My Guide to Living
•
0 likes•26 views
Over the Thanksgiving holiday I had time to reflect and think about what I am grateful for and how I want to live my life. While reading Chris Do 's book Pocket Full of Do, I came across his guide for living. It inspired me to write my own. Which of my guideposts do you like the best? What about you? What’s your guide for living? Let me know in the comments below.
Report
Share
Report
Share
Download to read offline
Recommended
How Might We?
How Might We?
This is the question to ask.
Instead of asking “What Should We Say?”
Try asking “How Might We?”
“How” - says solutions exist and provide confidence to identity and solve for unmet needs.
“Might” - is permission to put ideas out there that might work or might not. Either way, it’s all good.
“We” - says we are collaborating and building on one another’s ideas to find a solution.
Ask:
“How Might We increase memberships?”
“How Might We communicate all the benefits of our gym?”
“How Might We find the best stories to tell?”
How Might We?
Start adding this question to your existing toolkit of questions and see where it takes you. You’ll be surprised where the HMW roads lead.
Do you ask How Might We Questions in your business?
The Golden Age Of Brand
The Golden Age of Brand
We are living in a brand revolution.
The bridge between brand and business has never been stronger.
The entire customer experience is driven by brand.
And we’re inventing and reinventing what being a brand professional is all about.
Just as the Rolling Stones were pushing rock n’ roll in the 70s.
And Dr. Dre and Snoop were pushing rap in the 90s
We are defining what brand and branding means today.
There’s never been a better time to be a branding professional or apply it to your business.
Do you think we’re in the golden age of branding? Let me know in the comments below.
Brands Are Hungry
Brands Are HUNGRY
A Brand is like having a child.
It demands a lot from you.
It needs love and attention.
Every new brand you launch is a new mouth to feed.
And Brands are HUNGRY
This is why we are seeing a shift from houses of brands…
(think P&G or Unilever)
To a brand house.
(think FedEx or Apple)
It’s easier and more cost effective to manage a master brand of a brand house than it is to manage many hungry brands.
Do you think brands are hungry? Let me know in the comments below.
So You Wanna Be A Thought Leader
So you wanna be a thought leader…
It’s the “in” thing to do right now, right?
Well there’s only one way it’s going to happen.
You’re gonna have to WRITE.
Whether you’re sharing thoughts with
TEXT
Or
VIDEO
Or
IMAGES
Or
AUDIO
You’re gonna have to write.
So what are you waiting for? Start writing!
I've Got No Content
I’ve Got No Content…
I’m out.
It took about 365 days.
Everything I’ve written has been designed and published.
I got burned out.
So I took a break.
The content beast has a voracious appetite.
Wait…
By writing about having no content…
I’m creating a piece of valuable content.
Looks like I’m back baby!
It’s okay to take a break from the content machine every now and then. How often do you take breaks? Let me know in the comments.
Why My Rate Is $400Hr Green
Why My Rate is $400/hr
First, I don’t like to charge hourly.
We mostly charge by project - this means my team and our clients all know the budget.
When the situation is right, I’ll do hourly work - usually only phone consults at $400/hr with a 2 hr minimum.
Why? This work isn’t like being a plumber.
(or any other profession that charges hourly)
The other day I had a plumber out to the house. He did his work, charged me an hourly rate + materials.
The second he left do you think he ever thought about that job again?
Did he run from his morning shower to write down an idea he had for my house?
Did he wake up at 3am dreaming about an amazing insight for my family?
I doubt it.
But when you hire me. Even at $400/hr that’s what happens.
My mind is always thinking of you and your business.
When I’m in the car...
in the shower…
& when I sleep.
Hey, if you don’t think it’s worth it you don’t have to hire me. But I bet your competitor will.
Why do you charge your hourly rate? Let me know in the comments below.
How To Not Grow Your Brand Pink
HOW TO NOT GROW YOUR BRAND
If we’re lucky in our careers we get to be a part of a successful brand.
But as that brand continues to grow it faces its own unique challenges.
So many aging brands are focussed on selling to their core customer.
And while they are maintaining revenues, they aren’t growing.
The simple truth?
At a certain point, you can’t grow the business by selling to your core.
Brand building never ends. In today’s fast paced world we are constantly fighting for relevance.
We are constantly fighting for growth and new customers.
But if all we do is sell to our core… we can’t grow. How do you find ways to grow your business in addition to your core? Let me know in the comments below.
What Not To Do Black
What NOT to DO
This is the hardest part of brand building.
Not choosing what TO do…
But choosing what NOT to do.
At its core, this is what a great brand does.
It says NO to great opportunities…
That aren’t the RIGHT opportunities.
I get it. It’s not easy to say NO.
But you know you’re building a great brand when you’re clear on what NOT to do.
Do you think choosing what not to do is hard? Let me know in the comments below.
Recommended
How Might We?
How Might We?
This is the question to ask.
Instead of asking “What Should We Say?”
Try asking “How Might We?”
“How” - says solutions exist and provide confidence to identity and solve for unmet needs.
“Might” - is permission to put ideas out there that might work or might not. Either way, it’s all good.
“We” - says we are collaborating and building on one another’s ideas to find a solution.
Ask:
“How Might We increase memberships?”
“How Might We communicate all the benefits of our gym?”
“How Might We find the best stories to tell?”
How Might We?
Start adding this question to your existing toolkit of questions and see where it takes you. You’ll be surprised where the HMW roads lead.
Do you ask How Might We Questions in your business?
The Golden Age Of Brand
The Golden Age of Brand
We are living in a brand revolution.
The bridge between brand and business has never been stronger.
The entire customer experience is driven by brand.
And we’re inventing and reinventing what being a brand professional is all about.
Just as the Rolling Stones were pushing rock n’ roll in the 70s.
And Dr. Dre and Snoop were pushing rap in the 90s
We are defining what brand and branding means today.
There’s never been a better time to be a branding professional or apply it to your business.
