Steve Rutter

Are creative and media agencies reconciling? Some people seem to think so. Want to know about the future of brands? Of course you do. Well, I’m speaking at The Future of Brands event at ETC County Hall on Wednesday and the topic of my fireside chat with Laura Jordan Bambach and Omar Oakes is “Creativity and media: Reconciling?” Are they? Anyone got any evidence? (Not that I’m asking you to do my research for me - just interested.) https://lnkd.in/eyXADQQb #media #creativity #someotheradvertisingrelatedstuffprobably

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Currently reading Sam Walton’s memoir, "Made in America," and I loved this quote from former Walmart CEO David Glass describing Walton. These qualities have become so important to embrace over the years. Running an agency, growing with the team, and refining how we serve clients is a constant process of trial, error, and adaptation. It means showing up every day with a mindset of improvement, trying new things, and having the courage to pivot when things don’t work out. Like Sam, I’ve learned that failure and being wrong are essential parts of growth. Without that mindset, missteps or feedback could hold you back from progress—and sometimes, you’re on the edge of something great. It’s about asking: What’s the takeaway? How can we do better? This past year has had its challenges, but it’s been full of reflection and refinement. I’ve spent more time in one-on-ones with the team, gathering feedback, and figuring out how we can improve for both clients and each other. We’re experimenting, making educated guesses, and adapting from missteps and surprises. I know not everything will go as planned, but staying flexible is key. It’s equally important to instill this mindset within the team to keep morale and momentum strong. Having a vision and setting goals is important, but loving the process and enjoying the journey is what makes it all worthwhile.

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Brands that try to be everything to everyone - end up being nothing to anyone. Know your strengths. Own them. Execute like hell. That's how you win. Focus beats trying to please the masses. Every. Single. Time. I discussed this with Brian S. Rowley on a recent Narrow Lanes - Podcast. KEY TAKEAWAY: As a marketing leader, you must be clear about “who” your brand is NOT, as much as “who” it IS. #narrowlanespodcast #exceptionalvalue = #obsession #sacrifice

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Hot take: slide design is not pretty-making, it’s visual storytelling. Something so obvious in the advertising world, appears like a frivolous effort in corporate America. Taking the time to organize ideas beyond words on a page or numbers in a spreadsheet - into videos, photos, charts and words with brevity is an art that brings clarity in complexity and shared understanding where misalignment runs rampant.

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You can't always get what you want...but what? Sing it with me! Iconic lyrics So what does this have to do with branding? I mean The Rolling Stones, really?? Yep, they were onto something--who knew Mick Jagger was such an astute brand strategist--talk about talent!! If "what you want" is great referrals and a steady flow of the right clients, then you actually CAN get you want. But first, ya gotta get what you need. And that's a serious brand that's aimed exactly at your target market and looks and sounds and FEELS completely professionally built. Here's what that means: 🎸 You don't have a brand just because you have a logo. That's like lip synching. 🎸You don't have a brand because you have pretty colors on your website. That's like a cool costume, but NOT why people go to concerts. 🎸You don't have a brand because you sound like everyone else. That's copyright infringement in music--and NOT the way to stand out. 🎸You aren't being ignored by the market you're trying to reach because your microphone isn't loud enough. It's because you don't know the words and your music's a mess. 🎸You don't have a brand because you don't know how to build one. But I do. The words, the images, the messaging, and the connection with your audience. It takes years of experience (how many times do you think the Stones rehearse a song they've sung for the past 60 years? Hint: lots!) So if you want to be the brand that makes your audience notice, perk up their ears, become raving fans who bring their friends to hear what you have to say, you gotta be like The Rolling Stones. And I can get you there. Hop on the bus and let's get this show on the road!🚌 So if you can't get no satisfaction...hit me up. We create raving fans who can't get enough of you. What's your go-to Stones song? Throw it in the comments!⬇️

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