With these goals in mind, this first chapter defines what a brand is. We consider the functions
of a brand from the perspective of both consumers and firms and discuss why brands are
important to both. We look at what can and cannot be branded and identify some strong brands.
The chapter concludes with an introduction to the concept of brand equity and the strategic
brand management process. Brand Focus 1.0 at the end of the chapter traces some of the historical
origins of branding.