholars to attend our school.”\r\n\r\nThe cool part is that the students must take the very entrepreneurial and (business-like) approach of submitting a written recruitment/marketing plan outlining various strategies and tactics, then work together to execute the plan and sign up students. The crews producing the most applications will win an assortment of prizes including Colorado Rockies baseball tickets, iPods and gift certificates. Michael Doyle is currently working with the DVS students and faculty to implement this challenge.\r\n\r\nThe school’s mission statement is “to enable a diverse group of students to achieve academic, social, and career success by offering a relevant, project-based, entrepreneurship and leadership focused curriculum in a small public school environment.”\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/dvs.JPG\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" />\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/dvs2.JPG\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" />\r\n\r\nThey hope to generate at least 160 applications for next year’s freshman class of 120 and at least 80 applications for the 40 available spots for next year’s sophomore class.\r\n\r\nDenver Venture School is public charter school that opened in August 2008 and is free to attend and open to all students in the metro Denver area. By 2011 DVS expects to serve approximately 400 students in grades 9 through 12.\r\n\r\nBrand Iron is working with Denver Venture School on a pro bono basis.\r\n\r\n<em>\r\nWritten by Jim Miller</em>','Denver Venture School Kicks-Off Student Recruiting Challenge',0,'','inherit','open','open','','145-revision-2','','','2009-01-15 18:30:45','2009-01-15 22:30:45','',145,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=147',0,'revision','',0),(148,8,'2009-01-20 14:01:47','2009-01-20 18:01:47','<p class=\"MsoNormal\">Every year millions of people watch the Super Bowl not for the game being played but for the commercials. I would imagine more people can tell you about their favorite commercial than who actually played on the game last year. Even if they commercials are bad people are talking about them.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">These ads are so expensive. A 30-second ad on NBC will be $3 million dollars this year. This is one of the largest increases from year to year. Last year a 30-second spot was 2.7 million. <span> </span>The 2009 cost is double than the usual annual cost increase.</p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">This is my favorite 5.4 million dollar ad from last year.</p>\r\n\r\n<object classid=\"clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000\" width=\"425\" height=\"344\" codebase=\"http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0\"><param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\" /><param name=\"allowscriptaccess\" value=\"always\" /><param name=\"src\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/KxoOUKgOWQE&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"344\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/KxoOUKgOWQE&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" allowfullscreen=\"true\"></embed></object>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">Another I liked from last year was the Audi R8 commercial that mimicked the famous horse head scene from the Godfather. Actually Audi did a decent job pulling off that scene. I think it was a pretty good ad.</p>\r\n\r\n<object classid=\"clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000\" width=\"425\" height=\"344\" codebase=\"http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0\"><param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\" /><param name=\"allowscriptaccess\" value=\"always\" /><param name=\"src\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/2xd0Tw9wOB4&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"344\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/2xd0Tw9wOB4&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" allowfullscreen=\"true\"></embed></object>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">Here is the original scene of Jack Woltz’s bed from the Godfather.(Note: no animals were hurt in making this scene).</p>\r\n\r\n<object classid=\"clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000\" width=\"425\" height=\"344\" codebase=\"http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0\"><param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\" /><param name=\"allowscriptaccess\" value=\"always\" /><param name=\"src\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/g88asCqfSgg&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"344\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/g88asCqfSgg&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" allowfullscreen=\"true\"></embed></object>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"&lt;object width=\\&quot;425\\&quot; height=\\&quot;344\\&quot;&gt;&lt;param name=\\&quot;movie\\&quot; value=\\&quot;http://www.youtube.com/v/g88asCqfSgg&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1\\&quot;&gt;&lt;/param&gt;&lt;param name=\\&quot;allowFullScreen\\&quot; value=\\&quot;true\\&quot;&gt;&lt;/param&gt;&lt;param name=\\&quot;allowscriptaccess\\&quot; value=\\&quot;always\\&quot;&gt;&lt;/param&gt;&lt;embed src=&quot;\\&quot; mce_src=&quot;\\&quot;&quot;http://www.youtube.com/v/g88asCqfSgg&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1\\&quot; type=\\&quot;application/x-shockwave-flash\\&quot; allowscriptaccess=\\&quot;always\\&quot; allowfullscreen=\\&quot;true\\&quot; width=\\&quot;425\\&quot; height=\\&quot;344\\&quot;&gt;&lt;/embed&gt;&lt;/object&gt;\">\r\n</a>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">Should we be seeing any bank or big three car company ads? If so lets see how well our tax dollars are going to be used this year. I will write a follow-up blog if there are any “Bailout Bowl” Ads.</p>\r\n\r\nWritten by Mike Slife','Super Bowl Ads',0,'','publish','open','open','','super-bowl-ads','','','2009-01-20 14:01:47','2009-01-20 18:01:47','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=148',0,'post','',0),(149,1,'2009-01-20 13:56:50','2009-01-20 17:56:50','<p class=\"MsoNormal\">Every year millions of people watch the Super Bowl not for the game being played but for the commercials. I would imagine more people can tell you about their favorite commercial than who actually played on the game last year. Even if they commercials are bad people are talking about them.</p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">These ads are so expensive. A 30-second ad on NBC will be $3 million dollars this year. This is one of the largest increases from year to year. Last year a 30-second spot was 2.7 million. <span> </span>The 2009 cost is double than the usual annual cost increase.</p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">This is my favorite 5.4 million dollar ad from last year.</p>\n\n<object classid=\"clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000\" width=\"425\" height=\"344\" codebase=\"http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0\"><param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\" /><param name=\"allowscriptaccess\" value=\"always\" /><param name=\"src\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/KxoOUKgOWQE&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"344\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/KxoOUKgOWQE&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" allowfullscreen=\"true\"></embed></object>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">Another I liked from last year was the Audi R8 commercial that mimicked the famous horse head scene from the Godfather. Actually Audi did a decent job pulling off that scene. I think it was a pretty good ad.</p>\n\n<object classid=\"clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000\" width=\"425\" height=\"344\" codebase=\"http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0\"><param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\" /><param name=\"allowscriptaccess\" value=\"always\" /><param name=\"src\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/2xd0Tw9wOB4&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"344\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/2xd0Tw9wOB4&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" allowfullscreen=\"true\"></embed></object>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">Here is the original scene of Jack Woltz’s bed from the Godfather.(Note: no animals were hurt in making this scene).</p>\n\n<object classid=\"clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000\" width=\"425\" height=\"344\" codebase=\"http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0\"><param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\" /><param name=\"allowscriptaccess\" value=\"always\" /><param name=\"src\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/g88asCqfSgg&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"344\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/g88asCqfSgg&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" allowfullscreen=\"true\"></embed></object>\n\n<a href=\"&lt;object width=&quot;425&quot; height=&quot;344&quot;&gt;&lt;param name=&quot;movie&quot; value=&quot;http://www.youtube.com/v/g88asCqfSgg&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&quot;&gt;&lt;/param&gt;&lt;param name=&quot;allowFullScreen&quot; value=&quot;true&quot;&gt;&lt;/param&gt;&lt;param name=&quot;allowscriptaccess&quot; value=&quot;always&quot;&gt;&lt;/param&gt;&lt;embed src=&quot;&quot; mce_src=&quot;&quot;&quot;http://www.youtube.com/v/g88asCqfSgg&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&quot; type=&quot;application/x-shockwave-flash&quot; allowscriptaccess=&quot;always&quot; allowfullscreen=&quot;true&quot; width=&quot;425&quot; height=&quot;344&quot;&gt;&lt;/embed&gt;&lt;/object&gt;\">\n</a>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">Should we be seeing any bank or big three car company ads? If so lets see how well our tax dollars are going to be used this year. I will write a follow-up blog if there are any “Bailout Bowl” Ads.</p>\n\nWritten by Mike Slife','Super Bowl Ads',0,'','inherit','open','open','','148-revision','','','2009-01-20 13:56:50','2009-01-20 17:56:50','',148,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=149',0,'revision','',0),(150,2,'2009-02-02 17:44:12','2009-02-02 21:44:12','I love reviewing Interbrand’s yearly list of the best global brands. I think it paints an accurate picture of what’s going on in the economy, how certain industries are affected, and how and why some companies have continued to thrive despite harsh conditions.\r\n\r\nFirst off, the top 10 brands of 2008 were also the top 10 brands of 2007, with the exception of Google (who jumped from the 20th position to replace Mercedes Benz).\r\n\r\n1.    Coca-Cola\r\n2.    IBM\r\n3.    Microsoft\r\n4.    GE\r\n5.    Nokia\r\n6.    Toyota\r\n7.    intel\r\n8.    McDonald’s\r\n9.    Disney\r\n10.    Google\r\n\r\nThe complete list of the top 100 brands can be found here.\r\n<a href=\"http://www.interbrand.com/best_global_brands.