Get on the Brand Wagon

On this inspirational Sunday (Easter if you celebrate), I offer a cautionary poem for the generative AI moment we're in...

It’s All About The Prompts, ’Bout The Prompts

They asked the box to dream for them,
and it did—plastic Hasbro castles and candy skies.
Likes rolled in. Applause echoed.

Meanwhile, the ground quakes.
AI is reshaping industries, rewriting rules.
And here we are,
chasing superficial likes.

It is, in fact, all about the prompts.
The future is being written.
Think harder.
Because your brand will wear
what you dress it in today—
and tomorrow’s human audience is keeping tabs.

(and now you’ve got Meghan Trainor’s ‘it’s all about that bass’ in your head, amIright?)

Dilemma: What should we do about AI?
(The proverbial we—brands, marketers, creators, humans…)

Exploring, learning, playing, and then remembering who it’s all for makes total sense.
With that in mind, let’s explore ways to play with generative AI to learn its SWOT and then…
always present your findings with your authentic voice.

Full disclosure: I borrowed tips from other thought-leaders talking about this and even asked my BFF, ChatGPT, which I nicknamed chIQ (pronounced chick 🐣 😏), for the ‘best of the best.

🎯 Top 5 AI Prompt Types

These are my current favs to learn generative tools.
It’s also "interesting" to try the same prompts across the different tools to compare results.
(ChatGPT is still the best IMO.)

“Please take the current debate about [insert Topic] and develop a nuanced opinion that challenges the dominant narrative. Back it with recent examples, future trends, and sources.”

→ Why this works:
It forces AI to build a stance, not just summarize noise.
Apparently, this makes people stop scrolling. Or at least some people, maybe even the right people identified in your ICP (Ideal Client Profile)!

“Please write a hypothetical scenario where [insert Industry/Trend] changes dramatically because of [X technology or trend]. Frame it as if advising an executive audience.”

→ Why this works:
Storytelling works, even in business context. Especially if it’s actionable. Why?
We are programmed to love a good story…well except perhaps AI?…and a few other questionable humans lacking character and kindness.

“Based on current trends in [insert Industry], please propose a 3-part framework that organizations can use to adapt to [insert Challenge]. Each part should include action steps.”

→ Why this works:
People LOVE models (no, not the runway kind). It positions you as the architect of thinking, not just the repeater of it.
(Think: Gartner Hype Cycle-level authority.)

“Please summarize the conventional wisdom about [insert Topic], then take a contrarian but well-supported position. Defend it in under 300 words.”

→ Why this works:
Everyone sounds the same until someone intelligently says, "But what if we’re wrong?" That’s the birth of authentic thought leadership.

“Please write a first-person reflection on the future of [insert Industry/Trend] in the voice of a [Founder, CMO, CISO, etc.], showing real vulnerability about what’s uncertain.”

→ Why this works:
Vulnerability + vision is now a superpower. People crave humanized expertise, not brand robots, as stated above and worth repeating with a megaphone.

Curious to know if you’ve tried these or others and what your results were?

Take note, I used PLEASE in all the prompts—putting kind back in #humankind. Plus, it's just smart to be polite to the machines. 😏

Conclusion for This Sunday's Scoop:
Choose Your Prompts Like You Choose Your Legacy.

In a world of infinite content, authenticity is differentiation.
Use the tools — but don’t let the tools use you.

Prompt wisely. Build thoughtfully. Brand bravely.

P.S. Generative AI defined — in case you didn’t know or look it up yet:

Not to be confused with Agentic AI. If you want to learn more about that and how it's apparently going to disrupt SaaS ...(I’m still grappling with it myself)... check out Jay Schwedelson's info-taining podcast.

I hope you all managed to keep your cool amidst the swirling chaos of the week, fellow Brand Whisperers. Distractions were aplenty from the ever-dramatic political arena to the BSOD internet apocalypse. But just when I thought the week would end without a spark of inspiration, the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympics in Paris lit up my screen and my imagination.

So, let's embark on a unique journey, exploring the mighty power of the #OlympicsBrand. 🌟

First, I started by Googling general questions about the Olympics: When was the last time they were held in Paris (3x:1900, 1924, and 2024)? Would Russia be allowed to participate (no)? Where the heck can I even stream on Hulu? (That took a little SEO sleuthing, but I got there in time 😏 )

Historical Highlights

1. Ancient Origins: The Olympics originated in ancient Greece in 776 BCE. Held in Olympia, these games were part of a festival honoring Zeus and featured events like running, long jump, shot put, javelin, boxing, and equestrian events. 🏛️
2. Modern Revival: The modern Olympics were revived in 1896, thanks to the efforts of Frenchman Pierre de Coubertin. The first modern games were held in Athens, Greece, featuring 13 countries and 280 athletes competing in 43 events. 🇬🇷
3. Breaking Barriers: The 1936 Berlin Olympics were notable for Jesse Owens, an African American athlete who won four gold medals, challenging the Nazi ideology of racial superiority. This was a powerful moment showcasing sportsmanship and equality. 🏃‍♂️🏅
4. Global Stage: The 1964 Tokyo Olympics were the first to be broadcast live via satellite, bringing the games to a global audience and marking a significant moment in the media history of the Olympics. 📡🌍
5. Symbol of Peace: The Olympic flame is a powerful symbol of peace and unity. ☮️ The tradition of the torch relay, starting in Olympia and traveling to the host city, was introduced in the 1936 Berlin Olympics and continues to this day, symbolizing the connection between the ancient and modern games. 🔥

The Universal Appeal

What makes the Olympics such an unparalleled brand? For starters, it's a rare example of a global event that transcends boundaries of race, religion, nationality, and economic status. When the torch is lit, the world comes together. 

A Legacy of Unity

The Olympics have been uniting people for over a century, offering a stage where athletes from every corner of the globe showcase their talents and hard work. This unity is a powerful brand message that resonates deeply with audiences. It reminds us of our shared humanity and the joy of coming together for a common goal. United we stand, divided we fall has never been truer. 🏅

Kindness and Conviction

The essence of the Olympics brand is rooted in values we can all champion—excellence, respect, and friendship. In today's fragmented and world, these values are a balm. As a brand strategist, I feel compelled to use my platform to echo these sentiments. Kindness matters. In a world where division is growing, the Olympics reminds us that unity is not only possible but powerful. 🌍❤️

Practical Tips from the Olympics

1. Consistency is Key. The Olympics happen every four years like clockwork. This consistency builds anticipation and trust. Your brand can learn from this by being reliable in your communications and actions.
2. Embrace Inclusivity: The Olympics welcome athletes from all walks of life. Similarly, your brand should strive to be inclusive, welcoming diverse perspectives and ideas.
3. Leverage Emotional Appeal: The stories of triumph and perseverance at the Olympics tug at our heartstrings. Don't shy away from sharing the emotional journey behind your brand.
4. Global Reach with Local Touch: While the Olympics are global, they also celebrate the host country's culture and heritage. Your brand can adopt a similar approach—think global, act local. France got it right with this opening ceremony: artistic, bold, inclusive, and with a dash of AI fun. Bravo, Bien joué!

Podium-Level Thoughts

As we watch athletes break records and overcome obstacles, let's take a moment to appreciate the power of unity that the Olympics brand brings. It's a testament to the fact that no matter how divided we may seem, something can always bring us together. Let's harness this spirit in our branding efforts, fostering unity and kindness in all we do. 🏆 #BrandUnity #BeKind