The Brand Gap: How to Bridge the Distance Between Business Strategy and Design vs. A Wild Sheep Chase
The Brand Gap: How to Bridge the Distance Between Business Strategy and Design
The Brand Gap is the first book to present a unified theory of brand-building. Whereas most books on branding are weighted toward either a strategic or creative approach, this book shows how both ways of thinking can unite to produce a “charismatic brand”―a brand that customers feel is essential to their lives. In an entertaining two-hour read you’ll learn: • the new definition of brand • the five essential disciplines of brand-building • how branding is changing the dynamics of competition • the three most powerful questions to ask about any brand • why collaboration is the key to brand-building • how design determines a customer’s experience • how to test brand concepts quickly and cheaply • the importance of managing brands from the inside • 220-word brand glossary
A Wild Sheep Chase
A Wild Sheep Chase by Haruki Murakami is a strange, offbeat novel that blends a detective story with surreal, dreamlike elements. It follows an unnamed, easygoing narrator who gets pulled into a bizarre search for a mysterious sheep with a star-shaped mark on its back. The story kicks off when a powerful figure in Japan’s underworld pressures the narrator into finding this sheep, which seems to hold some kind of mystical influence. The book is set in late 1970s Japan, moving from urban Tokyo to the cold, isolated landscapes of Hokkaido. Along the way, the narrator is joined by his girlfriend, whose unusually perceptive ears give the story an added touch of the weird. They meet a cast of quirky characters—a shadowy secretary, a reclusive professor obsessed with sheep, and a man in a sheep costume who speaks in riddles. What stands out is how ordinary things—bars, hotels, quiet towns—become strange and otherworldly. Murakami mixes humor, loneliness, and philosophical musings, all wrapp...
Reviews
Reviews
| Item | Votes | Upvote |
|---|---|---|
| No pros yet, would you like to add one? | ||
| Item | Votes | Upvote |
|---|---|---|
| No cons yet, would you like to add one? | ||
| Item | Votes | Upvote |
|---|---|---|
| More accessible than some of Murakami’s other works | 1 | |
| Good starting point for new Murakami readers | 1 | |
| Recognized with the 1982 Noma Literary Newcomer's Prize | 1 |
| Item | Votes | Upvote |
|---|---|---|
| No cons yet, would you like to add one? | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
'The Brand Gap' is focused on providing a unified theory of brand-building, making it highly beneficial for those interested in business strategy and branding. It offers practical insights into how to create a charismatic brand and manage it effectively. In contrast, 'A Wild Sheep Chase' is a work of fiction that offers a surreal narrative and philosophical depth, appealing to readers looking for literary enjoyment rather than business insights. Therefore, the choice depends on whether you seek practical business knowledge or an engaging literary experience.
'The Brand Gap' serves as a foundational text for understanding branding concepts, making it suitable for anyone new to the field of branding and business strategy. On the other hand, 'A Wild Sheep Chase' is noted as a good starting point for new readers of Haruki Murakami, as it is more accessible compared to his other works. Thus, if the reader is new to branding, 'The Brand Gap' is preferable, while 'A Wild Sheep Chase' is ideal for those exploring Murakami's literary style.
'The Brand Gap' is designed to provide practical applications in the realm of branding and business strategy, making it a valuable resource for professionals and students alike. It includes actionable insights and frameworks for brand-building. In contrast, 'A Wild Sheep Chase' is a fictional narrative that, while rich in themes and philosophical questions, does not offer practical applications in a business context. Therefore, for practical applications, 'The Brand Gap' is the clear choice.
'The Brand Gap' is a book that presents a unified theory of brand-building, combining both strategic and creative approaches. It aims to help businesses create 'charismatic brands' that customers feel are essential to their lives. The book covers topics such as the new definition of brand, the five essential disciplines of brand-building, the changing dynamics of competition, the importance of collaboration, the role of design in customer experience, and how to manage brands from the inside.
'The Brand Gap' is authored by Marty Neumeier, a renowned branding expert who has written several influential books on the subject. Neumeier has extensive experience in brand consulting and design, making him a credible voice in the field of branding.
The main topics covered in 'The Brand Gap' include the new definition of brand, the five essential disciplines of brand-building, the changing dynamics of competition, the three most powerful questions to ask about any brand, the importance of collaboration in brand-building, the role of design in customer experience, how to test brand concepts quickly and cheaply, and the importance of managing brands from the inside.
'The Brand Gap' is unique because it integrates both strategic and creative approaches to brand-building, rather than focusing on just one aspect. This holistic view helps businesses create more effective and charismatic brands. The book is also known for its concise and entertaining style, making complex concepts easy to understand in a short read.
'The Brand Gap' is designed to be a quick read, taking approximately two hours to complete. Despite its brevity, the book is packed with valuable insights and actionable advice for brand-building.
'A Wild Sheep Chase' by Haruki Murakami is a unique novel that combines elements of a detective story with surreal and dreamlike qualities. It follows an unnamed narrator who is drawn into a bizarre quest to find a mysterious sheep marked with a star on its back, under pressure from a powerful figure in Japan's underworld. The narrative unfolds in late 1970s Japan, transitioning from urban Tokyo to the remote landscapes of Hokkaido, and features a cast of eccentric characters and themes of identity, power, and the search for meaning.
Pros of 'A Wild Sheep Chase' include its accessibility compared to some of Murakami's other works, making it a good starting point for new readers. Additionally, it was recognized with the 1982 Noma Literary Newcomer's Prize. There are no listed cons for this novel, indicating that readers generally find it appealing.
Haruki Murakami is a renowned Japanese author known for his unique blend of magical realism, surrealism, and themes of loneliness and existentialism. His works often explore the complexities of human relationships and the nature of reality. Murakami has gained international acclaim and has written several bestsellers, including 'Norwegian Wood', 'Kafka on the Shore', and '1Q84'.
'A Wild Sheep Chase' explores themes such as identity, power, and the search for meaning. The narrative often blurs the lines between the ordinary and the surreal, inviting readers to reflect on the nature of reality and the significance of the bizarre encounters the narrator experiences throughout his journey.
