So, you want to Brand something — yourself, a product, a service, a group, a lifestyle, whatever. More importantly, you want the Brand to be successful, known, purchased, used, and valued. Well, the best place to start is by looking at the top global brands and seeing what they have in common.

The Top Global Brands (based on value):

1. Apple
2. Google
3. Coca Cola
4. Microsoft
5. Toyota
6. IBM
7. Samsung
8. Amazon
9. Mercedes Benz
10. General Electric
11. BMW
12. McDonald’s
13. Disney
14. Intel
15. Facebook

These companies vary greatly in terms of products or services offered and in terms of culture and markets served. So, what are the common drivers they share making them tops in the world.

– A Clear Growth Strategy

The new corporate buzzword these days is streamlining. Agility and focus are front-and-center in the corporate offices of these companies.  The goal: to send a clear and concise message to everyone through your Brand.

– Managing the Blur

All business sectors are impacted by technology, which is ever evolving, so being able to effectively manage ambiguity at every facet of the business is paramount.

– Borrow From The Best

All brands and businesses are moving at an accelerated pace making significant operational changes harder and harder – so top global brands borrow from the best. Aligning with other businesses, acquiring and embracing what others do exceptionally well is what extends the core offerings of a brand.

– Zeroing In On The Customer

Being customer-centric is a MUST. Branding is not an exercise in vanity, but a tool to be used to deepen and identify who you are in the marketplace. Strong brands normally grow stronger as their defining element to brand success is user experience.

In brand building and development a business cannot follow it must lead and have a clear sense of self. The Brand and business culture must be cohesive and built around people.