What Do You Think of the Sarah Palin Brand?

AOL Small Business ^ | October 4, 2010 | Rod Kurtz

[2ndDivisionVet]

"Sarah Inc." has become a multimillion-dollar business, thanks to some shrewd moves by the former Alaska governor and Tea Party hero. But does that make her an entrepreneur? Our Board of Directors sounds off.

When Sarah Palin burst onto the national stage in August 2008, Americans expressed a collective, "Sarah who?" Since then, she's gone on to become a vice presidential nominee, Saturday Night Live spoof, thorn in the side of liberals, bestselling author, Fox News contributor, Tea Party hero, reality TV star and proud mother of a Dancing with the Stars contestant.

Today, when it comes to Palin, the question on most Americans' minds is, "Will she or won't she?" The Tea Party continues to build momentum and has positioned Republicans to potentially win back Congress in November -- a political storm fueled, in part, by Palin's endorsements -- and some now see her as a presumptive presidential candidate in 2012.

The charismatic former governor of Alaska is now one of the most recognizable women in America -- and has parlayed the "Sarah Inc." brand into a variety of business ventures. And despite being considered a key factor in John McCain's failed bid for the presidency, her newfound political clout has come, ironically, from her successes in the corporate world.

Taking an unknown startup brand and making it a household name seemingly overnight? Sounds like a familiar entrepreneurial story to us. So we asked our Board of Directors for their take on Palin -- and whether they would consider her an entrepreneur.

Bob Parsons Founder and CEO, The Go Daddy Group

"Think about it. Sarah Palin has built her own brand, generated lots of buzz and asks a six-figure speaking fee. I definitely think that qualifies her as an entrepreneur."(continued)

[2ndDivisionVet]

So Lexy can't even tell her friends and associates that she admires Sarah Palin for fear of being ostracized? I take it the "Brooklyn" in Brooklyn Industries stands for the New York City Bourough.

[LibFreeUSA]

It's the most...

ANTI-SOCIALIST

... brand around!

[gov_bean_ counter]

And despite being considered a key factor in John McCain's failed bid for the presidency, her newfound political clout has come, ironically, from her successes in the corporate world.

Because she was a key factor in reviving a dead campaign and keeping the darn thing close...

[Slyfox]

And despite being considered a key factor in John McCain's failed bid for the presidency

Tisk, tisk. What key factor in his failed bid?

John McCain would not have gotten the number of votes that he DID get, if it weren't for all the people who could not stand him, but finally had a good reason to vote for him when Sarah jumped on board.

[onyx]

[presently no screen name]

She saved him from an utter landslide loss! Never saw a prez candidate who didn’t want to win as much as Juan. No fire in the belly - but saved it all for the conservative JD.

Still hope AZ voters vote him out.

[November 2010]

Yah. Like USA is a brand. Or America. Or Reagan. Wow, that Lincoln brand is hot, even had a car for a while.

[tal hajus]

Dude/Dudette...she’s eloquent, articulate, passionate, and damn good looking!! What’s NOT to love. Besides this her husband is one HOT dude.

[ccmay]

This article was a stretch. Guess everyone wants a little piece of that shiny bright Sarah Palin mojo. Whether on the right, left, or anywhere between, every commentator on the Internet knows he can double or triple his hit count just by putting her name at the top of the page. That is power, friends; even Obamao himself can’t do it.