Never Have Nothing To Say: The Simple Strategy to Boost Your Brainstorming Capabilities

Do brainstorming sessions stress you out? Does the command to ‘just write down everything that comes into your head for the next five minutes’ short-circuit your brain, leaving you unable to conceive of any idea except perhaps having a medical emergency before it’s your turn to read your list to the group?

That’s way too much drama and anxiety to have to fit into your workday. Here’s a simple hack you can use to completely eliminate brainstorming performance anxiety from your life. It’ll take you twenty minutes a week, and will enrich your creative abilities at work, on any independent projects you’ve got going, and even in your personal life.

Gear Up Before the Game Starts: Understanding Brainstorming

Whether you’re playing DnD or Call of Duty, it’s essential your character is sufficiently armed to survive the coming adventure. You can play the game without ammo, but it’s not going to go well.

Brainstorming works the same way. Ideas are the ammo you need to succeed well in the environment. Gear up before you get started, and you’re going to do better and last longer.

Brainstorming Explained

During brainstorming sessions, you’re being asked for ideas. You’re not being asked to conceive of those ideas spontaneously in the moment, nor is it necessary for these ideas to be unique to you. You really only need to share things you’ve seen, heard, or thought previously in your life. 

Simplify your life and be prepared for every brainstorming meeting by collecting good ideas on an ongoing basis. If you capture one good idea a day for a month, you’ll have 30 things you could potentially say during that brainstorming session. Don’t rely on your memory to do this for you. Instead, use your favorite tech to create a file you can add to easily.

Then, before your next brainstorming session, take some time to review the ideas you’ve collected. Not every idea is going to be immediately relevant to whatever your organization’s goals might be, but every idea does demonstrate your ability to bring something fresh and new to the conversation. With a little prep, brainstorming sessions can help cement your reputation as a creative thinker. 

Building Your Idea Inventory

One simple way to build your idea inventory is to set up an email to yourself every day, which asks: What good idea did you see today? Commit to answering yourself. It shouldn’t take more than 5 minutes. Add links that you might want to reference later, hit reply, and that’s it for the day.

Now the question is: where will you find good ideas? The answer is everywhere you look for them. It may be seeing the cashier at the corner store defuse an angry customer. It may be a stuffed animal that converts into a backpack. It may be something that’s happening in your industry, or something totally outside of your field entirely. You may find good ideas studying history, geeking out about the future, playing games, zoning out, or having fun with the kids. 

When you encounter the good idea, make a mental note of it. Then when it’s time to handle your email, you’ll have something to say. Over the course of time, you’ll find yourself noticing more and more good ideas. That’s the nature of the creative practice – once you’re more comfortable in your ability to spot good ideas, you can become more selective with which ones you choose to capture. But right now, if you’re in a point where you’re stressed out about brainstorming, just focus on finding one each day – and you’ll never, ever have nothing to say.

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Discover the power of innovation with Cult Branding’s Creativity Workshop for Executives and their teams. Our customized, high-impact program combines proven techniques and hands-on activities to foster a culture of creative thinking. Elevate your team’s potential and unlock breakthrough ideas for success. Visit www.cultbranding.com or reply to this email to get started!

May 9, 2023 by

“1%-er” secret

You know you should probably spend less time working IN your business…

And more time working ON it.  But how?

You can learn everything here.

This kind of leverage is “1%” leverage.  Not everybody does this.

Which is all the more reason why YOU should!

May 4, 2023 by

Leading a Cult Brand: Take this 3-part journey to become an empowering leader

Executives are expected to produce results, but the way they achieve them has evolved. The focus has shifted from heroic individual leadership to empowering and enabling employees, requiring strong people skills. Many executives struggle to adapt to this new reality, but we’ve identified a three-stage journey, inspired by Joseph Campbell’s concept of the “Hero’s Journey” from his book “The Hero with a Thousand Faces”, to help leaders develop the necessary skills for today’s environment.

Stage One: The Departure (Call to Adventure)

The departure stage marks the beginning of the leader’s transformation, akin to Campbell’s “Call to Adventure.” Here, they recognize the need for change and intentionally leave behind their familiar ways of working. A study conducted by Spencer Stuart, a top leadership advisory firm, highlights the importance of self-awareness and adaptability in leaders, as they must become more people-centric and relinquish control.

