Which Brands Inspire You?

This time last year, Apple was deemed the most inspirational brand based on consumer impact. This makes me consider is brands can be inspirational whether or not you can get behind the product.

Consider: Have you ever loved a commercial, enjoyed the cleverness of a billboard ad, or really appreciated a logo design without having to submit to the product or service?

And when an ad really does hit home, do you walk away remembering the branding behind the message? A brand can aim to deliver a message other than their own brand promise – a seasonal greeting, a message of hope in trying times, or something that states the company’s position vis-a-vis a particular issue or cause.

If a brand shows this human side, this integrity, are you more likely to consider the company when making future consumer decisions? If we were to be completely pessimistic, is it bad that a company would waste effort on trying to buy consumers through pathos-laden messages? Or can a message outside of the brand messaging ever be altruistic and genuine?

Share your favourite commercials from the years and whether they’ve inspired you in any way – towards the brand or otherwise.