All Posts By

BJ Bueno

7 Essential Steps to Cultivate a Cult Brand Through Positive Company Culture

Building a cult brand is not only about creating a strong product or service, but also about fostering a positive company culture where employees thrive and contribute to the brand’s success. In this article, we will delve into seven reasons why focusing on a positive company culture is vital for leaders seeking to create a cult brand.

1. Positive culture elevates employee morale and satisfaction

A positive work environment empowers employees to be engaged, motivated, and productive, fostering a sense of meaningful work that is appreciated. This leads to improved relationships, teamwork, and collaboration, which are essential for a cult brand’s success.

Tip: Facilitate open communication, acknowledge employees’ contributions, and ensure everyone feels valued and heard.

2. Positive culture attracts top talent

An attractive workplace culture is key to drawing and retaining exceptional employees, who are often seeking a company that aligns with their values, offers growth opportunities, and provides a supportive work environment. By cultivating such a culture, leaders can assemble a strong and successful team that contributes to the cult brand’s growth.

Tip: Showcase your company culture in job postings and during interviews, ensuring potential employees understand your organization’s values and opportunities.

3. Positive culture fosters collaboration and innovation

A supportive culture encourages employees to be creative, take risks, and collaborate to develop new solutions and ideas. This innovative mindset can lead to breakthroughs and advancements that propel a cult brand forward.

Tip: Encourage cross-functional teamwork, create opportunities for collaboration, and acknowledge innovative contributions.

4. Positive culture enhances employee retention

A sense of purpose and fulfillment in a positive culture leads to improved job satisfaction and higher retention rates. Employees who feel supported in their work are more likely to remain engaged and committed to the cult brand’s success.

Tip: Offer regular feedback opportunities, invest in professional development, and ensure employees feel valued in their day-to-day work.

5. Positive culture bolsters communication

In a supportive environment, open and transparent communication flourishes, resulting in improved understanding, collaboration, and reduced conflicts. A harmonious work environment where problems are resolved collectively contributes to the cult brand’s success.

Tip: Encourage regular check-ins, provide feedback opportunities, and give employees access to essential information.

6. Positive culture enhances brand reputation

Employees who feel appreciated will speak positively about the company, leading to an improved reputation. A positive workplace culture can attract top talent and help a cult brand remain competitive and successful.

Tip: Align company culture with brand messaging and values, and share stories about your culture and values with stakeholders.

7. Positive culture promotes personal and professional growth

Within a thriving culture, employees are motivated to learn, develop, and take on new challenges. This drive for continuous improvement benefits the cult brand as employees grow alongside the company.

Tip: Offer skill-building opportunities, encourage new challenges, and recognize individual growth and development.

Focusing on fostering a positive company culture is crucial for leaders aiming to create a cult brand. Open communication, employee recognition, growth opportunities, and consistent alignment of culture with brand values are key to achieving this goal. By concentrating on company culture, leaders can cultivate a successful cult brand that stands the test of time.

With over 20 years of experience as The Cult Branding Company, we’ve honed our strategies and methods to help companies identify their brand’s DNA, gain deep consumer insights, and understand the marketplace ecosystem. We are an independent agency that creates strong and provocative relationships between good companies and their customers. Visit us at www.cultbranding.com and unlock the secrets to building a brand that resonates with your audience and stands the test of time.

Embrace the Wild: Hornbach’s Eco-Friendly Gardening Campaign for a Greener Tomorrow

Hornbach, a European DIY and garden chain, has launched a new advertising campaign encouraging gardeners to let their gardens run wild this year. The campaign promotes the idea that allowing nature to take its course is one of the best ways to ensure a healthy garden. The tagline of the ad, “Lass die Natur mal machen” which translates to “Let nature do its thing,” aims to challenge traditional notions of garden perfection and inspire gardeners to embrace a more sustainable approach. 

Challenging the status quo is a great way to message against your category. What norms can your advertising message break that will surprise and delight your customers?

With over 20 years of experience as The Cult Branding Company, we’ve honed our strategies and methods to help companies identify their brand’s DNA, gain deep consumer insights, and understand the marketplace ecosystem. We are an independent agency that creates strong and provocative relationships between good companies and their customers. Visit us at www.cultbranding.com and unlock the secrets to building a brand that resonates with your audience and stands the test of time.

