[Day 7] 3 Masters Who Have Influenced Me To Become Marketing Artist

Michael Jackson Impersonator

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I have been interested in Marketing for a while now.

I am proud of how I become today as a Moondancer and Marketing Artist. And I really look forward to spread of philosophy of Moondancing and Marketing.

But I owe a lot of the progress I've made to these people:

1. Michael Jackson
2. Seth Godin
3. Lao Tzu

These people have taught me so much—and, just like they did with me, I hope to pass along my own learnings to the next person.

The Marketing Masters: My Inspiration from Pop Star, Marketing Guru, and Ancient Philosopher

Marketing is a fascinating field that blends creativity with strategy. It's about understanding people, crafting compelling messages, and building connections that drive results. For years, I've been on a quest to learn everything I can about this dynamic discipline.

While countless marketing resources and courses exist, I've also found inspiration in some unexpected places. Here, I want to share the stories of three individuals who, despite their vastly different backgrounds, have profoundly influenced my approach to marketing: The King of Pop, Michael Jackson; the marketing guru, Seth Godin; and the ancient philosopher, Lao Tzu.

1. Michael Jackson: The King of Branding

At first glance, Michael Jackson might seem an unlikely source of marketing wisdom. However, beneath the dazzling costumes and electrifying performances lay a strategic mind acutely aware of the power of branding.

You can watch this video to know more about his unique style:

Here are three key lessons I've learned from The King of Pop's marketing genius:

• Mastering the Art of Storytelling:
  Michael Jackson understood the power of narrative. From his music videos to his stage presence, he crafted a compelling story – a journey of transformation, rebellion, and artistic evolution. This narrative resonated deeply with fans, creating an emotional connection that transcended music.
  Similarly, in marketing, creating a brand story that connects with your target audience on an emotional level fosters loyalty and builds a strong brand identity.
  
• The Power of Innovation:
  Michael Jackson was a constant innovator. He pushed boundaries, incorporated new technologies into his performances, and redefined the concept of a music video with groundbreaking productions like "Thriller." This relentless pursuit of innovation kept him ahead of the curve and solidified his position as a pop culture icon.
  In marketing, embracing innovation is crucial for staying relevant and capturing audience attention. Always look for new ways to tell your brand story and engage your audience.
  
• Building a Global Brand:
  Michael Jackson transcended cultural barriers. His music resonated universally, making him a global superstar. He achieved this by understanding the power of visual communication and leveraging the global language of music and dance.
  For marketers, building a global brand requires cultural sensitivity and an understanding of how to adapt messaging to resonate with diverse audiences. Focus on universal values and create a brand experience that transcends language and cultural boundaries.

You can watch this TV documentary in which I talked about branding:

Now, I am building my online personal brand at a global level. I will apply what I learn about storytelling together with my unique perspective. Let's see how far I can go. If you are reading this, please pray for me on this long journey, my dear forever true good friend, Yvette Sanchez.

2. Seth Godin: The Marketing Guru

Seth Godin is a prolific author and marketing thought leader whose ideas have challenged and reshaped the way we approach marketing.

And this is the interview in which Seth Godin talked about "Branding and marketing in the age of AI" that you need to see:

Here are three of his key concepts that have significantly impacted my marketing philosophy:

• Permission Marketing:
  In a world bombarded with advertising, Seth Godin emphasizes the importance of permission marketing. He advocates for building relationships with your audience, offering them value instead of intrusive messages. By providing valuable content, insights, and experiences, you earn the right to market to them. This approach fosters trust and loyalty, creating a community of engaged advocates.
• The Power of Ideas:
  Seth Godin argues that in a crowded marketplace, the key to success lies in spreading powerful ideas. He encourages marketers to focus on differentiating their brands by offering unique insights and perspectives that resonate with their audience. This involves identifying trends, sparking conversation, and becoming a thought leader in your industry. Developing powerful ideas allows you to stand out from the noise and attract your ideal customers.
• The Tribes We Lead:
  Seth Godin highlights the importance of building "tribes" – passionate communities around shared interests. He emphasizes that successful marketing goes beyond transactions; it's about connecting with people on a deeper level and fostering a sense of belonging. By fostering a community around your brand, you create an environment for organic growth, advocacy, and customer loyalty.

