Friday Five: marketing, branding odds and sods

How to tell stories with data

Happy Friday, everyone. Here are some worthwhile reads about branding and marketing that I’ve recently come across:

1. The importance of branding for your marketing. A lot of people I talk to about branding and marketing often confuse the two.This article does a nice job of drawing the distinctions between the two concepts, and explains why marketing without a solid sense of brand identity can be problematic. Share this one with folks you want to help understand the difference between branding and marketing.
2. 6 brand strategies most CMOs fail to execute. Good Forbes article about the rapidly changing ground rules for branding. “People want to evolve with a brand whose products and services help give their business or life meaning and significance.” Be aware of these six strategies to keep a strong connection with your customers.
3. How to tell stories with data. Advice from Dona Wong, whose job with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York is to tell stories with data, not words. “Your data should be a carrier of information,” she says. “You should always think about your audience, not your boss.” Good advice for any storyteller.
4. Your brand is not your logo. A no-brainer for anyone who’s been around marketing for a while, right? This article (and podcast) is another back-to-basics post on why building your brand as a firm foundation to any visual communication (including the logo) is essential.
5. The power of creative cross-training. A bit of inspiration to leave you with this weekend. This article from 99u offers great insight into the importance of hobbies and other pursuits that have nothing to do with your “day job” to help you keep your creative edge.

Have a good weekend.