How to define your brand...your style...your oeuvre.
Yes, that's something that we've been thinking of late. What does it means to define ourselves. I've gone through the whole gamut of what I want Ellie Fun Day to be. I've thought about our mission, I've thought about our look and feel and what I want everyone to understand what we're about. It's really a serious and delicate balance. I've looked at TOMS shoes and Krochet Kids, and they both do a really awesome job of sharing their message and story of what they do. Then there is Apolis Global and our friends over at 3sixteen where their messages are much more subtle in their approach and their concentration is mainly on making a stellar product that sells itself. They have decided to say we will be in the mainstream and not just settle for sympathy or charity buying. Hmm some food for thought...what do you guys think? When you make a purchase, do you want to know about the mission behind it? Do you want to know how and who's made it? Does that compell you to invest in that piece? Would love your thoughts!
8 Responses
Joni
i agree with your friend Trina entirely. And, I am always very disappointed when a product with a great story has faulty workmanship.
I bought a pair of "genuine Bahamian" earrings from a little store in the airport. After asking the story, I learned that the creator is a man with Down's Syndrome and he makes at least part of all the jewelry. I was thrilled to be able to wear something beautiful and support a good cause. But then the earrings broke the first time I wore them.
Once I find an organization with a story which makes great, affordable products, I will support them fanatically and get all my friends to buy also….
warren
I buy stuff because I like it first. The story behind it definitely adds value, but only if I am into the product itself. However, I think the story itself can even rival the product itself. For example (and I may be in the minority on this), I don't like listening to singles without finding out more about the artist and listening to the rest of the album. Once I know who is behind the creation, I want to develop a bond to that person/brand/artist/label.
Unknown
I don't know why it's saying "unknown" but that was me – tasha =)
Trina
When I go to make a purchase, if there's a message behind it, behind the company, in front of the company, compelling it to do amazing things, that message takes me from the place of LIKING my purchase, to LOVING it. and from there, TALKING about it and Sharing it and watching it grow and develop and Admiring it.
So yes. it does make a difference. to me.
Unknown
Hmm…first off, I know you're probably doing lots of praying about it already, but I think maybe it's up to what God wants you to do about it?
But other things to consider, where do you think your customer base will mostly be in? I don't think Middle America thinks much about where they're products come from (I may really be wrong about this!). If you feel your customer base would more resemble, for example, bay area demographics, they are more conscientious and it might matter more to them.
Personally, I would only consider a purchase from somewhere with a message if it's something I was going to purchase in the first place (as in, I want new shoes, where will I go?) I know that isn't an uncommon thought haha.
I think you should go with your gut. If you're thinking about how it will affect funding, you may want to invest in getting research data to help whichever direction you choose (of course, this coming from a research person =)
Good luck! Hoping for the best for you =)
Sarah
Thanks everyone for your input! I will take this all into consideration as we move forward!
bnguyen
its the classic style vs substance (ie story in this case) argument… style w/ no substance may be appealing at first and catch the eye, but it never has any long lasting appeal and has no "stickiness" with the people… substance with no style will get you a few charity buys like people buy lemonade from kids but won't get you the ardent long term supporters.
I think the real answer and real success is in the companies/people who can find the right balance of both.
If you have 15 minutes, I would really check out this video http://goo.gl/0z0D its slightly tangential but it talks about thinking about why your organization exists and why people should care about your organization.
Lemme know what you think
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bnguyen
July 21, 2015
its the classic style vs substance (ie story in this case) argument… style w/ no substance may be appealing at first and catch the eye, but it never has any long lasting appeal and has no "stickiness" with the people… substance with no style will get you a few charity buys like people buy lemonade from kids but won't get you the ardent long term supporters.
I think the real answer and real success is in the companies/people who can find the right balance of both.
If you have 15 minutes, I would really check out this video http://goo.gl/0z0D its slightly tangential but it talks about thinking about why your organization exists and why people should care about your organization.
Lemme know what you think