There are certain brands that fascinate me and I can never learn enough about them. Google is one of those brands. I recently finished Douglas Edwards’ book “I’m Feeling Lucky: The Confessions of Google Employee Number 59” and I can’t stop talking about it. Just ask my coworkers – it’s been Google does this and Google did that for about three weeks now.

The book is an interesting look into the company as it was first starting up until it went public. I love how Edwards lets us in on key meetings that determined how the tiniest of details would be presented first through the search engine and then through AdWords, Google News, etc. As a believer that a true brand lies in the details, I could not get enough of these insights.

In addition, the book talks a lot about Google’s culture and showcases examples of how the company brought that culture to life in its TGIF meetings, office space and decision making. As with many successful brands, the strong culture is the foundation for the Google brand and its distinct voice.

As Google’s first dedicated brand marketer, Edwards helped to build and set standards for one of today’s most iconic brands. While this is only one employee’s perspective, it is definitely worth adding this book to your “To Read” list.

Have you read it yet? Let us know what you thought.

It’s officially December, I know you’re probably thinking the same thing I am, where has 2011 gone? The month of December doesn’t just kick the holiday celebrations into high gear, but every imaginable countdown of “best this” and “top this” will begin as 2011 comes to a close. And here at brandsalsa it’s no different! Throughout the month of December we’ll be listing out (in no particular order) the most talked about brands in 2011.

Every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday I’ll add to the list, so check back often to see who made the cut!

And without further ado, the most talked about brands of 2011 are:

Abercrombie & Fitch
In one of the most creative PR stunts I’ve seen in recent years Abercrombie & Fitch made headlines when they offered Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino from the popular “Jersey Shore” to stop wearing its clothing when the brand said in a statement: ” We understand that the show is for entertainment purposes, but believe this association is contrary to the aspirational nature of our brand, and may be distressing to many of our fans.” For a brand that is no stranger to risqué controversies this was certainly an interesting, media-attention grabbing move.

Sony
Coca-Cola
The Royal Wedding
NFL
Oprah
Kraft Macaroni & Cheese
Chrysler
Starbucks
Verizon Wireless

It’s officially December, I know you’re probably thinking the same thing I am, where has 2011 gone? The month of December doesn’t just kick the holiday celebrations into high gear, but every imaginable countdown of “best this” and “top this” will begin as 2011 comes to a close. And here at brandsalsa it’s no different! Throughout the month of December we’ll be listing out (in no particular order) the most talked about brands in 2011.

Every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday I’ll add to the list, so check back often to see who made the cut!

And without further ado, the most talked about brands of 2011 are:

Sony
Sony Playstation took a big hit to its brand in 2011 when they disclosed in May 2011 that there was a security breach affecting nearly 100 million people and their personal data. After the credit card numbers and expiration dates, bank account numbers and a multitude of other personal information was exposed Sony it was estimated that the largest personal data heist in history could set Sony back$50 million dollars.

Coca-Cola
The Royal Wedding
NFL
Oprah
Kraft Macaroni & Cheese
Chrysler
Starbucks
Verizon Wireless

It’s officially December, I know you’re probably thinking the same thing I am, where has 2011 gone? The month of December doesn’t just kick the holiday celebrations into high gear, but every imaginable countdown of “best this” and “top this” will begin as 2011 comes to a close. And here at brandsalsa it’s no different! Throughout the month of December we’ll be listing out (in no particular order) the most talked about brands in 2011.

Every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday I’ll add to the list, so check back often to see who made the cut!

And without further ado, the most talked about brands of 2011 are:

Coca-Cola
2011 and was a big year for Coca-Cola. Not only did it win Marketer of the Year from Adage but it celebrated the brand’s 125th anniversary. To celebrate the iconic brand lit up the Atlanta skyline with the largest building illumination ever by lighting up the company’s headquarters tower every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night in May. Now that would be a hard birthday candle to blow out, wouldn’t it?

The Royal Wedding
NFL
Oprah
Kraft Macaroni & Cheese
Chrysler
Starbucks
Verizon Wireless