The Need For Clarity

A brand portfolio is simply a collection of brands that co-exist under a single umbrella. Portfolio structures offer clarity on how those brands are organized and operate to cover various product and markets, usually without overlap. The brands within the portfolio draw from and reinforce the overarching strategy of the parent company.

The need for an established portfolio structure is critical as it helps avoid confusion, both internal and external. It also supports the creation and management of brand portfolio architectures.

As organizations adapt and compete within an ever-changing ecosystem, a formal organizational structure becomes a necessary tool and platform for growth.

Organizing A Brand Portfolio

BY GROUPING

Here, brands are logically grouped under a common characteristic. They may be categorized by segment, product type, quality, benefit, technology, distribution channel, activity, etc. For instance, we could classify Marriott hotels by quality – Marriott for luxury and Fairfield Inn for economy stays. 

HP printer offerings are categorized by technology – DeskJet, OfficeJet and LaserJet series. Classification by segment, product-type and quality feature in many portfolios as they tend to prevail in most markets.

Sony organizes by business units. Each unit is further broken down and organized by other portfolio structures.  

Grouping tends to work best in conglomerates and typically reflect the highest levels in the portfolio structure from where further distinctions take place. 

BY HIERARCHY

Hierarchy trees are two-dimensional diagrams and showcase the portfolio horizontally and vertically. Horizontally, it reflects the scope of business and vertically, it illustrates the number of master brands, sub-brands or endorsed brands needed to support the product-market strategy. Hierarchy trees are the most common form of representing a portfolio and are the simplest to interpret by all stakeholders. For instance, consider Ford’s partial brand portfolio shown below.

BY NETWORKS

Networks are graphical representations of portfolio brands indicating links and influences among them. Aaker, in his book, “Brand Portfolio Strategy“, used Nike as an example of a networked portfolio architecture, a partial representation of which is illustrated below. The trouble with networks is that they can easily become complicated and difficult to comprehend as the portfolio grows and evolves with time. They also make it difficult for external stakeholders to make sense of easily.

Goals of Brand Portfolio Organization

CLARITY

Portfolio organization helps reduce confusion and achieve clarity for all stakeholders. Internal stakeholders must understand the overarching business strategy and help individual brands attain desired objectives. Customers should find it easy to navigate the organization’s offerings most relevant to their needs.

EXTENSION

By the organization of the brands and their roles within the portfolio, it becomes easier to make decisions when it comes to new product-market extensions.

GAP ANALYSIS

A clear structure helps determine where gaps and opportunities exist. It also helps sort out and correct overlaps where applicable.

RESOURCE ALLOCATION

Resources can be allocated strategically among the various brands based on future potential, business climate, competition, technological change, and other possible factors.

RELEVANCY

Given the changes in the external environment, it becomes necessary to add, delete or modify some brands in order to maintain relevance. It may warrant brand alliances or co-branding programs. The portfolio structure must accommodate for such changes.

Conclusion

Portfolio structures must be logical and uncomplicated. Each brand should operate within its scope of activity and work in sync with the parent company’s strategic direction.

Decisions pertaining to the addition, modification or deletion of any master brand, sub-brand or endorsed brand, are easier when one has a complete perspective of the portfolio. For more information on brand portfolio architecture, visit – Brand Portfolio Architecture – An Overview.