"Purpose is dead. Long live purpose!"
Two or so weeks ago, I had a thought-provoking conversation with Ken Beaulieu, head of the Association of National Advertisers' Center for Brand Purpose, about whether marketers are truly moving on from purpose or if it's simply evolving into something more profound. Ken shared research he conducted this past Spring with Internationalist Insights and was curious to learn my take on what it said about the evolving role of purpose in today's complex landscape.
Some key topline insights I shared with Ken include:
🔍 Purpose: Evolving, Not Fading
Despite sentiment among some marketers that purpose is "one and done," the ANA-Internationalist research reveals that purpose is very much alive and evolving. While 85% of marketers acknowledge that insubstantial purpose can harm a company, a strong brand purpose remains a “North Star” for organizational alignment and impact.
🔗 Beyond Marketing: A Holistic Commitment
Purpose is maturing into what it is meant to be: much more than a marketing strategy. It's a company-wide effort transcending PR tactics, one that requires the commitment of the entire organization, from the C-suite to front-line employees to ensure it is embedded into brand DNA and business operations.
💡 Five Guidelines for Embracing Purpose:
1. Align Purpose with Organizational Goals: Purpose is most effective as a driver of decision-making and operations, not a stand-alone initiative or after-thought.
2. Communicate Authentically: Sincere messaging, backed by tangible actions, is crucial for resonating with all material stakeholders.
Empower Stakeholders as Advocates: Engaged communities amplify brand reach and grow impact.
3. Cultivate an Ethical Supply Chain Across Sectors: Partnering with nonprofits and maintaining responsible practices enhance the honesty of purpose.
4. Embrace Continuous Improvement: Purpose is an ongoing tool for risk management and innovation.
When activated effectively, purpose serves as a strategic compass for modern brands, guiding them to navigate today's shifting social landscape more fluidly. Embedding purpose in a brand’s DNA and business operations cultivates genuine engagement, enhances social impact, and drives profitable growth.
For more in-depth insights, read my full article on the ANA's Industry Insights blog. (https://lnkd.in/eX7uGgcR)
What do you think about purpose in today's landscape? Is it one and done or is its role evolving? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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