Branding Archives - Page 2 of 2

“K.I.S.S., Ryan”: How a Crusty War Photographer Taught Me the Power of Simplicity

“K.I.S.S.” It’s a philosophy that I’ve lived by for a long time, especially in the advertising world. Well, this might date me a bit, but back in college I took a photography class. Digital cameras weren’t quite a thing yet, so we were shooting on film and developing in a darkroom. I absolutely loved the class and learned so much about framing, creating a shot, and developing unique images that would jump off the photo page.

My teacher was a crusty old Vietnam vet, a former war photographer. He showed us his incredible, moving work from the Vietnam War. Above his desk, he had a sign he’d made out of old photographs that said “K.I.S.S.” I was really struggling with an assignment, so I went up to him and rambled on about all the things I was trying to do. He raised his hand in a stop motion, then pointed at the K.I.S.S. sign. At that point, I had no idea what it meant.

He asked to see my proofs for the assignment. He flipped through them in seconds, pulled one out, and grunted with a big, arthritic finger, “Ryan, that’s your shot. Look at that kid on the tricycle, giving you that cute smile… you know the moment you turn your back, he’s going to go flying down a hill, looking for a ramp to jump. The one you’re focused on is too much; you’re overthinking it. K.I.S.S., Ryan.”

I looked at the two pictures, and he was absolutely right. The simpler one was better – a night-and-day difference. I looked at him and asked, “Okay, but I still don’t know what K.I.S.S. means?”

He grinned out of the corner of his mouth. “Keep It Simple” – then took a sip of his coffee. “What’s the other ‘S’?” I asked. He just laughed and walked away.

Brittany Pietsch vs. Cloudflare

I’ve been pondering this viral video depicting Brittany Pietsch’s getting let go from Cloudflare and the various perspectives surrounding the situation. The video she privately recorded and shared on the internet, capturing the moment of her termination, stirred up a wave of reactions, including Cloudflare CEO Matthew Prince’s response on Twitter (Video and Response Links at bottom).

After watching the video and checking out different reaction videos, it’s evident that both parties handled the situation poorly. Losing a job is undeniably challenging, and the raw emotions displayed by Ms. Pietsch evoke compassion. However, the decision to secretly record and share the video online raises questions about her future job prospects.

On the flip side, Mr. Prince’s transparent acknowledgment of his company’s faults and commitment to improving processes is a step in the right direction. But the comparison to NBA Star and Mulit-Millionaire Chris Paul in his tweet is tone-deaf and detracts from the overall message.

Looking beyond the individual dynamics, this latest viral video has me contemplating the broader implications for the “remote work” environment and remote sales processes. It sheds light on how these approaches might inadvertently dehumanize interactions, reducing individuals to mere emails and virtual entities.

Video: https://www.tiktok.com/@brittanypeachhh/video/7323004085043612959

Cloudflare CEO Matthew Prince Response: https://lnkd.in/gUzxF644

Title: The Unfortunate Tale of Depend’s Facebook Diaper Crusade

Introduction: In the vast digital universe of social media, one man found himself caught in a peculiar web of targeted advertising. Little did he know that his innocent scrolling through Facebook would lead to an unexpected encounter with the world of female hygiene products. Join me as we embark on the journey of a man and his digital escapade, affectionately dubbed “The Facebook Diaper Crusade.”

Chapter 1: A World of Innocent Scrolling Our protagonist, let’s call him Rian, was an average guy with a penchant for Star Wars videos and Baby Yoda memes. He innocently scrolled through his Facebook feed, blissfully unaware of the digital storm that was about to unravel. Suddenly, an advertisement caught his eye. It was a sleek, feminine package of adult diapers. Perplexed, Rian wondered why he was being targeted with such an unusual product. Was Facebook trying to tell him something?

Chapter 2: Confusion Sets In, Rian baffled and slightly concerned, tried to make sense of the situation. Had he accidentally clicked on something diaper-related? Did Facebook’s algorithm misinterpret his interests? Or was it a glitch in the matrix, toying with his sanity?

Chapter 3: The Facebook Diaper Fan Club Word spread like wildfire across Rian’s social circle. Suddenly, everyone seemed to be in on the joke. Friends tagged him in diaper-related posts, bombarding his notifications with giggles and emojis. The digital world had truly embraced his unexpected adventure.

Chapter 4: Rian’s Diaper Discovery Amidst the chaos, Rian took a step back and decided to investigate. And simply could not find an answer as to why he was targeted. Other than potential targeting errors made by the advertiser.

Conclusion: The Digital Diaper Legend Lives On In the end, Rian’s adventure with the Facebook diaper saga highlighted the unpredictability of social media algorithms and the power of laughter. So, the next time you find yourself in the midst of a digital mishap, embrace it, laugh it off, and remember that life is too short not to enjoy the absurdity of it all.