No Apologies: What’s Interesting About Pepsi’s New Logo

Pepsi is celebrating 125 years in business with a new logo. It’s good to keep the visual identity fresh – always a challenge with a legacy brand – but what I think is especially interesting is the language Pepsi leadership is using to describe the change. 

“Unapologetic” is the word that keeps cropping up. For a while, the brand was playing with the “Is Pepsi OK?” phenomenon experienced in restaurants, but now the tone is different. Mauro Porcini, PepsiCo’s chief design officer, explained that the new logo takes everything people love about Pepsi’s past to create a bold, confident look for the future. 

Classic elements of Pepsi’s identity are presented in a nostalgia-inspired red, white and blue round with a newer darker color scheme – all the surrounding black is a nod to Pepsi Zero Sugar, the current star beverage – with the logo centered in black. The font is much bolder and more aggressive than the previous version: this is a soft drink not ashamed to command your attention.

I think it will be successful. It’s never a bad time to be proud of who you are – and that’s a message Pepsi’s target market of teens and young adults understands and appreciates. But I’d love to hear your thoughts – do you like the new logo & the storytelling behind it? What would you do differently if you were in charge of this decision? Let me know!

With over 20 years of experience as The Cult Branding Company, we’ve honed our strategies and methods to help companies identify their brand’s DNA, gain deep consumer insights, and understand the marketplace ecosystem. We are an independent agency that creates strong and provocative relationships between good companies and their customers.

IBM: What if you could remaster The Master’s fan experience?

IBM’s “What If?” campaign highlights the importance of asking big questions and exploring the possibilities of technology solutions. IBM invites its customers to challenge the status quo that drives innovation within its organization. In addition, the visually appealing and playful design communicates a complex concept engaging and comprehensibly to its intended audience.

You Might Just Be a Cult Brand…

The idea that a Texas grandma planned a fun family vacation for her grandkids is hardly newsworthy – but the idea that the theme for this trip was to visit every Buc-ee’s in the state made the pages of Southern Living.

One week, five grandchildren, 36 Buc-ee’s: it was certainly an event. Judy Martin took the kids -ages 3 to 8 – 1,600 miles in a mini-van she’d decorated with a special vinyl checklist decal documenting which Buc-ees they’d been to; there was an entire Facebook group of family and friends following the adventure online. Souvenir group photos were taken at each stop. And when the power went out at one Buc-ee’s, according to Martin, it just added to the adventure. 

I think it is fair to say Martin is a Brand Lover – the passionate, devoted fan that has a stronger-than-average connection with the brand they care about. Did I mention that her vacation also included a stop at Buc-ee’s corporate headquarters?

Would Someone Plan An Epic Family Trip Around Your Brand?

Maybe you love Beaver Nuggets, maybe you don’t – but it’s hard to argue with the idea that Buc-ee’s is definitely a Cult Brand. Any organization can create events for its customers, but customers crafting events to celebrate a brand is another level entirely.

Do you have customers who would love to see your corporate headquarters? So much so that they consider it a highlight of their precious family vacation time?

We see tourists doing exactly that at the Googleplex and Apple Park; Harley-Davidson offers factory tours at three facilities, including a Steel Toe factory floor tool that must be booked in advance. Brand Lovers are drawn to the source. They’ve been to where the magic happens; now they want to see where it originates. 

This is one of those odd-but-useful metrics brand builders should keep an eye on. Are your customers exerting special efforts to interact with your brand? How often does this happen? If you are getting visitors, what is that experience like for them? 

If you take the time to read the Southern Living story about Judy Martin, you’ll see she describes the Buc-ee’s headquarters as being unassuming and like a big house – terms that have meaningful positive associations with southern Living’s readership, which beautifully overlaps Buc-ee’s target market. 

I’d love to hear your thoughts, both about what it’s like having customers visit your offices and what facilities or headquarters you yourself would like to visit. Any point where there’s a desire to deepen the connection and better understand the people behind the brand is a demonstration of Cult Brand potential.

With over 20 years of experience as The Cult Branding Company, we’ve honed our strategies and methods to help companies identify their brand’s DNA, gain deep consumer insights, and understand the marketplace ecosystem. We are an independent agency that creates strong and provocative relationships between good companies and their customers.

Don’t Look Down! Macpac’s Ad Leaves You Trembling With Laughter

The ad by Macpac showcases a humorous and absurd situation with a deadpan delivery that captures attention and creates a memorable impression. The ad also does a great job of showcasing the features and benefits of the product they are offering. Learn to develop creative and engaging brand stories that resonate with your target audience and showcase the benefits of your products in a fun, creative way.

