Hayes Roth, Chief Marketing Officer of Landor, sat down in our offices to discuss an issue that is dear to him--helping nonprofits become powerful brands.

Hayes states in the video interview that the core branding needs for nonprofits are no different that the needs of for-profit organizations:

• Understanding your audience
• Understanding your point of difference
• Finding a message that is true to your organization
• Making sure that message is infused throughout the organization
• Building a promise around that message and supporting it over time

But, Hayes notes that nonprofits are often challenged by a lack of funds to promote the brand, and some aren't comfortable adopting what they may view as a more corporate planning mentality. And possibly the biggest challenge is the diffuse leadership roles within nonprofit organizations. As Hayes put it,

Good branding is a collaborative process, but not a democratic one. In a great organization where you see great brands, you have strong leaders [and]… the decisions finally rest on the CEO.

For those nonprofits that are willing to invest time and money into brand building and are not afraid to commit to organizational changes when necessary, there can be great rewards. Hayes gives examples of strong nonprofit brands like the United Negro College Fund, United Way and the Red Cross that have built strong reputations and awareness and thus have a much greater chance for success when they offer partnership opportunities or ask for assistance.

The full video of his interview is available here. And you may also be interested in a white paper from Hayes on "Nonprofits in jeopardy: Can better branding help?"

Our Executive Director, David Rogers has just launched a new blog. Just what inspired you to do this, David? "Well, now that Schmitt has given up on text, I felt that I should do my part to carry on the tradition."

David will be wiriting regularly on marketing, new media, and customer networks -- as well as posting links to some of his favorite articles, research, and case studies.

Some recent posts on his blog include:

• Why Even Megachurches Can't Make Money on Magazines These Days
• Customization & the Rise of the Makerbots!
• Former CMO of Audi on Premium Brands & Automotive Branding
  

Over 100 video startups have demo’d in front of over 3,300 NYVideo.org members. Now, it’s time to crown the top dog. NY Video’s Top Startup of 2009 will be selected by open nomination and voting for the Top 5 Finalists, followed by a live demo competition here at Columbia Business School where 300 NYVideo.org members will select the winner via live SMS vote.

So visit NYVideo.org to sign-up, to vote for your favorite startup, and to register for the event.

When: December 17, 2009 from 6:30-8:30pm
Where: Uris Hall, Room 301, Columbia Business School
Cost: $10, taken at the door, first come first served

In spite of the ongoing global financial crisis, Wegelin is doing better today than ever before. It has achieved this success by maintaining its core customer traditions while modernizing and innovating through technology investments, educational partnerships, and the creation of an ownership participation system.

Wegelin now must decide whether to try to build on this success by expanding internationally or stick to its tried and true domestic strategy.

A summary article, including a link to request the case study, is here. A video interview with Prof. Schmitt discussing the details of the case is available here.