Disclaimer: No diapers were harmed in the making of this blog, and Rian is still happily diaper-free to this day.

Also, Walmart and Depend, if you need help with your digital advertising, I know a guy 😃

Comcast Customer Service: So Bad, It’s Funny… Or Is It?

I finally cut the proverbial “cable cord”. The irony is, I was actually willing to keep it.

For a little background, I’ve actually been a Comcast/Xfinity customer for 10 years. I’ve wanted to get rid of Comcast for years but there was not a good alternative for home internet until recently. So I did one of the most dreaded things, I attempted to get a better deal from Comcast that was not only competitive with other provider’s offers, or simply (lol) a current offer that they were offering new customers.

While I knew it was long shot, I tried to use Comcast’s website to get a new deal, but it quickly gave me a “Call 1-800-we want to talk to you rather than make it an easy painless process” phone number. I had blocked out time in my day for this call and popped in my airpods for the call and grabbed a laundry basket full of my kids clothes that needed to be folded and made the call.

While I’m folding my laundry, I quickly explain to the customer service agent that I would like a different deal that is competitive to what I’m going to get if I switch to Metronet Internet or similar to what they offer to new Comcast Customers. She very politely thanked me for being a loyal customer and gave me a new offer. This offer cost nearly twice as much as Metronet’s and had slower speeds/data plan. I decline and ask about what about Comcast new customer offers. She explains that I am not eligible for that but again offers me the prior offer. I politely decline and point blank ask “Why does Comcast value new customers versus existing customers?” She did not have an answer and deflected the question. After a bit more conversation, 45 minutes in all, I told her to cancel my service.

But here’s what I’m truly curious about. Is Comcast using analytics about not giving existing customers the same deals as new customers? Or is it just plain bad customer service?

What are your thoughts?

Gen X in the Current Job Market: A Balancing Act of Experience and Adaptability

In a world that seems to be perpetually focused on the younger generation, it’s easy to overlook the unique challenges faced by Generation X in the current job market. Born between the early 1960s and early 1980s, Gen Xers find themselves in the midst of a shifting professional landscape. This often forgotten generation must navigate the delicate balance between their wealth of experience and the need to adapt to new technologies and workplace trends. In this blog post, we delve into the plight of Gen X in the job market, exploring their resilience, adaptability, and the strategies they employ to stay competitive.

The Silent Struggle: Unlike their predecessors, the Baby Boomers, who enjoyed a relatively stable job market during their prime working years, Gen Xers have faced their fair share of economic turmoil. From the dot-com bubble burst to the Great Recession, this generation has weathered numerous storms that have significantly impacted their career trajectories. Despite this, Gen Xers have shown remarkable resilience, adapting to the ever-changing landscape and finding innovative ways to thrive.

Embracing Technological Advancements: One of the most notable challenges Gen X faces is keeping pace with rapid technological advancements. While they didn’t grow up with smartphones and social media, this generation has embraced technology and recognized its significance in the workplace. Many Gen Xers have invested time and effort in upskilling themselves to bridge the technological gap. They have learned to leverage social media platforms, harness online collaboration tools, and adapt to remote work environments. By embracing technology, Gen Xers demonstrate their determination to stay relevant and competitive in the job market.

Navigating Intergenerational Dynamics: Gen Xers find themselves sandwiched between the digitally native Millennials and the ambitious, tech-savvy Generation Z. This intergenerational dynamic can sometimes lead to a sense of being overlooked or undervalued. However, Gen Xers possess a unique advantage—a wealth of experience. Having spent years honing their skills, they offer a depth of knowledge that younger generations often lack. Gen Xers bring a valuable perspective to the table, balancing the need for innovation with a seasoned understanding of business strategies and industry trends.

Entrepreneurial Spirit: In the face of the changing job market, Gen Xers have increasingly turned to entrepreneurship as a means of carving out their own path. Many have recognized the opportunity to leverage their expertise and experience to start their own businesses. Gen X entrepreneurs bring a combination of innovative thinking and a solid understanding of industry dynamics, allowing them to create successful ventures. Their determination to take control of their professional lives is a testament to their resilience and adaptability.

The Power of Networking: Networking has always been crucial in the job market, and Gen Xers are well aware of its importance. This generation understands that building relationships and maintaining connections can lead to valuable career opportunities. Gen Xers excel at building professional networks, utilizing their extensive industry experience to connect with peers, mentors, and potential employers. They understand the power of personal connections in a world that is increasingly driven by digital interactions.

Generation X, often overshadowed by the larger and more vocal generations that came before and after them, faces unique challenges in the current job market. However, they possess a formidable combination of experience, adaptability, and determination. Gen Xers navigate the evolving professional landscape by embracing technology, leveraging their expertise, and exploring entrepreneurial opportunities. With their resilience and networking prowess, this generation continues to make its mark on the job market. As we move forward, let us recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of Gen X, a generation that remains steadfast in its pursuit of professional success.

