Ouch!

It's been cold in Boulder for a long time. In response, I've started to grow a beard. I'm sure I've been subconsciously inspired by all of the beards that seem to be appearing in the fashion mags. I thought I was so hip!

Well, that came to a screeching halt last night. I went out to dinner with some friends at my favorite sushi restaurant. My usual waitress approached a bit forlorn. She asked if I was ok. I said sure. Then she asked, only half jokingly, if I was homeless. Ouch.

The experience made me think about brands and their communications. While you might think your brand is looking rather stylish, your customers might think the opposite. Only by getting them involved in the co-creation of an evolving brand message can you ensure that the meaning of your message is being received in the spirit in which you created it.

I guess it's time to shave!

Comments

[Lee McEwan]

Keep it John! Beards are polarising just like truly emotionally engaging brands.

[john]

Agreed. I made some modifications to it last night. I'll post them today.

[Zryan]

I don't really vlog so I haven't ever rciveeed a hate comment. I do sometimes see stupid/rude people (the two usually go hand in hand) comment on videos I really like or vlogs of people I like so I can tend to get fired up about that. I'll admit that I've responded to a few of those in my time on YouTube. However, I find that not receiving comments at all can hurt pretty bad too. That's like no one cares. No one cares that you spent hours editing that video or typing out that blog. That's what really sucks.

[Willyane]

Posted on I don't Have a solution as well Aloka. I've goettn into some arguments with people over similar incidents. Once at a 5* hotel where the security staff didn't even move. As long as authorities do not back you up I'm not sure how much can change. A lot of people in power think the same way as these men. I hope that can be changed. How, is the question