Brand Management

Gunjan Singh | Head of Marketing | Gourmet Investments Private Limited

What is Brand Management?

There are many nuances of a Career in Brand Management. Almost everyone seems to be talking about How to start a Career in Brand Management, while one should first develop an understanding of What is a Career in Brand Management. The most authoritative source of information on Brand Management is someone with real experience in it.

With 15 years & 6 months of professional experience, Head of Marketing Gunjan Singh understands Brand Management. Head of Marketing Gunjan Singh outlines Brand Management as:

Brand managers are concerned with creating a lasting impression among consumers and improving product sales and market share. A brand manager monitors market trends and oversees advertising and marketing activities to ensure the right message is delivered for their product or service.

How Head of Marketing Gunjan Singh got into Brand Management?

After completing my Bachelors in Commercial Arts from Apeejay Institute of Design, I started my career with The India Today Lifestyle division where I worked for 8 years followed by India Se and DML Live in Singapore. I am Head of Marketing at Gourmet Investments Private Limited.

Head of Marketing Gunjan Singh's Talk on Brand Management

The Dynamic World of Brand Management: A Journey with Gunjan Singh In an ever-evolving marketplace, brand management stands out as a vital and exciting career path for those who wish to connect creatively with consumers. Gunjan Singh, an experienced brand manager currently leading branding initiatives at Gourmet Investments Group’s Pizza Express Division, shares insights into the world of brand management, emphasizing the importance of creativity, strategic thinking, and adaptability. This article will explore what brand management entails, the education and skills required, its positives and challenges, and a typical day in the life of a brand manager. What Is Brand Management? The Essence of Brand Management Brand management is the process of developing, maintaining, and improving a brand's image in the minds of consumers. As Gunjan describes it, it's about embarking on a creative journey that involves understanding a brand's identity and positioning it effectively in the market. This responsibility includes ensuring the brand communicates appropriately to its target audience and competes effectively against rival brands. For instance, managing the branding of a new restaurant under the Pizza Express umbrella requires a deep understanding of how to visually and emotionally resonate with customers in a competitive food and beverage landscape. Education Different Sectors To thrive in brand management, one must first identify the sector of interest, be it food and beverage, fashion, retail, or technology. Gunjan mentions that understanding the sector is foundational because each category has a unique audience and competitive dynamics. For example, branding for a luxury fashion brand like Dior requires different strategies and insights than working for a high-street retailer like Zara. This sector-specific knowledge enables brand managers to tailor their approaches to ensure appealing communications and connections with their target market. Target Market Identifying the target market is crucial for any brand manager. Gunjan emphasizes that understanding who the brand serves allows for crafting strategies that resonate with the intended audience. For instance, if a brand focuses on sustainability, knowing the demographics of environmentally conscious consumers can shape marketing messages and visual aesthetics effectively, leading to greater brand loyalty and customer satisfaction. Competition Knowing the competition is equally important in brand management. Gunjan points out that it's vital to recognize who else is vying for the same audience's attention. By analyzing competitors' strengths and weaknesses, brand managers can devise innovative strategies to differentiate their brands. For instance, knowing what successful marketing techniques competitors utilize can inspire new approaches that set a brand apart in a crowded marketplace. Marketing Building a marketing strategy involves various elements influenced by the sector, target market, and competition. Gunjan highlights the current landscape where digital and social media play prominent roles in marketing strategies. A successful brand manager must be adaptable, leveraging both traditional and modern marketing techniques to engage their target audience effectively. This strategic experimentation is exciting and vital for staying ahead in the industry. Brand Knowledge Finally, continuous education about brands, trends, and shifts in the market is necessary for anyone in brand management. Gunjan remarks that keeping up with industry developments allows brand managers to remain relevant and innovative. For example, a brand manager who stays ahead of current trends can pivot their strategy more quickly, ensuring that their initiatives resonate well with contemporary consumers. Skills Creativity Creativity is at the heart of brand management. Gunjan stresses that thinking outside the box is essential for developing unique and appealing brand narratives. For instance, the successful launch of the Bandra Project serves as a testament to how creative ideas can result in a thriving establishment, showcasing the power of innovative branding efforts. Discipline With the freedom to explore creative avenues comes the need for discipline. Gunjan mentions that maintaining a work-life balance is crucial, and managers must use their time productively. This requires establishing clear priorities and sticking to them, ensuring that the creative process does not derail important deadlines or objectives. Decision Making Quick and informed decision-making is a critical skill in brand management. Gunjan observes that numerous tasks demand attention simultaneously, necessitating swift judgments that can significantly impact the brand’s trajectory. A successful brand manager learns to prioritize what matters most, fostering a responsive and dynamic work environment. Communication Effective communication skills facilitate connections between brand managers and diverse stakeholders, from creative teams to consumers. Gunjan emphasizes that the ability to articulate ideas clearly and persuasively is essential. Fostering open dialogues enhances collaboration and leads to better idea generation and implementation. Networking Networking plays a pivotal role in brand management. Gunjan notes that meeting individuals from various backgrounds exposes brand managers to new insights and perspectives that can enrich their work. Building a robust professional network ensures access to a wealth of knowledge and potential collaborations that can aid brand development. Team Work Achieving success in brand management often requires a collaborative approach. Gunjan stresses that a strong team with aligned goals is essential, stating that the output of a well-supported team can far exceed individual efforts. This shared vision often leads to innovative, successful branding projects. Multi-Tasking Multi-tasking is a given in the fast-paced world of brand management. Gunjan describes her daily responsibilities as a constant juggle of projects, meetings, and communications, reflecting the complexity and demands of the role. The ability to balance multiple tasks while remaining focused is imperative for success. Positives Challenging Profession Brand management is inherently challenging, which can be a significant draw for many professionals. Gunjan shares that overcoming hurdles and pushing oneself to exceed limits can be incredibly fulfilling. With each new project, brand managers continuously find opportunities to learn and develop their skills. Creative Work For individuals looking for creative satisfaction, brand management offers plentiful opportunities. Gunjan reflects on her joy in creating brands and the gratifying feeling that comes with seeing a concept come to life. This creative outlet is essential in expressing one’s artistic vision. Create Brands Being involved in brand creation is another rewarding aspect. Gunjan describes that witnessing the growth and success of brands one has helped establish provides a sense of accomplishment and pride. This ongoing creation keeps the work engaging and dynamic. Flexibility The flexibility that comes with brand management is appealing for many professionals. Balancing family commitments with career growth is essential, and Gunjan appreciates that her role offers that latitude. This adaptability allows brand managers to implement their creative strategies from various locations, further enriching their work-life balance. Challenges Deadline Oriented The nature of brand management often means working under tight deadlines. Gunjan acknowledges that managing multiple projects concurrently can create a stressful environment as teams strive to meet rapid demands. However, this constant pressure can also lead to exciting opportunities for innovation and ingenuity. Competition Competitive pressures are omnipresent in brand management. As Gunjan illustrates, staying ahead of rival brands requires creativity and proactive strategies. The need to innovate consistently can be daunting yet exhilarating as it drives teams to reach new heights. Breaking Barriers In brand management, introducing new products or concepts within established brands can pose challenges. Gunjan shares that it often requires out-of-the-box thinking to break through traditional boundaries and create offers that resonate with consumers. This pursuit can push professionals to explore varied and inventive strategies regularly. A Day Of Brand Management Daily Responsibilities A day in Gunjan’s life as a brand manager begins early, filled with team meetings and prioritization of tasks. She describes the excitement of working on the brand's launch and coordinating various aspects to ensure success. Each day involves navigating numerous emails and meetings, but every interaction is infused with the goal of enhancing the brand’s presence. Gunjan’s role encompasses both strategic oversight and hands-on involvement in operations, which keeps her engaged and challenged. Even amid the daily hustle, the collaborative spirit with her team fosters a positive work atmosphere, promoting creativity and shared success. Each day offers a unique blend of challenges and opportunities, making brand management an ever-evolving and rewarding career. In conclusion, brand management is not just about maintaining a brand; it's about embracing creativity, strategic thought, and teamwork while navigating challenges and opportunities. Gunjan Singh's journey illustrates the fulfilling dimensions of this career, where each day brings new lessons and triumphs. As the marketplace continues to shift, brand managers play a crucial role in shaping consumer perceptions and experiences, making it a valuable and impactful profession for those willing to take on the challenge.

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How to get into

Brand Management?

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Links for this Talk

Head of Marketing Gunjan Singh's LifePage:

[LifePage]
https://www.lifepage.in/page/gunjansingh

LifePage Career Talk on Brand Management

[Career]
https://www.lifepage.in/careers/brand-management

[Full Talk]
https://lifepage.app.link/20171027-0004

[Trailer]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8bdCYp-Owo

(Brand Management, Gunjan Singh, Goumet Investments Private Limited, Branding, Marketing, Brand Analysis)

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