5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The one textbook, 9 Dec 2009
Wally Olins has been a leading brand creator ever since branding first became a separate discipline. He is the most quoted, most respected, and most complete author on branding. And this is his most complete book (to date).
This is not necessarily a visionary or inspiring book. Olins is telling us where we have been, not where we are going. In a lot of ways, this is branding's great textbook -- almost all of the wisdom of branding over the last fifty years is at least referenced here.
In a lot of ways, but not all ways. There is a small modicum of opinion mixed in with established practice. Or, rather, this book is entirely a book of Olins's opinions, but those opinions are textbook in 95% of all he wants to tell us. I'm not saying he is wrong in the other 5% -- for example, he pours scorn on Unique Selling Propositions in a similar way to
Ogilvy -- but some of these opinions run against mainstream views.
For my money -- and I've spent quite a lot of it on books on this subject -- this is one of the two best books on branding. The other is
The 22 Immutable Laws Of Branding by Al Ries. The two books are opposites of each other. Olins tells you everything there is to know, and you can pretty much rely on everything he tells you. Ries challenges (I think correctly, but still controversially) many of the commonest misconceptions about what branding is and how to do it. Ries will give you a head-start in getting to grips with the work, Olins offers you the complete course. Ries is fast-food, Olins is decidedly chewy, and you will need to come back to it several times.
Absolutely recommended.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
33 of 39 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
genius., 8 Dec 2003
This review is from: On Brand (Hardcover)
I've followed Wally Olins career over the years and was intrigued when he released 'On Brand'. I bought a copy immediately and my first comment would be in agreement with a comment on the back of the book - this is the only book on branding you ever haver have to buy. Intelligent, insightful, compelling, inspiring. Wally knows the industry inside out and this really comes across in every page of the book. Whatever level you're at - student, academic, seasoned marketeer, you can learn from this book.
I look forward to learning more from his next book.
Buy it - it will change your life.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
4.0 out of 5 stars
he knows his stuff..., 18 Sep 2011
a very good detailed book on branding. wally ollins has been in the game for donkeys years. he has a great idea on branding - but even he says that it creating a strong, effective brand is hard work because so many variables ned to be considered and applied. branding is complex. you would be foolish to only limit this book to your arsenal. however it's a great introduction to branding.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No