What do you think of when you think of top 10 companies – the top brands – in the world? What do they do to dominate their market?
Starbucks
Everywhere you turn, another Starbucks is popping up. They are everywhere – grocery stores, airports, and every other street corner. Starbucks might be pricey but customers derive value from the consistent products AND service they receive at every location. At one point, Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz actually closed some 7,100 locations to re-train the baristas in the art of making a proper espresso.
McDonalds
While it might not be the healthiest choice one can make, there is a level of certainty associated with McDonald’s. You know it is going to be relatively fast and pretty darn consistent from one franchise to the next.
Tim Hortons
A little love north of the border. Tim Hortons is well known by anyone who lives in, or has visited Canada. Two words… double-double. Or is that one?
Apple
While a few things about Apple might be annoying, they definitely got it right in terms of branding. Apple consistently introduces the latest smart, sleek, and cutting edge technology available at your fingertips.
Disney
Such the global icon, Disney has always represented family and fun. You can be certain to be greeted with a friendly smile by every cast member on premises. Although lines may be frustrating from time to time, the entire enterprise is built on the notion of everyone having fun!
Amazon
Known for being the biggest river in the world, and having nearly every living creature imaginable living in or nearby, the Amazon is synonymous with size. Likewise Amazon.com is also the largest e-commerce platform. People know that they can get anything and everything from Amazon, and it can reliably be at their doorstep in 2 days.
Nordstrom
Nordstrom is a leader when it comes to customer service. Many other stores in the same price range and quality just don’t stack up. At many higher market stores, the atmosphere can, at times, feel less than helpful. At Nordstrom, the customer experience is generally well above average.
Coca-Cola
Coke has always brought it strong when it comes to conveying messages of fun and friendship. You can assure that every Super Bowl (and many other big events) that Coke will roll out an adorable, fun commercial that conveys their brand and makes you want to down an ice cold Coke with your best friends.
Nike
Just do it! That is exactly what Nike has done in terms of making their mark in the sports industry. Their brand is consistently associated with the best athletes in the world – Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Roger Federer, LeBron James, and on and on. Who wouldn’t want to be in those shoes?
Staples
Staples is certainly known for its consistency. Not only are you going to be able to get the same product at nearly every store, and even more online, but doesn’t it seem like every Staples is laid out the same way? Oh and there is that ‘easy’ button thing.
Susan Sly is a best selling author, work life balance expert, speaker and entrepreneur. She has appeared on CNN, CNBC, Fox, Lifetime Television and the CBN. Susan is the mother of five children and resides in Scottsdale, Arizona.
