DISQUS

Duct Tape Marketing: Coolness is optional, authenticity is not

  • Bryan Zmijewski · 2 years ago
    Haha, so true.

    I've spent ten years as a consultant trying to help companies create their web presence. Surprisingly, the toughest part for most founders and leaders was to follow their gut.

    I decided to drink my own Koolaid and start a business based on Authenticity. In some ways it can be the tougher route to get started, but it makes waking up in the morning more enjoyable! Longer term it will sustain the business.

    Nice thoughts John.
  • Erin Blaskie · 2 years ago
    You couldn't be more right John! For me, I was always worried that my tagline, etc. would 'get me in trouble' with some people but I quickly realized that it's part of who I am (I have a sense of humor) and that I would attract those who also thought it was funny. Being authentic and true to who you are brings out the best and isn't that what we should all be striving toward in our businesses?

    Sincerely,

    Erin Blaskie
    Business Services, ETC
    http://www.bsetc.ca
  • Lars · 2 years ago
    For those of us who are authentically cool, there's really nothing to worry about.

    (Couldn't resist.)
  • Brandon Weber · 2 years ago
    Authenticity is a necessary but certainly not a sufficient condition.

    p.s. I enjoy your blog!
  • 218Matt · 2 years ago
    In my field (Churches and Nonprofits) authenticity is vital. Both of these industries rely heavily on the good will of those who support them. If the image they are casting is not in line with who they really are ,they will feel the impact almost immediately.
  • John Cass · 2 years ago
    I wonder if the look really matters, as it is what's behind the facade that counts. Authenticity is something many of the social media evangelists discuss, I wonder if it would be valuable to take a moment and review some of the big brands out there and think about how authentic they really are?
  • Lindsay · 2 years ago
    Authenticity Rules...
    You can feel it in the copy they write, you can feel it in the way they put forward opinions, the tone of their advice, their willingness to be be challenged and change.
    Authenticity is a true sign of maturity and real experience.
  • annalaura brown · 2 years ago
    being yourself, making your writing and everything else you do online reflect you and your unique personality.
  • Rita Ballard · 2 years ago
    I am so in love with your blog! You have relevant, interesting, and newsworthy information - every time! I've used a lot of your suggestions, clicked on many links, and just generally enjoy myself whenever I check out Duct Tape Marketing. Thank you!!!
  • John Jantsch · 2 years ago
    Hey thanks Rita,

    Look for some pretty exciting changes in the next couple weeks - I'm adding a social networking aspect to Duct Tape Marketing so you can enjoy yourself and hang out with other folks that enjoy DTM.
  • Becky Sail · 2 years ago
    Hi,
    My name is Becky Sail and I am a junior at Ithaca College majoring in Integrated Marketing Communications. For a class called audience research one of our semester long assignments is to create our own blog - mine is about coupons, sweepstakes and promotions. When researching simliar blogs I came across yours and found it very interesting! I will defintely visit your blog frequently and spread the word about it. My professor found your blog very interesting. Check out my blog at http://beckyscommunicationblog.blogspot.com/ Thanks!
  • Ashley Ryan · 2 years ago
    I am a big advocate of being authentic online and off...

    I think what you are saying so important, and thank you!!

    Ashley
  • Manya Chylinski · 2 years ago
    Like attracts like. Therefore if you are honest about who you are (whether you're a brand or a person) you will attract people who appreciate you for who you are. So stick with a look, a feel, the words that most jibe with who you are.

    Do you think it's harder or easier for an outside consultant (marketer, copywriter, designer, etc.) to stay true to that authenticity?
  • Pete Aldin · 2 years ago
    To answer your question, it has to be sense of humour for me. But that's been difficult to weave into my branding and public persona. Thanks for your post, it is helping me become more comfortable with just being lighthearted and wry and going for it!