Martha, Martha, Martha, Martha

Martha Stewart has finally hit the wall. She was indicted and she has resigned as CEO of her company. If she's guilty convict her and punish her. The interesting part of the story is what her company does to survive. Their Guru is gone but their expertise is not.

Once again it is knowing what business they are in. If they feel they are in the Martha Stewart business they are doomed. Simple as that. If, however, they realize they are in the personality branding business they can survive.

MSO needs to develop a stable of brands based on personalities other than Martha. They have already begun the process with the pet "keeping" guy. They know how to build people into empires and they are learning lessons about character flaws and crisis mismanagement that are very valuable. Here's hoping they learn the lessons well.