Stage Two: The Voyage (Trials and Challenges)

During the voyage, leaders face trials and obstacles that teach them valuable lessons and pave the way for personal growth. This stage parallels Campbell’s “Road of Trials” in the Hero’s Journey. This transitional phase pushes leaders out of their comfort zones and forces them to confront their own limitations. In a study of 75 CEO successions involving 235 candidates from 2009 to 2019, researchers found that executives who were able to overcome challenges during this stage demonstrated stronger people skills and delivered better results for their organizations.

Stage Three: The Return (Master of Two Worlds)

In the return stage, leaders have a newfound understanding of their role and the kind of leader they aspire to be. They begin to apply the people skills they’ve acquired and share their learnings with others, much like the “Master of Two Worlds” in Campbell’s Hero’s Journey. Research shows that by embracing a more enabling and empowering style, leaders can inspire and motivate their teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and psychological safety. A study by Google’s Project Aristotle found that high-performing teams often had leaders who focused on building psychological safety, enabling open communication, and promoting collaboration.

Developing people skills is a continuous, often uncomfortable process that unfolds over time. By embarking on this three-stage journey leaders can successfully transition from a directive approach to one that empowers and enables their employees, ultimately unlocking the full potential of their organization and themselves in the process.

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Unleash your team’s potential with the Brand Vision Workshop. Develop a powerful brand vision that drives growth, loyalty, and advocacy. Partner with us to co-create an authentic brand that resonates with your audience. Learn more at www.cultbranding.com.

May 3, 2023 by

Creating a Winning Company Culture

The Psychology of Winning by Denis Waitley is a classic self-help book that outlines the mindset necessary to achieve success in all areas of life. Although the book is primarily focused on personal achievement, the insights it offers can be applied to creating a strong company culture. 

Focus on the Positive

One of the main themes of The Psychology of Winning is the importance of focusing on the positive. According to Waitley, success is not just about achieving goals, but also about developing a positive attitude and mindset. In the workplace, this means creating a culture that celebrates successes and encourages employees to focus on what is going well rather than what is going wrong. This can be achieved through regular recognition and rewards for outstanding performance, as well as creating a culture of gratitude and appreciation.

Embrace Change

Another key principle of The Psychology of Winning is the importance of embracing change. Waitley argues that success requires a willingness to adapt and change course when necessary. This principle is particularly relevant in today’s rapidly changing business landscape, where companies must be agile and adaptable in order to survive. Creating a culture of innovation and experimentation can help foster this willingness to embrace change and help employees feel comfortable taking risks and trying new things.

Build Resilience

Resilience is another important characteristic outlined in The Psychology of Winning. According to Waitley, successful people are able to bounce back from setbacks and failures, and use these experiences as opportunities for growth and learning. In the workplace, building resilience means creating a culture that encourages risk-taking and experimentation, while also providing support and resources to help employees overcome obstacles and challenges.

Develop a Growth Mindset

The concept of a growth mindset, popularized by psychologist Carol Dweck, is also relevant to creating a strong company culture. A growth mindset is the belief that intelligence and abilities can be developed through hard work and dedication. This mindset is in contrast to a fixed mindset, which assumes that abilities are fixed and cannot be changed. Creating a culture of learning and development can help foster a growth mindset among employees, and encourage them to continuously improve their skills and abilities.

Foster a Sense of Purpose

Finally, The Psychology of Winning emphasizes the importance of having a sense of purpose in life. According to Waitley, successful people are driven by a sense of purpose and meaning, and are motivated by a desire to make a positive impact on the world. In the workplace, this means creating a culture that values and supports employees’ personal and professional goals, and aligning these goals with the company’s mission and values. This can help employees feel a sense of purpose and fulfillment in their work, and ultimately lead to a more engaged and motivated workforce.

By focusing on the positive, embracing change, building resilience, developing a growth mindset, and fostering a sense of purpose, your organization can create a culture that supports employee success and drives business results.

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Elevate your team’s potential with the transformative power of the Brand Vision Workshop. This experiential team-building program is designed to unite your team around a shared brand vision, cultivate unwavering brand loyalty, and drive sustainable growth. Engage in immersive sessions, strategic discussions, and creative brainstorming activities to co-create a powerful brand vision that deeply resonates with your target audience. By partnering with us, you’ll gain invaluable insights and strategies to shape the future of your brand and turn your customers into passionate brand evangelists. Discover more about this one-of-a-kind opportunity to empower your team and elevate your brand at www.cultbranding.com.

