Some of the most profitable companies and brands I work with have something in common:  They find a way to put the customer first.  They do this by adding the customer to the company’s core values.  Customer-centricity is a core value exemplified by companies like Scheels, which explicitly aims to be “the best in the eyes of the customer.” This mission reflects a deep commitment to prioritizing customer needs and preferences across all aspects of their business operations.  Like Scheels, Amazon has long championed customer-centricity as a core principle, famously making “cu ..read more

Forget just selling stuff. Today’s consumers crave connection. They want to understand your brand’s story and feel a sense of belonging. That’s exactly what Life is Good achieved by partnering with The Cult Branding Company. In this fascinating video by SAP, we dive deep into how we leveraged big data to uncover the emotional core of the Life is Good brand. What the Data Revealed: It wasn’t just about buying clothes; it was about optimism, joy, and empowerment. Life is Good customers were yearning for meaning and connection. From Data to “Why”: By anal ..read more

Welcome to the world where emotions are not just felt—they are the building blocks of powerful brand relationships.  Understanding the role of emotions in brand attachment benefits brand builders aiming to create an unforgettable presence in consumers’ minds and hearts. It is essential.  Dive into the emotional rollercoaster of brand building, where every twist and turn is an opportunity to deepen consumer connections. The Heartbeat of Brand Attachment At its core, emotional brand attachment is that warm, fuzzy feeling that transforms customers into loyal fans. The magic happens when ..read more

Adjusting your sleep schedule can enhance your leadership qualities and benefit your team. Align Your Schedule with Work Demands Most workplaces start their day early, and by aligning your sleep schedule with your work’s operational hours, you can avoid the pitfalls of “social jet lag.” This misalignment between your body’s natural sleep cycle and social obligations can lead to reduced performance and increased stress for you and your team. By waking up earlier, you can tackle challenges head-on and support your team when they need it most. Boost Your Mental Health and Clarity Research indicat ..read more

THE BIG IDEA: Today’s article is about your big idea—a shared vision that can enliven your organization with passion, innovation, and destiny. __________________ One of our close friends, a long-time CEO of a Fortune 500 company, shared with us this secret into the world of chief executives: “At the end of the day,” he said, “I’m paid to make three decisions each year.” He paused momentarily, leaning in closer for impact. “The key is knowing which decisions are one of those three.” We had to sit with that last remark for a while. This CEO wasn’t emphasizing making the right decision every ti ..read more

Hi Brand Builders, During my 5 years working with the Kohl’s team, we transformed the brand from $8 billion to $18 billion in revenue by leveraging Big Data. At the heart of our strategy was a simple yet powerful idea:  We want to wow our customers and understand them better than they know themselves. Throughout my career, I have been driven by a passion for storytelling, exceptional advertising campaigns, and a keen understanding of numbers. I have always believed that when these two elements align, magic happens. It is akin to the concept of “Moneyball” in baseball—where data-driven ins ..read more

I hope this blog post finds you well. I’m reaching out to share an exciting opportunity that could transform how your brand connects with its audience and pave the path for its future growth. At The Cult Branding Company, we specialize in crafting compelling vision statements that resonate with your team and customers and align with your core values and aspirations. Our approach combines your brand’s unique story with its foundational purpose, creating a vision that inspires and drives innovation and excellence. We’ve had the privilege of working alongside renowned brands, helping them to for ..read more

In my exploration of word-of-mouth marketing, I delved deep into the intricacies of human behavior—what drives us to share stories and engage in conversations that shape our perceptions and choices.  This fascination led me to influencer marketing, where brands wield the power of authentic connections to reach and resonate with their audience.  Allow me to introduce Natalie Tommy, CMO of The Wellings, whose approach to influencer partnerships exemplifies the transformative potential of this strategy. By seamlessly integrating influencers into their brand narrative, The Wellings has f ..read more

Hello, marketing mavens and brand builders!  Have you ever daydreamed about transforming your brand into one that attracts customers and captivates their hearts?  Well, it is time to stop dreaming and start doing.  We are thrilled to invite you to a one-of-a-kind workshop about unlocking the secret ingredient of Cult Branding. Here is the scoop: It is not just flashy logos or witty slogans that create a legion of loyal followers. It is about the unforgettable experiences your brand delivers—the kind that leaves consumers feeling like they have just had the perfect first date ev ..read more

In an era when consumer loyalty is as fleeting as the latest trend, the allure of cult brands remains undiminished.  These brands transcend the ordinary, forging deep, emotional connections with their followers and transforming customers into fervent advocates.  However, what distinguishes a cult brand from its competitors? More importantly, how can businesses cultivate such a devoted following? Understanding Cult Brands At its core, a cult brand is defined by its ability to create a devoted fan base. This phenomenon arises not from the products or services themselves but from the br ..read more