Do you think we’re in the golden age of branding? Let me know in the comments below.
Brands Are Hungry
Brands Are HUNGRY
A Brand is like having a child.
It demands a lot from you.
It needs love and attention.
Every new brand you launch is a new mouth to feed.
And Brands are HUNGRY
This is why we are seeing a shift from houses of brands…
(think P&G or Unilever)
To a brand house.
(think FedEx or Apple)
It’s easier and more cost effective to manage a master brand of a brand house than it is to manage many hungry brands.
Do you think brands are hungry? Let me know in the comments below.
So You Wanna Be A Thought Leader
So you wanna be a thought leader…
It’s the “in” thing to do right now, right?
Well there’s only one way it’s going to happen.
You’re gonna have to WRITE.
Whether you’re sharing thoughts with
TEXT
Or
VIDEO
Or
IMAGES
Or
AUDIO
You’re gonna have to write.
So what are you waiting for? Start writing!
I've Got No Content
I’ve Got No Content…
I’m out.
It took about 365 days.
Everything I’ve written has been designed and published.
I got burned out.
So I took a break.
The content beast has a voracious appetite.
Wait…
By writing about having no content…
I’m creating a piece of valuable content.
Looks like I’m back baby!
It’s okay to take a break from the content machine every now and then. How often do you take breaks? Let me know in the comments.
Why My Rate Is $400Hr Green
Why My Rate is $400/hr
First, I don’t like to charge hourly.
We mostly charge by project - this means my team and our clients all know the budget.
When the situation is right, I’ll do hourly work - usually only phone consults at $400/hr with a 2 hr minimum.
Why? This work isn’t like being a plumber.
(or any other profession that charges hourly)
The other day I had a plumber out to the house. He did his work, charged me an hourly rate + materials.
The second he left do you think he ever thought about that job again?
Did he run from his morning shower to write down an idea he had for my house?
Did he wake up at 3am dreaming about an amazing insight for my family?
I doubt it.
But when you hire me. Even at $400/hr that’s what happens.
My mind is always thinking of you and your business.
When I’m in the car...
in the shower…
& when I sleep.
Hey, if you don’t think it’s worth it you don’t have to hire me. But I bet your competitor will.
Why do you charge your hourly rate? Let me know in the comments below.
How To Not Grow Your Brand Pink
HOW TO NOT GROW YOUR BRAND
If we’re lucky in our careers we get to be a part of a successful brand.
But as that brand continues to grow it faces its own unique challenges.
So many aging brands are focussed on selling to their core customer.
And while they are maintaining revenues, they aren’t growing.
The simple truth?
At a certain point, you can’t grow the business by selling to your core.
Brand building never ends. In today’s fast paced world we are constantly fighting for relevance.
We are constantly fighting for growth and new customers.
But if all we do is sell to our core… we can’t grow. How do you find ways to grow your business in addition to your core? Let me know in the comments below.
What Not To Do Black
What NOT to DO
This is the hardest part of brand building.
Not choosing what TO do…
But choosing what NOT to do.
At its core, this is what a great brand does.
It says NO to great opportunities…
That aren’t the RIGHT opportunities.
I get it. It’s not easy to say NO.
But you know you’re building a great brand when you’re clear on what NOT to do.
Do you think choosing what not to do is hard? Let me know in the comments below.
Brand Is Like Golf White Underlines
Brand is like Golf.
The game of golf is a very simple premise.
Get the ball in the hole in as few strokes as possible.
It’s not more complicated than that.
But a lot of people become obsessed with the game.
And as such, there’s a tendency to go deep.
And spend a lifetime…
And for some people a fortune…
Trying to perfect that which is imperfectable…
Kinda like all this branding stuff…
Sometimes we just need to remember that this brand game is about getting the ball in the hole in as few strokes as possible.
Do you find yourself making the brand game more complicated than it needs to be? Let me know in the comments below.
Pride Google Sheets Easter Egg Green
PRIDE Google Sheets Easter Egg
Google is always doing cool things to support their community.
Since June is Pride month…
Google has inserted an awesome Easter Egg in Sheets.
1. Open Sheets
2. Write the word “PRIDE” in the columns.
Watch what happens!
I might start all of my Sheets like this going forward!
What do you think of Google’s Sheets Pride Easter Egg? Let me know in the comments below.
Burn Out Pink
Burn Out.
It’s real.
It happens to all of us.
It’s happening to me.
At first I thought I was unhappy and unfulfilled.
Then I realized I've just been working too hard.
Stretched too thin.
I need a break.
I’m planning on leaning into the summer, taking Friday’s off, and most importantly…
Not being so hard on myself.
How do you know you’re feeling the effects of burnout and what do you do to recharge? Let me know in the comments below.
What Do You Want to Be Known For Black
What Do You Want to Be Known For?
It’s a pretty easy question.
But so many people struggle with this one.
Admittedly I do from time to time as well.
But ask yourself,
“What Do I Want To Be Known For”
As a Brand…
As a Company…
As a Product…
As a Person…
Then put all your energy into making sure the rest of the world knows it too. What do you want to be known for? Let me know in the comments below.
Relax Ask Some Questions Pink
Relax.
Ask Some Questions.
When things get stressful.
When things are weird.
When things aren’t going the way you thought they would.
RELAX
Ask some questions
Ask WHY
Get curious
Questions open up doors to worlds and galaxies that were invisible seconds prior.
What are some of your favorite questions to ask when the going gets tough?
Let me know in the comments below.
Testing Doesn’t Work Black
Testing Doesn’t Work
Testing big ideas by its very nature is flawed.
To be clear I’m talking about focus groups, test groups, processes that score work before launch, etc when I say “testing”.
Testing looks for what’s wrong with an idea.
Not what’s right.
If you look at the most perfect anything long enough you’ll find flaws, imperfections, and reasons not to believe.
Testing suggests that people react logically and intellectually to branding.
