I’ve just read this article about how Zimbabwe and the 2010 World soccer championship in South Africa can affect each other (!) but no need to read through it; the most interesting part is a quote by Simon Anholt, nation branding’s leading thinker, who leaves this brilliant phrase for the future:
“A brand, as the clear, highly visible manifestation of a country or a corporation, is as much an invitation to complain — indeed, a target for grudges — as it is a guarantee of quality… The higher you raise people’s expectations with a brand, and the more you invest in making big public promises, the greater the disappointment when you fail to keep them.”
Great, as usual.
I am a brand strategy expert consultant having worked for many corporations and institutions on branding projects, including city and nation branding.
I also write some articles and books on branding and cities (lates on Barcelona).
I find your web site really interesting a a good place to see what is going on on “nation and place branding”.
I would be happy to collaborate with you if you ever decide to include a “spanish” varssion of the site or do some special strategy for spanish speaking professionals of country branding and goverment / institutions.
Also in areas such translate and or publish articles or books in spanish.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely
Juan Carlos Belloso
Valordemarca