Picture this: you're a knight charging into battle, and your family's crest is emblazoned on your shield.
This crest wasn't just for show - it was like a medieval logo, identifying who you were and what you stood for.
Heraldry, or Ancient Branding
Back in the day, families had their own colors, symbols, and sigils to set them apart from others.
It was like wearing your own personal fashion statement. But it wasn't just about looking cool on the battlefield - it was about reputation.
If people knew your family had a reputation for being fierce warriors, they might think twice before crossing you.
Just like branding today, heraldry wasn't just about visual cues. Ancient people had other ways of spreading the word about the families.
They had songs, poems, and gossip to proliferate information about who was who in the kingdom.
These often would further the association, and either help or hurt that ruler's ability to establish trust.
Feudalism: Monopoly Service Providers?
Now, let's not sugarcoat things.
Feudal lords ruled their domains more like monopoly service providers than modern-day governments.
They were responsible for providing protection, law and order, and basic infrastructure like roads and bridges.
But did they always do a good job? That's up for debate.
Some lords were known for being corrupt or downright terrible at their jobs.
It's like going to a restaurant with a terrible health rating - you might get sick if you're not careful.
The fact that they are known for it, and we might assume they were known for it at the time, proves how this concept relates back to modern day brand building.
Whether they were good or bad, medieval lords knew the power of reputation.
If people thought you were fair and just, many were more likely to cooperate with you.
The Power of Reputation in Branding
So what can we learn from all of this?
Well, for one thing, the power of reputation has been around for centuries. People want to do business with companies they trust and respect.
But it's not just about visual cues or marketing campaigns. It's about living up to your promises.
Just like how medieval lords had to provide protection and infrastructure for their subjects, brands have to provide value and quality products for their customers.
So the next time you see a company logo or a coat of arms, remember the power of reputation.
And just like how medieval people spread the word about the lords of the land, we still spread the word about companies today - through social media, online reviews, and good old-fashioned word of mouth.
What is Demand Myths?
When I first started the Demand Myths subreddit, the subject of heraldry and it's connection to branding was a driving force.
I liked the vague double meaning of "Demand Myths" : It can be interpreted as "Demand for Myths" OR "Myths about Demand".