As if they pass a brand and say “Gee… that product is psychologically and emotionally representing my unmet needs…”
Testing is flawed because no one really knows what will resonate until the idea and brand is out in the world. The real world.
Testing also assumes that we really know what makes branding work and it can always be quantified, measured, and analyzed.
I don’t think we can.
Do you think testing works? Let me know in the comments below.
Messaging White Line
Messaging
Is why most businesses fail to connect with customers.
Messaging...Shows value you offer.
Messaging...Show’s why you’re different.
Messaging...Is the reason customers choose you.
Messaging isn’t just what we say but HOW we say it.
Messaging that works doesn't focus on telling people what you do.
They probably know already.
The messaging that works for your brand highlights the value of what you do for your customer and how it’s different from the other options they have.
Messaging is the most important, but most overlooked, component of a brand.
Is your messaging doing its job for your brand? Let me know in the comments below.
When Companies Get It Right Green
When Companies Get Brand Right
They ask - “what business problem am I trying to solve?”
They seek the advice of a professional to guide them through the process.
They never stop branding. It's a fluid, ever evolving practice. It's an always-on function in your business.
Customers are demanding more for the companies they do business with. They care about what the business stands for and require that they back up the beliefs they put on a website.
Businesses that look to build communities as a cornerstone of their brand are winning.
Stop selling your product, features and benefits. Sell the story. Sell the feeling and experience your customer has with your brand.
Be willing to take risk and accept change as a part of being great.
Be different. Stand out. Find the white space. Own a position in your customer's mind.
When do you think companies get “brand” right? Let me know in the comments below.
Start With Who Black
Start with Who
Instead of starting with Why, try starting with Who
Who is the sibling of Why.
They are interconnected and depend on one another.
You may argue that one is not more important than the other,
But I would argue that you can have a business without a Why.
You can’t have a business without a Who.
Inspired by Simon Sinek’s golden circle model, there’s a new circle - I call this the diamond encrusted circle.
By getting crystal clear on WHO we are solving a problem for, it becomes easy to ladder up and find our Why.
Do you believe in Starting with Who? Let me know in the comments below.
I Don’t Believe In Formulas Blue
I Don’t Believe In Formulas
There’s a lot of people out there selling formulas for brand and creativity.
I’m not a fan.
Advil is a formula.
WD-40 is a formula.
Coca-Cola is a formula.
A formula is repeatable with a specific, exact, REPEATED outcome.
Branding, writing, design…
No matter how much we try… cannot be reduced to a formula.
We work in FRAMEWORKS.
And while a process and an approach they are not formulas.
They do not give a precise answer.
Frameworks help us uncover truths, identify problems, and get to a desired answer (in a round about way).
But it’s never formulaic.
I believe in frameworks not formulas. Let me know what you think about frameworks vs. formulas in the comments below.
The Cracks In Your Hull White
The Cracks In Your Hull
Today’s hybrid digital and physical world is a real challenge for businesses.
There are about a bazillion touchpoints for your brand.
And showing up inconsistently across this landscape is a real problem.
One mistake or incongruent touchpoint isn’t going to sink your ship.
And in a silo these mistakes never look to be all that large.
But it’s the collective inconsistencies that are the cracks in your hull.
That will one day sink your business.
I can’t tell you when. But it will happen.
How do you manage to stay consistent across your brand? Let me know in the comments below.
Why Clients Pay More Blue
Why Clients Pay More
Is it because the work of a high priced agency is better than a lower priced agency?
Probably Not.
Is it because the people are smarter at a higher priced agency than a lower priced agency?
Hardly ever.
Is it because there is less perceived risk with a higher priced agency than a lower priced agency?
ABSOLUTELY.
Higher Rates ($$) = Peace of Mind
Clients pay more to mitigate risk.
That’s it.
Do you think clients pay more to reduce risk? Let me know in the comments below.
Branding Is About Selling Red
Branding Is About Selling
Branding Is About SELLING
That’s right.
Most people think branding is about logos, or websites, or promises.
But branding is about influencing the gut feel people have about your product or service.
Make no mistake
Branding is all about the $$$$.
Our modern day depiction of the beloved Santa in his red and white suit with rosy cheeks is a great example.
Before the 1930s Santa didn’t exist like this.
There were several mythological characters from different cultures like St. Nick, Sinterklaus, Papa Noel…
But not until Coca-Cola rebranded Santa in their brand colors to influence the sale of more sugar water… did Santa look like we know today.
Branding is all about selling. Let me know if you agree in the comments below.
Remember The Goal Black
Remember The Goal
When reviewing work and giving feedback it’s easy to get lost in minutia.
“Can you make it green?”
“What would this look like with a Gotham font?”
“Is “impact” really the right word?”
While all these details can matter…
This type of feedback isn’t always helpful.
What is helpful is to give feedback that references the business goal the creative is intended to solve.
Try thinking about WHY you’re even doing this in the first place.
Ask:
“Will this attract the customers we want to attract?”
“Will our desired audience get the desired impression we want?”
“What will the gut feeling of our customers be after interacting with this?”
These are the right questions to ask.
When in doubt, remember (and reference) the goal.
This will answer all unanswered questions.
Do you remember the goal in your feedback process? Let me know in the comments below.
There Can Be Only 1 White
There Can Be Only One
At the beginning of every engagement, before any of the work begins, there’s a super dooper important decision to be made…
Who will be the decider?
Who on the team will be the tie breaker?
Who on the team will the one to make the final decision to keep the process moving?
Getting input from the team is a MUST.
But if left unchecked, decision by committee can kill momentum and your brand.
Someone needs to be the decider.
Without a “decider” projects tend to drag on and turn into a meatball sundae of everyone’s ideas.
There can be only ONE.
Do you choose a decider in your engagements? How do you do it? Let me know in the comments below.
What’s The Truest Thing About Your Brand Blue
Find What’s True
Sometimes we over complicate all this brand stuff.
