Manchester United is arguably the world's biggest professional soccer team. Admittedly I am a little biased as I am an avid supporter, but the Red Devils (the team's nickname) have the credentials to back it up: they have won countless trophies in England's top flight and in European competition. In addition to their on-field success, they are one of the most widely recognized brands in the world.
I thought it was interesting that when my classmates and I brainstormed brands that we recognized, we did not mention sports teams at all. Why not? I guess it is because we don't think of teams as brands, but I would argue that they are. Take Manchester United for example; In addition to being traded on the New York Stock Exchange, Forbes estimated that the team is worth $3 billion as of January 2013, and in 2011 Brand Finance (a consultancy) valued United's trademark and associated intellectual property at approximately $669 million. Granted, that's a far cry from making Interbrand's Top 100 list (Gap was in last place in 2013 valued at $3,920 million) but I don't think it's anything to be laughed at either.
Think of your favorite teams. Why do you like them? I like United because I like the culture of the team. They are famous for coming back late in games to win, having strong management and top class talent on the field. I have an emotional attachment to them because they are the first soccer team I started watching. Sound familiar to our brand moments from class? Emotional attachment, fond memories, superior product, good culture...
Now, click here to watch a little Man United propaganda. Even if you're not a soccer fan, skip to 3:28 for one of the best goals you will ever see in soccer.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Why should I invest in Real Estate?
Because they aren't making any more of it! So of course the value of my home will go up! From my experience at McGrath Real Estate Services over the past year, I have found that the age old reasoning behind investing in Real Estate needs a bit of a face lift.
McGrath Real Estate is a small full-service Real Estate Firm in Herndon, VA. This means that the company does property management, sales, and rentals. As the Maintenance Coordinator, I work with all three divisions of the company since they intertwine so closely. I am responsible for improving the customer's experience by overseeing the repair process from the first request through the reception of the invoice for the completed work from the vendor. I manage all inquiries from tenants, coworkers, vendors and clients regarding the repair process, and provide updates to all parties involved.
I get to see the good, the bad, and the ugly of the Real Estate market in Northern Virginia. I have been a part of the process when my coworkers sell their investor clients' houses for a significant profit, and I have also seen some of our clients try to deal with owning a property while underwater on it. I have experienced clients who are elated, apathetic, frustrated, content and irate with our service. The biggest takeaway from my experience is that Real Estate is a living, breathing entity connected to the state of the economy and there are no certainties. So at McGrath we have to control what we can for the customer: excellent interpersonal skills, professional analytical abilities, and a superior attitude!
McGrath Real Estate is a small full-service Real Estate Firm in Herndon, VA. This means that the company does property management, sales, and rentals. As the Maintenance Coordinator, I work with all three divisions of the company since they intertwine so closely. I am responsible for improving the customer's experience by overseeing the repair process from the first request through the reception of the invoice for the completed work from the vendor. I manage all inquiries from tenants, coworkers, vendors and clients regarding the repair process, and provide updates to all parties involved.
I get to see the good, the bad, and the ugly of the Real Estate market in Northern Virginia. I have been a part of the process when my coworkers sell their investor clients' houses for a significant profit, and I have also seen some of our clients try to deal with owning a property while underwater on it. I have experienced clients who are elated, apathetic, frustrated, content and irate with our service. The biggest takeaway from my experience is that Real Estate is a living, breathing entity connected to the state of the economy and there are no certainties. So at McGrath we have to control what we can for the customer: excellent interpersonal skills, professional analytical abilities, and a superior attitude!
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