May 2, 2023 by

Leaders Don’t “quiet quit” This is what they do instead

A common misconception about effective leadership is that it’s solely about taking charge and making decisions. However, great leaders understand the importance of humility, adaptability, and knowing when to step back. They don’t “quiet quit,” but rather employ a variety of tactics to navigate complex situations and empower their teams. Here’s what successful leaders do instead.

Active Listening

One essential skill that differentiates good leaders from great ones is active listening. They pay close attention to what their team members are saying, ask questions for clarity, and consider different perspectives. By genuinely engaging with their team, leaders demonstrate empathy and respect, fostering an environment where everyone feels heard and valued.

Encouraging Open Communication

Leaders who prioritize open communication create an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, ideas, and concerns. This approach allows for better collaboration and helps prevent misunderstandings and miscommunications that can derail progress.

Empowering Team Members

Rather than micromanaging, effective leaders empower their team members to take ownership of their tasks and projects. By providing guidance, support, and resources, leaders create an atmosphere where individuals can grow, learn, and succeed. This approach not only leads to a more motivated and engaged team but also frees up the leader to focus on strategic decision-making and long-term planning.

Adaptability and Flexibility

Great leaders understand that change is inevitable, and they’re willing to adapt to new circumstances and challenges. They’re not afraid to alter their plans, pivot strategies, or even admit when they’re wrong. This flexibility not only sets an example for their team but also promotes a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Emotional Intelligence

Leaders with high emotional intelligence (EQ) can effectively manage their own emotions and understand those of others. They can harness this understanding to inspire, motivate, and relate to their team members. By demonstrating empathy and self-awareness, emotionally intelligent leaders build strong relationships and create a positive work environment.

By prioritizing these essential skills, leaders create an environment of respect, empathy, and collaboration, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement. This approach not only leads to a more motivated and engaged team but also allows the leader to focus on strategic decision-making and long-term planning.

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Empower your team with the Brand Vision Workshop, foster brand loyalty, and drive sustained growth. The Brand Vision Workshop is a transformative team-building experience designed to unite your team in cultivating authentic brand lovers. Engage in interactive sessions, strategic discussions, and creative brainstorming to develop a powerful brand vision that resonates with your target audience. Bring us to shape the future of your brand, and turn your customers into passionate brand advocates. Learn more at www.cultbranding.com

May 1, 2023 by

The LA Rams are Back in the Lab with Breaking Bad

A setting like the NFL Draft, which is equal parts art and science, is ideal for the likes of Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul, who play Walter White and Jesse Pinkman on the critically acclaimed television series Breaking Bad, to devise a winning strategy for the Los Angeles Rams as they prepare for this week’s crucial game. Not only does this TV commercial get people excited for what’s to come, but it also gives them a tantalizing sneak peek at the game they love. 

You can enhance your communication by using a similar strategy. Enjoy!

April 27, 2023 by

Why Does My Team Have Such a Hard Time Being Creative?

Have you ever said “We need some new ideas & fresh thinking” only to have your team looking back at you with that deer-in-the-headlights gaze? Being creative on demand is tough – especially when many people don’t think they’re creative in the first place.

Here’s a little secret: the skills that it takes to advance in corporate America don’t overlap very well with the skills that are taught to people pursuing more creative careers. You can achieve an entire MBA without ever once taking a theater class, or spending time in the art studio, or learning how to write in a way that moves hearts and changes minds. 

People are very aware of these gaps in their background. When they’re asked to come up with ideas, they do their best – but I’m sure you’ve been through more than one brainstorming session that produced three tired versions of the same lackluster idea. Inspiration, excitement, and brilliance are hard to come by.

What’s going on? Why do people have such a hard time being creative?

Lots of people think of creativity as an innate quality – an elusive trait that can only be found in a few gifted (and generally temperamental) few. They believe that you’re either born creative or you’re not, and if you’re not, there’s nothing you can do about it. 

But that’s not the case. Creativity is like any other human ability. The more you engage in focused practice, the stronger the ability gets. Right now you’re struggling to get your team to come up with creative ideas, but what would happen if you asked them to rearrange the office furniture? For some people, this type of physical activity is going to be extremely difficult – but for the employees you have that go to the gym on a regular basis, who work out to develop their muscles and strength, moving some tables and chairs is going to be easy – perhaps even effortless. 

People can train to become more creative, just like they can train to become more physically fit. In an ideal world, health experts say, we’d devote 150 minutes a week to moderately intense exercise. If your team devoted the same amount of time to strengthening their creative abilities, both the quality and quantity of ideas they can generate will increase. 

There are benefits in investing in your team’s creative abilities. 