Often, all we need to ask is…
What’s the truest thing about your brand?
If I said “[your brand] is…” what would your prospective customers say?
Patagonia is...self-righteous activists.
Apple is… expensive.
Crocs are… ugly.
In the truth lies your opportunity.
Take that truth and then start to build communications around it.
If the world is already thinking it… don’t fight it.
Lean into the truth head on.
What is the truest thing about your brand? Let me know in the comments below.
You’ll Be Rewarded In Public Black
You’ll Be Rewarded in Public…
...For What You Do In Private.
No one ever sees the hustle.
No one ever sees the struggle.
No one ever sees you staring at a blank page thinking:
“I have no ideas left…”
All everyone ever sees is the finished product.
They see the polished presentation.
The well thought out YouTube video.
Your audience celebrates you in public.
For all the hard work you do in private.
What are you doing in private to be rewarded in public? Let me know in the comments below!
P.S. Do you like customers coming to YOU? My team and I are looking for a few businesses who want to differentiate themselves from their competitors and increase revenue using brand strategy. If you’re interested, message me the word “different”. Thanks.
Sell To The Believers Red
Sell to the Believers
There are a lot of people who DO NOT believe in what you are selling.
And no matter how much you educate them.
Or show them the light.
They’ll never believe.
Then there are those who already believe in what you do and what you are offering.
There are so many people who exhibit the attributes of someone who WILL believe in you with a little education.
Don't waste time selling to the non-believers.
Spend your time selling to the BELIEVERS.
They are waiting for you.
Now go find your believers.
Are you selling to non-believers who will never convert or are you focused on the believers? Let me know in the comments below.
Remember The Goal Black
Remember The Goal
When reviewing work and giving feedback it’s easy to get lost in minutia.
“Can you make it green?”
“What would this look like with a Gotham font?”
“Is “impact” really the right word?”
While all these details can matter…
This type of feedback isn’t always helpful.
What is helpful is to give feedback that references the business goal the creative is intended to solve.
Try thinking about WHY you’re even doing this in the first place.
Ask:
“Will this attract the customers we want to attract?”
“Will our desired audience get the desired impression we want?”
“What will the gut feeling of our customers be after interacting with this?”
These are the right questions to ask.
When in doubt, remember (and reference) the goal.
This will answer all unanswered questions.
Do you remember the goal in your feedback process? Let me know in the comments below.
There can Be Only 1 White
There Can Be Only One
At the beginning of every engagement, before any of the work begins, there’s a super dooper important decision to be made…
Who will be the decider?
Who on the team will be the tie breaker?
Who on the team will the one to make the final decision to keep the process moving?
Getting input from the team is a MUST.
But if left unchecked, decision by committee can kill momentum and your brand.
Someone needs to be the decider.
Without a “decider” projects tend to drag on and turn into a meatball sundae of everyone’s ideas.
There can be only ONE.
Do you choose a decider in your engagements? How do you do it? Let me know in the comments below.
01 Field+Guide+to+Human-Centered+Design_IDEOorg_English GUIA COMPLETA DETALLA...
descripcion detallada de la metodologia HCD
How to Start Affiliate Marketing with ChatGPT- A Step-by-Step Guide (1).pdf
Discover the power of affiliate marketing with ChatGPT! This comprehensive guide takes you through the process of starting and scaling your affiliate marketing business using the latest AI technology. Learn how to leverage ChatGPT to generate content ideas, create engaging articles, and connect with your audience through personalized interactions. From building your strategy and optimizing conversions to analyzing performance and staying updated with industry trends, this eBook provides everything you need to know to succeed in affiliate marketing. Whether you're a beginner looking to start your online business or an experienced marketer wanting to take your efforts to the next level, this guide is your roadmap to success in the world of affiliate marketing.
More Related Content
More from Marc Gutman
Brand Is Like Golf White Underlines
Brand is like Golf.
The game of golf is a very simple premise.
Get the ball in the hole in as few strokes as possible.
It’s not more complicated than that.
But a lot of people become obsessed with the game.
And as such, there’s a tendency to go deep.
And spend a lifetime…
And for some people a fortune…
Trying to perfect that which is imperfectable…
Kinda like all this branding stuff…
Sometimes we just need to remember that this brand game is about getting the ball in the hole in as few strokes as possible.
Do you find yourself making the brand game more complicated than it needs to be? Let me know in the comments below.
Pride Google Sheets Easter Egg Green
PRIDE Google Sheets Easter Egg
Google is always doing cool things to support their community.
Since June is Pride month…
Google has inserted an awesome Easter Egg in Sheets.
1. Open Sheets
2. Write the word “PRIDE” in the columns.
Watch what happens!
I might start all of my Sheets like this going forward!
What do you think of Google’s Sheets Pride Easter Egg? Let me know in the comments below.
Burn Out Pink
Burn Out.
It’s real.
It happens to all of us.
It’s happening to me.
At first I thought I was unhappy and unfulfilled.
Then I realized I've just been working too hard.
Stretched too thin.
I need a break.
I’m planning on leaning into the summer, taking Friday’s off, and most importantly…
Not being so hard on myself.
How do you know you’re feeling the effects of burnout and what do you do to recharge? Let me know in the comments below.
What Do You Want to Be Known For Black
What Do You Want to Be Known For?
It’s a pretty easy question.
But so many people struggle with this one.
Admittedly I do from time to time as well.
But ask yourself,
“What Do I Want To Be Known For”
As a Brand…
As a Company…
As a Product…
As a Person…
Then put all your energy into making sure the rest of the world knows it too. What do you want to be known for? Let me know in the comments below.
Relax Ask Some Questions Pink
Relax.
Ask Some Questions.
When things get stressful.
When things are weird.
When things aren’t going the way you thought they would.
RELAX
Ask some questions
Ask WHY
Get curious
Questions open up doors to worlds and galaxies that were invisible seconds prior.
