Simon Anholt is an independent policy advisor who has worked to help develop and implement strategies for enhanced economic, political and cultural engagement with other countries... (wikipedia)
It is a promise of quality and a licence to charge more money for your product -- very often it is the most important asset of a company.
Sounds French, it is known to be British, but in fact it is 100 percent owned by McDonald's.
Once you have got a brand image, it is the most valuable thing you can have. It gives instant value, credibility, reliability and reassurance,
Think 'Pret a manger,' a brand that at first sounds very French and you might think it is a fashion store. In fact it is an eatery -- they do high quality take-out food,
The real success story of branding in recent decades has been the way in which companies have used their brands to turn the satisfaction of complex and even spiritual needs into commercial transactions.
The strengths of America's international standing continue to be innovation, opportunities and vibrancy,
Brands are the rock stars of commerce, and create many fans, both at home and abroad.
The only remaining superpower is international public opinion.