Basic Instinct

I don’t love you with my mind or my heart
I love you with my soul in case my mind forgets and my heart stops

RUMI

Because I travel so often and meet people from many different cultures and backgrounds I have learnt to trust my instincts.

In fact I invite you to listen to your inner voice and feel the truth of what you observe in your body.

If your heart skips a beat do listen.

If you shiver because some words are uttered in your presence, pay attention.

If you feel like screaming when you witness injustice do honour what you feel and take action.

If silence enriches you embrace it.

If hues of blue are your colour, enjoy it.

Imperial purple is the favourite colour of someone I know.

My signature colour is black.

Not just instinct but passion are part of your inner compass.

I have had a couple of days to reflect on what are the values, the beliefs and the behaviours that lead to the vision and the purpose of a successful business.

What authentic words create a unique and compelling story.

Humans buy emotions not products.

But now and then one comes across a business story that pushes the boundaries of one’s imagination and makes us think.

I just heard about a story of a farmer in Prince Albert in the Karoo in South Africa that is so dedicated to the excellence of his crop that at certain times and in order to regulate ideal temperatures sleeps with the his blue berries.

Sleeping with berries is a fabulous storytelling experience

Commitment to excellence always impresses me.

Every detail counts.

Creative Magic with extraordinary stories

Who spins the magic that makes us buy certain brands and why do we develop such strong brand loyalty that we almost never change our buying habits… did you ever think about the psychological and demographic studies that are captured in a single product?

The strategy behind stories

Brand strategists and designers do the creative magic that engages you.

How much time do you think goes into creating a brand strategy and the entire brand ecosystem of the brand, its images,it’s colours,its fonts its name,it’s business cards,it’s letter heads,it’s digital presence and its website….take a guess and trust your instinct to give you an answer.

Endless time is the answer.

FRESH. RELEVANT. INFORMED

We are moving toward 2025 and this is a good time to rewrite your story going forward.

Start with WHY as Simon Seneca writes in his book and consider simple questions like WHAT, HOW for WHO, WHERE and WHEN.

Use metaphors to best define what your brand should be aligned to.

If it was a mood what would it be like, if it was an animal which one would you choose and what characteristics does it have, if it was a favourite piece of music which one would you prefer.

If it was a favourite car or motorbike which story would best describe the vision.

This is the most epic brand exercise ever for me.

What:The only motorcycle manufacturer

How:that makes big, loud motorcycles

Who: for macho guys

Where: mostly in the US

Why: who want to joint a gang of cowboys

When: in an era of decreasing personal freedom

Did you get your instincts stirred and shaken !

If you instinctively love a specific brand which one is it and why.

I love Chanel for its authentic,elevated and timeless luxury.

I love all colours if they are black Coco Chanel

Trust your instincts and love with your soul.

Enjoy reviewing your brand story for 2025, be bold and be uniquely brave.

Talk soon.

I would like to thank my son Paul of Paul Henriques / Metier * in South Africa for his teachings on brand design and excellence that led me to write this article.