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.interbrand.com/best_global_brands.aspx</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>The credit market affects financial institutions differently</strong>\r\nCiti and Merrill Lynch both fell significantly from 2007 to 2008 (22nd position to 34th position and 11th position to 19th position, respectively). However, Visa’s and American Express’ brand values rose due to their trusted brands. I believe this has a lot to do with how consumers see these companies. For the most part, consumers saw the credit market debacle as a fault of the lending institutions. Credit card companies were able to maintain brand value, not only through continued brand communication, but because of the physical relationship consumers have with their credit cards. What’s in your wallet right now? – Mastercard, Visa or American Express? We love to use credit cards and the convenience they give us.\r\n\r\n<strong>Sustainability leads and valued brands</strong>\r\nCompanies that are on the forefront of sustainable initiatives held strong on Interbrand’s list. Honda was the only car manufacture to report better sales in June 2008, than it did last year. GE and BP increased their brand value over 2007 by investing in sustainable business practices. BP has invested heavily both in internal processes and direct consumer communication.\r\n\r\nCompanies that are delivering green products and sustainable business practices will continue to increase brand value in the future because that is what the market demands.\r\n\r\nThese are the two aspects that caught my eye when reviewing Interbrand’s Top 100 Global Brands.  A couple points small and medium-size businesses we can learn from this are:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Perception is reality. If people have an inaccurate perception of you – you must work to change your brand.  For example, financial institutions like Merrill Lynch need to transcend the “financial lending” market and position themselves to better relate to consumers and to expand their value. Pro-active marketing to address head-on the brand challenges is a great way to fend off negative brand perceptions.</li>\r\n	<li>What is good for the environment is good for your business. Innovative products and citizenship holds great value with consumers.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nNow is the time to re-position your company so that your customers see the value in choosing you. Brand Iron can help you with brand positioning and communicating what you do. You have the power to influence the decisions your customers make. Make sure your brand is putting you in the best light possible and is creating a good and memorable customer experience.\r\n\r\n<em> Written by Josh Barker\r\n</em>','Interbrand’s 2008 List of Best Global Brands Reflect the Challenges and Opportunities for Businesses',0,'','publish','open','open','','interbrand%e2%80%99s-2008-list-of-best-global-brands-reflect-the-challenges','','','2009-02-16 17:52:03','2009-02-16 21:52:03','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=150',0,'post','',0),(151,1,'2009-02-02 17:43:35','2009-02-02 21:43:35','I love reviewing Interbrand’s yearly list of the best global brands. I think it paints an accurate picture of what’s going on in the economy, how certain industries are affected, and how and why some companies have continued to thrive despite harsh conditions.\n\nFirst off, the top 10 brands of 2008 were also the top 10 brands of 2007, with the exception of Google (who jumped from the 20th position to replace Mercedes Benz).\n\n1.    Coca-Cola\n2.    IBM\n3.    Microsoft\n4.    GE\n5.    Nokia\n6.    Toyota\n7.    intel\n8.    McDonald’s\n9.    Disney\n10.    Google\n\nThe complete list of the top 100 brands can be found here.\n<a href=\"http://www.interbrand.com/best_global_brands.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.interbrand.com/best_global_brands.aspx</a>\n\n<strong>The credit market affects financial institutions differently</strong>\nCiti and Merrill Lynch both fell significantly from 2007 to 2008 (22nd position to 34th position and 11th position to 19th position, respectively). However, Visa’s and American Express’ brand values rose due to their trusted brands. I believe this has a lot to do with how consumers see these companies. For the most part, consumers saw the credit market debacle as a fault of the lending institutions. Credit card companies were able to maintain brand value, not only through continued brand communication, but because of the physical relationship consumers have with their credit cards. What’s in your wallet right now? – Mastercard, Visa or American Express? We love to use credit cards and the convenience they give us.\n\n<strong>Sustainability leads and valued brands</strong>\nCompanies that are on the forefront of sustainable initiatives held strong on Interbrand’s list. Honda was the only car manufacture to report better sales in June 2008, than it did last year. GE and BP increased their brand value over 2007 by investing in sustainable business practices. BP has invested heavily both in internal processes and direct consumer communication.\n\nCompanies that are delivering green products and sustainable business practices will continue to increase brand value in the future because that is what the market demands.\n\nThese are the two aspects that caught my eye when reviewing Interbrand’s Top 100 Global Brands.  A couple points small and medium-size businesses we can learn from this are:\n<ul>\n	<li>Perception is reality. If people have an inaccurate perception of you – you must work to change your brand.  For example, financial institutions like Merrill Lynch need to transcend the “financial lending” market and position themselves to better relate to consumers and to expand their value. Pro-active marketing to address head-on the brand challenges is a great way to fend off negative brand perceptions.</li>\n	<li>What is good for the environment is good for your business. Innovative products and citizenship holds great value with consumers.</li>\n</ul>\nNow is the time to re-position your company so that your customers see the value in choosing you. Brand Iron can help you with brand positioning and communicating what you do. You have the power to influence the decisions your customers make. Make sure your brand is putting you in the best light possible and is creating a good and memorable customer experience.\n\n<em> Written by Josh Barker\n</em>','Interbrand’s 2008 List of Best Global Brands Reflect the Challenges',0,'','inherit','open','open','','150-revision','','','2009-02-02 17:43:35','2009-02-02 21:43:35','',150,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=151',0,'revision','',0),(152,1,'2009-02-02 17:43:48','2009-02-02 21:43:48','I love reviewing Interbrand’s yearly list of the best global brands. I think it paints an accurate picture of what’s going on in the economy, how certain industries are affected, and how and why some companies have continued to thrive despite harsh conditions.\r\n\r\nFirst off, the top 10 brands of 2008 were also the top 10 brands of 2007, with the exception of Google (who jumped from the 20th position to replace Mercedes Benz).\r\n\r\n1.    Coca-Cola\r\n2.    IBM\r\n3.    Microsoft\r\n4.    GE\r\n5.    Nokia\r\n6.    Toyota\r\n7.    intel\r\n8.    McDonald’s\r\n9.    Disney\r\n10.    Google\r\n\r\nThe complete list of the top 100 brands can be found here.\r\n<a href=\"http://www.interbrand.com/best_global_brands.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.interbrand.com/best_global_brands.aspx</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>The credit market affects financial institutions differently</strong>\r\nCiti and Merrill Lynch both fell significantly from 2007 to 2008 (22nd position to 34th position and 11th position to 19th position, respectively). However, Visa’s and American Express’ brand values rose due to their trusted brands. I believe this has a lot to do with how consumers see these companies. For the most part, consumers saw the credit market debacle as a fault of the lending institutions. Credit card companies were able to maintain brand value, not only through continued brand communication, but because of the physical relationship consumers have with their credit cards. What’s in your wallet right now? – Mastercard, Visa or American Express? We love to use credit cards and the convenience they give us.\r\n\r\n<strong>Sustainability leads and valued brands</strong>\r\nCompanies that are on the forefront of sustainable initiatives held strong on Interbrand’s list. Honda was the only car manufacture to report better sales in June 2008, than it did last year. GE and BP increased their brand value over 2007 by investing in sustainable business practices. BP has invested heavily both in internal processes and direct consumer communication.\r\n\r\nCompanies that are delivering green products and sustainable business practices will continue to increase brand value in the future because that is what the market demands.\r\n\r\nThese are the two aspects that caught my eye when reviewing Interbrand’s Top 100 Global Brands.  A couple points small and medium-size businesses we can learn from this are:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Perception is reality. If people have an inaccurate perception of you – you must work to change your brand.  For example, financial institutions like Merrill Lynch need to transcend the “financial lending” market and position themselves to better relate to consumers and to expand their value. Pro-active marketing to address head-on the brand challenges is a great way to fend off negative brand perceptions.</li>\r\n	<li>What is good for the environment is good for your business. Innovative products and citizenship holds great value with consumers.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nNow is the time to re-position your company so that your customers see the value in choosing you. Brand Iron can help you with brand positioning and communicating what you do. You have the power to influence the decisions your customers make. Make sure your brand is putting you in the best light possible and is creating a good and memorable customer experience.\r\n\r\n<em> Written by Josh Barker\r\n</em>','Interbrand’s 2008 List of Best Global Brands Reflect the Challenges',0,'','inherit','open','open','','150-revision-2','','','2009-02-02 17:43:48','2009-02-02 21:43:48','',150,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=152',0,'revision','',0),(153,1,'2009-02-02 17:44:12','2009-02-02 21:44:12','I love reviewing Interbrand’s yearly list of the best global brands. I think it paints an accurate picture of what’s going on in the economy, how certain industries are affected, and how and why some companies have continued to thrive despite harsh conditions.\r\n\r\nFirst off, the top 10 brands of 2008 were also the top 10 brands of 2007, with the exception of Google (who jumped from the 20th position to replace Mercedes Benz).\r\n\r\n1.    Coca-Cola\r\n2.    IBM\r\n3.    Microsoft\r\n4.    GE\r\n5.    Nokia\r\n6.    Toyota\r\n7.    intel\r\n8.    McDonald’s\r\n9.    Disney\r\n10.    Google\r\n\r\nThe complete list of the top 100 brands can be found here.