Lately, I’ve been noticing some pretty creative use of a space that’s been traditionally taboo.
The potty, loo, john etc.
Yes, the Bathroom seems to have become the new frontier in brand messaging.
This is a picture of the Virgin Management HQ in London.
It’s a bit hard to read…but the sign over the toilet paper roll says “this is the only unauthorized Virgin rip-off, now go wash your hands”.
I think this is brilliant…
People often ask me how do you measure consumer’s connection to a brand?
Is there some research metric that captures a level of engagement, likelihood to recommend, resiliency to switching?
Sure there is all sorts of quantitative methodology, including Net Promoter Scores .
But I like to go by a much simpler metric….the tattoo test.
Does your Brand elicit the kind of love that would drive people to … Keep reading »
What are the most difficult words to say? For some of you it might be the anxiety producing 3 words “I Love You”…
But for most of us, especially entrepreneurs, it’s one simple word – “No”.
Why is this? Because we are open, passionate, like to please and love new possibility and opportunity.
But mastering “No” is one of the most important things we can do to grow our businesses.
I know this might sound like an oxymoron- turn down opportunity to grow- but it’s true.
And your Brand can be a powerful tool to help you know when to say “No” and of course, when to say “Yes”.
When you really understand what your brand is about you can use it to help filter which ideas are great (but not for you) and which Ideas are worth pursuing and investing in.
In fact, I believe you should use your brand to impact every single decision you make. Not just how you communicate, but also… Keep reading »
This is the purple coffee pot in my new BrandTwist office.
A little bit of branding that helps me get in the BrandTwist mood while drinking my morning Joe.
Next to it are the salt and pepper shakers that I ”borrowed” from Virgin Atlantic.
I know many of you have heard the story how Virgin brands these shakers with “pinched from Virgin Atlantic” on the bottom. This way people who feel compelled to take them home and show them off to their friends can also extend the brand’s reach through a very clever brand touch point.
Two simple objects (a coffee pot and shakers) but they help remind me of my mission and vision and what I love so much about Brand..
That’s my point of view. What’s your twist?
What touch points (big or small) do you use?
A few weeks ago, I wrote a post about the receptionist being the most important person in a company. Even more important than the CEO, the front desk staff are the first point of contact and can be powerful brand ambassadors.
I got a lot of positive comments on this and even a few fist bumps (well maybe extra big smiles) from some of the Agency receptionists around NYC.
Today I stopped by Virgin and this little place card greeted me at reception.
It immediately put a smile on my face.
What a perfect way to start the brand experience.
That’s my point of view. What’s your twist?
What does your front desk experience say about your brand?
Lots of people talk about writing books…but few of us ever do the hard work of putting pen to paper.
Well, my brother Greg Curhan did. He had an idea swirling around in his head about a thriller set in Los Angeles during the Rodney King riots. And instead if musing about it. He wrote it down, and then instead of waiting for someone to want to publish it, he published it himself with the help of Kickstarter.
Kickstarter is an interesting concept where friends, family, even complete strangers can help fund independent creative projects.
The book is called Indomitable Spirit, it’s available on Amazon.com and it’s a damned good read. You might think as his sister I’m a bit biased, but I’m actually a pretty discerning reader and it really is very good.
My brother’s actions got me thinking again about what separates the dreamers from the doers.
I never met Steve Jobs. In fact, I unfortunately never even had the pleasure of hearing him speak live.
So why do I feel sad?
Though I’ve never met the man, I’ve experienced his vision directly and personally…right here at my kitchen table.
Today I spent a good part of the day test driving my new Air Book.
Intuitive, lightweight, with layers of discovery and delight. I couldn’t stop touching it.
I never met the man, but I feel as if he knew me. He knew what a computer should be. Could be. Not just what is should do.
Vision is great, but it only has real impact when you can experience it first hand in products or services that make a difference.
And Steve Jobs understood this. He was one of the few leaders in business that was meticulous about design – not out of some obsession or affectation. But because he knew that good design really does make a difference in people’s lives.
Thank you Steve. I hope the Apple brand is strong enough to honor your legacy by remaining true to this principle.
That’s my point of view. What’s your twist?
What did Steve Jobs and Apple mean to you personally?
I’m just back from a wonderful (dare I say “sensual”) vacation in the South of France.
The weather was warm, the nights were long and, in general, our time was spent in a relaxed languid and indulgent mode.
Our days and nights were a continuous feast of fragrant, heady wine and mouth-watering local delicacies: mussels fresh from the Mediterranean sauteed in garlic, ripe figs picked right from the local trees, creamy gelato in inspired flavors and crepes dripping with chocolate…
So with all this rampant hedonism, you think an advertising message using sex as it’s theme would automatically hit a positive note, right?
Well, um no.
This Orangina ad was everywhere, using various wild animals in anatomically “interesting” portrayals.
And as much as my thirst was piqued by the 90 degree days…these ads for the popular carbonated beverage, in my opinion, just fell flat (pun intended).
I am a brand enthusiast, passionate futurist and lateral thinker. BrandTwist is my philosopshy and my business.
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