What are some of your favorite questions to ask when the going gets tough?
Let me know in the comments below.
Testing Doesn’t Work Black
Testing Doesn’t Work
Testing big ideas by its very nature is flawed.
To be clear I’m talking about focus groups, test groups, processes that score work before launch, etc when I say “testing”.
Testing looks for what’s wrong with an idea.
Not what’s right.
If you look at the most perfect anything long enough you’ll find flaws, imperfections, and reasons not to believe.
Testing suggests that people react logically and intellectually to branding.
As if they pass a brand and say “Gee… that product is psychologically and emotionally representing my unmet needs…”
Testing is flawed because no one really knows what will resonate until the idea and brand is out in the world. The real world.
Testing also assumes that we really know what makes branding work and it can always be quantified, measured, and analyzed.
I don’t think we can.
Do you think testing works? Let me know in the comments below.
Messaging White Line
Messaging
Is why most businesses fail to connect with customers.
Messaging...Shows value you offer.
Messaging...Show’s why you’re different.
Messaging...Is the reason customers choose you.
Messaging isn’t just what we say but HOW we say it.
Messaging that works doesn't focus on telling people what you do.
They probably know already.
The messaging that works for your brand highlights the value of what you do for your customer and how it’s different from the other options they have.
Messaging is the most important, but most overlooked, component of a brand.
Is your messaging doing its job for your brand? Let me know in the comments below.
When Companies Get It Right Green
When Companies Get Brand Right
They ask - “what business problem am I trying to solve?”
They seek the advice of a professional to guide them through the process.
They never stop branding. It's a fluid, ever evolving practice. It's an always-on function in your business.
Customers are demanding more for the companies they do business with. They care about what the business stands for and require that they back up the beliefs they put on a website.
Businesses that look to build communities as a cornerstone of their brand are winning.
Stop selling your product, features and benefits. Sell the story. Sell the feeling and experience your customer has with your brand.
Be willing to take risk and accept change as a part of being great.
Be different. Stand out. Find the white space. Own a position in your customer's mind.
When do you think companies get “brand” right? Let me know in the comments below.
Start With Who Black
Start with Who
Instead of starting with Why, try starting with Who
Who is the sibling of Why.
They are interconnected and depend on one another.
You may argue that one is not more important than the other,
But I would argue that you can have a business without a Why.
You can’t have a business without a Who.
Inspired by Simon Sinek’s golden circle model, there’s a new circle - I call this the diamond encrusted circle.
By getting crystal clear on WHO we are solving a problem for, it becomes easy to ladder up and find our Why.
Do you believe in Starting with Who? Let me know in the comments below.
I Don’t Believe In Formulas Blue
I Don’t Believe In Formulas
There’s a lot of people out there selling formulas for brand and creativity.
I’m not a fan.
Advil is a formula.
WD-40 is a formula.
Coca-Cola is a formula.
A formula is repeatable with a specific, exact, REPEATED outcome.
Branding, writing, design…
No matter how much we try… cannot be reduced to a formula.
We work in FRAMEWORKS.
And while a process and an approach they are not formulas.
They do not give a precise answer.
Frameworks help us uncover truths, identify problems, and get to a desired answer (in a round about way).
But it’s never formulaic.
I believe in frameworks not formulas. Let me know what you think about frameworks vs. formulas in the comments below.
The Cracks In Your Hull White
The Cracks In Your Hull
Today’s hybrid digital and physical world is a real challenge for businesses.
There are about a bazillion touchpoints for your brand.
And showing up inconsistently across this landscape is a real problem.
One mistake or incongruent touchpoint isn’t going to sink your ship.
And in a silo these mistakes never look to be all that large.
But it’s the collective inconsistencies that are the cracks in your hull.
That will one day sink your business.
I can’t tell you when. But it will happen.
How do you manage to stay consistent across your brand? Let me know in the comments below.
Why Clients Pay More Blue
Why Clients Pay More
Is it because the work of a high priced agency is better than a lower priced agency?
Probably Not.
Is it because the people are smarter at a higher priced agency than a lower priced agency?
Hardly ever.
Is it because there is less perceived risk with a higher priced agency than a lower priced agency?
ABSOLUTELY.
Higher Rates ($$) = Peace of Mind
Clients pay more to mitigate risk.
That’s it.
Do you think clients pay more to reduce risk? Let me know in the comments below.
Branding Is About Selling Red
Branding Is About Selling
Branding Is About SELLING
That’s right.
Most people think branding is about logos, or websites, or promises.
But branding is about influencing the gut feel people have about your product or service.
Make no mistake
Branding is all about the $$$$.
Our modern day depiction of the beloved Santa in his red and white suit with rosy cheeks is a great example.
Before the 1930s Santa didn’t exist like this.
There were several mythological characters from different cultures like St. Nick, Sinterklaus, Papa Noel…
But not until Coca-Cola rebranded Santa in their brand colors to influence the sale of more sugar water… did Santa look like we know today.
Branding is all about selling. Let me know if you agree in the comments below.
Remember The Goal Black
Remember The Goal
When reviewing work and giving feedback it’s easy to get lost in minutia.
“Can you make it green?”
“What would this look like with a Gotham font?”
“Is “impact” really the right word?”
While all these details can matter…
This type of feedback isn’t always helpful.
What is helpful is to give feedback that references the business goal the creative is intended to solve.
Try thinking about WHY you’re even doing this in the first place.
Ask:
“Will this attract the customers we want to attract?”
“Will our desired audience get the desired impression we want?”
“What will the gut feeling of our customers be after interacting with this?”
These are the right questions to ask.
When in doubt, remember (and reference) the goal.
This will answer all unanswered questions.
Do you remember the goal in your feedback process? Let me know in the comments below.
There Can Be Only 1 White
There Can Be Only One
At the beginning of every engagement, before any of the work begins, there’s a super dooper important decision to be made…
Who will be the decider?
