When striving to build great products, you must always remember the “Beauty is in the Details”. Most brands look to compromise at some point when commercializing their products. This can be in form of areas not seen (internal), or items discarded (packaging). The most sophisitcated and longest lasting brands are ones who “find” a way not to compromise on quality, aesthetics or design integrity, and strive to “Build a Masterpiece” within a financially viable model. Conceptually this is always the goal, but in reality not always achieved. However, if not established at the outset, this goal can never materialize. Another benefit to setting this “Masterpiece Vision” is everyone is driving towards the same goal, and if compromises are made they recognize the impact.
In the minds of everyone involved in conceptualizing, developing and building your product, each should feel as if they are part of building brand equity. It was Leonardo de Vinci who once said, “Simplicity is the Ultimate Sophistication”, and if each piece is thought out in this manner success can be achieved. Simplicity in Design or Function can take the form of Internal Design, Exterior Details, Color Schemes, Packaging, Materials Utilized or Font designs. Each individually do not create a “Masterpiece”, but collectively may achieve this goal.
The goal of the Product Creation process is to create a “Vision” of what your brand strives to be. Never compromise, or shortchange your product or process, for if you achieve success without compromise, success will surely follow.
Always look to “Never Compromise”..!
Always Strive to “Build your Masterpiece…” !
Always Spread the “Brand Vision…” !
Enjoy the Ride..!
Bryan Smeltzer
www.bryansmeltzer.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/bryansmeltzer
“Product Innovation & Marketing Success Blog..”
The author
I have a passion for living balanced life and a strong faith...each equally important for thriving and excelling…I love crushing mountain bike trails, exploring and finding ways to grow beyond the “status quo”. I am a dedicated, innovation driven team leader with a passion for establishing a disruptive vision and executing a market dominating strategy… Our industry has always been about creating innovative, market driving solutions that enhance performance or provide for a better life beyond sport. It has also been about culture, fit and passion for the brand. When these foundational pillars are removed, the brand starts to crumble. Being part of an industry that bridges talent between product creation, marketing, sales, finance and operations is formula for success, because every function is about building a foundational performance brand. It’s galvanizing when elite athletes wear and endorse our creations, but the real strength is leading the teams that combine their creative forces and technical expertise to make the engine roar. I am always passionate for defining and leading the next industry revolution… Extensive executive level experience across globally recognized brands, each number one in their respective markets, along with having founded and successfully sold my own branded apparel company. Whether establishing new product lines, building global marketing strategies, leading design/development teams, I have a passion for building and growing brands. Some examples; • Built Zamst from start up to achieving nationwide North American distribution, and 845% revenue growth over a 3 1/2 year period. • With Gathering Storm, grew TaylorMade/adidas Golf Accessories from $11M to $48M over 3 years. • K-Swiss, global executive management of $38M in international licensee’s and domestic apparel/accessories division. • OAKLEY, built and successfully developed “Athletic Division” NCAA licensed team eyewear/apparel product lines achieving $1.4M in initial season.