\r\n<a href=\"http://www.interbrand.com/best_global_brands.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.interbrand.com/best_global_brands.aspx</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>The credit market affects financial institutions differently</strong>\r\nCiti and Merrill Lynch both fell significantly from 2007 to 2008 (22nd position to 34th position and 11th position to 19th position, respectively). However, Visa’s and American Express’ brand values rose due to their trusted brands. I believe this has a lot to do with how consumers see these companies. For the most part, consumers saw the credit market debacle as a fault of the lending institutions. Credit card companies were able to maintain brand value, not only through continued brand communication, but because of the physical relationship consumers have with their credit cards. What’s in your wallet right now? – Mastercard, Visa or American Express? We love to use credit cards and the convenience they give us.\r\n\r\n<strong>Sustainability leads and valued brands</strong>\r\nCompanies that are on the forefront of sustainable initiatives held strong on Interbrand’s list. Honda was the only car manufacture to report better sales in June 2008, than it did last year. GE and BP increased their brand value over 2007 by investing in sustainable business practices. BP has invested heavily both in internal processes and direct consumer communication.\r\n\r\nCompanies that are delivering green products and sustainable business practices will continue to increase brand value in the future because that is what the market demands.\r\n\r\nThese are the two aspects that caught my eye when reviewing Interbrand’s Top 100 Global Brands.  A couple points small and medium-size businesses we can learn from this are:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Perception is reality. If people have an inaccurate perception of you – you must work to change your brand.  For example, financial institutions like Merrill Lynch need to transcend the “financial lending” market and position themselves to better relate to consumers and to expand their value. Pro-active marketing to address head-on the brand challenges is a great way to fend off negative brand perceptions.</li>\r\n	<li>What is good for the environment is good for your business. Innovative products and citizenship holds great value with consumers.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nNow is the time to re-position your company so that your customers see the value in choosing you. Brand Iron can help you with brand positioning and communicating what you do. You have the power to influence the decisions your customers make. Make sure your brand is putting you in the best light possible and is creating a good and memorable customer experience.\r\n\r\n<em> Written by Josh Barker\r\n</em>','Interbrand’s 2008 List of Best Global Brands Reflect the Challenges',0,'','inherit','open','open','','150-revision-3','','','2009-02-02 17:44:12','2009-02-02 21:44:12','',150,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=153',0,'revision','',0),(154,7,'2009-02-16 17:45:07','2009-02-16 21:45:07','The first thought that comes to mind when you hear the term “Search Engine Optimization” (SEO) or “Search Engine Marketing” (SEM), is improving your website page ranking on search engines such as Google or Yahoo. Actually, page rank is just the tip of the iceberg, SEO encompasses a wide variety of tasks that improve a website’s search engine presence.\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, the famous line from the popular 90s baseball film, <em><strong>Field of Dreams</strong></em>, “If you build it, they will come” does not work when it comes to building a website. You need to define your website goals, which coincide with your business goals, and define how you are going to convert those goals on your website.\r\n\r\nAfter the goals are defined, you need a website that is designed and programmed to be “SEO-friendly.” SEO-friendly sites are W3C web standard complaint, use proper document markup, and separate structure from presentation and behavior (we will go into this in more detail in my next blog entry). Brand Iron’s web development team designs and develops SEO-friendly websites on a daily basis.\r\n\r\nAfter your goals are defined and your site is designed and developed, you need to ask the question, “who is your target market?” The answer to this question is easier than you may think…the individual you want to find your website most frequently is the individual who is searching for you! This sounds obvious, but trust me, more often than not, when people implement SEO they are solely focused on a higher page rank and are neglecting the most important target market, someone who is already looking for their company.\r\n\r\nA 2007 survey by the internet data firm, comScore, found that 60% of consumers use the web as their first tool of reference to search for local businesses and 60% of those searchers make a purchase from the business’ website. A study by AOL and Henley Centre, a UK market research firm, states that 73% of survey respondents use a search engine as an important source of information when considering a product or service. This is a higher percentage than personal recommendations, TV and print media.\r\n\r\n<img src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/web.jpg\" alt=\"\" hspace=\"5\" vspace=\"5\" width=\"142\" height=\"176\" align=\"left\" />\r\nIn order to have a successful online presence, you need a successful SEO/SEM campaign. Brand Iron’s “Web-O-Nanza” program is the perfect solution for your website. We map out your website’s primary and secondary goals, and come up with a solution to convert these goals into revenue via your website. We build SEO-friendly websites that target individuals who want to see your website.\r\n\r\nBrand Iron is known for forging brands and driving revenue, now with our “Web-O-Nanza” program, we drive web traffic that also drives revenue. Contact Brand Iron today and we will “build a website that will make them come.”\r\n\r\n<em>Written By Andrew Hoffman, Design Bandit</em>','“If you build it, they will come” only works on your website when you improve your SEO/SEM Efforts',0,'','publish','open','open','','%e2%80%9cif-you-build-it-they-will-come%e2%80%9d-only-works-on-your-website-when-you-improve-your-seosem-efforts','','','2009-02-16 17:50:15','2009-02-16 21:50:15','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=154',0,'post','',4),(155,1,'2009-02-16 17:43:52','2009-02-16 21:43:52','The first thought that comes to mind when you hear the term “Search Engine Optimization” (SEO) or “Search Engine Marketing” (SEM), is improving your website page ranking on search engines such as Google or Yahoo. Actually, page rank is just the tip of the iceberg, SEO encompasses a wide variety of tasks that improve a website’s search engine presence.\n\nUnfortunately, the famous line from the popular 90s baseball film, Field of Dreams, “If you build it, they will come” does not work when it comes to building a website. You need to define your website goals, which coincide with your business goals, and define how you are going to convert those goals on your website.\n\nAfter the goals are defined, you need a website that is designed and programmed to be “SEO-friendly.” SEO-friendly sites are W3C web standard complaint, use proper document markup, and separate structure from presentation and behavior (we will go into this in more detail in my next blog entry). Brand Iron’s web development team designs and develops SEO-friendly websites on a daily basis.\n\nAfter your goals are defined and your site is designed and developed, you need to ask the question, “who is your target market?” The answer to this question is easier than you may think…the individual you want to find your website most frequently is the individual who is searching for you! This sounds obvious, but trust me, more often than not, when people implement SEO they are solely focused on a higher page rank and are neglecting the most important target market, someone who is already looking for their company.\n\nA 2007 survey by the internet data firm, comScore, found that 60% of consumers use the web as their first tool of reference to search for local businesses and 60% of those searchers make a purchase from the business’ website. A study by AOL and Henley Centre, a UK market research firm, states that 73% of survey respondents use a search engine as an important source of information when considering a product or service. This is a higher percentage than personal recommendations, TV and print media.\n\nIn order to have a successful online presence, you need a successful SEO/SEM campaign. Brand Iron’s “Web-O-Nanza” program is the perfect solution for your website. We map out your website’s primary and secondary goals, and come up with a solution to convert these goals into revenue via your website. We build SEO-friendly websites that target individuals who want to see your website.\n\n<img class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/web.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"142\" height=\"176\" />\n\nBrand Iron is known for forging brands and driving revenue, now with our “Web-O-Nanza” program, we drive web traffic that also drives revenue. Contact Brand Iron today and we will “build a website that will make them come.”\n\n<em>Written By Andrew Hoffman, Design Bandit</em>','“If you build it, they will come” only works on your website when you improve your SEO/SEM Efforts',0,'','inherit','open','open','','154-revision','','','2009-02-16 17:43:52','2009-02-16 21:43:52','',154,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=155',0,'revision','',0),(156,1,'2009-02-16 17:45:05','2009-02-16 21:45:05','The first thought that comes to mind when you hear the term “Search Engine Optimization” (SEO) or “Search Engine Marketing” (SEM), is improving your website page ranking on search engines such as Google or Yahoo. Actually, page rank is just the tip of the iceberg, SEO encompasses a wide variety of tasks that improve a website’s search engine presence.\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, the famous line from the popular 90s baseball film, Field of Dreams, “If you build it, they will come” does not work when it comes to building a website. You need to define your website goals, which coincide with your business goals, and define how you are going to convert those goals on your website.\r\n\r\nAfter the goals are defined, you need a website that is designed and programmed to be “SEO-friendly.” SEO-friendly sites are W3C web standard complaint, use proper document markup, and separate structure from presentation and behavior (we will go into this in more detail in my next blog entry). Brand Iron’s web development team designs and develops SEO-friendly websites on a daily basis.\r\n\r\nAfter your goals are defined and your site is designed and developed, you need to ask the question, “who is your target market?” The answer to this question is easier than you may think…the individual you want to find your website most frequently is the individual who is searching for you! This sounds obvious, but trust me, more often than not, when people implement SEO they are solely focused on a higher page rank and are neglecting the most important target market, someone who is already looking for their company.