The challenge of market positioning, business-to-consumer and business-to-business, has intensified. Buyers' minds have become crowded-no, cluttered-with a bombardment of messages urging them to select one product or service over another. Organizations that desire to positively influence people about their offerings must be concerned about brand. And "organizations" encompasses more than just manufacturers, retailers, and other for-profits. Not-for-profits, schools, civic groups, causes, and even individuals need to pay more attention to developing, enhancing, and defending their brands.

This high-content book is written for beginners as well as those who think they know at least something about what they're doing. In chapter after chapter, "Brand Aid" delivers critical knowledge that is both educational and though-provoking. The chapters conclude with sets of questions to help readers measure just how well they're doing...and what needs to be done. No matter how good you think you are, you will find reinforcement and unsettling feelings for work to be done in each of these check-off lists. "Did You Know" inset boxes throughout the book provide interesting facts, case studies, and other material to effectively supplement the primary text. The three appendices deliver even more knowledge...and challenging questions.

As I read this book, I felt like I was taking a college course-maybe a graduate course-in branding. I found myself wanting to talk with the professor to explore even further than the depth I was experiencing. The style of the book is quite engaging and will certainly hold the interest of people in the field. I'd recommend it as well for business owners and executives who may not be directly involved with branding; indirectly, you are a part of the process, and gleaning the messages and insights in this book will enable you to serve as a much more effective leader.

The comprehensive index and the book's website make "Brand Aid" even more useful. A glimpse of the cover and acknowledgement of what comes immediately to mind will stimulate your thinking, then turning the pages will start you on an exciting adventure. You'll be motivated to take action from practically every chapter, so get ready for an application-oriented reading experience. Great as a read-through and as a reference book.

9 of 10 found the following review helpful:


Required Reading on Brand Management  Sep 19, 2003 By Thomas J. Miller
"Brand Aid" is the most comprehensive of all the materials that I've read on brand management. It is packed with resources to gain understanding in what branding is and how it can be implemented to benefit an organization. The case studies are engaging and relatable, and the checklists are thought provoking. The succinct content in each chapter makes this book an invaluable reference tool.

Even the most basic branding concepts in the early chapters were insightful and deepened my belief in the importance of building strong relationships with customers and employees.

My organization began a branding initiative earlier this year. I now wish I had read "Brand Aid" before we started. This book should become required reading for all business leaders responsible for driving the growth of their organizations.

Thomas J. Miller
Product Marketing, Director
Newport Corporation, Inc.

8 of 11 found the following review helpful:


Book Sets Standard in Field of Branding  Jul 29, 2003
I found the book "Brand Aid" highly informative and I believe VanAuken has set a new standard in the study of branding. Whether it's the Case Studies, "Did You Know?" items or checklists throughout the book, he is able to provide PRACTICAL advice that can be used to develop or enhance brands.

This book could very well become the "Bible" for branding now and in the future. I would give it 5-plus stars.

1 of 1 found the following review helpful:


Another marketing book hiding behind a branding title ..............  Jun 11, 2011 By MovieMusic
Quote, "When I was named director of brand management and marketing at Hallmark, I was given two primary objectives: ....". The author has used "I was" twice in the same sentence. That tells me that he is far more important in his own mind than he deserves to be. And that is the way the book reads.

This book over-intellectualizes and over-complicates branding. If you are ever tempted to use his consulting services, please just read one of Al Ries' more recent books first. He briefly quotes Al here on page 245, but just in passing to make a point of his own. He complicates, Al simplifies.

You might think that, hey, branding and marketing is a complicated business. It has been made complicated to justify big consultancy fees, like just about every other business. But it doesn't have to be.

1 of 1 found the following review helpful:


brand aid  Jan 02, 2008 By J. Cantwell "Marketing Pro"
I'm half way through the book at this point and find it to be very useful as a marketing tool. I teach at the college level and have my own marketing services company (SkyLimit Marketing, Lebanon, Pa). I am a firm believer in the integrated marketing approach to the whole marketing process for my clients. Everything begins with customer needs and works out from there.
The input found in Brand Aid is consistent with this approach and sheds light on the value and power of "the brand". The book is structured in a practical and useful way for any marketer or teacher of the subject. Good work! Jack Cantwell

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