brand/consumer dependency

In re-reading some of Reid Overcash's "Whose Brand Is It Anyway?" I'm reminded that consumers are just as dependent on brands as brands are dependent on consumers. People want stability, consistency and trust from the products and services they use. Reid reminds us that a brand is a reputation. This is obvious, but it's important in that people treat brands almost like good friends. If they have a good reputation, people brag about them and want others to meet them, but if they have a bad reputation, there is no reason for them to trust them. People don't go out looking for bad brands; they want something with a good reputation. So make sure the reputation of your brand is in good hands. If not, people will find a new best friend/brand.

Reid Overcash is ??? at Strategic Insights in Raleigh, NC.