Believe it or not, we’re going to talk about politics in our latest installment of the #tellthetruths video series! To be clear, this isn’t about this party or candidate vs. the other, but rather about the role of authenticity and perceived sincerity in political campaigns, and of course in branding as well.
Mac & Cheese Brand Consistency
Have you ever wondered how it is that Kraft Macaroni & Cheese endures while other colorful, “Frankenfood” brands of its era like Velveeta, Jello and Tang have fallen by the wayside? The answer is a little crazy but it’s simple. Macaroni & Cheese is so unerringly consistent, innovating on a very, very small footprint of texture, taste, and experience, that it’s been able to grow into the ultimate comfort food.
How Brands And People Can Be More Charismatic
Here’s a tip for more charismatic communications — either personally or in the voice of your brand! Using storytelling and colorful language makes you more engaging and draws people to you. Perhaps the larger point is that everything I’ve ever seen that’s true of personal communications has also been true about brand communications, and I believe this one is no different.
Farmer’s Markets Are Branded Experiences
Are farmer’s markets branded experiences? Yes, I think so! Check out this video to see why I say that. HINT: It’s because I define brands as “a relationship that creates an expectation and a feeling.”
Break The Script & Say Something Real
Break the script! Both as people and as brands we tend to follow a script that gets in the way of real, authentic conversation.
Check out this video where I share a tip for breaking that “hi, how are ya” script to actually see and hear each other. People need to do it to truly connect with each other. Brands need to do it, too.
Pair Data Points With People Points
We’ve been lucky enough to work on some really fun storytelling trainings with folks that aren’t typically thought of as storytellers. These are people in functions that aren’t consumer or customer-facing, like R&D or HR. Storytelling is just as powerful for them to communicate more effectively, but it’s also less familiar for them.
Strategy Session Tip
Here’s another strategy session tip that might help you out the next time you need to facilitate a meeting of this kind. Of course, we always want to make people feel as comfortable as possible. But there’s some discomfort that’s actually a good idea in this kind of setting.
Brand Courage: Nike & CVS Truths
Is it always a good idea for a brand to show courage and walk its talk? I’ve spoken a lot in the past on the need for brand courage, and how that can be a really powerful business strategy to clearly position and differentiate brands. Today I share a video with my thoughts on two striking examples of brand courage: Nike & CVS.
Truth Is Power
Brands should tell the truth. In this video, I discuss how important it is for brands, like people, to tell their truths because truth is power.