Why is this important to you, as the leader of this business? Creative thinking immediately provokes thoughts of branding, marketing, and other public-facing aspects of the organization. The public appreciates creative messaging and experiences – and the more attention you can attract, the more customers you’ll convert and the faster the business will grow. 

But that’s only the tip of the iceberg. Creative thinkers are strong problem solvers. Equipped with the relevant knowledge and empowered to consider anything that makes the brand stronger and better, creative thinking can be used to overcome challenges, discover new processes, drive innovation and more. 

Creativity can also play a huge role in strengthening the culture of your organization. In terms of attracting and retaining talent, providing avenues for your team to develop and use their creative abilities pays significant rewards. This can be an important differentiator in competitive industries where the talent pool can be picky about where they want to spend the next few years of their lives. 

Long Story Short: You Can Train for Creativity, Just Like You Train for Anything Else

If you want your team to be more creative, you can either wait for inspiration to strike – the classic but not most reliable process – or you can give them the tools and techniques they need to become freer, more imaginative thinkers. 

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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.

April 26, 2023 by

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.

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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.

April 19, 2023 by

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?

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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.

April 18, 2023 by

From $8 to $102 per Share: The Incredible Rise of WWE Through Cult Branding

During the early days of wrestling, Vince McMahon and Linda McMahon pioneered using cult branding tactics to build a loyal following. They created larger-than-life characters, intense storylines, and unique marketing strategies that made fans feel like they were part of an exclusive club. This approach helped transform professional wrestling from a regional attraction to a global phenomenon, with the WWE now boasting an incredibly passionate fan base. The McMahons’ innovative branding techniques enabled them to construct a wrestling empire that has experienced phenomenal expansion, as evidenced by the WWE’s stock price surging from $8 in 2002 (when we initially covered the brand in our book The Power of Cult Branding) to an astonishing $100 at present. Such success has put the WWE in a position to be acquired by Endeavor Group Holdings Inc, the owners of UFC, a brand that also leverages cult branding tactics to cultivate its devoted following.

So what is cult branding, and how has it helped the WWE to grow and succeed over the years? Cult branding is a marketing strategy that focuses on building a devoted following of fans who are deeply committed to a particular brand or product. These fans are not just loyal customers; they are evangelists who will go to great lengths to promote and defend the brand they love. They are passionate, engaged, and emotionally invested in the success of the brand.

The WWE has been incredibly successful in building a cult brand over the years. They have cultivated a passionate following of fans deeply committed to the company and its wrestlers. This has been accomplished through a variety of tactics, including creating compelling storylines and characters, engaging fans through social media and other digital platforms, and hosting live events that provide fans with an immersive and unforgettable experience.

One of the key elements of the WWE’s success has been their ability to create larger-than-life characters that fans can connect with on an emotional level. From the iconic Hulk Hogan to Stone Cold Steve Austin to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, the WWE has produced a steady stream of wrestlers who have captured the imaginations of fans around the world. These wrestlers have become household names, and their popularity has helped to elevate the profile of the WWE as a whole.

The WWE’s cult branding tactics have also attracted the attention of celebrities and artists outside of the wrestling world. WrestleMania, the WWE’s biggest event of the year, has featured appearances by notable names such as Snoop Dogg, Bad Bunny, and Logan Paul. These celebrity appearances not only bring added star power to the event but also help to expand the reach of the WWE’s brand to new audiences. By attracting mainstream attention and breaking into popular culture, the WWE has solidified its status as a cultural phenomenon and cemented its place in the entertainment industry.

Another important factor in the WWE’s success has been its embrace of social media and other digital platforms. By engaging with fans on social media, WWE has been able to build a strong sense of community around their brand. Fans interact with wrestlers, share their own content, and stay up-to-date on the latest news and developments in the world of professional wrestling.

From the very beginning, WWE has been successful in creating live events that provide fans with an immersive and unforgettable experience. From WrestleMania to SummerSlam to Monday Night Raw, the WWE has created a series of events that are more than just wrestling matches. Combining athleticism, storytelling, and entertainment, these spectacles entice fans to travel the world to witness the event firsthand.

The WWE’s success is a testament to the power of building a cult brand. By building a devoted following of fans who are emotionally invested in the success of the brand, WWE has been able to grow and thrive over the years. With an acquisition by Endeavor Group Holdings Inc on the horizon, the future of the WWE looks bright, and fans around the world are eagerly anticipating what comes next.

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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.

April 11, 2023 by