A recent McKinsey study* uncovered an alarming gap between what vendors are saying and what customers want to hear. They compared the core messages of the world’s largest B2B companies with what actually influences buying decisions. The results were fascinating. Here’s why customers aren’t responding to your message: The things you say the most are the things they care about the least. McKinsey’s survey of over 700 global executive decision makers revealed that the themes … [Continue reading]
It’s official. Your employees aren’t telling the truth about your brand.
Brace yourself. A major Gallup study found that less than half of employees – only 41% – feel they know what their company stands for and what makes its brand different from competitors’ brands.* Ouch! Your employees represent your brand every day to customers, prospects, family, and friends. If they don’t have your message right, you’re missing a huge opportunity. Here are five things you can do about it right now… 1. Define what makes … [Continue reading]
Three epic B2C brand messages. And lessons for the B2B marketer.
B2B marketers can learn a lot from the world of consumer advertising. Although they won’t admit it, B2B customers tend to make purchase decisions based on emotion – just like consumers do. Business buyers are humans, too. How can you build a message that gets past features and benefits to connect on a deeper level? Take a look at what three epic B2C brand messages can teach us… EPIC MESSAGE #1: “Built Ford Tough” Ford … [Continue reading]