\r\n\r\nA 2007 survey by the internet data firm, comScore, found that 60% of consumers use the web as their first tool of reference to search for local businesses and 60% of those searchers make a purchase from the business’ website. A study by AOL and Henley Centre, a UK market research firm, states that 73% of survey respondents use a search engine as an important source of information when considering a product or service. This is a higher percentage than personal recommendations, TV and print media.\r\n\r\nIn order to have a successful online presence, you need a successful SEO/SEM campaign. Brand Iron’s “Web-O-Nanza” program is the perfect solution for your website. We map out your website’s primary and secondary goals, and come up with a solution to convert these goals into revenue via your website. We build SEO-friendly websites that target individuals who want to see your website.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/web.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"142\" height=\"176\" />\r\n\r\nBrand Iron is known for forging brands and driving revenue, now with our “Web-O-Nanza” program, we drive web traffic that also drives revenue. Contact Brand Iron today and we will “build a website that will make them come.”\r\n\r\n<em>Written By Andrew Hoffman, Design Bandit</em>','“If you build it, they will come” only works on your website when you improve your SEO/SEM Efforts',0,'','inherit','open','open','','154-revision-2','','','2009-02-16 17:45:05','2009-02-16 21:45:05','',154,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=156',0,'revision','',0),(157,1,'2009-02-16 17:49:52','2009-02-16 21:49:52','The first thought that comes to mind when you hear the term “Search Engine Optimization” (SEO) or “Search Engine Marketing” (SEM), is improving your website page ranking on search engines such as Google or Yahoo. Actually, page rank is just the tip of the iceberg, SEO encompasses a wide variety of tasks that improve a website’s search engine presence.\n\nUnfortunately, the famous line from the popular 90s baseball film, Field of Dreams, “If you build it, they will come” does not work when it comes to building a website. You need to define your website goals, which coincide with your business goals, and define how you are going to convert those goals on your website.\n\nAfter the goals are defined, you need a website that is designed and programmed to be “SEO-friendly.” SEO-friendly sites are W3C web standard complaint, use proper document markup, and separate structure from presentation and behavior (we will go into this in more detail in my next blog entry). Brand Iron’s web development team designs and develops SEO-friendly websites on a daily basis.\n\nAfter your goals are defined and your site is designed and developed, you need to ask the question, “who is your target market?” The answer to this question is easier than you may think…the individual you want to find your website most frequently is the individual who is searching for you! This sounds obvious, but trust me, more often than not, when people implement SEO they are solely focused on a higher page rank and are neglecting the most important target market, someone who is already looking for their company.\n\nA 2007 survey by the internet data firm, comScore, found that 60% of consumers use the web as their first tool of reference to search for local businesses and 60% of those searchers make a purchase from the business’ website. A study by AOL and Henley Centre, a UK market research firm, states that 73% of survey respondents use a search engine as an important source of information when considering a product or service. This is a higher percentage than personal recommendations, TV and print media.\n\nIn order to have a successful online presence, you need a successful SEO/SEM campaign. Brand Iron’s “Web-O-Nanza” program is the perfect solution for your website. We map out your website’s primary and secondary goals, and come up with a solution to convert these goals into revenue via your website. We build SEO-friendly websites that target individuals who want to see your website.\n\nBrand Iron is known for forging brands and driving revenue, now with our “Web-O-Nanza” program, we drive web traffic that also drives revenue. Contact Brand Iron today and we will “build a website that will make them come.”\n\n<em>Written By Andrew Hoffman, Design Bandit</em>','“If you build it, they will come” only works on your website when you improve your SEO/SEM Efforts',0,'','inherit','open','open','','154-autosave','','','2009-02-16 17:49:52','2009-02-16 21:49:52','',154,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=157',0,'revision','',0),(158,1,'2009-02-16 17:45:07','2009-02-16 21:45:07','The first thought that comes to mind when you hear the term “Search Engine Optimization” (SEO) or “Search Engine Marketing” (SEM), is improving your website page ranking on search engines such as Google or Yahoo. Actually, page rank is just the tip of the iceberg, SEO encompasses a wide variety of tasks that improve a website’s search engine presence.\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, the famous line from the popular 90s baseball film, Field of Dreams, “If you build it, they will come” does not work when it comes to building a website. You need to define your website goals, which coincide with your business goals, and define how you are going to convert those goals on your website.\r\n\r\nAfter the goals are defined, you need a website that is designed and programmed to be “SEO-friendly.” SEO-friendly sites are W3C web standard complaint, use proper document markup, and separate structure from presentation and behavior (we will go into this in more detail in my next blog entry). Brand Iron’s web development team designs and develops SEO-friendly websites on a daily basis.\r\n\r\nAfter your goals are defined and your site is designed and developed, you need to ask the question, “who is your target market?” The answer to this question is easier than you may think…the individual you want to find your website most frequently is the individual who is searching for you! This sounds obvious, but trust me, more often than not, when people implement SEO they are solely focused on a higher page rank and are neglecting the most important target market, someone who is already looking for their company.\r\n\r\nA 2007 survey by the internet data firm, comScore, found that 60% of consumers use the web as their first tool of reference to search for local businesses and 60% of those searchers make a purchase from the business’ website. A study by AOL and Henley Centre, a UK market research firm, states that 73% of survey respondents use a search engine as an important source of information when considering a product or service. This is a higher percentage than personal recommendations, TV and print media.\r\n\r\nIn order to have a successful online presence, you need a successful SEO/SEM campaign. Brand Iron’s “Web-O-Nanza” program is the perfect solution for your website. We map out your website’s primary and secondary goals, and come up with a solution to convert these goals into revenue via your website. We build SEO-friendly websites that target individuals who want to see your website.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/web.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"142\" height=\"176\" />\r\n\r\nBrand Iron is known for forging brands and driving revenue, now with our “Web-O-Nanza” program, we drive web traffic that also drives revenue. Contact Brand Iron today and we will “build a website that will make them come.”\r\n\r\n<em>Written By Andrew Hoffman, Design Bandit</em>','“If you build it, they will come” only works on your website when you improve your SEO/SEM Efforts',0,'','inherit','open','open','','154-revision-3','','','2009-02-16 17:45:07','2009-02-16 21:45:07','',154,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=158',0,'revision','',0),(159,1,'2009-02-02 18:00:38','2009-02-02 22:00:38','I love reviewing Interbrand’s yearly list of the best global brands. I think it paints an accurate picture of what’s going on in the economy, how certain industries are affected, and how and why some companies have continued to thrive despite harsh conditions.\r\n\r\nFirst off, the top 10 brands of 2008 were also the top 10 brands of 2007, with the exception of Google (who jumped from the 20th position to replace Mercedes Benz).\r\n\r\n1.    Coca-Cola\r\n2.    IBM\r\n3.    Microsoft\r\n4.    GE\r\n5.    Nokia\r\n6.    Toyota\r\n7.    intel\r\n8.    McDonald’s\r\n9.    Disney\r\n10.    Google\r\n\r\nThe complete list of the top 100 brands can be found here.\r\n<a href=\"http://www.interbrand.com/best_global_brands.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.interbrand.com/best_global_brands.aspx</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>The credit market affects financial institutions differently</strong>\r\nCiti and Merrill Lynch both fell significantly from 2007 to 2008 (22nd position to 34th position and 11th position to 19th position, respectively). However, Visa’s and American Express’ brand values rose due to their trusted brands. I believe this has a lot to do with how consumers see these companies. For the most part, consumers saw the credit market debacle as a fault of the lending institutions. Credit card companies were able to maintain brand value, not only through continued brand communication, but because of the physical relationship consumers have with their credit cards. What’s in your wallet right now? – Mastercard, Visa or American Express? We love to use credit cards and the convenience they give us.\r\n\r\n<strong>Sustainability leads and valued brands</strong>\r\nCompanies that are on the forefront of sustainable initiatives held strong on Interbrand’s list. Honda was the only car manufacture to report better sales in June 2008, than it did last year. GE and BP increased their brand value over 2007 by investing in sustainable business practices. BP has invested heavily both in internal processes and direct consumer communication.\r\n\r\nCompanies that are delivering green products and sustainable business practices will continue to increase brand value in the future because that is what the market demands.\r\n\r\nThese are the two aspects that caught my eye when reviewing Interbrand’s Top 100 Global Brands.  A couple points small and medium-size businesses we can learn from this are:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Perception is reality. If people have an inaccurate perception of you – you must work to change your brand.  For example, financial institutions like Merrill Lynch need to transcend the “financial lending” market and position themselves to better relate to consumers and to expand their value. Pro-active marketing to address head-on the brand challenges is a great way to fend off negative brand perceptions.</li>\r\n	<li>What is good for the environment is good for your business. Innovative products and citizenship holds great value with consumers.