Who on the team will be the tie breaker?
Who on the team will the one to make the final decision to keep the process moving?
Getting input from the team is a MUST.
But if left unchecked, decision by committee can kill momentum and your brand.
Someone needs to be the decider.
Without a “decider” projects tend to drag on and turn into a meatball sundae of everyone’s ideas.
There can be only ONE.
Do you choose a decider in your engagements? How do you do it? Let me know in the comments below.
What’s The Truest Thing About Your Brand Blue
Find What’s True
Sometimes we over complicate all this brand stuff.
Often, all we need to ask is…
What’s the truest thing about your brand?
If I said “[your brand] is…” what would your prospective customers say?
Patagonia is...self-righteous activists.
Apple is… expensive.
Crocs are… ugly.
In the truth lies your opportunity.
Take that truth and then start to build communications around it.
If the world is already thinking it… don’t fight it.
Lean into the truth head on.
What is the truest thing about your brand? Let me know in the comments below.
You’ll Be Rewarded In Public Black
You’ll Be Rewarded in Public…
...For What You Do In Private.
No one ever sees the hustle.
No one ever sees the struggle.
No one ever sees you staring at a blank page thinking:
“I have no ideas left…”
All everyone ever sees is the finished product.
They see the polished presentation.
The well thought out YouTube video.
Your audience celebrates you in public.
For all the hard work you do in private.
What are you doing in private to be rewarded in public? Let me know in the comments below!
P.S. Do you like customers coming to YOU? My team and I are looking for a few businesses who want to differentiate themselves from their competitors and increase revenue using brand strategy. If you’re interested, message me the word “different”. Thanks.
Sell To The Believers Red
Sell to the Believers
There are a lot of people who DO NOT believe in what you are selling.
And no matter how much you educate them.
Or show them the light.
They’ll never believe.
Then there are those who already believe in what you do and what you are offering.
There are so many people who exhibit the attributes of someone who WILL believe in you with a little education.
Don't waste time selling to the non-believers.
Spend your time selling to the BELIEVERS.
They are waiting for you.
Now go find your believers.
Are you selling to non-believers who will never convert or are you focused on the believers? Let me know in the comments below.
Remember The Goal Black
Remember The Goal
When reviewing work and giving feedback it’s easy to get lost in minutia.
“Can you make it green?”
“What would this look like with a Gotham font?”
“Is “impact” really the right word?”
While all these details can matter…
This type of feedback isn’t always helpful.
What is helpful is to give feedback that references the business goal the creative is intended to solve.
Try thinking about WHY you’re even doing this in the first place.
Ask:
“Will this attract the customers we want to attract?”
“Will our desired audience get the desired impression we want?”
“What will the gut feeling of our customers be after interacting with this?”
These are the right questions to ask.
When in doubt, remember (and reference) the goal.
This will answer all unanswered questions.
Do you remember the goal in your feedback process? Let me know in the comments below.
There can Be Only 1 White
There Can Be Only One
At the beginning of every engagement, before any of the work begins, there’s a super dooper important decision to be made…
Who will be the decider?
Who on the team will be the tie breaker?
Who on the team will the one to make the final decision to keep the process moving?
Getting input from the team is a MUST.
But if left unchecked, decision by committee can kill momentum and your brand.
Someone needs to be the decider.
Without a “decider” projects tend to drag on and turn into a meatball sundae of everyone’s ideas.
There can be only ONE.
Do you choose a decider in your engagements? How do you do it? Let me know in the comments below.
More from Marc Gutman (20)
Recently uploaded
01 Field+Guide+to+Human-Centered+Design_IDEOorg_English GUIA COMPLETA DETALLA...
descripcion detallada de la metodologia HCD
How to Start Affiliate Marketing with ChatGPT- A Step-by-Step Guide (1).pdf
Discover the power of affiliate marketing with ChatGPT! This comprehensive guide takes you through the process of starting and scaling your affiliate marketing business using the latest AI technology. Learn how to leverage ChatGPT to generate content ideas, create engaging articles, and connect with your audience through personalized interactions. From building your strategy and optimizing conversions to analyzing performance and staying updated with industry trends, this eBook provides everything you need to know to succeed in affiliate marketing. Whether you're a beginner looking to start your online business or an experienced marketer wanting to take your efforts to the next level, this guide is your roadmap to success in the world of affiliate marketing.
Crafting Seamless B2B Customer Journeys - Strategies for Exceptional Experien...
Crafting Seamless B2B Customer Journeys - Strategies for Exceptional Experien...DigiMarCon - Digital Marketing, Media and Advertising Conferences & Exhibitions
Customer Experience is not only for B2C and big box brands. Embark on a transformative journey into the realm of B2B customer experience with our masterclass. In this dynamic session, we'll delve into the intricacies of designing and implementing seamless customer journeys that leave a lasting impression. Explore proven strategies and best practices tailored specifically for the B2B landscape, learning how to navigate complex decision-making processes and cultivate meaningful relationships with clients. From initial engagement to post-sale support, discover how to optimize every touchpoint to deliver exceptional experiences that drive loyalty and revenue growth. Join us and unlock the keys to unparalleled success in the B2B arena.
Key Takeaways:
1. Identify your customer journey and growth areas
2. Build a three-step customer experience strategy
3. Put your CX data to use and drive action in your organizationTitle: Making Money the Easy Way: A Quick Guide to Generating Income
Welcome to "Making Money the Easy Way: A Quick Guide to Generating Income." This book is designed to provide you with practical, actionable strategies to generate income with minimal effort. Whether you’re looking to supplement your current income or create a full-time revenue stream, this guide covers a variety of methods to help you achieve your financial goals. We will explore opportunities available online, various investment strategies, profitable side hustles, creative approaches, and essential financial tips to ensure sustainable income growth.
