The Power of a Name: What Texas Beef Can Teach Us About Branding

What’s in a name? If you ask Texas lawmakers, the answer is millions of dollars in brand value.
Recently, a group of Texas legislators proposed renaming the “New York Strip” steak to the “Texas Strip.”

Their reasoning?

• New York doesn’t own the steak.
• Texas is a major beef producer.
• A name should reflect its origins (and, let’s be honest, state pride).

But this isn’t just about steaks - it’s a masterclass in branding psychology that every business leader, marketer, and entrepreneur should pay attention to.

The Branding Lesson Hidden in Your Steakhouse Menu
A name isn’t just a label - it’s a positioning strategy.

Texas understands that changing a name can:
✅ Evoke emotion – Texans feel pride in their local beef.
✅ Create a stronger association – The name reinforces Texas’s status as a top-tier beef producer.
✅ Increase perceived value – If something sounds premium, people are willing to pay more for it.

Think about it:

• Would the Big Mac be as iconic if McDonald’s had just called it the Double Burger?
• Would Nike’s Air Jordans have the same cult status if they were simply called Nike High-Tops?
• Why does Apple’s “MacBook” feel sleeker than just calling it a laptop?

A well-chosen name shapes perception, builds trust, and creates demand.

This is why some companies invest millions in branding and naming strategy. It’s why we say “Kleenex” instead of “tissue” and why “Google it” replaced “search the internet.”

It’s also why companies struggling with their brand image often don’t have a marketing problem - they have a naming problem.

Could Your Brand Name Be Holding You Back?
This isn’t just about Texas or steaks. It’s about the power of strategic naming - whether you’re launching a product, rebranding a company, or even positioning yourself as an expert in your field.

Ask yourself:
1️⃣ Does your name create an immediate association? (Tesla = Innovation, Patagonia = Sustainability)
2️⃣ Does it evoke the right emotion? (Luxury, trust, excitement?)
3️⃣ Is it easy to remember, say, and spell?
4️⃣ Does it differentiate you from competitors?

If Texas sees the value in rebranding a steak, imagine what a strategic name change could do for a company, a product, or even your personal brand.

The next time you order a steak or see a product with a name that just “feels” right, remember: it’s not an accident—it’s strategy.

💬 What’s a brand name you think is genius? Or one you think totally missed the mark? Let’s discuss in the comments.
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#BrandStrategy #MarketingPsychology #BrandIdentity #NamingMatters #Positioning #Branding