media update’s Talisa Jansen van Rensburg takes you on a journey filled with excitement, fun and lessons from two of America’s most-
loved cartoon characters.
There are countless times when marketers are looking for new ways to amp up their strategies. And, all too quickly, they’ll pick up a book with an intricate title that is filled with pages and pages of information on how they can improve their brand. Yet, sometimes the
best advice can be found in simpler things — in this case, it’s a comic strip written by Bill Watterson.
Working in the marketing industry means you constantly need to adapt, change and evolve to stay relevant and keep your audience’s attention. That is why going back to something nostalgic (
and out of the ordinary) is sure to hold some secrets to success.
Are you ready to explore the magical world of a six-year-old boy and his pet tiger?
Let’s jump right in:
Lesson #1: Never limit your brand
There are so many labels out there these days that it can be easy to accidentally place your brand in a certain category, which
of course comes with limitations. The moment your brand is placed into a box is the moment that people might start to lose interest.
It is therefore important to highlight the qualities that make your brand unique by harnessing them and incorporating them into your marketing. For example, if you’re the only company that offers a particular version of your product in the competing industries, make that part of your messaging. Find what makes you different and
sell that to your audience.
Like Hobbes says: “If people could put rainbows in zoos, they’d do it.” Don’t try and fit in when your brand has so much potential to stand out and be a leader in its respective industry.
Let that butterfly go!
Lesson #2: Don’t force creativity
Creativity allows you to come up with new ideas on how to advertise your brand or even solve a problem. Yet, when you start trying to force creativity, it can lead to inauthentic results and
you could end up missing out on some good ideas — and the lack of passion
will show in your work.
Calvin is very clear when he says “I’m waiting for inspiration” and “you have to be in the right mood.” If inspiration is not hitting you, and your head’s not in the right space, last-minute panic will only force out an idea that is ultimately unsatisfying.
So, what can you do to get that creative match lit?
Try heading over to social media. This will help you to:
Disrupt your routine — Having a daily routine can stifle your creativity. That’s why taking breaks and popping online every now and then can interrupt your daily schedule and boost out-of-the-box thinking.
Expose you to diverse perspectives — Social media allows you to connect with anyone from anywhere in the world. Being introduced to new people with different cultures and beliefs will expose you to new ways of thinking, ultimately allowing your creativity to flow once again.
Make you laugh — You are bound to find some humorous content on any social media platform you visit. And, not to be that person, but
according to science, humour can actually encourage creative risk-taking.
Yes, please! 
Lesson #3: Be optimistic
It can be easy to get discouraged by budget cuts and the current circumstances in the world. You might feel that there are no treasures left to discover, leaving you feeling as if you’re in desperate need to pull a rabbit out of a hat.
Well, dear marketer, it is time to start looking at your brand efforts from a different perspective — there are opportunities all around you, you just need to
look for them. And the only way you’re going to find anything is by being optimistic. Instead of telling yourself “I can’t” tell yourself that you can; this is the best way to make anything happen and you’ll see that new ideas will come to light.
Be like Calvin and scream, “Happiness isn't good enough for me! I demand euphoria!" By having a positive mindset, you’ll be able to see the hidden gems around you.
It will also help to reduce stress and anxiety and will benefit your mental health in the long run. This means that you will be able to make better choices for your brand and, as an
added bonus, you’ll just have a great outlook on life overall.
Okay, we know that this is easier said than done. But we’ve got your back.
Here are three ways to
maintain a positive mindset:
- Get moving and remember to take breaks. This will refresh your mindset and you’ll be able to think clearly, allowing your muddle of thoughts to run out, and new ideas to fall in.
- Surround yourself with positive messages such as TED Talks. These shows can be incredibly inspiring and uplifting, and you might be able to learn a thing or two from these presenters, allowing you to view any potential predicament in a different light.
- Surround yourself with optimistic people. Negativity has an adverse reaction, and can be draining. That’s why you need to ensure that the people you surround yourself with are being just as optimistic about life as you are in order to maintain that positive mindset.
Lesson #4: Steer clear of conflict
Let’s say you and your marketing team have worked months on a new ad that you are all
extremely proud of. But soon after the advert was shared on social media, you check the comment sections only to see a person saying something extremely negative about it.
This can make you feel frustrated and angry, and you might be tempted to engage in a heated online debate.
Don’t. Instead, be like Calvin and
choose your battles. Look at the situation and realise that starting a fight with this person will only make your brand look bad and poorly influence your reputation that you and your team worked so hard to build up.
Rather, focus on replying to the positive comments online and only respond to the negative comments if it is truly needed.
Here are
three tips for responding to negative comments like a pro:
- Acknowledge the comment. Try and find out why this person is feeling the way they’re feeling and see if you can both reach an agreement or solution to the problem.
- Don’t assume the person’s tone of voice. Although the person may be angry, try and empathise with the situation and respond in a positive manner. Remember, this could be a potential consumer and you don’t want to stir the pot further by reacting aggressively.
- Never take it personally. Show this person that you care by fixing the problem. This will not only resolve it, but people talk. This person could share positive things to say about your brand purely by how you handle the situation.
Lesson #5: Go out and explore
As every marketer knows, inspiration is the key driver for success. But sometimes, this proves to be difficult when you’re stuck at your desk from nine to five.
Calvin and Hobbes always make time to explore the great unknown after school and homework, and you should do the same.
Be sure to take proper lunch breaks where you can go out and talk to people — even trying new types of food can be enough to inspire you. You can also find cool new places to try out in your area by doing something as simple as watching TikTok videos. Who knows, perhaps you’ll spot the perfect venue for your next ad or campaign.
It’s just like Calvin says: “If your knees aren't green by the end of the day, you ought to seriously re-examine your life." So, put on your exploring shoes and get
out there!
What other lessons do you think marketers can learn from Calvin and Hobbes? Be sure to let us know in the comments section below.
Curious about what marketing professionals can learn from their furry pets? Then be sure to check out these Five tips from dogs to marketers.
*Image courtesy of The 1995 Blog