cover of episode Encore: Is founder fame an asset or a liability?

Encore: Is founder fame an asset or a liability?

2024/12/9
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Round Table China

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何杨
余舜
史蒂夫
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何杨:创始人/CEO 成为品牌代言人日益普遍,这是一种重要的商业策略。许多知名企业都将创始人/CEO作为品牌形象代表,例如苹果、Meta、新东方和格力电器。越来越多的科技公司CEO通过直播带货、社交媒体运营等方式,将自身作为品牌代表,这成为一种新的推广策略。消费者喜欢公司拥有“人设”,这能增加亲切感、信任感和品牌记忆度。 史蒂夫:他本人并未因为创始人/CEO 的个人形象而购买产品。对于高价值产品,他更注重产品质量、性价比等因素。时尚行业的情况有所不同,设计师的个人形象对品牌影响较大,但最终决定购买的还是设计本身。“光环效应”会影响消费者对品牌的认知,即使两者之间没有直接联系。创始人/CEO 的个人形象对品牌影响巨大,但风险也同样巨大。正面形象能提升品牌,负面形象则会造成严重损害。Elon Musk 的负面新闻影响了消费者对其公司(特斯拉)的信心。对于小型公司来说,创始人/CEO 作为品牌代言人可以节省广告费用。中国社会对成功的商业领袖存在一定程度的追捧,这与以往不同。创始人/CEO 作为代言人,其效果取决于目标受众。他曾因为戈登·拉姆齐的名气而光顾其餐厅,但并非所有类似案例都成功。许多CEO/创始人创建社交媒体账号是为了塑造亲民的企业形象。成功的公司应该建立超越个人的强大品牌形象,并拥有稳健的商业模式。 余舜:将CEO作为代言人是一种高效的广告方式,因为它利用了CEO本身的权威性。消费者更倾向于相信公司CEO的广告,因为他们拥有权威性。理想的品牌代言人需要具备三个条件:公司铁粉、优秀的公众演讲能力和社交媒体运营能力。CEO通常满足这些条件。中国CEO/创始人积极参与短视频平台的营销活动,反映了当前的数字营销趋势。一些CEO/创始人积极参与短视频营销,但其效果因人而异。当前的广告策略需要适应数字平台,并与目标受众建立联系。过于完美的形象可能会显得无聊,缺乏个性和品牌特色。品牌代言人需要与目标受众产生共鸣,并保持良好的公众形象。

Deep Dive

Key Insights

Why are more founders and CEOs becoming the face of their brands?

Founders and CEOs are increasingly stepping into the spotlight as the face of their brands to build trust, credibility, and authenticity. This strategy leverages their personal branding to connect with consumers and make the brand more memorable.

What are the potential risks of having a founder or CEO as the brand's face?

If the founder or CEO's reputation takes a hit due to a scandal or negative publicity, it can significantly harm the brand's image and consumer trust, potentially leading to financial losses.

How does Elon Musk's reputation impact Tesla's brand?

Elon Musk's reputation has a direct influence on Tesla's brand. A survey by Caliber showed that his reputation in terms of consumer confidence has dropped to about half of what it used to be, affecting potential buyers' decisions.

What are the benefits of having a founder or CEO as the brand spokesperson?

Having a founder or CEO as the spokesperson can make the brand more relatable, credible, and authentic. It also helps the brand stand out and become more memorable to consumers.

Why do consumers prefer brands with a recognizable face?

Consumers often feel more comfortable and connected to brands that have a recognizable face, as it adds a human element and makes the brand more relatable and trustworthy.

How does the halo effect influence brand perception?

The halo effect occurs when consumers associate a positive opinion of a spokesperson with the brand they represent, leading to increased trust and preference for the brand, even if there is no direct connection.

What are the challenges for CEOs and founders in maintaining a positive personal brand?

CEOs and founders must maintain a squeaky-clean image to avoid any scandals that could harm their brand. However, some argue that a perfectly pristine image can be boring and lack character.

How do Chinese CEOs use social media to promote their brands?

Many Chinese CEOs are actively using platforms like Weibo and Douyin to promote their brands by sharing personal stories, daily activities, and product information, aiming to appear relatable and build a strong personal brand.

What is the impact of live streaming on consumer behavior in China?

Live streaming has become a popular way for consumers in China to engage in interactive and entertaining shopping experiences. It taps into the desire for social interaction and real-time engagement while shopping.

What are the regulations around live streaming in public spaces in China?

Some attractions in China, like the Forbidden City, have introduced regulations prohibiting commercial live streaming within their premises. However, there may not yet be comprehensive rules governing live streaming in public spaces.

Shownotes Transcript

Imagine you're launching a new product in 2024. Who would be the best spokesperson, a celebrity endorser or the company's founder? These days, more and more founders and CEOs are stepping into the spotlight as the face of their brands. Does this help to build trust and credibility for the brand? Or will it create risks if that person's reputation takes a hit? / Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to [email protected] (21:42)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun