So, yes, we are brand conscious. Who isn’t these days really? It got me thinking—about a few things. When did the word “brand” and its many uses come into play, as a noun, as a verb and as a marketing tool? It seems fairly recent to me. Does anyone remember when he or she first started hearing the term regularly?

Secondly, what really pushes a brand over the edge? What really gets something to “The Tipping Point”? What exactly made Pokemon all the rage? What brought Twitter to the front of the social media pack? Why did Beta, videotape that was actually better quality, falter over VHS? Did VHS have a better marketing team?

Is it the accessibility? Is it the need? The presence? The buzz? Perhaps it is the perfect storm, the confluence of all factors that meet perfectly at the right time in the right way. They merge and the next thing you know, kablam! Cabbage Patch Doll mania! What else could explain a phenomenon like THAT anyway?!

–Carla