For me, part of the brand planning experience is finding love for the brand. Because ultimately that is what we are building: a facilitation for consumers to fall in love with our brands. From the product itself to the experience of the product and, importantly, mentions or discussions of same.
Finding things to truly love isn’t easy. Everyone loves differently.
But lately I’ve been thinking these rose-colored glasses we must put on are a fraction of the total picture we see. And in these divisive times, while quick to smirk at political opponents and their POVs — even as the grown up in me says try to see what they see — perhaps it’s smart to brand plan with a more open mind. Maybe it’s time to write a reverse brief. Filled with all the reasons a person may not like my product. As an exercise.
We aren’t hippies after all. This is a real world. And even though my job is to find the love, my job is also to help brands succeed. And successful marketing is not a commodity, no matter what Google AdWords will have you think.
Next time I finish a brand brief, it’s a quick negative brief.
And I’ll report the results.
Peace.