I apply this concept of tribe while building "Trại Gà MMO" and contribute to other communities. You can watch this video here:

3. Lao Tzu: The Ancient Marketing Sage (You Might Not Expect)

Lao Tzu, the author of the Tao Te Ching, might seem like an unlikely source of marketing wisdom. However, his ancient philosophy offers valuable insights still relevant today.

First, you should watch this video:

Then you can watch this long documentary:

This remind me of the blog post that I wrote not long ago about my dear forever true good friend Yvette Sanchez "Scars That Shine: My Friend's Inspiring Story of Resilience and Kindness". You should definitely read it. Very touching and insipring.

So here are the 3 reasons I learn Marketing from Lao Tzu's philosophy:

• The Importance of Authenticity:
  Lao Tzu emphasizes the importance of living in accordance with the Tao – the natural order of things. In marketing, this translates to authenticity. Consumers can spot inauthenticity a mile away. Building a genuine brand and communicating with transparency fosters trust and lasting relationships with your audience. Be true to your brand values, be transparent in your messaging, and let your brand personality shine through.
  
• The Value of Simplicity:
  Lao Tzu emphasizes the principle of "wu wei" – effortless action. In marketing, this translates to simplicity. Avoid overly complex messaging and visuals. Focus on clear, concise communication that resonates with your audience. Use storytelling and powerful visuals to convey your message in a way that is both engaging and easy to understand.
  
• The Power of Harmony:
  Lao Tzu emphasizes the importance of achieving harmony with the natural world (and by extension, with others). In marketing, this translates to building harmonious relationships with your audience. Listen to their needs, address their concerns, and create a win-win situation. Focus on providing value, building trust, and fostering long-term relationships with your customers.

You can read another post that I wrote about "The Tao of Marketing".

Last but not least, you can watch this short video:

How do you think?

Did this young boy "leave Taoism in less than 3 minutes"?

Actually, he literally went with the flow and didn't resist the argument. He just went with it. He's just bamboozled us, he's actually the ultimate Daoist.

Taoism doesn't say "never resist". Taoism is in essence finding the most successful way around an obstacle by adjusting yourself to the circumstance. Emulating the qualities of water.

If I were asked such a provoking answer, if Nazi invaded Vietnam, I would certainly resist by fighting back because it was in the flow of nature. Just like when you are wounded, the immune system will automatically fight back any strange things want to "invade" your body.

But the way of fighting back really matters. It would be silly to confront the enemy directly. That's why Vietnam is really good at warfare by mastering guerrilla strategy (actually there is also a term known as "guerrilla marketing". But that will be a topic for another time.

"You put water into a bottle it becomes the bottle, you put water into a teapot it becomes the teapot. Be water my friend" - Bruce Lee

You can read another blog post of mine about "The Art of Dance: Bruce Lee's Philosophy in Michael Jackson's Moves"

The Unexpected Symphony: How These Influences Create Marketing Magic

While these three individuals come from vastly different backgrounds, their teachings surprisingly intertwine to create a powerful marketing symphony. Here's how these influences have shaped my approach:

• Storytelling with Innovation:
  Michael Jackson's storytelling prowess combined with Seth Godin's emphasis on powerful ideas allows me to craft compelling brand narratives that differentiate my message in the marketplace. These narratives are then brought to life through innovative content formats, keeping the audience engaged and excited.
  
• Authenticity with Community:
  Lao Tzu's emphasis on authenticity is key to building genuine connections with my audience. By combining this with Seth Godin's concept of "tribes," I strive to foster a community around my brand where people feel valued and heard. This community not only provides valuable feedback but also becomes a powerful source of organic brand advocacy.
  
• Permission Marketing with Harmony:
  Seth Godin's permission marketing approach aligns perfectly with Lao Tzu's concept of achieving harmony with others. By providing valuable content and building trust, I earn the right to market to my audience. This approach fosters a mutually beneficial relationship where both parties gain value.

Conclusion: The Continuous Learning Journey

The stories of Michael Jackson, Seth Godin, and Lao Tzu serve as a constant reminder that inspiration can come from anywhere. By embracing diverse perspectives and learning from both conventional and unconventional sources, I've been able to develop a more holistic approach to marketing.

This is just the beginning of my marketing journey. I'm constantly seeking new knowledge and experiences that will help me refine my approach. Just as these individuals have influenced me, I hope to share my learnings and inspire others to embark on their own marketing adventures.

What about you?

Who has influenced your marketing journey?

Please share your stories and inspirations in the comments below!

Let's keep the conversation flowing and learn from each other.