Ideas For The Change Revolution

As we get ready for the November election, I'm thinking a lot about the substance behind the brand. You can be all about "change" - as Obama is doing - but you'd better have a record of making change happen to support it. Likewise, you can call yourself a "maverick" - as McCain is doing - but you'd better not be so associated with the status quo. A powerful brand isn't about becoming what you aren't - it's about discovering who you really are. Keep that in mind as you share your message to the world.

Especially during this time of financial insecurity, people need brands they can rely on - names they can trust. So be thinking about brand equity, the trust factor, and authenticity - particularly as people reach out for real answers to the real questions they face. This month, we're looking at those types of issues - and explore what it takes to influence culture during this critical time in our history. ... read more

A pastor who’s a client of ours has the largest church in his city.  Recently, the local paper did a major story on the church, and although it was pretty positive, when the story was posted online, he was shocked at the number of really vicious and nasty comments from numerous anonymous online posters.   (Isn’t it interesting that the worst comments are always from people afraid to identify themselves?)

He asked me, “What about the critics?  That’s hurtful stuff.”  His wife told me how upsetting it was, and how challenging it is living in the public eye.  They asked me how they should deal with criticism:  “Do you just develop a thick skin and not care anymore?   We don’t want to get to that place, but we have to admit that constant sniping and criticism can wear us down.” ... read more

In the cluttered and competitive world of media, the need to be unique and noticed sometimes takes a strange turn.  In my book “Branding Faith” I talk about branding and identity as something that comes out of your nature.  Your brand story is the essence of who you are.  It’s not something you make up or add on, it’s the compelling story about the real you.  But as I watch a new generation of younger pastors and religious TV personalities, I’m noticing such a desperation to get noticed, that they’re often coming up with some really ridiculous things. ... read more

Brand expert Simon Williams says "Brands that influence culture sell more; culture is the new catalyst for growth."  The concept of changing culture is hot.  Look at Google - it's revolutionizing the way we work online - both personally and corporately.  There's also a rush for brands to be green and help the environment.  Those brands are getting a lot of buzz right now.  Right or wrong, the perception of impacting culture adds an important layer to your credibility.  The perception is that PC's are for bland business people, while Apple is for culture shapers and creators.  What are you doing to impact culture?  Whatever it is, you need to be talking about it. ... read more

Bill Maher (HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher) has produced a new documentary called “Religulous,” directed by Larry Charles (Borat), the purpose of which is to show that people of faith are pretty wacky. The only problem is the coincidental release of a comprehensive new study by Baylor University called “What Americans Believe.” Movie stars like Maher, Matt Damon, the cast of Saturday Night Live, as well as famous atheists like Richard Dawkins continue to make fun of the “weird” beliefs of Christians and other religious types, and are all convinced that ... read more

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Phil Cooke Can Speak for Your Organization or Event

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Phil Cooke can speak at your organization or event on subjects ranging from personal, organizational, creative, media, and cultural change. As an international speaker and lecturer at colleges and universities, major conferences, and related events, he can affect your audience through an array of personal stories, insightful information and research, and most of all, encouragement and inspiration.

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