For every Chinese buyer who trusts a familiar brand or sales agent, many more will figure that a native developer has a better product.

FORBES: Building Out (of China): Property Tycoons Follow Wealthy Customers Overseas

If the scan is negative, indicating no clumps or few clumps of amyloid, "that gives the clinician a clue that Alzheimer's is less likely to be the cause of those symptoms, " said Daniel Skovronsky, who developed the agent and is the global brand-development leader for Amyvid at Lilly.

WSJ: FDA Approves Alzheimer's Test Developed by Eli Lilly

Down the street a pristine, nearly empty branch of Mexican banking giant Bancomer, devoted to money transfers, sits a few storefronts down from a cluttered travel agent offering transfers under the Orlandi Valuta brand--a subsidiary of Western Union's parent.

FORBES: On the Backs Of the Poor

As an agent, I can also tell you that having a brand really activate on behalf of your client is priceless.

FORBES: Brady's Under Armour Deal to Include Equity Stake--Why Don't More?

The secret agent has ditched Japan not for the most recognized Swiss brand, Rolex, a privately held entity, but for an Omega.

FORBES: Swatch Billionaire Nicolas Hayek, Who Saved The Swiss Watch Industry, Dies

The test uses a chemical called florbetapir, known by the brand name Amyvid, which is a radioactive agent that tags clumps of a sticky substance called an amyloid.

WSJ: FDA Approves Alzheimer's Test Developed by Eli Lilly

Imagine the reflection on your brand if, after discovering the problem, the agent in the truck were to tell Mrs.

FORBES: Raising the Bar on CRM: Of Turkeys and Black Friday

Enterprise announced the outcome of contract discussions on Wednesday, citing the online travel agent's "unacceptably high commission rates" to add its Enterprise brand to the site and a decision by Orbitz to drop National and Alamo from its listings.

CNN: Orbitz, Enterprise car rentals part ways

If, however, the agent from the shipping company acts in a way that is consistent with your brand, your brand can still make a triumph out of this catastrophe.

FORBES: Raising the Bar on CRM: Of Turkeys and Black Friday