Look - Backwards, Around or Look Forward

I like to think to look back into history was ok, not too exciting as we cannot change the past. Looking around was a tad more interesting but nothing too fantastic since I must meet reality. Look forward was my all-time favourite cos’ one can daydream, blue sky, be whimsical… indeed one can be happily lost in that world indefinitely!

In time one learns that there are more take-outs from appreciating history and our own past. We should replicate our successes but avoid making past mistakes. However, what tends to work against us is our memory fade over time and we repeat the bad bits as well! Looking forward is still bloody awesome, it is uplifting to have BHAGs (Big Hairy Audacious Goals) we can certainly plan, but wait! cannot implement yet as we need to actually start executing and that may be too difficult for some!

So, to me now the most exciting one is about ‘Look Around’. Be present, be still, be aware, BE in the moment and SEE what is swirling around you. As your awareness amps up, the music sounds sweeter, colours more vibrant, conversations more meaningful and you may see greater acts of kindness, compassion, empathy, patience by others or better still, you are the one making the difference.

How does it relate to Brand and marketing? It is about what is present, what is relevant, what are the current challenges or problems that are most pressing to address for your clients and prospects. Rather than what you already have in stock to sell, it is about meeting them where they are, not what wares that you desire to push.  By addressing their present needs, we earn the right to address future desires and plans.

Good for our business, good for our brand, marketing and sales!

(‘A Quirky Brand & Mktg Perspective’ Series – Thurs).