The strategy therefore was not to go head to head with their rivals but to set themselves apart in order to seek recognition. Given the energy nature of the drink, "that gives you wings", they sought a market that attracted the type of people who live for high energy and adrenaline- extreme sports. At the time, these sports were very niche and to most cases non sponsored and under funded, this allowed Red Bull not only to position themselves within these communities but to own them outright through acquiring the rights thus branding/owning & costing that sport into a Red Bull event. The acquirement of these early extreme sports markets and athletes also allowed them to own the content created and with the advent of social media has now become one of their most prized assets.
Red Bull is exceptional in telling their brand story in so many compelling, involving ways. And though all of their activity is on-brand, it is far from a “focused” strategy. Taking the next step to building a profit centre was not only a smart strategic move, it was the ultimate tribute to their brand building effort.