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nNow is the time to re-position your company so that your customers see the value in choosing you. Brand Iron can help you with brand positioning and communicating what you do. You have the power to influence the decisions your customers make. Make sure your brand is putting you in the best light possible and is creating a good and memorable customer experience.\r\n\r\n<em> Written by Josh Barker\r\n</em>','Interbrand’s 2008 List of Best Global Brands Reflect the Challenges and Opportunities for Businesses',0,'','inherit','open','open','','150-revision-4','','','2009-02-02 18:00:38','2009-02-02 22:00:38','',150,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=159',0,'revision','',0),(160,1,'2009-01-05 18:44:18','2009-01-05 22:44:18','I think we can all agree that after going through this past year, it is certainly time for a “New Start” for the New Year. We could all use a fresh start for the economy, housing, banking, government and business. As it applies to your business, if you aren’t prepared and proactive to the challenges that are certain to arise, you will be left behind.\r\n\r\nI can’t tell you how many times I have heard recently from our partners, clients, prospects, leads, etc. that people are “just waiting to see what happens”. Unfortunately, most who take this “wait and see approach” end up losing time and results.\r\n\r\nWith things being tight and people and businesses being guarded with resources, it’s a more competitive landscape than ever before. People and companies are struggling and the weak are getting ravaged. Are you positioning yourself and your company to be as competitive as possible? Now is the time to take advantage of the current economic situation and propel yourself to be the leader in your field.\r\n\r\nSince it is the beginning of the New Year, it is time to make a “New Start”.\r\n\r\n<strong>Revenue</strong>\r\nLet’s start the thing that most people and companies are in need of: Revenue. Have you evaluated your lead generation activities? Are you doing enough to fill your pipeline? Are you utilizing online marketing, networking, partnering, calling and mailings to get people to say “yes” to meetings or walking through the doors of your business?\r\n\r\n<strong>Sales</strong>\r\nDo you know what it is going to take to get prospects to convert to clients? Do you know what it is going to take to move them off the dime? Are you asking for the business?\r\n\r\n<strong>Brand Positioning</strong>\r\nDo you have the right message? ...a strong call to action? ... positioning that separates you from the competition? Do you understand not just why you are as good as the competition, but why you are better than the competition? Why should someone purchase you, your product or service over the competition?\r\n\r\nAre you being pro-active and creating enough opportunities for you to reach your goals and objectives? Are you doing enough marketing and sales activities to make the numbers work in your favor?\r\n\r\nIf you can’t answer “yes” to all of these questions, it is probably time to get off the dime and make the New Year a “New Start” to reaching your goals and objectives. Brand Iron can help you develop proactive goals for 2009 and a roadmap of what it is going to take to get you there.\r\n\r\nIt’s time to get started and map out a plan to succeed in this New Year.\r\n\r\n<em>Written by Michael Doyle, Brand Iron President</em>','\"New Start\"',0,'','inherit','open','open','','142-revision-3','','','2009-01-05 18:44:18','2009-01-05 22:44:18','',142,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=160',0,'revision','',0),(161,7,'2009-02-18 16:44:53','2009-02-18 20:44:53','We updated our online portfolio with new work and a new interface. Check it out by clicking <a href=\"http://www.brandiron.net/work.htm\">here</a>.\r\n\r\n<em>- The Brand Iron Team</em>','New online portfolio',0,'','publish','open','open','','new-online-portfolio','','','2009-02-18 16:44:53','2009-02-18 20:44:53','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=161',0,'post','',0),(162,1,'2009-02-18 16:44:31','2009-02-18 20:44:31','We updated our online portfolio with new work and a new interface. Check it out by clicking <a href=\"http://www.brandiron.net/work.htm\">here</a>.\n\n<em>The Brand Iron Team','New online portfolio',0,'','inherit','open','open','','161-revision','','','2009-02-18 16:44:31','2009-02-18 20:44:31','',161,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=162',0,'revision','',0),(163,7,'2009-02-27 13:15:37','2009-02-27 17:15:37','I woke up early today. Around 4:30 this morning I began to wonder if my Rocky Mountain News was on the driveway. I couldn’t wait to see it, yet in a way, I didn’t want to see it. With no chance of forcing myself back to sleep, about an hour later I went to look. It was there, and for the very last time.\r\n\r\nAs far back as I can remember and at every place I have lived, the Rocky showed up every morning. Thinking about it as a kid growing up, the Rocky reminds me of my dad. He read it every morning and oftentimes we discussed a story inside. I remember it being on the kitchen table every day. At the point in my life when “reading” became something I wanted to do rather than had to do, it was because of this newspaper. My love for sports was cultivated by box scores, standings and action photography that I came to understand and appreciate at an early age.\r\n\r\nThe same appreciation and bond with newspapers I learned from my dad, I’ve tried to instill in my kids. On some levels I think I have succeeded but I know the art of reading newspapers is dying for reasons that are all too obvious. On occasion, I will see one of my teenagers drawn in by a photo or a headline. At first they may only read the photo caption, but as they start to skip through the pages they eventually, over a bowl of cereal, settle on a story to read. Unfortunately for our newest generation, it’s an uncommon site.\r\n\r\nWith an educational degree in journalism and a professional career in media relations, there have been dozens of mornings, just like today, in which I couldn’t wait to see the paper. Some I looked forward to with anticipation, some with reservation. Whether it was a feature story, a company profile, or simply a quote, seeing the “printed” word (one that I’ve helped shape or facilitate) in mass distribution was and is an adrenaline rush. Mass media formats have changed and will continue to change. Mass media is becoming social media. Where once we received news and commentary from trusted (OK, not always) reporters, we now receive news and commentary from anybody with a laptop…or cell phone. As a result, newspapers are nearing extinction and the Rocky won’t be the last to suffer this fate. It was only a matter of time.\r\n\r\nAs I looked at the Rocky this morning for the very last time, it was surprisingly emotional. More so than I had expected. There are so many things about it that I will miss: seeing the names and photos of reporters I’ve become to know on both a personal and non-personal level, the front page photography, the easy-to-read tabloid format, and just my general familiarity with what’s inside.\r\n\r\nThe paper scheduled to arrive tomorrow will be different.\r\n\r\nIt was a great and impressive 150 year run! So long, old friend.\r\n\r\n<em>Written by Jim Miller</em>','So long, old friend. ',0,'','publish','open','open','','so-long-old-friend','','','2009-02-27 13:15:37','2009-02-27 17:15:37','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=163',0,'post','',0),(164,1,'2009-02-27 13:14:05','2009-02-27 17:14:05','I woke up early today. Around 4:30 this morning I began to wonder if my Rocky Mountain News was on the driveway. I couldn’t wait to see it, yet in a way, I didn’t want to see it. With no chance of forcing myself back to sleep, about an hour later I went to look. It was there, and for the very last time.\n\nAs far back as I can remember and at every place I have lived, the Rocky showed up every morning. Thinking about it as a kid growing up, the Rocky reminds me of my dad. He read it every morning and oftentimes we discussed a story inside. I remember it being on the kitchen table every day. At the point in my life when “reading” became something I wanted to do rather than had to do, it was because of this newspaper. My love for sports was cultivated by box scores, standings and action photography that I came to understand and appreciate at an early age.\n\nThe same appreciation and bond with newspapers I learned from my dad, I’ve tried to instill in my kids. On some levels I think I have succeeded but I know the art of reading newspapers is dying for reasons that are all too obvious. On occasion, I will see one of my teenagers drawn in by a photo or a headline. At first they may only read the photo caption, but as they start to skip through the pages they eventually, over a bowl of cereal, settle on a story to read. Unfortunately for our newest generation, it’s an uncommon site.\n\nWith an educational degree in journalism and a professional career in media relations, there have been dozens of mornings, just like today, in which I couldn’t wait to see the paper. Some I looked forward to with anticipation, some with reservation. Whether it was a feature story, a company profile, or simply a quote, seeing the “printed” word (one that I’ve helped shape or facilitate) in mass distribution was and is an adrenaline rush. Mass media formats have changed and will continue to change. Mass media is becoming social media. Where once we received news and commentary from trusted (OK, not always) reporters, we now receive news and commentary from anybody with a laptop…or cell phone. As a result, newspapers are nearing extinction and the Rocky won’t be the last to suffer this fate. It was only a matter of time.\n\nAs I looked at the Rocky this morning for the very last time, it was surprisingly emotional. More so than I had expected. There are so many things about it that I will miss: seeing the names and photos of reporters I’ve become to know on both a personal and non-personal level, the front page photography, the easy-to-read tabloid format, and just my general familiarity with what’s inside.\n\nThe paper scheduled to arrive tomorrow will be different.\n\nIt was a great and impressive 150 year run! So long, old friend.\n\n<em>Written by Jim Miller</em>','So long, old friend. ',0,'','inherit','open','open','','163-revision','','','2009-02-27 13:14:05','2009-02-27 17:14:05','',163,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=164',0,'revision','',0),(165,7,'2009-03-10 17:44:17','2009-03-10 21:44:17','<img class=\"alignleft\" title=\"Gary and Michael\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/gary_michael_bluebonnet.jpg\" alt=\"\" hspace=\"10\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" /><span style=\"font-size: x-small; font-family: Arial; color: navy;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; color: navy;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">At lunch the other day at the</span> <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"http://www.bluebonnetrestaurant.