Brand Value: Personal Brand

A survey was published in August 2013 that had the following listing of South Africa's most valuable brands:
 1.     MTN
2.    Vodacom
3.    Sasol
4.    Standard Bank
5.    Absa
6.    Nedbank
7.    Woolworths
8.    First National Bank (FNB)
9.    Shoprite
10.  Mediclinic

Although it is clearly noticable from the list that two of the cellular phone network companies lead the pack, what is interesting to observe is SASOL being ranked number three in the survey. This observation proves that brand, is not subjective or limited to FMCG or retail products. Brand value can and is important in any sector of business or industry. The question then comes up. Can we then brand government? Is there any value in doing branding exercises for government even though the purpose of government is not primarily to do business but provide service. From politicians, CEOs, political parties and companies, the value of brand is ever important, and if brand is given proper attention, it could be the main reason for differentiation in any organisation. Merely focusing on effective sales and pricing strategies, distribution strategies can improve the business operations and ability to increase business, however, it will take a brand strategy to set-apart as it were, the products of one company to that of the competitor.
The age of branding is increasing widely, and more organisations are beginning to see the benefits even in those organisation or businesses that do not operate in FMCG space.