Branding Beast: Think Fresh

"When you look at a strong brand, you see a promise." – Jim Mullen, Founder, Mullen Advertising

“THINK FRESH. EAT FRESH”
Upon attending a seminar last week, I discovered that Subway surpassed McDonald’s in the race to become the top restaurant chain (way back) in 2010. Though I was shocked, I was very pleased to hear the news. Beyond giving me my first employment opportunity at the age of sixteen, Subway has given me several reasons to believe in their brand. I think Subway offers great benefits to consumers, employees, and franchise owners. Not only are the subs made fresh, Subway delivers on fresh business ideas that have helped them to dominate within their industry. According to CNNMoney, “Subway has 34,218 locations globally -- all of which are owned by franchisees. Subway now has more than 1,000 locations in Asia, and it just opened its first store in Vietnam. Other high-growth nations include Brazil, Mexico, India, China, Russia and France.”

FLEXIBILITY
Company spokeswoman, Les Winograd stated, "A lot of our growth has been in non-traditional spaces that our competitors might not touch. We have really unique ones, like on a riverboat in Germany, a church in Buffalo, car dealers, bowling alleys and casinos. We're not just in strip malls" (CNNMoney, 2011). I think Subway is a great example of a company that not only offers a great product, but also works to find the best ways to serve that product to consumers. They are not confined by traditional business locations, which allows them to reach more people and increase profits by accommodating the needs of the consumer. This is beneficial to consumers and very attractive to those seeking franchise opportunities.

INNOVATION
One thing I love: Subway is always changing and expanding its brand. From Five Dollar Footlongs to the new breakfast menu, Subway consistently finds new ways to stay connected to consumers. This should be the goal of every company regardless of your particular industry. Continuously research different techniques and strategies that will enable your brand to become stronger. This will allow you to not only outshine your competitors, but it helps you to build a brand that will stand the test of time.

So, "think fresh" and look out for more "Branding Beast" blogs (from a "well-tamed" branding beast: Jennifer T. Graham) with topics to help build your brand!

Jennifer T. Graham, MBA | Creative Director | Branding Blog Post #008