Corporate Vandalism

What would your reaction be if you took your Mercedes Benz into the shop for an oil change and when you picked it up there were yellow flames painted on it? No big deal or you ruined my car? After asking the shop owner about the unauthorized alteration, you find out he was trying to “help you out” because HE thought your car looked a little boring. Most people would not sit still for that kind of “vandalism”. However, many business owners tolerate vandalism to their logo like this on a regular basis.

One of the most harmful things a business can do in regards to its branding or corporate identity is to use it inconsistently. So many business owners allow various vendors to “tweak” and play with their logo when using it in assorted applications. The problem is, that every time that logo is used differently the effectiveness diminishes. Soon a business can have so many different variations of their logo that the impact of repetitive views by clients and prospects is simply not noticed.

So how does one protect the consistency of their logo? A corporate standards manual. It is a simple document that shows vendors the dos and don’ts of how to use your logo. Take control! Have your logo designer create a standards manual for your logo and stop the madness of vendors vandalizing your valuable asset.