I’m calling BS on guilty pleasures.
I was knee-deep in a Justin Timberlake retrospective this morning when some lyrics from one song in particular smacked me right between the eyes.
I had to stop and listen.
And look up the lyrics.
And write this.
“Say Something” (featuring Chris Stapleton)vis not only an absolute belter, but it’s FULL of incredible lessons for us all to learn when we talk about building our business and brand in particular.
Indulge me.
Where do we all start:
“Maybe I’m looking for something I can’t have.”
The self doubt, unknown and fear of starting, changing or growing can seem out of reach. Brand strategy in of itself is all too often seen as something that ANY business can (or should) have.
>I’m here to tell you, you CAN have it.
How you feel once you start:
“I can’t help myself – I don’t wanna get caught up in the middle of it.”
Too late. The only way to a great brand you can truly be proud of is right through the middle of it all – the messy chaotic bit, the unpacking the shit bit, the tearing it up and starting again bit, the oh this is wonderful bit and the wham, in your face, go to market all shiny and new bit.
>So get ready to get caught up in it.
Working with a great brand partner, like us:
“There’s melody and harmony in us tonight.”
Well, maybe not the overly sexual reference, but a great partnership in building, crafting and nurturing your vision is harmonious, melodic and magic.
>Get the right people to help you through it and make sweet music….
Wise brand storytelling advice:
“Sometimes the greatest way to say something is to say nothing at all.”
Show. Don’t tell. It took me a while to get my head around this, but building an exceptional brand experience (in and out) is about SHOWING people what you stand for, care about and treat people/environment/community, not just telling them. This is where your voice, design and actions come into play – intentionally creating the FEEL of your brand, a lasting impression and an unignorable experience.
>Saying it isn’t enough, you need to live it and show it.
What great brand strategy means:
“Everybody knows, all about my direction.”
Yep. Alignment, clarity, efficiency, consistency, effectiveness, sustainable brand communications and growth. No more filling in the gaps, unknowns and confusion from the team or audiences.
>Get clear, write it down, communicate it.
What happens after brand success:
“I hear them call my name.”
From the rooftops! Customers becoming your biggest salespeople. The team being your biggest advocates and assets. Trust, recognition and regard in your industry: A long-term, sustainable growth strategy.
>Turn your audiences and team into raving fans.
So no more to ‘guilty’ pleasures – there is inspiration everywhere, even with JT himself.
(I may have to crack out Wham!, Hall and Oates and early Destiny’s Child for more inspiration.)
Share your latest inspiration, wherever it was from – what has spoken to you recently? What is it trying to tell you?
Lauren 🌱