In May, 2009, iiGrowth CEO, Gustav Plato addressed the participants of the US Baltic Foundation’s annual gala. During this presentation he focused on the role of the Chamber in growing the Baltic Brand with a vision to increase trade between the Americas and Latvia ten-fold.

iiGrowth LLC is exploring the meaning and value of something called the “Baltic Brand”.   Defining the Baltic Brand, begins with a probe into the meaning of what/who is a “Baltic” firm?  When you use the word “Baltic” does it bring with it any connotation or special meaning?  Is it something related to the region, or a style?  Why would one want to be known as a “Baltic” business? How do “Baltic” firms make good partners?   What is it that Baltic firms have a reputation for doing?  What makes a Baltic firm different?  Who are “Baltic” firms know for helping?
In order to begin the exploration of the Baltic Brand, it is helpful to begin with a few simple probing questions.  You can respond to us on our blog or on LinkedIn.
So let’s get started with some basic questions:

1. Do you believe there is something that can be called a Baltic Brand?
   • Yes/No?
   • Why?
2. Are you a user/provider of the Baltic Brand?
   • Yes/No?
   • What Region are you from (Baltic, Europe/EU, Americas, Africa, and West Asia/Middle East, East Asia/Pacific)?
3. How would you define the meaning of the term Baltic Brand?
   • Write your definition of the Baltic Brand.
   • What are the characteristics/attributes of a Baltic Brand?
4. Which Baltic brands are you currently buying/using (or providing)?
   • List top 3 Baltic Brands
   • How would you rate the quality of the products/services of this brand you reference in the previous bullet (Scale: 1 (low) 5 (high))?
   • What about the overall Baltic Brand rating (across any all brands you are thinking about with respect to word Baltic)?
5. What, if any steps, does the Baltic Brand need to do to improve its favorable ratings?

iiGrowth would like to understand responses from two perspectives.  The first perspective is the Baltic business perspective and the second perspective is the perspective of those outside of the Baltic region. Please identify your perspective.

This is not a formal survey, but rather a general inquiry regarding market perceptions of the Baltic region and Baltic firms.  We encourage your suggestions for adding new questions to the discussion and look forward to hearing from you. We will keep responses confidential and not attribute to you, if you submit your responses in confidence.