I never knew the mission of the first organization I worked for. Throughout my career I’ve seen missions on elevator doors, on conference room walls, in small frames at front desks and on letterhead. But I always wondered, who were these external placements really for and was anyone stopping to really read and process?
Why Brand Strategy Matters
What comes to mind when someone asks you about your brand? Most likely it is your logo, followed by your product, maybe your name, and then your website. But your brand is not just these things, it’s all of this and much more. It’s the feelings someone has when they use your product or see your logo and the pride they feel when they’ve gifted or recommended a product or service you’ve created.
Strategy can feel like a big, confusing, multi-meaning word, and it is, brand strategy encompasses a lot of things. But here are four key components that live within brand strategy and why they should matter to you…
Ladder Celebrates Year One
Today marks Ladder’s official one-year anniversary!
As I thought about ways to celebrate this day, one goal and idea surfaced to the top. Inspiring others to give. I started Ladder with a simple driving goal, “Help Others Do Good.” In celebration of being in business for one year, I’m asking others to join the charge and do something good for someone else, to do good works.
Your Brand Audit: Where Resolutions, Plans and Goals Come From
January really is the best time to audit. The timing feels right to take a look at what has surfaced to the top of the list for this year’s priorities and goals and ask ourselves some big and important questions, such as “Does the current external perception of our brand match our internal intention?” and more.
Help Others Do Good on Giving Tuesday
Both through Ladder and as an individual, I envision a world where we feel this way every week. Eager to talk about the organizations that matter to us, easily communicating the impact they’ve made in our lives and willing to not only give of our resources, but in some instances double our financial gifts. Read more to learn how you can give to some clients and friends of Ladder.
The "King James" Standard: How Lebron Leads a New Era of Athlete Philanthropy
In a way that Chuck Taylor changed the landscape of celebrity-endorsed athletic shoes by improving, promoting and putting his name on a product, Lebron James has now done the same for endorsing philanthropic movements. I call it “The King James Standard” and it’s not only changing the game, but as a benefit, the world.
Brand Values in the Wild: How Madewell Does Well
Book Publishers and publicists alike are often saying a line that sounds something like “Do more of what you are already known for.” or “Capitalize on what your audience already comes to you for.” Choosing a philanthropic initiative for your brand should be no different. Don't just choose a random philanthropic initiative to check a box, create a meaningful initiative that brings your true brand purpose to life.
What is the Difference between a Mission and a Vision?
It’s a frequently asked question among clients, “What is the difference between a Mission and a Vision?” And if you’ve asked this, you are not alone, the two are often mistakenly misused or substituted for one another. There is indeed a difference. Your mission is what you do every single day and your vision is what you are working towards, whether that be for your organization specifically or for the world globally.
Let’s take a look at an evolved Mission statement for a brand you will likely use this week and a Vision statement that shows you how to think bigger.