ACE’s Post

Happy to share that my latest article, "Brand Activism and Democratic Legitimacy: Exploring Pitfalls through a Habermasian Analysis", has been published in "Emancipations"! 🔗 You can read the full article online here: https://lnkd.in/eGSht6T8

We were stoked when Saltyface approached us to be part of their summer launch. We share brand pillars - to bring your skin the highest quality products, with clean ingredients, and to elevate your everyday routines. Saltyface’s Marketing Manager happened to be a Droplet brand advocate, gifted towels at her wedding (her review: “These towels can’t be beat! Uber soft and absorbent.”) We collaborated on their 🥥 Summer Scent launch, with fresh white embroidered towels, adding to their Saltyface Hotel collection and creating that perfect vacation vibe. We love partnering with other female-led brands and have a core belief that a rising tide lifts all boats. Our three partnership non-negotiables: 1️⃣ Only the finest: no compromises on quality or ingredients 2️⃣ Doing things right: Every decision is intentional and responsible 3️⃣ Brand love: Brands we use, love and would proudly recommend to a friend What are some small brands that you love and admire?

You don't have to be everyone's can of water! I often get asked if by focusing on female consumers am I excluding a large consumer base, men? (I'll address gender based marketing in a later post) I think it's okay to try to understand your core consumer and create messaging that speaks to them. I'm not the consumer for everyone's product and that's okay. You really can't be everything for everyone. I thought about this when I was traveling this week. The hotel I was at did not sell plastic bottles of water (I appreciate the sustainability efforts). They only offered a very popular aluminum can of water in their sundry shop (a brand that is blowing up). It was scorching hot in North Carolina, so I was there frequently to purchase cold water. I decided that I am not this brand's consumer for a number of reasons: - I don't want to look like I'm carrying a can of beer around at 8 am while walking my son to basketball camp -I like to close the top of my drink - I don't want bugs or things falling in my drink. I also was worried about putting it down when watching games for fear that it would spill over. I rather have an aluminum bottle of water that closes like PATH. -I like to add mixes like Drink LMNT to my water (especially when it's 97 degrees out) and I couldn't add a pack and shake it up since the top was open. -If other people are drinking alcohol, I have no issues drinking a water. I don't need to hold a drink that makes me feel like I fit in. I could say this has to do with being a little older but I actually didn't worry about feeling left out if I wasn't drinking even when I was in my twenties and thirties. The marketing of this brand is genius but it doesn't particularly resonate with me. That makes sense because I'm not the core consumer. Even huge brands with large marketing budgets need to hone in on their potential customers and create messaging that appeals to them. So for smaller brands like mine, we have to use our dollars wisely and speak to our consumer authentically and directly. Therefore, we're not excluding a major consumer base, we're just making our core consumer feels important and seen (she's usually overlooked in the spirits industry and she is very relevant!). #womenowned #femalefounder #womensupportingwomen

Why do we see so many brands following similar content patterns? There's nothing wrong with the Patagonia or YETI model, but what's the next model? Kristin Gavin joins the mic to discuss why content from many outdoor brands looks the same. Listen here: https://lnkd.in/dhjVhTe9

The point I am trying to make is that while Greenpeace may have its reasons to call out Dove or Unilever, I have mine to continue to purchase Dove products as long as they meet my needs. I’m sure Dove, for its part, will have its reasons to respond to Greenpeace, while also having its reasons to continue to release those cute little moisturizing bars to the market. In a way, Greenpeace is fighting a lonely battle, because few people really buy Dove for its Real Beauty campaign. They merely tell themselves that their brand seems to be up to something good. #brandactivism #brandidentity #dove #unilever #greenpeace #brandpurpose #brandstrategy #brandarchitecture #brandedcontent #realbeautycampaign

