Discover why cities, like people, have their own "innovation personalities." Whether they're trailblazing Innovators or cautious Late Majority, each city navigates change in unique ways. Dive into how diffusion of innovation theory merges with place branding, giving cities archetypal identities that evoke specific emotional responses. This is essential reading for policymakers and brand strategists looking to pinpoint their city's place in the global innovation landscape.
Show, Don’t Tell: The Key to Effective Communication for Places
Tired of bureaucratic jargon and confusing messages from your local government? Dive into our latest article to discover a game-changing antidote: "Show, Don't Tell." We reveal how municipalities like Izmir are replacing abstract statistics with relatable visuals and language that resonate with their citizens. Find out how this two-part approach—comprising vivid imagery and the AGL-4 framework—can rebuild eroded public trust and make civic communication truly effective.
Overcoming the Logo Tunnel Vision in Place Branding: Lessons from Failed Projects
This article critically examines the phenomenon of 'Logo Tunnel Vision', a tendency among decision-makers to focus heavily on logo design when attempting to rebrand a place, often neglecting other crucial aspects of place branding. The article illustrates this concept through the case studies of Montreal and South Australia, both of which faced significant public backlash after expensive rebranding initiatives centred on their logos. Drawing parallels to the systemic problems in sustainability initiatives and how society tends to tunnel vision on singular aspects, the article encourages decision-makers to look beyond just the aesthetic elements of branding. It advises leaders to prioritize improvements in public diplomacy, progressive policies, infrastructure, and quality of life. The article also suggests practical strategies to avoid 'Logo Tunnel Vision', emphasizing the importance of stakeholder engagement, continuous communication, image research, progressive policies, and managing public expectations. The author concludes that with a holistic, strategic, and inclusive approach to place branding, it is possible to achieve effective and long-lasting results.
Cultural Evolution: How Institutions Can Adapt and Thrive in the 21st Century
I first noticed this disturbing trend 15 years ago. My then-client Canadian Bar Association’s membership numbers were going down… Rapidly and steadily! Upon research, we realized that their century-old value proposition was no longer relevant. Data suggested that young lawyers did not “age into” greater concerns about their profession. Instead, their priorities were much different. Having …
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The righter we do the wrong thing, the wronger we become.
When it comes to branding a place, relying solely on marketing tactics is like trying to build a house with just a hammer. Prioritizing the quality of life, creating a hospitable environment, and attracting sustainable businesses are the real bricks and mortar of a successful brand.
Why do place brands fail? The mistakes of the consultant. Part 1
NEWS FLASH: 86% of place brands fail within a year of introduction! Over the past ten years, k629, a place-branding consultancy, has developed a database of more than 5,000 place brands. From that data source, they have found that only 14% of place brands continue a year from launch. They estimate nearly $75 million has been …
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