Too many companies think that splashy advertising and cool packaging is the same thing as branding. Marketers talk about brand charisma or brand warfare, spend millions on entertaining ads starring dancing chimpanzees or cowboys herding cats, but fail to differentiate their product or give consumers a real reason to pay attention. Then they wonder why their campaigns fail.

This in-your-face, down-to-earth guide explains real branding: the process of creating an exclusive idea of value that consumers can trust you to deliver consistently. It offers a unique eight-week program that can help any company create a #1 brand by focusing on the one big idea that will make people really want your product or service.

The same principles apply to Ford Motor Company and Frankie's Lawn & Garden shop. Schley and Nichols teach readers how to:

• abandon their precious lists of features and benefits

• focus on a simple, singular message

• distill a killer dominant selling idea

• roll out a new brand identity

For anyone who wants to harness the true power of branding, this enjoyable book is the place to start.