My Week Ahead - 04 July 2022

4 Jul

Written By

What have I been thinking/researching about?

Companies I think most often about have a story which I remember. That might be the company’s philosophy like Apple (Think Different 1997) or piece of a continual story like the bakery I follow on Instagram (see link if you are interested). Nike knew this when they began selling a commodity like shoes by building a story around it “Just Do It” which is now 35 years old. I just more often think of a company where I have a story attached.

So, I am thinking, is it important for others as well? I will be doing a little research this week to see if I can learn more. Thinking of the internet aggregators, Amazon, Uber Eats, Zalando and Spotify(?) I obtain a product through them often not knowing the seller. Sure, I might have chosen the restaurant which I know in the app but all I am choosing is the item on the menu. There is no experience with the restaurant. There is no story being told to me. The same is when I buy jeans through one of these platforms. Do I choose the brand which I know their story? Or do I buy the one with best sale price?

Today, the world has many tough problems to face and brands, companies large and small need to take a stand. Whether that is sustainability, ethics, human rights and others companies need to build this into their story. The bakery I mentioned earlier, I have never been there. They are a 2-hour drive away from me. I have been watching their Instagram story for the past few months and I see them telling a story. One of how the products they make and sell and how they are important to them. They share stories of their process, the people who make the breads and still present the product they want to sell. They use attractive photos and videos to “put me into the mood” to desire their goods. I have never been to one of their dozen shops but I think about them. I think about the story they have told me.

That’s what I am thinking about.

https://www.instagram.com/brothaus.baeckerei/

Do you agree? Is the story of a company or brand important to you? Is the product just a product and who makes it is secondary? Let me hear your thoughts!

This week’s plans:

It is summer here so the heat is on! That is good and bad as it limits my ability to move around as much as I like. Still, I have a “cafe audit” for my #WfA this week which includes a 4-hour bike ride so that is something to look forward to. Then I am falling further behind on finalising my audits due to so many great distractions. Maybe some rain days would be a good thing. 👎🏻 Then going into the weekend I am thinking of a multi-day hike not too far away from here. So, that planning needs to happen NOW.

This week’s content:

Tuesday is of course #WfA and a recent hiking trip not too far away and a lovely 400-year old mill I stayed in.
Wednesday is another super #Gram with Ruth Fisk who is so exciting to listen to her talk about insurance. Yeah, go figure that talking about insurance can actually be interesting.
Friday I want to have thought out more about my topic above and share the results.

Thank you(s) to:

Hey. Leo, Andrew, Lyn and the others who take the time to leave me a comment or pass on a good idea for a future topic to think about. The internet can be a huge distraction to one’s day but also brings together people from all over to exchange their ideas which is as great thing.

Call to action:

If you are reading this and are not connected to me, please consider doing so. I mean, if you really don’t agree or like what I post then maybe it’s fine to ignore this. If you are subbed THANKS and think if there is someone you know who is starved for something to read. Thank you for being here.

/Andrew