• NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FOR YOUR BRAND: 10 THINGS TO TRY IN 2011

    Posted on December 28th, 2010 by and currently 2 commenting.


    This post is from Shawn Parr, CEO of Bulldog Drummond

    Shawn Parr is the CEO of Bulldog Drummond, a design and innovation consultancy headquartered in San Diego whose clients include Starbucks, Pepsi, Jack in the Box, Adidas, MTV, Nestle, Pinkberry, Virgin, Disney, Nike and American Eagle Outfitters. I got an email asking if I wanted to exclusively post this “article”. After checking out their company, and reading the post and then hearing that “One of Shawn’s top principles is collaboration – collaboration with the competition”… I said sure. Why not. Read it and you’ll see. Shawn and I think about the same sort of things. We feel like “same tribe”. I like what Shawn wanted to share on our blog and our blog “exclusively”. So, enjoy. And do let me (and my new friend Shawn) know what you think…

    1. BE COURAGEOUS, OFTEN
    Take bold steps to stand out from the crowd. Reflect on 2010 and look at what you did well, and what you could have been different. Take courageous steps to help your brand stand out in 2011.

    2. REVISIT AND REFINE YOUR PURPOSE
    Take the time to look back at your mission and vision and ask if you were living it in 2010. Look for places to bring it to life with your team, explore whether you need to refine it. Remember: the words aren’t set in stone. If they’re not resonating, rewrite and revise!

    3. SHUT UP AND LISTEN
    There’s a lot to learn if you just take the time to listen. Make sure you ask your team for feedback, ideas and suggestions. Listen to your consumers and pay attention to research. Listen to what they have to say and act on what you’ve heard. Honest, unfiltered feedback is fuel for change.

    4. WHO’S YOUR ENEMY?
    An enemy gives you and your brand something to push against–something to challenge. An enemy inspires passion! This year define a clear enemy and rally your team. It could be a competitor, a trend or an element of your culture. No matter what it is, create a plan to beat it, share the mission with your team and go forth!

    5. SET SOME BIG GOALS
    Set at least one wild and audacious goal for 2011–something you’ve never tried before. Outline the goal, share it with your team and challenge them to play their part in achieve it. Just don’t forget to celebrate the small victories and successes on the journey.

    6. CREATE A PASSIONATE AND ENGAGED TEAM
    Your greatest resource is your team. This year, weed out the people who aren’t engaged and don’t contribute. Replace them with active, passionate and energized people who will make a true difference to the rest of your team and your brand.

    7. INJECT FUN INTO THE EVERYDAY
    One of the best motivators for your team is a great work environment. This year, start doing small things that make your employees happy. A monthly massage for a team who’ve put in hours of extra energy, a weekly cookie pot-luck. Small gestures or events can make a big difference. And the benefits won’t just stop with your team – they will show through everything that your brand does. Happy people equals happy brand.

    8. PLAN FOR LEARNING
    This year, make a commitment to ensure you company is continually learning and is inspired by the word at large. Create a program that allows your team to take classes. Host a “learning lunch” monthly with guest speakers. Injecting new thinking in your organization will energize your team and, ultimately, benefit your brand.

    9. MAKE FRIENDS WITH OTHER BRANDS
    Partner brands can be your best ally–whether they’re in your space or not. This year, chart a “circle of love” identifying brands with similar values that you’d like to partner with in 2011. Set one member of your team with a each potential relationship and have them explore how to collaborate. You’ll be surprised by the results, even in the initial conversations you’ll have about your own brand.

    10. SAY THANK YOU AND SHOW YOU REALLY MEAN IT
    And, lastly, do what your mother told you! Thanking people goes a long way to creating valued and appreciated fans–internally and externally. This year, find new ways to show you appreciate your team, your customers and your partners, in ways that truly make a difference in their lives. You’ll be surprised and delighted by the results.

  • Morgan Lyons

    Why is number 3, “Shut up and listen,” always so hard? Interesting list. Thanks for sharing. Happy New Year.

  • http://www.grtfitness.com Thomas Matt

    I like “who’s your enemy” because at first (for us anyway) I thought we have no enemies, and then 5 seconds later I am thinking T you are such a dumb-ass sometimes, our enemy is obesity, poor food, lack of exercise, and on and on. So really that point I like the most.

    However don’t get me wrong the whole list is awesome, and thank you is really underated, unfortunately, glad it made the top ten.

    I just finished your book, great job, loved it, and yes I did use it as lead to my blog this week.

    Tom