Brand portfolio strategy and architecture are critical components of a successful brand strategy. These are complex, highly nuanced topics, with entire books written about them. Unlike many other elements of brand strategy, most of the fundamental theories and premises of this topic are as relevant today as they were when they were initially developed.

Once upon a time, in a land not so far away, visiting a chain bookstore meant having the chance to chat with an associate that could actually talk to you about the books on the shelves. Some stores even tested newly hired staff on their literary knowledge to make sure they could manage customer questions. Recent years, however, have seen working at a big box bookstore become more of an ordinary retail job than a reader’s dream job.

Today’s winning brands can’t afford to play it safe. They don’t say "that's just how it’s always been done," and they understand that their brands are more just a sleek logo or a cool tagline. The brands that crush their competition understand that branding and brand strategy go much deeper than attractive website design and responsive mobile design.