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Branding Lessons from the "Jersey Fresh" Tomato
Written by: Ed DeliaArticle Overview: I was born and raised in Hunterdon County. We currently reside in neighboring Somerset, but my business is still based in Hunterdon County. And while many are vocal about the quirks and craziness of the Garden State, I simply love New Jersey. I love working here, and the opportunities to have fun here. In the summertime, I especially love "Jersey Fresh" tomatoes. Not just for the distinctive taste, but also for the valuable parallels between the trademark vegetable and what we do here at Delia Associates - brand-for-growth strategies for mid-market organizations.
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Branding Lessons from the "Jersey Fresh" Tomato
A Jersey Tomato is not unlike a well-branded mid-sized company. On its own, the tomato has limited appeal. You can't eat it as you would an apple. But as part of the whole, the Jersey Tomato is often that essential ingredient, whether in a sauce, on a sandwich, or as a side dish. Much like mid-sized organizations who provide an integral component, service, technology, or resource to a larger whole, the tomato is one of those key ingredients. A slice of a Jersey-fresh tomato on a hamburger doesn't make the hamburger, but it makes the overall dish more appealing.
And the "Jersey Fresh" distinction gives our local tomatoes their brand identity, their own special niche among all types of tomatoes. In much the same manner, a well-branded mid-sized company can form its own niche, its own version of #1 as an essential ingredient to a better whole. So, mid-sized companies can learn a valuable lesson from our State's prized vegetable: You don't have to be all things to all people, or go the road alone. You simply have to position yourself as a distinct and essential ingredient that improves or enhances the end result.
This is not unlike the famous BASF branding message: "We don't make the things you buy. We make the things you buy better." Now if only BASF pushed their branding a little harder by using the recognizable statement as a basis for explaining EXACTLY what it is they do. I may be biased, but the "Jersey Fresh Tomato" has covered that point as well, with clarity and simplicity.
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About the Author: Ed Delia RSS for Ed's articles - Visit Ed's website Ed Delia grew up in the dynamic and challenging world of marketing. In 1998, he was named president of Delia Associates, assuming full control of the company founded by his father in 1964. Delia Associates has directly contributed to the success and growth of a wide varitey of clients, helping businesses expand their sales opportunities through the development and implementation of highly successful branding campaigns. In 2007, Ed became only the ninth professional in N.J. to earn the Professional Certified Marketer designation from the American Marketing Association, Joing an Elite group of just 250 marketing professionals in the U.S. who hold that designation. Ed was honored as one of New Jersey's 40 under 40 for 20069, an annual designation by NJBiz, the state's leading business publication. He also was named 2006 Outstanding Business Person of the Year by the Somerset Business Partnership. Ed is a frequent speaker on branding, marketing, advertising, and technology-driven communications. He is an Expert Speaker for Vistage International, the largest peer-to-peer learning organization for CEOs. Ed earned his BA in English from Dickinson College in Pennsylvania. Click here to visit Ed's website Why Customers Buy Why a Satisfied Customer is Bad News for Your Brand Branding The Magic Bean or Field of Dreams When Brands and Technology Collide Understanding the Fusion Factor How 20 are you |
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