Hi there—it’s me, BJ Bueno 👋
If you’re new here—welcome! We’ve had a lot of new subscribers recently, and I just wanted to take a moment to say hello and introduce myself.
I’m the founder of The Cult Branding Company and the author of a few books you might’ve heard of (The Power of Cult Branding, Why We Talk, Customers First, and The Cult Branding Workbook). For over two decades, I’ve worked with some incredible brands—Wellings, Coca-Cola, Vans, Apple, you name it—to help them build deep emotional bonds with the customers who love them most.
If you’re here, you probably care about building more than just a brand—you want to build a brand that matters. That people talk about. A brand people want to join.
So to help you get started (or re-inspired), I’ve pulled together a quick, fun list of 52 bite-sized takeaways from my books. Think of them as weekly nudges, one for every week of the year.
Let’s dive in 🧠🔥
52 Cult Branding Truths You Can Actually Use
- Loyalty isn’t a strategy—it’s the outcome of purposeful, ethical actions.
- Don’t ask to be liked. Be loved—through shared values, not just features.
- Products are items. Cult Brands are movements rooted in belief.
- Cultivate belonging with immersive experiences.
- Your brand lives in hearts—not headlines—through emotional resonance.
- Want fast growth? Consistently exceed expectations—real and personalized.
- Word of mouth isn’t marketing—it’s human psychology at work.
- Surprise sparks stories. Stories spark loyalty.
- Brands should mirror customers—not shout above them.
- Emotionally engaged customers deliver 150–300% more lifetime value.
- Rituals give meaning. Design a few.
- Help people become who they aspire to be.
- Connection > reach. Depth beats size.
- Your brand isn’t a logo. It’s a relationship and a promise.
- Want loyalty? Demonstrate loyalty first.
- Purpose isn’t fluff—it’s your identity compass.
- Trying to please everyone = pleasing no one.
- Prioritize your Brand Lovers—serve them well.
- Don’t compete. Transcend through unique values.
- Indifference kills—engagement saves.
- Shared language builds tribe-level identity.
- Loyalty is identity-based. Make them proud to buy.
- Embrace opposition—it sharpens your identity.
- Action tells the truth. Behavior > surveys.
- Community requires ethical stewardship.
- Embrace what makes you weird—it’s your strength.
- Clarity builds trust.
- Master one emotional need—then nail it every time.
- Customers crave progress—not just products.
- Invest in relationships—play the long game.
- Your culture is your brand—internally and externally.
- The best ad? A memorable experience.
- Authenticity isn’t a style—it’s a true story.
- Loyalty = trust + time + meaning.
- Don’t market at them—co-create with them.
- The messy middle is where preference is decided.
- Function is expected. Connection is differential.
- Every brand needs a myth to live in.
- Be useful, human, and unforgettable across all channels.
- They’re already talking—give them something worth saying.
- Ask: When people own our brand, who do they become?
- Don’t chase attention. Earn affection.
- If it doesn’t feel different, it isn’t different.
- Offer freedom and belonging.
- Listen hard. Then act boldly.
- Culture is branding in action—ensure it’s felt everywhere.
- Transactional thinking blocks transformation.
- Customers won’t join if your team won’t—empower them first.
- Give your audience a role—in stories, communities, movements.
- The best loyalty program? A sense of meaning and purpose.
- Your brand is a promise—deliver it consistently.
- Want love? Love them first—through empathy, service, and respect.
Let’s Work Together (Or Just Say Hi!)
If this list speaks to you, and you’re ready to take your brand—and your customer connection—to the next level, we should talk.
✅ Executive strategy sessions
✅ Keynotes & workshops
✅ Deep-dive consulting that helps you build real, long-term loyalty
Email me anytime: [email protected]
Or just reply to this post and say hi—I love hearing from you.
Let’s build something people believe in.
With gratitude,
– BJ