How to Rebrand a Person’s Image

Your personal brand is everything. It’s how people see you, both professionally and personally. If you’re unhappy with your current image, or if you’re looking to make a career change, rebranding yourself can be a great way to start fresh.

Here are a few tips on how to rebrand a person’s image:

Start by assessing your current image. What do people think of you when they first meet you? What are your strengths and weaknesses? What do you want people to know about you?
Define your target audience.Who are you trying to reach with your new image? Once you know who your target audience is, you can tailor your message accordingly.
Create a new personal brand.This includes developing a new logo, tagline, and website. You’ll also need to create new marketing materials, such as business cards, brochures, and presentations.
Be consistent with your new image. This means using the same logo, tagline, and branding materials across all of your channels. It also means being consistent with your messaging and tone of voice.
Promote your new image. Let people know about your new image through social media, email marketing, and public relations.

Rebranding yourself can be a lot of work, but it’s worth it if you’re serious about making a change. By following these tips, you can create a new image that reflects your true self and helps you achieve your goals.

Here are some additional tips to help you rebrand your image:

Be authentic. People can spot a fake from a mile away, so make sure your new image is authentic to who you are.
Be patient. It takes time to build a new brand, so don’t expect overnight results. Be patient and consistent with your efforts, and you’ll eventually see the results you want.
Be positive. People are drawn to positive people, so make sure your new image is upbeat and positive.
Have fun! Rebranding yourself should be an enjoyable process, so don’t take it too seriously. Relax, have fun, and let your personality shine through.

How would Mad Men’s Don Draper approach Budweiser branding challenge?

Don Draper, a fictional character from the TV show “Mad Men,” was known for his sharp marketing skills and ability to come up with creative solutions to problems. If he were handling the Budweiser marketing crisis, he would likely approach it in a thoughtful and strategic way.

Don would analyze the situation and understand the root cause of the crisis. He would likely conduct market research to understand how consumers feel about the Budweiser brand and identify areas for improvement.

Next, Don would work with the Budweiser team to develop a messaging strategy that addresses the crisis head-on. He would likely craft a compelling narrative that acknowledges the issue and presents a plan for how the brand will move forward.

Don would also focus on repositioning the Budweiser brand to appeal to a wider audience. He might suggest creating a new advertising campaign that speaks to younger consumers or partnering with popular influencers to promote the brand.

Overall, Don would approach the Budweiser marketing crisis with a blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and careful analysis to find the best possible solution.

5 steps to Rebuilding a Brand

Branding is a crucial aspect of a company’s success. A strong brand can help build trust and loyalty with customers, differentiate your company from competitors, and increase revenue. However, there may come a time when a company needs to rebuild its brand. Perhaps the brand has lost its relevance, faced a crisis, or is simply outdated. Here are the five key steps to take when rebuilding a brand:

Step 1-Conduct a brand audit: Before you can rebuild a brand, you need to know what needs to be fixed. A brand audit is an essential first step in identifying the strengths and weaknesses of your current brand. You should review your brand identity, messaging, and marketing materials to determine what is working and what is not. You can also survey your customers and employees to get feedback on your brand’s perception and reputation.

Step 2-Define your brand strategy: Once you have completed a brand audit, you should define your brand strategy. This involves determining your brand’s purpose, values, and positioning. Your brand strategy should be based on the needs and desires of your target audience, as well as the competitive landscape. You should also define your brand’s unique selling proposition (USP) – what sets you apart from your competitors.

Step 3-Create a new brand identity: A new brand identity is often necessary when rebuilding a brand. Your brand identity includes your logo, colors, typography, and other visual elements that make your brand recognizable. Your new brand identity should align with your brand strategy and appeal to your target audience. It should also be unique, memorable, and timeless.

Step 4-Develop a communication plan: Once you have defined your brand strategy and created a new brand identity, you need to develop a communication plan. This plan should outline how you will communicate your new brand to your customers, employees, and stakeholders. It should include a messaging strategy, social media strategy, and other marketing tactics that will help you reach your target audience.

Step 6-Implement and monitor your new brand: The final step is to implement and monitor your new brand. This includes updating your website, marketing materials, and other touchpoints with your new brand identity. It also involves monitoring your brand’s perception and reputation through customer feedback, social media monitoring, and other metrics. By continuously monitoring your brand, you can make adjustments as needed to ensure that your brand remains relevant and resonates with your target audience.

In conclusion, rebuilding a brand is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution. By following these five key steps – conducting a brand audit, defining your brand strategy, creating a new brand identity, developing a communication plan, and implementing and monitoring your new brand – you can successfully rebuild your brand and strengthen your company’s reputation and profitability.