$1.$ Why is a brand$$s positioning strategy crucial to the formulation of the brand$$s marketing strategy?

$2.$ Swatch positioned its watches as fashion accessories instead of functional timepieces. The brand introduced hundreds of bold, colorful, and creative watch designs, which induced many consumers to own collections of Swatch watches. Explain why this is an example of breakaway positioning.

$3.$ In planning positioning strategies, marketers often prepare perceptual maps that show consumer perceptions of their brands versus competing products along important brand dimensions. In a survey, runners were asked to rate various brands of running shoes according to the following key attributes: $(1)$ more cushioned $[$maximum score of $5]$ versus more feel $[$minimum score of $-5]$ and $(2)$ more stability $[$maximum score of $5]$ versus more mobility $[$minimum score of $-5].$ The following are the key findings:

Puma: $+2\mathrm{.}5$ on cushioning versus feel; $-4$ on stability versus mobility

Mizuno: $-2\mathrm{.}5$ on cushioning versus feel; $-1$ on stability versus mobility

Nike: $+4\mathrm{.}0$ on cushioning versus feel; $+3$ on stability versus mobility

Brooks: $-2$ on cushioning versus feel; $+4$ on stability versus mobility

Draw a perceptual map along the two dimensions of cushioning$/$feel and stability$/$mobility$.$

$4.$ Assume you have just been promoted to be the brand manager of a new line of small home appliances that offers smart, interactive technologies that are unmatched in the marketplace and will be for several years. What are the important factors to consider in developing a positioning statement for this product?