Don’t forget about the power of creative storytelling.

Life is too short to worry about miles per gallon…Cult Brands & Classic Car Insurance

Hagerty might not be the auto insurance company for you. For example, if you’ve got a great brand-new car that you drive every single day, you’re not going to be interested in what Hagerty offers. But among classic car collectors, Hagerty’s is a top choice – in fact, Craig Fitzgerald, the editor-in-chief at Car Talk says that even though there are some limits on what the policies cover, the benefits offered by Hagerty makes it difficult to look elsewhere. 

What are these benefits? Fitzgerald calls out the Hagerty’s Driver’s Club magazine specifically as beautiful and entertaining. Additionally, Hagerty’s Driver’s Club is actually a full suite of services, including unlimited classified ads and vehicle valuation lookup – hugely important to people who are continually buying and selling vehicles and vehicle parts as their primary form of recreation. There’s also a robust roadside assistance program with flatbed towing – that’s the only kind of towing acceptable for many classic cars. And Driver’s Club members get early access to exclusive automotive events.

So is Hagerty a Cult Brand? 

While definitely not for everyone, Hagerty does demonstrate a deep understanding of their specific customer. By specializing in collectible vehicles, Hagerty is able to offer their customers lower premiums. They also offer a very different approach to compensation, in which the vehicle owner and insurance company come to an agreed-upon value for the vehicle that’s much higher than traditional insurance companies would offer. 

Additionally, and this is the benefit that really demonstrates the deeper level of customer understanding going on here, in the event of a claim, Hagerty will pay for you to do your own repairs. 

If you’re not a recreational knuckle-buster, that may not seem like a big deal. But if you know you know – it’s bad enough that your car is damaged, never mind finding someone you trust enough to work on it! Car people generally strongly prefer to do their own work, and Hagerty knows that. 

So yes, I’d say they’re on their way to becoming a Cult Brand. Other factors that caught my eye include:  

The Attention to Detail

One of the first things you see when you visit Hagerty’s website is the data collection pop-up – the typical notice letting you know that cookies are collected, yadda, yadda, yadda. But Hagerty’s pop-up doesn’t include the typical cut-and-paste text you’ve seen a million times. Instead, it’s been customized to appeal to the classic car enthusiast Haggerty is trying to attract, referencing how the site has been built to function like a finely-built motor. It’s a small detail, but only the first of many examples of how Hagerty continually reinforces the idea that they’re for car people. 

The Merch 

Where do Hagerty’s customers go when they want to have fun? To classic car shows and other events where they can show off all the work they’ve done on their car. Hagerty has a merch shop full of smile-provoking apparel for this setting. Where else are you going to get a T-shirt that says Shift Happens?

The Support of Driver Education

Hagerty isn’t just about cars, it’s about classic cars. A strongly nostalgic story, the world of classic cars often talks about the freedom and independence these drivers experienced upon getting their license and first cars. Hagerty puts a portion of the proceeds from their sales into Driver Education programming, helping their current customers feel like they’re doing something to help the next generation feel the same joy they feel. 

Will Hagerty ever have the broad, mass-market appeal we see in Cult Brands like Apple and Ikea? Probably not. They by definition are in a limited arena – but in that space, they are a dominant brand. If the Cult Brand status hasn’t yet been fully realized, Hagerty is well on the way there. 

What do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts. And if there are brands you’d like me to take a look at in terms of Cult Brand potential, just drop their names in the comment below. As time allows, it would be my pleasure!

From Breakout Star to Cult Brand: Lizzo’s Journey to Intellectual Property Success

Never give up. 

Because branding is about persisting.

After her 8th attempt, Lizzo an artist with a Cult Brand following successfully trademarks her popular catchphrase ‘100% That Bitch’. 

As leaders, we can learn several important lessons from Lizzo. 

Persistence pays off: Lizzo failed to secure the trademark for her catchphrase on eight occasions before ultimately succeeding. Despite setbacks, she continued to pursue her goal until she achieved it. 

Be proactive: Lizzo recognized the value of her catchphrase and took steps to protect it. Leaders can learn from this example by being proactive in identifying and safeguarding their brands, trademarks, and copyrights before others can infringe upon them.