Have you ever seen someone copy your signature content or thoughts or phrases or taglines or even OUTFITS and thought, “AGHHHH, that’s mine! How could they?!”  - Even though you KNOW imitation is the highest form of flattery, when you see people knocking off your stuff, it can be a total DRAINER.  - Back when I started wearing sneakers on stage with work dresses 8 years ago, clients would ask me when I was planning on changing into my heels before taking the stage 🤣. Now sneakers with dresses are no longer controversial but comfortably common! The brightest of bright sides here? WAY less pain for way more women! Yay!👎👠👍👟 - Fast forward to today, I’ve spent the last year creating a brand-new “speaking category” (how meeting planners “shop” for us speakers. Just like shoe styles we’re all organized into searchable checkboxes as well!) #EnergyManagement is not a standard category checkbox yet…but after recently seeing a few speakers “borrowing” some of my social media content, putting some of my specific phrasing into their videos, etc, just like sneakers and dresses, I’m sure it will eventually become commonplace! But instead of being a DRAINER, what if other speakers copying me (or others copying YOU) is actually a GOOD THING?! Why? Because it means my MISSION is MULTIPLYING. My impact is GROWING. If the energy elevation is catching fire- who cares who said what first? Who cares who is “stealing” your secret sauce if the end result is less people who struggle with burnout, and exhaustion, and overwhelm?! And the same goes for YOU and YOUR MISSION and YOUR copycats. Because here is the bottom line: they can copy every single thing you do or say or create or think except for one thing: THEY CAN NEVER COPY YOUR ENERGY!!  - Maybe our copycats can become chargers for us if we remember that our ENERGY will always stay untouchably EXCLUSIVE ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️ TheEnergyExam.com

Consumers today crave authenticity. They want to support brands that stand for something beyond profits. It's not just about saying you care; it's about proving it through actions that align with your values. Purpose-driven communication builds trust. It goes beyond slogans and glossy ads, demonstrating a genuine commitment to making a positive impact. Think about it. 🔹 Patagonia: They don't just sell outdoor gear; they advocate for environmental protection. 🔹 TOMS: Their "One for One" model directly connects purchases with giving back. 🔹 Ben & Jerry's: Their outspoken stance on social justice issues aligns with their values-driven customer base. These brands don't just talk about their values; they weave them into their stories. They show how their products and services contribute to a better world, resonating with customers on an emotional level. How can your brand align values with marketing? Identify a cause that aligns with your brand's values and mission. Then, find authentic ways to weave it into your messaging, actions, and overall brand story. Two questions to get you started: 1) What does your brand stand for? 2) What impact do you want to have on the world? ~~~~~ Tag a founder/manager who needs to see this. P.S. Need help crafting a message that makes a difference? We help brands uncover their purpose and communicate it with impact.

💡 Building brand trust and loyalty is the cornerstone of a solid marketing strategy. But that requires genuine interactions and the perception of the brand's integrity and reliability. Our latest article discusses corporate ambassadorship and employee advocacy as a strategic approach to build, enhance, and cultivate brand trust and loyalty. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/egd4tEuQ #Ambassify #Blog #EmployeeAdvocacy #CorporateAmbassadors

PR is a battlefield for capturing hearts and minds. Brilliant tactics (from PR firms like Jaffe) rise above the din, generating positive buzz and securing lasting brand loyalty. Here’s two of our secrets: The Art of Surprise and the Power of Human Connection. Let’s first talk about surprise: We love IKEA's 2014 campaign. Faced with declining foot traffic, they turned their iconic flat-pack furniture boxes into makeshift bus shelters in several cities. This unexpected utility garnered global media attention, reminding everyone of the brand's practicality and ingenuity. Similarly, Oreo's famous 2013 "Dunk in the Dark" tweet during a Super Bowl blackout capitalized on a real-time event, showcasing wit and adaptability. And there’s human connection. Patagonia, the outdoor apparel company, is a prime example. Their "Don't Buy This Jacket" campaign encouraged consumers to repair existing clothing instead of buying new, aligning with their environmental values. This resonated deeply with a growing eco-conscious audience, solidifying Patagonia's image as a responsible brand. It’s all about going beyond boring press releases and boorish self-promotion. Let Jaffe transform you into a storyteller, forging emotional connections with your target audience. We know what resonates with people – be it humor, practicality, or a shared value system. By weaving these elements into unexpected and impactful campaigns, earn your place in the public's consciousness, securing long-term success. Learn more at www.jaffecom.com. #publicrelations #prtips #masterclass #prsuccess

86% of consumers find #authenticity important when deciding which brands they like and support. In an era where we're saturated with content, it's the authentic and meaningful interactions that cut through the noise. More than ever, we are turning turn to social media seeking connection, and it's these authentic interactions that leave a lasting impression. A brand that understands this is Patagonia, who are not just selling outdoor clothing and gear, but are mission-led by advocating for the environment. Their content consistently reflects their mission, whether it's sharing stories about environmental activism or promoting sustainable practices. This authenticity resonates with their audience, creating a loyal following that shares their values. Remember, it's not just about posting content; it's about building meaningful connections and sparking engaging conversations. After all, people connect with people, not brands. 🔗💞 #SocialMediaMarketing #B2BSocialMedia