Effects of Brand Association on Small Scale Traders Essay

Effects of Brand Association on Small-Scale Traders Introduction            What are the effects of brand association on the performance of small-scale traders? Brand, in this case, refers to the version of a product made by one particular manufacturer. Levitt (1983) affirms that positive brand associations are developed if the product which the brand depicts is durable, marketable and desirable. He further asserts that the customers must be persuaded through advertisements, that the brand possesses the features and attributes that will satisfy their needs. This will lead to customers having a positive impression about the product. Positive brand association helps an organization to gain goodwill, and obstructs the competitor’s entry into the market.            Hypothetically speaking, one would say that effort coupled with utmost discipline on the side of the small-scale traders would assure them total success. It makes so much sense when looked at on the surface. Truth be told, brand association is inevitable if the small-scale traders are to thrive. Though an idea that I am suggesting for the big question throbbing on every small-scale trader’s mind, it has not yet been proved to be correct. The bottom line is, brand association has an influence on the performance of small scale traders. This is because it provides consumers with a point of differentiation of the various types of products provided by the small-scale traders. Brand association is an important dimension of brand equity because, like human association, it is both differentiating and enduring. Consumer perceptions of price, quality and value are considered pivotal determinants of shaping behaviors and product choice (Bishop, 2004). Methods of recruitment            When looking at the methods to be used in recruiting people who would carry out the research, it would be prudent to seek the work of professionals. This would be because professionals are adequately equipped and have been in the practice for a while, hence would render the very best. This way value for the finances spent on the whole process is sure. A matter of great importance that cannot be ignored would be how the recruitment process should go down. This is in order to take in, not just professionals, but the best in the market. There are a number of viable and proven recruitment methods that will most assuredly give the best results, in terms of professional personality. Firstly, I would develop a job description making crystal the requirements necessary for the work at hand. Sending local e-mails would not be an option to ensure extensive coverage of the advertisement (Managing Agency workers, 2013). The e-mails would inform potential staff of the opening an d ask them to share the information with family and friends. More to that, posting on a website with a link to employee testimonies would go a long way in communication in regard to the recruitment. Finally, since advertising via television would be a bit costly, radio would be the perfect media of communication. This is because it would especially get to the people at the grass roots Levitt (1983).            In conclusion, measure is key in the whole process and must be put in check. Measure refers to the quantitative necessity in the whole research process. The study measure to be used will totally be dependent on the market size occupied by the small-scale traders (Meenaghan, 1995). Using large, medium, and small market sizes, having 2 hectares as the size of a small market, approximately 3 employees would comfortably cover the area. The question of relativity cannot be ignored to clearly and acceptably bring home the key question here, which is, ‘what study measure?’ With all that in place, the question of the effects of brand association on performance of small-scale traders would have been adequately and appropriately responded to. References Levitt, T. (1983). The globalization of markets. Harvard Business Review, May/June, pp. 23-26. Meenaghan, T. (1995). The role of advertising in brand image development. Journal of Brand and Product Management, Vol. 4 Issue 4, pp. 23-24. Source document