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Blue Bonnet Café</a></span> <span style=\"color: #000000;\">in Denver, Colorado (not a client by the way), this  very warm and friendly gentleman approached me and my guest at lunch. Gary was his name and he  expressed his true desire to make sure we were having a great lunch and if we  needed anything, please let him know. He also communicated his sincere thanks  for coming in today and eating at his restaurant. This isn’t a once and awhile occurrence, Gary does this all the time, making sure all his guests are treated well  and taking care of. I eat there regularly and Gary is always there taking great care of his guests. Gary is an example of a true brand  champion. He exudes customer service and appreciation of the people that come to  dine in his restaurant. Whether you run a  restaurant, a one-person company or a multi-billion dollar company, we can  all learn from his approach to leading and \"riding\" for his brand. We can  all get out in front of our clients and communicate our brand\'s value and what it stands for.  Customers enjoy hearing from brand champions.  Let’s all lead our teams as brand champions to communicate and deliver our company\'s value. \"Hats Off\" to Gary and his restaurant, the</span> <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"http://www.bluebonnetrestaurant.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Blue  Bonnet </a></span></span></span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"http://www.bluebonnetrestaurant.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small; font-family: Arial;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;\">Café</span></span></a></span><span style=\"font-size: x-small; font-family: Arial; color: navy;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; color: navy;\">, <span style=\"color: #000000;\">in Denver, Colorado.</span></span></span>\r\n\r\n<em>Written by Michael Doyle, President of Brand Iron</em>','Brand Champion Spotlight: Gary & The Blue Bonnet Cafe',0,'','publish','open','open','','gary-the-blue-bonnet-cafe-brand-champion','','','2009-03-10 17:56:35','2009-03-10 21:56:35','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=165',0,'post','',0),(166,1,'2009-03-10 17:42:54','2009-03-10 21:42:54','<span style=\"font-family: Arial; color: navy; font-size: x-small;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial;\">At lunch the other day at the <a href=\"http://www.bluebonnetrestaurant.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Blue Bonnet Café</a> in Denver, Colorado (not a client by the way), this  very warm and friendly gentleman approached me and my guest at lunch. Gary was his name and he  expressed his true desire to make sure we were having a great lunch and if we  needed anything, please let him know. He also communicated his sincere thanks  for coming in today and eating at his restaurant. This isn’t a once and awhile occurrence, Gary does this all the time, making sure all his guests are treated well  and taking care of. I eat there regularly and Gary is always there taking great care of his guests. Gary is an example of a true brand  champion. He exudes customer service and appreciation of the people that come to  dine in his restaurant. Whether you run a  restaurant, a one-person company or a multi-billion dollar company, we can  all learn from his approach to leading and \"riding\" for his brand. We can  all get out in front of our clients and communicate our brand\'s value and what it stands for.  Customers enjoy hearing from brand champions.  Let’s all lead our teams as brand champions to communicate and deliver our company\'s value. \"Hats Off\" to Gary and his restaurant, the <a href=\"http://www.bluebonnetrestaurant.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Blue  Bonnet </a></span></span><a href=\"http://www.bluebonnetrestaurant.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial; color: navy; font-size: x-small;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial;\">Café</span></span></a><span style=\"font-family: Arial; color: navy; font-size: x-small;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial;\">, in Denver, Colorado.</span></span>\n\n<em>Written by Michael Doyle, President of Brand Iron</em>','Gary - The Blue Bonnet Cafe Brand Champion',0,'','inherit','open','open','','165-revision','','','2009-03-10 17:42:54','2009-03-10 21:42:54','',165,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=166',0,'revision','',0),(167,1,'2009-03-10 17:44:17','2009-03-10 21:44:17','<span style=\"font-family: Arial; color: navy; font-size: x-small;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial;\">At lunch the other day at the <a href=\"http://www.bluebonnetrestaurant.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Blue Bonnet Café</a> in Denver, Colorado (not a client by the way), this  very warm and friendly gentleman approached me and my guest at lunch. Gary was his name and he  expressed his true desire to make sure we were having a great lunch and if we  needed anything, please let him know. He also communicated his sincere thanks  for coming in today and eating at his restaurant. This isn’t a once and awhile occurrence, Gary does this all the time, making sure all his guests are treated well  and taking care of. I eat there regularly and Gary is always there taking great care of his guests. Gary is an example of a true brand  champion. He exudes customer service and appreciation of the people that come to  dine in his restaurant. Whether you run a  restaurant, a one-person company or a multi-billion dollar company, we can  all learn from his approach to leading and \"riding\" for his brand. We can  all get out in front of our clients and communicate our brand\'s value and what it stands for.  Customers enjoy hearing from brand champions.  Let’s all lead our teams as brand champions to communicate and deliver our company\'s value. \"Hats Off\" to Gary and his restaurant, the <a href=\"http://www.bluebonnetrestaurant.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Blue  Bonnet </a></span></span><a href=\"http://www.bluebonnetrestaurant.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial; color: navy; font-size: x-small;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial;\">Café</span></span></a><span style=\"font-family: Arial; color: navy; font-size: x-small;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial;\">, in Denver, Colorado.</span></span>\r\n\r\n<em>Written by Michael Doyle, President of Brand Iron</em>','Gary - The Blue Bonnet Cafe Brand Champion',0,'','inherit','open','open','','165-revision-2','','','2009-03-10 17:44:17','2009-03-10 21:44:17','',165,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=167',0,'revision','',0),(168,1,'2009-03-10 17:45:32','2009-03-10 21:45:32','<span style=\"font-size: x-small; font-family: Arial; color: navy;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; color: navy;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">At lunch the other day at the</span> <a href=\"http://www.bluebonnetrestaurant.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Blue Bonnet Café</a> <span style=\"color: #000000;\">in Denver, Colorado (not a client by the way), this  very warm and friendly gentleman approached me and my guest at lunch. Gary was his name and he  expressed his true desire to make sure we were having a great lunch and if we  needed anything, please let him know. He also communicated his sincere thanks  for coming in today and eating at his restaurant. This isn’t a once and awhile occurrence, Gary does this all the time, making sure all his guests are treated well  and taking care of. I eat there regularly and Gary is always there taking great care of his guests. Gary is an example of a true brand  champion. He exudes customer service and appreciation of the people that come to  dine in his restaurant. Whether you run a  restaurant, a one-person company or a multi-billion dollar company, we can  all learn from his approach to leading and \"riding\" for his brand. We can  all get out in front of our clients and communicate our brand\'s value and what it stands for.  Customers enjoy hearing from brand champions.  Let’s all lead our teams as brand champions to communicate and deliver our company\'s value. \"Hats Off\" to Gary and his restaurant, the</span> <a href=\"http://www.bluebonnetrestaurant.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Blue  Bonnet </a></span></span><a href=\"http://www.bluebonnetrestaurant.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small; font-family: Arial; color: navy;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; color: navy;\">Café</span></span></a><span style=\"font-size: x-small; font-family: Arial; color: navy;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; color: navy;\">, <span style=\"color: #000000;\">in Denver, Colorado.</span></span></span>\r\n\r\n<em>Written by Michael Doyle, President of Brand Iron</em>','Gary - The Blue Bonnet Cafe Brand Champion',0,'','inherit','open','open','','165-revision-3','','','2009-03-10 17:45:32','2009-03-10 21:45:32','',165,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=168',0,'revision','',0),(169,1,'2009-03-10 17:46:25','2009-03-10 21:46:25','<span style=\"font-size: x-small; font-family: Arial; color: navy;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; color: navy;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">At lunch the other day at the</span> <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"http://www.bluebonnetrestaurant.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Blue Bonnet Café</a></span> <span style=\"color: #000000;\">in Denver, Colorado (not a client by the way), this  very warm and friendly gentleman approached me and my guest at lunch. Gary was his name and he  expressed his true desire to make sure we were having a great lunch and if we  needed anything, please let him know. He also communicated his sincere thanks  for coming in today and eating at his restaurant. This isn’t a once and awhile occurrence, Gary does this all the time, making sure all his guests are treated well  and taking care of. I eat there regularly and Gary is always there taking great care of his guests. Gary is an example of a true brand  champion. He exudes customer service and appreciation of the people that come to  dine in his restaurant. Whether you run a  restaurant, a one-person company or a multi-billion dollar company, we can  all learn from his approach to leading and \"riding\" for his brand. We can  all get out in front of our clients and communicate our brand\'s value and what it stands for.  Customers enjoy hearing from brand champions.  Let’s all lead our teams as brand champions to communicate and deliver our company\'s value. \"Hats Off\" to Gary and his restaurant, the</span> <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"http://www.bluebonnetrestaurant.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Blue  Bonnet </a></span></span></span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"http://www.bluebonnetrestaurant.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small; font-family: Arial;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;\">Café</span></span></a></span><span style=\"font-size: x-small; font-family: Arial; color: navy;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; color: navy;\">, <span style=\"color: #000000;\">in Denver, Colorado.