A brand is a "name, term, design, symbol, or
any other feature that identifies one seller's good or service as distinct from
those of other sellers.
Also, the following was something
of interest on Wikipedia:
The word "brand" is derived from
the Old Norse brandr meaning "to burn." It refers to
the practice of producers burning their mark (or brand) onto their products.
The oldest generic
Brand, which is in continuous use in India, since Vedic period, 9000–10000
years ago is known as 'Chyawanprash'. It is widely used in India and many other
countries and is a herbal paste of 45 herbs made for revered Rishi named
Chyawan.
Branding can be for a personality
or a company/organization or for a country too. I have been sometimes wondering
that why India with such a rich olden times, different and vibrant society and
above all a well branched out NRI populace doesn’t not brand itself. The names
which immediately come to mind when nation branding comes are the ‘Malaysia –
Truly Asia’ slogan or ‘Discover Australia’ one. The last to join the league is South
Korea. I read an interesting article in the Korean Herald regarding the South
Korean branding. South Korea has been performing superbly and has churned out
global giants like Samsung, LG and Hyundai.
China did a similar branding
exercise in the city of Rome (early 1970’s) as the Chinese government supported
migrants to open diners in the city and residents of the city learnt the
Chinese culture from there as laid out in the article.