Breaking Silos To Break Bank: Shattering The Divide Between Search And Social
At Mozcon 2024 I shared this deck on bridging the divide between search and social. We began by acknowledging that search-first marketers are used to different rules of engagement than social marketers. We also looked at how both channels treat creative, audiences, bidding/budgeting, and AI. We finished by going through how they can win together including UTM audits, harvesting comments from both to inform creative, and allowing for non-login forums to be part of your marketing strategy.
I themed this deck using Baldur's Gate 3 characters: Gale as Search and Astarion as Social
Advanced Storytelling Concepts for Marketers
Every marketer knows you’re supposed to tell a story, but do you know how to tell a story? Do you know why you’re supposed to tell a story? Do you even truly know what a story is? While many marketing presentations emphasize the value of mythic storytelling, the nuts and bolts of actually constructing a story are never explored.
The goal of marketing may be to achieve specific KPIs that drive sales, which is very objective, but the top of the marketing funnel requires a softer approach. In our data-driven results-oriented fast-paced world, marketers must quantify results, but those results will never be achieved unless prospects are first approached with humanity.
There is a common misunderstanding that the so-called “soft skills” of marketing such as language and art are unmeasurable and subjective, but while the objective measures of market research are merely 100 years old, the rules of aesthetics have been perfected over the last 2,500 years.
Great story construction is a skill that requires significant knowledge and practice. This presentation will be a review of the ancient art of story construction.
We will discuss:
• Rhetoric – The art of effective communication
• The Socratic Method – You cannot teach, but you can persuade people to learn
• Plato’s Cave – You sell products, but you market ideas
• Aristotle’s Six Dramatic Elements – The secret recipe for marketing stories
This is for senior marketers who are tasked with creating effective narratives or guiding others in the process. By the end of the session, attendees will have gained the knowledge needed to work storytelling into all phases of the buyer’s journey.
Get Off the Bandwagon - Separating Digital Marketing Myths from Truth - Scott...
Get Off the Bandwagon - Separating Digital Marketing Myths from Truth - Scott...DigiMarCon - Digital Marketing, Media and Advertising Conferences & Exhibitions
Conferences like DigiMarCon provide ample opportunities to improve our own marketing programs by learning from others. But just because everyone is jumping on board with the latest idea/tool/metric doesn’t mean it works – or does it? This session will examine the value of today’s hottest digital marketing topics – including AI, paid ads, and social metrics – and the truth about what these shiny objects might be distracting you from.
Key Takeaways:
- How NOT to shoot your digital program in the foot by using flashy but ineffective resources
- The best ways to think about AI in connection with digital marketing
- How to cut through self-serving marketing advice and engage in channels that truly grow your businessTHE STORY COMMUNICATION Credential 2024.pptx
The Story Communication là công ty quảng cáo truyền thông tích hợp (IMC) được xây dựng trên thế mạnh về Digital & Performance.
#Assemble #Integrity #Transformation #Initiative
How to Generate Add to Calendar Link using Cal.et
Cal.et is a free tool that helps you create “Add to Calendar” links for your events. It supports popular calendar platforms like Google, Apple, Outlook, Yahoo, and Office365. Users can generate short, shareable URLs, customize event details, and even create QR codes for easy access. It’s ideal for embedding event links in emails, websites, and social media, making it easier for participants to save event information directly to their calendars.
Mastering SEO for Google in the AI Era - Dennis Yu
Mastering SEO for Google in the AI Era - Dennis YuDigiMarCon - Digital Marketing, Media and Advertising Conferences & Exhibitions
Mastering Local SEO for Service Businesses in the AI Era"" is tailored specifically for local service providers like plumbers, dentists, and others seeking to dominate their local search landscape. This session delves into leveraging AI advancements to enhance your online visibility and search rankings through the Content Factory model, designed for creating high-impact, SEO-driven content. Discover the Dollar-a-Day advertising strategy, a cost-effective approach to boost your local SEO efforts and attract more customers with minimal investment. Gain practical insights on optimizing your online presence to meet the specific needs of local service seekers, ensuring your business not only appears but stands out in local searches. This concise, action-oriented workshop is your roadmap to navigating the complexities of digital marketing in the AI age, driving more leads, conversions, and ultimately, success for your local service business.
Key Takeaways:
Embrace AI for Local SEO: Learn to harness the power of AI technologies to optimize your website and content for local search. Understand the pivotal role AI plays in analyzing search trends and consumer behavior, enabling you to tailor your SEO strategies to meet the specific demands of your target local audience. Leverage the Content Factory Model: Discover the step-by-step process of creating SEO-optimized content at scale. This approach ensures a steady stream of high-quality content that engages local customers and boosts your search rankings. Get an action guide on implementing this model, complete with templates and scheduling strategies to maintain a consistent online presence. Maximize ROI with Dollar-a-Day Advertising: Dive into the cost-effective Dollar-a-Day advertising strategy that amplifies your visibility in local searches without breaking the bank. Learn how to strategically allocate your budget across platforms to target potential local customers effectively. The session includes an action guide on setting up, monitoring, and optimizing your ad campaigns to ensure maximum impact with minimal investment.Mastering Your Online Visibility - Fernando Angulo
Mastering Your Online Visibility - Fernando AnguloDigiMarCon - Digital Marketing, Media and Advertising Conferences & Exhibitions
Unlock the secrets to enhancing your digital presence with our masterclass on mastering online visibility. Learn actionable strategies to boost your brand, optimize your social media, and leverage SEO. Transform your online footprint into a powerful tool for growth and engagement.
