Not to sound “woo-woo” but when we share our story, our heart of our businesses, customers/fans/clients feel that genuiness, that realness. I think that really ups the ante.

Dani,
Thanks for your feedback. I KNOW, New Orleans is such a mish-mash! Anything goes, and that’s what I loved about my times there. It was like come one, come all! But the “taste” of it is what made me think about it from a branding perspective. Just thought it might put a good spin and brand identity and charisma.

Stay passionate fellow SBB’ers,
Kam:)

I love your article and the whole experience concept. I think the part about “the yin and the yang”, and the “joy and the sorrow” is particularly interesting, especially in a brand sense. Like offering a “whole personality” as opposed to a one-dimensional product or service.

As for New Orleans, what a great example to use. I was only there a few days but found it a fascinating, intriguing place. A real melting pot isn’t it.

I have this theory that cities have personalities, and it’s one of the things I love about travelling – arriving somewhere for the first time and getting that first ‘taste’ of its personality. I can feel it right away and I love that. And I imagine that brands are like that too – they have personalities and straight away we get a sense or taste of that.

The tricky part is first defining the right personality for your brand, and then finding the right ways to create that!

Cheers/Dani

Altering the spirit of your brand is definitely a great way to differentiate yourself from the crowd. Combined with a little creativity and as Nick writes in his latest article, you’ll avoid becoming just another “commodity” in your industry.

Thanks for the kind words.

I’m glad you dig the article. Sometimes I’m more knocked out by a brands ability to make an impression on me through expereincing it, rather than “being sold to” with bells and whistles and fancy promises.

And I agree with your statements about getting support from your employees around mission statements.

Guy Kawasaki talks a lot about “Brand Mantras” as opposed to mission statements…you should check out his blog, it’s good stuff!

http://blog.guykawasaki.com/

Thanks again for your feedback,
Kam

Mission statements should almost never be about the specific products or services you deliver, even if you say you will do it best. It’s too easily read cynically. Few people are likely to rally around such a utilitarian “battle call”.

Mission statements should be about the value your Employees will bring to your Customers. Most people enjoy serving others, as long as they feel their labors are appreciated, and their needs are not sacrificed to an excessive degree.

Tell your Employees how to best serve their Customers, support your mission statement in practice; you will find your Employees see the mission statement as genuine, and they will enthusiastically support their Coworkers and Customers.