I am not thrilled about the UAL and Continental merger. For one I have a deep love for Continental because of extensive reading and a true sense of what they’re about. So I was struck with mixed emotions at the corporate merger. But we shall see what happens next.
However their new logo leaves me NO mixed emotions: it’s garbage. The literal combining of the two logos and opting to keep the decidedly-older looking Continental over United’s recent update is just pure laziness and uncalled for in this age.
I have a feeling this was branding by committee to make everyone feel that it’s a merger. But it seems like two mobile homes tacked together with duct tape, plywood and leftover drywall nails. Instead they should’ve created an all-new logo, which would’ve reinvigorated the two companies instead.
Time will tell and I sure hope I’m wrong.
Socially speaking
The question of a blog hasn’t come up in a very long time. It seems a bit chest-thumpy and self-serving. And, unfortunately, rarely do organizations have resources to do it well. But there are some success stories out there.
Nuts About Southwest is what a corporate blog should be. But if you can dedicate a team of folks and your personality can support it, then it’s a sure fit. I love how SWA brings fun into their social media presence. On Twitter you’ll regularly be invited to visit a Luv-ly Employee at a gate in a town for a special treat. Their culture supports it and having this outward-facing vehicle is perfect for them.
And what if it’s not a blog, but a one-stop-sharing site? Maybe one where you’ll get a response via Twitter when you ask a question? This is where Ford’s social site The Ford Story comes in. Simple. To the point. And all about the consumer. Even going to far as to say so next to their logo. Excellent! No blog here — but it’s current and relevant. And open. You can see many ways to interact with them. Ford’s social media director Scott Monty (yup, hired JUST to do this) successfully brought buzz to the 2011 Ford Fiesta two years before it went on sale. Fascinating buzz and reaching a very wide demographic. Wanna know how he does it? Well, first of all: he lives it on his very own site.