</span></span></span>\r\n\r\n<em>Written by Michael Doyle, President of Brand Iron</em>','Gary - The Blue Bonnet Cafe Brand Champion',0,'','inherit','open','open','','165-revision-4','','','2009-03-10 17:46:25','2009-03-10 21:46:25','',165,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=169',0,'revision','',0),(170,1,'2009-03-10 17:55:39','2009-03-10 21:55:39','<img class=\"alignleft\" title=\"Gary and Michael\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/gary_michael_bluebonnet.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" /><span style=\"font-size: x-small; font-family: Arial; color: navy;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; color: navy;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">At lunch the other day at the</span> <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"http://www.bluebonnetrestaurant.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Blue Bonnet Café</a></span> <span style=\"color: #000000;\">in Denver, Colorado (not a client by the way), this  very warm and friendly gentleman approached me and my guest at lunch. Gary was his name and he  expressed his true desire to make sure we were having a great lunch and if we  needed anything, please let him know. He also communicated his sincere thanks  for coming in today and eating at his restaurant. This isn’t a once and awhile occurrence, Gary does this all the time, making sure all his guests are treated well  and taking care of. I eat there regularly and Gary is always there taking great care of his guests. Gary is an example of a true brand  champion. He exudes customer service and appreciation of the people that come to  dine in his restaurant. Whether you run a  restaurant, a one-person company or a multi-billion dollar company, we can  all learn from his approach to leading and \"riding\" for his brand. We can  all get out in front of our clients and communicate our brand\'s value and what it stands for.  Customers enjoy hearing from brand champions.  Let’s all lead our teams as brand champions to communicate and deliver our company\'s value. \"Hats Off\" to Gary and his restaurant, the</span> <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"http://www.bluebonnetrestaurant.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Blue  Bonnet </a></span></span></span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"http://www.bluebonnetrestaurant.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small; font-family: Arial;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;\">Café</span></span></a></span><span style=\"font-size: x-small; font-family: Arial; color: navy;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; color: navy;\">, <span style=\"color: #000000;\">in Denver, Colorado.</span></span></span>\n\n<em>Written by Michael Doyle, President of Brand Iron</em>','Brand Champion Spotlight: Gary & The Blue Bonnet Cafe',0,'','inherit','open','open','','165-autosave','','','2009-03-10 17:55:39','2009-03-10 21:55:39','',165,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=170',0,'revision','',0),(171,1,'2009-03-10 17:47:39','2009-03-10 21:47:39','<span style=\"font-size: x-small; font-family: Arial; color: navy;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; color: navy;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">At lunch the other day at the</span> <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"http://www.bluebonnetrestaurant.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Blue Bonnet Café</a></span> <span style=\"color: #000000;\">in Denver, Colorado (not a client by the way), this  very warm and friendly gentleman approached me and my guest at lunch. Gary was his name and he  expressed his true desire to make sure we were having a great lunch and if we  needed anything, please let him know. He also communicated his sincere thanks  for coming in today and eating at his restaurant. This isn’t a once and awhile occurrence, Gary does this all the time, making sure all his guests are treated well  and taking care of. I eat there regularly and Gary is always there taking great care of his guests. Gary is an example of a true brand  champion. He exudes customer service and appreciation of the people that come to  dine in his restaurant. Whether you run a  restaurant, a one-person company or a multi-billion dollar company, we can  all learn from his approach to leading and \"riding\" for his brand. We can  all get out in front of our clients and communicate our brand\'s value and what it stands for.  Customers enjoy hearing from brand champions.  Let’s all lead our teams as brand champions to communicate and deliver our company\'s value. \"Hats Off\" to Gary and his restaurant, the</span> <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"http://www.bluebonnetrestaurant.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Blue  Bonnet </a></span></span></span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"http://www.bluebonnetrestaurant.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small; font-family: Arial;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;\">Café</span></span></a></span><span style=\"font-size: x-small; font-family: Arial; color: navy;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; color: navy;\">, <span style=\"color: #000000;\">in Denver, Colorado.</span></span></span>\r\n\r\n<em>Written by Michael Doyle, President of Brand Iron</em>','Brand Champion Spotlight: Gary & The Blue Bonnet Cafe',0,'','inherit','open','open','','165-revision-5','','','2009-03-10 17:47:39','2009-03-10 21:47:39','',165,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=171',0,'revision','',0),(172,1,'2007-12-03 15:36:00','2007-12-03 19:36:00','<a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R12eQOTrErI/AAAAAAAAAC8/6qjf2t6liIg/s1600-h/ns-pic-IMG_0969.jpg\"><img style=\"float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;\" src=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_W3-wyNo_VuQ/R12eQOTrErI/AAAAAAAAAC8/6qjf2t6liIg/s200/ns-pic-IMG_0969.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142440351082681010\" /></a><br />The Internship Stigma<br /><br />Howdy.  Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Nicole Salerno, and I am currently a marketing intern at Brand Iron.  I joined the ranch about a month ago, and love every minute of it.  Some people may look at the title of “intern” as lowly and not so glamorous; however, this stereotype is evolving.  As a part time intern, young professionals get the chance to explore many areas of the advertising and marketing industry.  These internships, nay, opportunities can be looked at as aptitude tests for your special talents.  Not only is an intern’s job never done, it also never stays the same.  Currently, I am assisting with monthly client updates, proposals and new business meetings.  Just the other day, I sat in on a four-hour “BrandStorm.”  I am meeting leaders in the industry every day.  These networking opportunities should never be passed up or looked over.  <br /><br />As an intern, no one is expecting anything from you because you are “green” or a “newbie.”  This allows for the best opportunity to stun those around you.  Show to them that you aren’t just a student and you can be so much more than someone to answer phones and courier papers.  This is the time for my generation to take advantage of these temporary positions and soak as much up as possible.  The next door that opens is always through the influence of the previous door that has closed.  <br /><br />At Brand Iron, I have learned the importance of complete appreciation for clients, prospects and partners.  A simple gesture, such as a hand-written “Thank you” or a Brand Iron stick pony, are just a couple things that set us apart from other agencies.  By showing these clients, prospects and partners that they are valued, further emphasizes what Brand Iron’s services are worth.<br /><br />Nicole Salerno, Marketing Intern','From the Desk of an Intern',0,'','inherit','open','open','','17-revision','','','2007-12-03 15:36:00','2007-12-03 19:36:00','',17,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=172',0,'revision','',0),(174,1,'2009-03-12 16:24:54','2009-03-12 20:24:54','<p class=\"MsoNormal\">When in a service industry of any kind, the state of the economy can take a large toll on a company’s profitability.<span> </span>Lately, the economic downturn has forced many companies to cut budgets, freeze spending, initiate layoffs, or worse – close their doors.<span> </span>When speaking to many of our clients, partners and friends, it seems that many people are either suffering or prospering – there truly is a balance of good and bad right now.<span> </span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">However, it is difficult to ignore all of the negative media coverage regarding the current economic state.<span> </span>The media’s redundant message of “doom and gloom” eventually convinces us all that we must surrender and give in to the recession that is upon us.<span> </span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">Brand Iron disagrees.<span> </span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">As a company, we’re opting to not participate in the recession this year.<span> </span>Yes, you heard it here first.<span> </span>Brand Iron is not giving in to the “doom and gloom.”<span> </span>We challenge you to do the same.<span> </span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">Many companies are focusing on the positives and the new opportunities that this changing business landscape has opened up.<span> </span>For example, in an industry (luxury travel) where economic woes can take a gigantic toll on profitability Carnival Cruise Lines is saying “we will not go quietly into the night” and await the inevitable.<span> </span>Carnival continues to make strides towards out-of-the-box, interactive advertising.<span> </span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">I’m sure we have all seen the <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUtWVmjoqyU\" target=\"_blank\">commercial</a> with the large beach ball floating around downtown Dallas.<span> </span>That commercial was an extremely effective way for Carnival to catch the attention of the business-class professional on their lunch break.<span> </span>Throw a gigantic beach ball onto a bustling street full of unhappy professionals and see what happens – attention, positive feedback and enjoyment, that’s what.<span> </span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">Today, I came across an <a href=\"http://www.brandfreak.com/2009/03/carnival-cruise-lines-and-arnold-will-bring-the-ocean-to-the-city.html\" target=\"_blank\">article</a> about Carnival’s latest attempt at interactive advertising.<span> </span>They’ve managed to take advantage of the empty street-level office spaces in the Houston, Baltimore, Los Angeles, New   York and D.C. areas by installing “virtual aquariums” for all to interact with.