Key Takeaways:
1. Effective techniques to increase your brand's visibility across various online platforms.
2. Strategies for optimizing social media profiles and content to maximize reach and engagement.
3. Insights into leveraging SEO best practices to improve search engine rankings and drive organic traffic.No Cookies, No Problem - Steve Krull, Be Found Online
No Cookies, No Problem - Steve Krull, Be Found OnlineDigiMarCon - Digital Marketing, Media and Advertising Conferences & Exhibitions
In the face of the news of Google beginning to remove cookies from Chrome (30m users at the time of writing), there’s no longer time for marketers to throw their hands up and say “I didn’t know” or “They won’t go through with it”. Reality check - it has already begun - the time to take action is now. The good news is that there are solutions available and ready for adoption… but for many the race to catch up to the modern internet risks being a messy, confusing scramble to get back to "normal"Efficient Website Management for Digital Marketing Pros
Learn how to optimize website projects, leverage SEO tactics effectively, and implement product-led marketing approaches for enhanced digital presence and ROI.
This session is your key to unlocking the secrets of successful digital marketing campaigns and maximizing your business's online potential.
Actionable tactics you can apply after this session:
- Streamlined Website Management: Discover techniques to streamline website development, manage day-to-day operations efficiently, and ensure smooth project execution.
- Effective SEO Practices: Gain valuable insights into optimizing your website for search engines, improving visibility, and driving organic traffic to your digital assets.
- Leverage Product-Led Marketing: Explore strategies for incorporating product-led marketing principles into your digital marketing efforts, enhancing user engagement and driving conversions.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your digital marketing game and achieve tangible results!
SEO in the AI Era - Trust, Quality and Content Discovery - Andy Crestodina
SEO in the AI Era - Trust, Quality and Content Discovery - Andy CrestodinaDigiMarCon - Digital Marketing, Media and Advertising Conferences & Exhibitions
We’ve entered a new era in digital. Search and AI are colliding, in more ways than one. And they all have major implications for marketers.
• SEOs now use AI to optimize content.
• Google now uses AI to generate answers.
• Users are skipping search completely. They can now use AI to get answers. So AI has changed everything …or maybe not. Our audience hasn’t changed. Their information needs haven’t changed. Their perception of quality hasn’t changed. In reality, the most important things haven’t changed at all. In this session, you’ll learn the impact of AI. And you’ll learn ways that AI can make us better at the classic challenges: getting discovered, connecting through content and staying top of mind with the people who matter most. We’ll use timely tools to rebuild timeless foundations. We’ll do better basics, but with the most advanced techniques. Andy will share a set of frameworks, prompts and techniques for better digital basics, using the latest tools of today. And in the end, Andy will consider - in a brief glimpse - what might be the biggest change of all, and how to expand your footprint in the new digital landscape.
Key Takeaways:
How to use AI to optimize your content
How to find topics that algorithms love
How to get AI to mention your content and your brandDigital Marketing Trends - Experts Insights on How to Gain a Competitive Edge...
Digital Marketing Trends - Experts Insights on How to Gain a Competitive Edge...DigiMarCon - Digital Marketing, Media and Advertising Conferences & Exhibitions
The digital marketing industry is changing faster than ever and those who don’t adapt with the times are losing market share. Where should marketers be focusing their efforts? What strategies are the experts seeing get the best results? Get up-to-speed with the latest industry insights, trends and predictions for the future in this panel discussion with some leading digital marketing experts.PickUp_conversational AI_Capex, Inc._20240610
PickUp, Improve conversions with scenario-based conversational AI.
Lily Ray - Optimize the Forest, Not the Trees: Move Beyond SEO Checklist - Mo...
Lily Ray, Vice President of SEO Strategy & Research at Amsive, explores optimizing strategies for sustainable growth and explores the impact of AI on the SEO landscape.
Mastering The Best Restaurant Advertising Campaigns Detailed Guide
A guide for making the Best Restaurant Advertising Campaigns with demographics, data analytics, and digital advertising for measurable results.
Recently uploaded (20)
01 Field+Guide+to+Human-Centered+Design_IDEOorg_English GUIA COMPLETA DETALLA...
01 Field+Guide+to+Human-Centered+Design_IDEOorg_English GUIA COMPLETA DETALLA...
How to Start Affiliate Marketing with ChatGPT- A Step-by-Step Guide (1).pdf
How to Start Affiliate Marketing with ChatGPT- A Step-by-Step Guide (1).pdf
Crafting Seamless B2B Customer Journeys - Strategies for Exceptional Experien...
Crafting Seamless B2B Customer Journeys - Strategies for Exceptional Experien...
Title: Making Money the Easy Way: A Quick Guide to Generating Income
Title: Making Money the Easy Way: A Quick Guide to Generating Income
Breaking Silos To Break Bank: Shattering The Divide Between Search And Social
Breaking Silos To Break Bank: Shattering The Divide Between Search And Social
Get Off the Bandwagon - Separating Digital Marketing Myths from Truth - Scott...
Get Off the Bandwagon - Separating Digital Marketing Myths from Truth - Scott...
Mastering SEO for Google in the AI Era - Dennis Yu
Mastering SEO for Google in the AI Era - Dennis Yu
Mastering Your Online Visibility - Fernando Angulo
Mastering Your Online Visibility - Fernando Angulo
No Cookies, No Problem - Steve Krull, Be Found Online
No Cookies, No Problem - Steve Krull, Be Found Online
Efficient Website Management for Digital Marketing Pros
Efficient Website Management for Digital Marketing Pros
SEO in the AI Era - Trust, Quality and Content Discovery - Andy Crestodina
SEO in the AI Era - Trust, Quality and Content Discovery - Andy Crestodina
Digital Marketing Trends - Experts Insights on How to Gain a Competitive Edge...
Digital Marketing Trends - Experts Insights on How to Gain a Competitive Edge...
Lily Ray - Optimize the Forest, Not the Trees: Move Beyond SEO Checklist - Mo...
Lily Ray - Optimize the Forest, Not the Trees: Move Beyond SEO Checklist - Mo...
Mastering The Best Restaurant Advertising Campaigns Detailed Guide
Mastering The Best Restaurant Advertising Campaigns Detailed Guide
Practical Progress from a Theory by Steven Kingpdf
Practical Progress from a Theory by Steven Kingpdf