We asked ourselves one very important question when thinking about great brands. What do great brands have that other brands don't have, or are missing? 

The simple answer to this question: GUTS.

Yes,...GUTS. It takes GUTS to launch something new, or different. Whether you're in the product or service space, it's not relevant. You could be a start up, or a cash cow, it makes no difference. At the end of the day great brands are built from GUTS. The know how, the strategy, the marketing plan, the branding solutions, are all very important, also. But, they come later. 

Why do you need GUTS to build a great brand? Well,...brands that win in any marketplace are constantly pushing the envelope, or innovating. They never settle. They're relentless in their ability to engage, connect, and turn heads. When times get tough, they're challenged and they fight back. This is why they win. This is why they're great. 

Fear not, there's hope. We're firm believers that there's always hope. If a brand recognizes what it's going to take (GUTS) to make it great, then it's already on the right track. So, take the next step...you owe it to your brand, your team, and mostly...yourself.

Hey there…start up. We're pleased to offer a new program for start ups called RESTART.

In this crazy web 2.0 world, YOU NEED TO BE DIFFERENT. YOU NEED TO CONNECT. YOU NEED TO…BE START UP SMART.

We know you're busy reeling in users or members, forming partnerships, OR building a cool iPhone OR facebook app. While you do that, we want to help your start up:

BE DIFFERENT - TO CONNECT - BE START UP SMART. LET'S GET STARTED.

We have news!

Principal and Founder, Michael Gaizutis of RNO1, is pleased to announce his recent involvement as an advisor (brand/marketing) for new startup localblox (localblox.com).  The startup is currently in stealth mode and will be having a soft launch in January 2010.  Michael states, “I feel priveleged to be able to work on this project.  localblox brings something new to the social table and we expect to see rapid growth from this venture into 2010 and beyond.  It’s value add is unique and has amazing potential.”

We’ll keep our eyes on localblox into the new year.  But, what about you?  We love startups (or cash cows) and can’t wait to make an introduction.  Here’s to the new year and all of our successes!