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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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