<span> </span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">Picture this, you’re walking down a cold city sidewalk on your lunch break when you look to your right – no longer is there an empty office space with a broker’s contact information in the window.<span> </span>No, you now see a 12-foot digital aquarium.<span> </span>Not only is this virtual aquarium engaging, it’s interactive.<span> </span>In five easy steps, you can use your cell phone to design a personalized fish to appear instantly in that very same window.<span> </span>This is an example of a company seeing an opportunity that may not have presented itself before the downturn in the economy. This is brand evolution and adaptation at its best.<span> </span>If there are three pearls of wisdom that we should all recognize after this economic downturn, they would be: never stay static, always engage new ways of marketing, and consistently separate yourselves from the competition.</p>\n\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">\n<img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/aquarium.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"560\" height=\"357\" />','The Economy is a State of Mind: Positive or Negative, Take Advantage',0,'','inherit','open','open','','173-revision','','','2009-03-12 16:24:54','2009-03-12 20:24:54','',173,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=174',0,'revision','',0),(175,1,'2009-03-12 16:27:18','2009-03-12 20:27:18','<p class=\"MsoNormal\">When in a service industry of any kind, the state of the economy can take a large toll on a company’s profitability.<span> </span>Lately, the economic downturn has forced many companies to cut budgets, freeze spending, initiate layoffs, or worse – close their doors.<span> </span>When speaking to many of our clients, partners and friends, it seems that many people are either suffering or prospering – there truly is a balance of good and bad right now.<span> </span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">However, it is difficult to ignore all of the negative media coverage regarding the current economic state.<span> </span>The media’s redundant message of “doom and gloom” eventually convinces us all that we must surrender and give in to the recession that is upon us.<span> </span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">Brand Iron disagrees.<span> </span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">As a company, we’re opting to not participate in the recession this year.<span> </span>Yes, you heard it here first.<span> </span>Brand Iron is not giving in to the “doom and gloom.”<span> </span>We challenge you to do the same.<span> </span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">Many companies are focusing on the positives and the new opportunities that this changing business landscape has opened up.<span> </span>For example, in an industry (luxury travel) where economic woes can take a gigantic toll on profitability Carnival Cruise Lines is saying “we will not go quietly into the night” and await the inevitable.<span> </span>Carnival continues to make strides towards out-of-the-box, interactive advertising.<span> </span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">I’m sure we have all seen the <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUtWVmjoqyU\" target=\"_blank\">commercial</a> with the large beach ball floating around downtown Dallas.<span> </span>That commercial was an extremely effective way for Carnival to catch the attention of the business-class professional on their lunch break.<span> </span>Throw a gigantic beach ball onto a bustling street full of unhappy professionals and see what happens – attention, positive feedback and enjoyment, that’s what.<span> </span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">Today, I came across an <a href=\"http://www.brandfreak.com/2009/03/carnival-cruise-lines-and-arnold-will-bring-the-ocean-to-the-city.html\" target=\"_blank\">article</a> about Carnival’s latest attempt at interactive advertising.<span> </span>They’ve managed to take advantage of the empty street-level office spaces in the Houston, Baltimore, Los Angeles, New   York and D.C. areas by installing “virtual aquariums” for all to interact with.<span> </span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">Picture this, you’re walking down a cold city sidewalk on your lunch break when you look to your right – no longer is there an empty office space with a broker’s contact information in the window.<span> </span>No, you now see a 12-foot digital aquarium.<span> </span>Not only is this virtual aquarium engaging, it’s interactive.<span> </span>In five easy steps, you can use your cell phone to design a personalized fish to appear instantly in that very same window.<span> </span>This is an example of a company seeing an opportunity that may not have presented itself before the downturn in the economy. This is brand evolution and adaptation at its best.<span> </span>If there are three pearls of wisdom that we should all recognize after this economic downturn, they would be: never stay static, always engage new ways of marketing, and consistently separate yourselves from the competition.</p>\r\n\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\">\r\n<img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.brandiron.net/Blogimages/aquarium.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"560\" height=\"357\" />','The Economy is a State of Mind: Positive or Negative, Take Advantage',0,'','inherit','open','open','','173-revision-2','','','2009-03-12 16:27:18','2009-03-12 20:27:18','',173,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=175',0,'revision','',0),(176,7,'2009-03-20 11:12:29','2009-03-20 15:12:29','It seems like all President Obama talks about these days is jobs, jobs, jobs. It reminds me what branding is all about:  results, results, results.  It really is that simple.  Brand and position yourself and your company to produce tangible business results.\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>Powerful branding is all about branding yourself as unique, better, and different in comparison to your  competition.  In turn, you will be selected over your competitor, thus producing results.</li>\r\n	<li>Powerful branding starts from within and gets your company on the same page of what success looks like and just what it is going to take to get there.</li>\r\n	<li>Powerful branding requires that everyone in your company knows how to communicate what makes your company better than the competition.</li>\r\n	<li>Powerful branding helps your company gain the competitive edge and sets you up for positive results and success.</li>\r\n	<li>Powerful branding requires utilizing marketing activities that produce real leads that turn into sales and then real business results.</li>\r\n	<li>Powerful branding and sales results in job opportunities/job creation.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nStart laying the groundwork for better results by better defining your brand, your position, the way you are going to communicate, and how you are going to effectively market to produce real leads and turn into real sales.  Next time you hear President Obama speak about engaging job creation, apply that passion and philosophy to your company.  Focus on building your brand to produce “results, results, results.”\r\n\r\n<em>Written by Michael Doyle, President of Brand Iron</em>','Obama is to jobs as brands are to results',0,'','publish','open','open','','obama-is-to-jobs-as-brands-are-to-results','','','2009-03-20 11:12:29','2009-03-20 15:12:29','',0,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=176',0,'post','',0),(177,1,'2009-03-20 10:33:13','2009-03-20 14:33:13','It seems like all President Obama talks about these days is jobs, jobs, jobs. It reminds me what branding is all about:  results, results, results.  It really is that simple.  Brand and position yourself and your company to produce tangible business results.\n<ol>\n	<li>Powerful branding is all about branding yourself as unique, better, and different in comparison to your  competition.  In turn, you will be selected over your competitor, thus producing results.</li>\n	<li>Powerful branding starts from within and gets your company on the same page of what success looks like and just what it is going to take to get there.</li>\n	<li>Powerful branding requires that everyone in your company knows how to communicate what makes your company better than the competition.</li>\n	<li>Powerful branding helps your company gain the competitive edge and sets you up for positive results and success.</li>\n	<li>Powerful branding requires utilizing marketing activities that produce real leads that turn into sales and then real business results.</li>\n	<li>Powerful branding and sales results in job opportunities/job creation.</li>\n</ol>\nStart laying the groundwork for better results by better defining your brand, your position, the way you are going to communicate, and how you are going to effectively market to produce real leads and turn into real sales.  Next time you hear President Obama speak about engaging job creation, apply that passion and philosophy to your company.  Focus on building your brand to produce “results, results, results.”','Obama is to jobs as brands are to results',0,'','inherit','open','open','','176-revision','','','2009-03-20 10:33:13','2009-03-20 14:33:13','',176,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=177',0,'revision','',0),(178,1,'2009-03-20 11:11:57','2009-03-20 15:11:57','It seems like all President Obama talks about these days is jobs, jobs, jobs. It reminds me what branding is all about:  results, results, results.  It really is that simple.  Brand and position yourself and your company to produce tangible business results.\n<ol>\n	<li>Powerful branding is all about branding yourself as unique, better, and different in comparison to your  competition.  In turn, you will be selected over your competitor, thus producing results.</li>\n	<li>Powerful branding starts from within and gets your company on the same page of what success looks like and just what it is going to take to get there.</li>\n	<li>Powerful branding requires that everyone in your company knows how to communicate what makes your company better than the competition.</li>\n	<li>Powerful branding helps your company gain the competitive edge and sets you up for positive results and success.</li>\n	<li>Powerful branding requires utilizing marketing activities that produce real leads that turn into sales and then real business results.</li>\n	<li>Powerful branding and sales results in job opportunities/job creation.</li>\n</ol>\nStart laying the groundwork for better results by better defining your brand, your position, the way you are going to communicate, and how you are going to effectively market to produce real leads and turn into real sales.  Next time you hear President Obama speak about engaging job creation, apply that passion and philosophy to your company.  Focus on building your brand to produce “results, results, results.”\n\nWritten by Michael Doyle','Obama is to jobs as brands are to results',0,'','inherit','open','open','','176-revision-2','','','2009-03-20 11:11:57','2009-03-20 15:11:57','',176,'http://www.brandiron.net/blog/?p=178',0,'revision','',0),