Consistency is key: Lizzo’s catchphrase was associated with her and her music by consumers because of her consistent use of it. Branding leaders can learn from this example by being consistent in their branding and messaging, which helps to establish a strong connection with customers and reinforce their brand identity.

Stay up-to-date: Lizzo’s trademark was granted in part because there was no evidence of prior use of the catchphrase before she popularized it. Executives can learn from this example by staying up-to-date on industry trends and changes in intellectual property laws to ensure that they are not infringing upon the rights of others or allowing others to infringe upon their rights.

The persistence, proactivity, consistency, and vigilance that Lizzo displays in protecting her brand and intellectual property rights offer valuable lessons for organizations to safeguard their own brand. Remember when Harley Davidson went to court to protect their sound? What elements of your brand are worth protecting? This is something your cult branding playbook should always have in sight.

How successful have you and your teams been in protecting your brand? We would love to know your story.

The Secret Ingredient in Honest Eggs Co.’s Recipe for Transparency and Happy Hens

This ad is so clever! 

We love how it uses technology and humor to create a unique selling proposition for the brand. 

By placing fitness trackers on their free-range chickens and printing their step counts on the eggs, Honest Eggs Co. is not only promoting transparency but also engaging with consumers who are conscious of the environmental impact of their shopping habits. 

The use of humor in the product name “FitChix” and the campaign slogan “chooks on the move” adds a playful element that resonates with consumers and makes them remember the brand. 

Want help finding innovative and creative ways to showcase your unique selling propositions and engage with your target audience? Reply here and tell us your big idea.

Is Amazon a Cult Brand: Making the Case

In our ongoing conversation about identifying existing and emerging Cult Brands, it’s impossible to ignore the giant in the room: Amazon. 

Founded in 1994 as an online bookstore, Amazon quickly became the world’s largest retailer. Since then they have expanded exponentially in many directions. Amazon Prime was launched in 2005, changing the way Americans thought about online shopping and delivery charges. Subsequent other brand extensions include streaming video, grocery, pharmacy, and health care services, and most recently, a newer, better web browser. 

But are they a Cult Brand? Are people passionate about Amazon, or are they just so omnipresent that shoppers choose them out of habit? 89% of Americans report they will buy from Amazon before any other e-commerce site; is this love?

Is Amazon a Cult Brand? The Signs That Make Us Say Yes

Named for all-powerful, ever-conquering warriors, Amazon has positioned itself to capture a dominant place in the world of business and in the public’s imagination. Key to achieving Cult Brand status is conveying a story that the public can understand and identify with. Amazon chose the narrative that they’re unstoppable in every field – and they then set out to make this true. 

From a branding perspective, the smile-emblazoned cardboard box is brilliant. It clearly articulates the emotional experience Amazon wants its customers to have – even if they’ve just ordered some toothpaste and new socks. 

Amazon has gathered tremendous amounts of data and creates its offerings based on meeting real customer needs. Their expansions into grocery, healthcare and banking speak to their commitment to meeting consumer needs at the bottom of Maslow’s pyramid. Watch this recent ad – (https://www.marketingdive.com/news/amazon-prime-global-campaign-olivia-wilde/644851/) directed by Olivia Wilde and debuted during the Oscars – to see how Amazon strives to show its customers it can help them meet their higher order needs for love and self-acceptance. 

Perhaps one of the strongest signs that Amazon is a Cult Brand was the ease with which they established Prime Day as a major shopping holiday for the average consumer. In two days in 2022, Prime Day sales topped $12 billion. People plan their purchases knowing Prime Day is coming, in an effort to save money. There’s also a great deal of excitement associated with Lightning Deals and other timed discounts. 

Is Amazon a Cult Brand? The Signs That Make Us Say No

While Cult Brands certainly don’t do everything perfectly all of the time, they generally do exhibit a high degree of transparency regarding their operations. Amazon is engaged in long-term disputes about the working conditions in their facilities, and there are many credible allegations about Amazon’s efforts to prevent workers from unionizing. 

Amazon also gets a side-eye for its use of anti-competitive practices; poor policing of counterfeit and dangerous goods; and other environmental and social concerns. While some of these issues are addressed on a case-by-case basis, overall, Amazon tends to protect their own interests rather than putting customers first in these scenarios. 

What Do You Think?

If you’ve been reading my work for a while now, you probably have your own idea of what a Cult Brand is and isn’t. Under your definition, would Amazon qualify? I’d love to hear what you think!