Favorite Five: And How Does That Make You Feel?

#1. Why Do We Get So Emotional About Brands? By Andrew O’Connell

A discussion on our relationships with brands and how brands’ gender impressions affect our attitude, behavior and emotions. “In a matter of seconds I went from cheering over a football game to getting choked up at the word ‘Daddy!'” Given the power that brands can yield, why aren’t we using them to relay positive messages rather than reinforcing stereotypes?

#2. Brand Thinking: Seth Godin, Malcolm Gladwell, Dan Pink, and Other Mavens on How and Why We Define Ourselves Through Stuff By Maria Popova

Further dissection of branding and what it means in society today. “I believe that “brand” is a stand-in, a euphemism, a shortcut for a whole bunch of expectations, worldview connections, experiences, and promises that a product or service makes, and these allow us to work our way through a world that has thirty thousand brands that we have to make decisions about every day,” writes Seth Godin, entrepreneur and marketing guru. For more information on this topic, refer to the book “Brand Thinking and Other Noble Pursuits” by Debbie Millman.

#3. The Huge Mistake Most People Make When Writing Proposals By Matt Handal

Matt Handal drives in on the point that when it comes to decisions, choosing the different option is an easier choice. When comparing apples to apples in proposal land, the client is most likely to zero in on the price or the 1 differentiator to make their choice. Make sure your submission stands out.

#4. How to Start a Conversation With Strangers at a Networking Event By Jacqueline Whitmore

As The 2015 UBER Conference approaches this week, we can all use a hint or two on how to handle networking at events. Read up on these suggestions and come prepared with an interesting story or question handle your next event like a social butterfly.

#5. 5 Ways Content Marketing Can Support A/E/C Business Development Efforts By Tim Asimos

Referring back to our SMPS Boston blog and to Circle S’ website/marketing guru, Tim Asimos, here are five ways to keep up with your firm’s content marketing. As today’s top marketing strategy, content marketing is essential for establishing industry expertise and credibility of your firm and your firm leaders.