Khat can still cut it despite ban

If you're a Meru-based khat (aka miraa) stakeholder, from the farmer to the transporter to the county government, you're no longer probably stimulated to wake up early nowadays after Britain joined The Netherlands, America and yes, even our neighbour Tanzania, in banning the stimulant in January this year.
Your 'bed rest' is understandable. After all, an acre of miraa can earn a farmer approximately $11,760 annually at current exchange rates (http://www.nation.co.ke/counties/Fears-UK-miraa-ban-will-chew-up-Meru-economy/-/1107872/2363064/-/q2j19q/-/index.html.) However, lets temporarily stop dissing these countries and explore the opportunity the ban presents to stakeholders.

• First, the practice of tying miraa in banana leaves for export has to join the museum and be replaced with attractive packaging. If condoms are now wrapped in packaging that makes you salivate, why not miraa?

Tying miraa in banana leaves for export has to join the museum and be replaced with attractive packaging. Image thanks to: http://www.nation.co.ke/counties/Fears-UK-miraa-ban-will-chew-up-Meru-economy/-/1107872/2363064/-/q2j19q/-/index.html

• Second, the Meru County Government should flight a series of traditional and online advertisements in the countries that have banned miraa to showcase the positive social effects of miraa: school fees for the children, employment for the youth, etc. Additionally, the government, led by governor Peter Munya should visit these countries' parliaments accompanied by children whose school fees is paid for by miraa farming. Which parliamentarian would be cold hearted enough to argue with a child's plea to lift the ban?
• Third, does miraa contain properties that can enhance other products such as soap, medicines and food? Only a miraa focused research body can answer that. So, lets lay that foundation stone ASAP.
• Fourth, diversify into other markets using tactics such as sponsoring 'how to chew miraa' events.

Yes, Africa's rising, but it doesn't mean that African brand leaders should expect their brands to always receive diplomatic treatment in international markets.
 

Arjen Robben 'dives' into brand roles

If there's one player during the Brazil World Cup 2014 who played his role to the T, it was the Netherlands' forward: Arjen Robben."And what was that role?" Good question: to play in such a way around the penalty area and its environs so as to attract physical contact from the opposing team's defender, fall (dive?),








Robben's role was well defined in the Dutch team: photo thanks to: http://www.theepochtimes.com/n3/777972-arjen-robben-penalty-netherlands-bayern-munich-forward-admits-diving-to-win-spot-kick-against-mexico-video/

win a penalty, earn a goal for the Netherlands (Mexico is the latest recipient of that role at its best). Repeat.
What can Robben teach brands about their roles in your portfolio/architecture?
First, Robben's role was well defined in the Dutch national team's line-up.
Second, his team-mates ensured he got the ball as often as possible for him to play his role.
Third, whether positive or negative, Robben received feedback from the marketplace and responded graciously.
Now, Luis Suarez's teeth also execute their role brilliantly for the Liverpool/Uruguayan player, but, that's a 'bite' for another match.