Personality Not Included: Why Companies Lose Their Authenticity And How Great Brands Get it Back, Foreword by Guy Kawasaki

Personality Not Included: Why Companies Lose Their Authenticity And How Great Brands Get it Back, Foreword by Guy Kawasaki
by Rohit Bhargava

Personality Not Included: Why Companies Lose Their Authenticity And How Great Brands Get it Back, Foreword by Guy Kawasaki
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Book Summary Information

Author: Rohit Bhargava
Edition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2008-03-31
ISBN: 0071545212
Number of pages: 256
Publisher: McGraw-Hill

Book Reviews of Personality Not Included: Why Companies Lose Their Authenticity And How Great Brands Get it Back, Foreword by Guy Kawasaki

Book Review: Handy guide to marketing in the Social Media era
Summary: 4 Stars

Kudos to Rohit Bhargava for writing a handy guide to marketing in what he calls the "social media era."

Gone is the era of one-way communication in which corporations conveyed carefully scripted brand identity to consumers. The advent of internet and the proliferation of social media have facilitated the dialogue among consumers and between consumers and brands. Consumers are now active drivers behind the formulation of brand identity. This paradigm shift from a one-way communication to collective dialogue among brands and consumers is forcing brands to adapt by embracing "personality," the main topic of this book.

From leveraging the power of "accidental spokesperson" to crafting compelling back story, the author explains how brands can become "unique, authentic, and talkable" to thrive in the social media era. The strength of the book lies in the clarity with which the author illuminates the concept and application of "personality" while seamlessly incorporating an abundance of examples. Reading the book felt like listening to Bhargava share what he gleaned from his experience as a consultant over a cup of coffee: the book is easy to read and never repetitive or pedantic.

One of the great points Bhargava makes is that, while many corporations are apprehensive about losing control of their brand amidst the din of social media, it is not about their giving up control to consumers but sharing control: participating in the conversation with the consumers and guiding the collaborative task of shaping the brand.

Part Two of the book introduces guides, tools, and techniques for implementing successful marketing plans. Like Part One, the content is easy to follow. What I personally would have liked is an in-depth look at some of the techniques he cites, as this part of the book may be too brief for those who are seriously thinking about implementing them in real life; perhaps Bhargava could offer bonus chapters/resources on the book's website that are accessible only by those who purchased the book (like Tim Ferriss did with his book, Four Hour Workweek).

Overall a great read: 4.5 stars

Summary of Personality Not Included: Why Companies Lose Their Authenticity And How Great Brands Get it Back, Foreword by Guy Kawasaki

The age of the faceless corporation is over. In the new business era of the twenty first century, great brands and products must evoke a dynamic personality in order to attract passionate customers. Although many organizations hide their personality behind layers of packaged messaging and advertising, social media guru and influencer Rohit Bhargava counters that philosophy and illustrates how successful businesses have redefined themselves in the new customer universe.

Personality Not Included is a powerhouse resource packed with bold new insights that show you how to shed the lifeless armor of your business and rediscover the soul of your brand. Sharing stories from the ethos of the world's weirdest city, to how Manga has taken the comic book industry by storm, to showcasing brands like Intel, Boeing, ING, and Dyson, Bhargava shows you why personality matters from the inside out.

In Part One, you'll be introduced to the key components to building a personality and learn how to:

  • Recognize the greatest myth that most marketers blindly follow, and how to get past it
  • Use the "UAT Filter" to understand the personality of your organization and products in order to develop a communication strategy that drives your marketing
  • Create your company's "marketing backstory" using techniques pioneered by Hollywood screenwriters
  • Harness the influence of "accidental spokespeople" and use it to your advantage
  • Navigate the roadblocks of using personality that come from bosses, peers, investors, and lawyers, without getting fired or flamed
  • Pinpoint and capitalize on the moments where personality can make a difference

Part Two is packed with guides, tools, and techniques to help you flawlessly implement your plan. It features practical, step-by-step lessons that help you effectively move from theory to action, and includes a valuable collection of guides, checklists, question forms, printable resources, and more.

Don't be another faceless company-learn the new rules for succeeding in the social media era with Personality Not Included.

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