Today is Elvis’ death day.
When I was in college, I and a friend accidentally wound up in Memphis on Aug 16. It’s very interesting. Lots of interesting people. Lots of corny stuff. Everything at the Graceland complex is exactly what you would imagine it would be.
And if you say the name Elvis to almost anyone, they will know what you’re talking about.
That’s a powerful brand
However, Elvis stopped “managing” the brand 30 years ago.
It’s a good example of what a brand really is. A brand is created by the people that use it.
Did Elvis (or Colonel Tom) ever want the brand to be associated with cheesy impersonators or peanut butter banana sandwiches?
Probably not.
Would they be happy that the brand is still alive, massively strong, and generating money?
Maybe you should do with your brand what Elvis did with his. Let the people have it.
Elvis is a great example of the power of creating a distinctive marketing icon. By presenting himself as different, bigger, grander, he became unforgettable. That is a lesson that applies to all public speakers and marketers of any product or service who want to become successful.