Business Makeover: Harley-Davidson
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With such a bleak outlook, how can Harley shift profits from first to fifth without stalling out?
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For some, the Harley-Davidson brand still conjures dirty outlaws on the open road. Transform that tarnished image by releasing current data on the company's actual customer profile: Upper-middle class suburban white guys with a median age of 47. |
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The trademark growl of the V-twin engine -- said to resemble somebody saying "potato-potato" -- can be too raucous for more demure bikers. Modify the engine to produce a sound more similar to a British aristocrat's pronunciation of "potato-potato." |
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"Born to Be Wild" and "Highway to Hell" are played out as motorhead anthems. In the next advertising campaign, give "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now" by McFadden and Whitehead a whirl. |
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From mugs to belt buckles to Christmas-tree ornaments, Harley merchandise has been spread much too thin to be profitable. Limit products to bikes, jackets and the all-important teddy bears in leather vests. |
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The late Evel Knievel's infamous, death-defying stunts, performed on his Harley-Davidson XR-750, are now a distant memory. Introduce a line of red-white-and-blue stunt bikes aimed at the lucrative daredevil market. |
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Product placement can be effective - but try to at least find a film better than Wild Hogs in which to feature your wares. |
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That's why coaches coach, players play and writers write....
You recognized a picture of an engine as if it's a picture of your mother.
I'll leave you to think about the implications of that on your own.
Second read - found the humor - it's a joke guys and gals!!
He's jerking your chain.
