Hello friends, this weekend's summer getaway features not one, not two, but THREE drag shows... this is me in anticipation:
In this edition of the World's Best Newsletter:
Intelligent people tend to be... a lot like me.
Our obsession with individual freedom in the US
How to be a non-threatening female leader [IT'S A PARODY]
How to sell to marketeers like me
What I learned from 10 years of doing PR for Apple
Quote of the week (ommmmmmm)
1. Intelligent people tend to be messy, stay awake longer, and swear more.
What a relief. :-P
2. Our obsession with individual freedom in the US
As a marketer I am fascinated with how people make decisions, and how cultures around the world make decisions. As this article points out, the USA fetishizes the idea of choice (politically, as consumers, and spiritually.) It's part of our identity. The Amish value belonging/community over individual choice. In some parts of Asia, the focus is on interdependence and harmony, rather than independence/self-expression. Check it out.
I also recommend the related TED Talk: The art of choosing.
3. How to be a non-threatening female leader [IT'S A PARODY]
This hilarious piece helps "female leaders make sure they're not perceived as pushy, aggressive, or competent." LOL
But here's the interesting bit... making its round on social media, I've noticed far too many people taking it seriously. IT'S A JOKE. Get it? You know, the double standard we face as women in business? Hello?
Hilarious. And unfortunately seemingly lost on many. If you share one link today please share this one.
4. How to sell to marketeers like me
Don't criticize me, understand our strategy, understand our customers, and don't ever call me. This post from Katherine Pomfret is beautiful, elegant, and true. If you sell to marketers, take note. If you are a marketer, share it.
5. What I learned from 10 years of doing PR for Apple
Great PR isn't rocket science, despite what you may hear. It's about getting the fundamentals right, and executing a craft that is driven by many of the tenets outlined in this article. My favorite piece of advice is to stay focused on the messages that matter:
Strive to become an expert in your field. Define your key messages and stick to them. Don’t dilute your social media accounts with off-subject messaging. Offer your help to journalists and industry analysts who cover your field — even if there’s not always a direct benefit to you.
6. Quote of the week
This week's QOTW comes from a guided meditation I was listening to the other day, you know, casually trying to reach Nirvana. (Spoiler alert: I didn't quite make it...)
One unavoidable part of meditation are the thoughts that creep in -- Oh I need to respond to that email, why on Earth did I say that embarrassing thing on that last phone call, what should I eat for dinner.
The guide (with her soft voice and charmingly British accent) said slowly:
"Return to your breath. Don't listen to the stories."
Ah. Yes.
Don't listen to the stories.
I took this literally in the practice of meditation, but it applies to so much of what we do in marketing. I'm talking a lot lately with clients about messaging and PR. It's important to remember your core. Don't be distracted by the stories or shiny objects that threaten to take you off course.
PR and comms is a long game - it takes a while to build a brand, educate a market, or align your company with key messaging. Now, while it's important to be reflective and adjust with the narratives of the industry, the key that most people get wrong (and why they are disappointed with their PR results 99% of the time) is consistency. Return to your breath. Don't listen to the stories.
Ommmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm,
Katie
PS: FlipMyFunnel is next week in Boston -- I'm hosting! Save 50% with code KM50.