AMPLIFY

Pixar has a unique track record in terms of breakthroughs. In the 90s, Pixar was leading in terms of computer animation. In 1995, they were the first to release a computer-animated feature film in the world called ‘Toy Story’. Within another decade, they had released several more popular films that became blockbusters, including ‘A Bug’s Life’, ‘Toy Story 2’, ‘Monsters, Inc.’, and ‘Finding Nemo’.

What makes Pixar’s work so successful, though? According to Pixar animation pioneer Ed Catmull, it has nothing to do with luck; but more with the practices and principles that they have in place for their talents. At Pixar, they build a real community with lasting relationships and shared beliefs. Here are some of Catmull’s important insights on creating a creative workplace culture.

Catmull shares that the people at Pixar share their unfinished animation work with everyone else daily. This helps the team overcome any embarrassment they might feel about their unfinished work and, in turn, helps them become more creative.

By sharing unfinished work with the rest of the team, people can receive genuine feedback and get their creative juices flowing even more. Getting feedback will eventually be so normalised that people won’t feel attacked or down when their ideas aren’t well-received. They will feel safe and encouraged to become more creative in the workplace.

At Pixar, regardless of what department they might be in, people are encouraged to approach others to help them with their problems. Even if they need help from another department, they can approach these people directly without going through other channels to ask for permission first.

See, if everything at works has to go through a strict process or involves a certain hierarchy, the organisation will be viewed as more important than the actual work. If you allow people in the workplace to take the initiative, get rid of obstacles, and find solutions together, regardless of hierarchy; you will most likely get a more productive outcome. Conversely, if people are too scared to step out of line or feel like they need permission before moving into the workplace, their creative process will most likely diminish early on. Work will also proceed much slower, in general.

Building strong relationships and partnerships are important in any workplace. You should all be able to work together despite any constraints that come your way. Pixar has small teams within the workplace that work together to convince the higher-ups of how well a film might do. If they can establish executive confidence, they can get the movie funded and then grow their team.

While the people at Pixar may strive for the utmost creativity, they aren’t given free creativity. After all, they know that the film they are creating needs to make money. This is what real creativity thrives on. If a team has a mission and is empowered, they will feel a sense of freedom. Despite any project constraints, the tension will unlock their creativity if you build them upright.

In other words, you should never be too hard on your team. When somebody gets into trouble, you need to make it a point not to make them feel bad or undermine them. Instead, build a good team environment where they feel like they have a voice and their opinion matters.

If you are aiming to create a creative workplace culture, you should hire creative people and build a good environment and dynamic that encourages their creativity. Allow them to take risks and voice out their opinions. Instead of looking for geniuses from the get-go, look for people who can work well with others instead.

The article was written by Soon Koon.

Although most people in today’s day and age are familiar with the name ‘Starbucks’, there was a time when Starbucks was just a regular store and an ordinary name. How did they manage to climb up the ranks and become the well-known brand that they are today? Well, aside from offering delicious coffee, they also happen to use various psychological tricks to create an unforgettable customer experience. Here are some of those tricks.

One way that Starbucks makes the experience at their stores more personal is by asking for a customer’s name whenever they take an order. By writing a customer’s name on a cup and subsequently calling out their name when their order is ready, Starbucks makes people feel closer to them.

Starbucks employees also make it a point to remember the names of customers who frequently visit their particular store. Greeting their customers by name when they enter or when they take an order builds a more personal relationship that almost feels like a friendship to them.

FOMO – or the Fear of Missing Out – is a real thing, and Starbucks knows this. Starbucks knows that people are scared of missing out on things like good products and great discounts, and they release limited edition products regularly to bank on that. By releasing special drinks for certain occasions, as well as limited-edition merchandise, Starbucks effectively convinces people to buy their products as soon as possible before they are gone for good.

You might not have noticed this, but Starbucks places its lights strategically in an attempt to get their customers to spend money. Most Starbucks stores are fairly dimly lit to create a cosy atmosphere. However, the cash register and the areas where their products are on display are always well-lit. This is because people are known to react positively to well-lit spaces, drawing them in and, in turn, causing them to make impulsive purchases.

This might sound strange, but charging more for coffee is one of the reasons why customers are keeping coming back to Starbucks. People seem to believe that expensive items are valuable. So, by charging more for a commodity product and adding a premium experience on top of it, Starbucks has been able to revolutionise the coffee market.

On that same note, the premium prices and premium experience that Starbucks offers make people feel like they are part of something special – sort of like a club. Being a premium brand, people are aware that not everybody can afford to eat and drink at Starbucks. This makes the entire experience feel more exclusive, even causing some people to aspire to be able to buy their products someday.

Being a regular Starbucks customer comes with knowing special things about it. Aside from a secret menu of underground orders, they also offer other things that loyal customers are proud to know about. For example, they have a Puppuccino that you can order if you bring your dog with you. They also give their customers the option to bring their own tumblers and save money with each drink order. Knowing little secrets like these make people feel special and give them something to brag about to their peers who might not be die-hard Starbucks customers yet.

What is your favourite part about Starbucks that makes you keep coming back for more?

The article was written by Soon Koon.

Consumers around the world are starting to feel the effects of the COVID-19 crisis on the economy. Thus, consumers are more careful about the ways that they spend their money. As retailers close their doors, consumers worldwide have started to look at brands and products differently.

However, will these new habits persist even after the COVID-19 crisis? Will the way we live, work, and shop permanently change when all this is over? By looking at these changes as they happen, you might be able to prepare for what is coming next.

According to an Accenture COVID-19 Consumer Research done in early April, 64% of people are worried about how the crisis will affect their job security, while 88% of people are worried about how it will affect the economy as a whole.

Either way, people have changed their purchasing habits, attitudes, and behaviours throughout the past few months because they are worried about what the COVID-19 crisis means for them, their relatives, their friends, and their overall society.

Different consumers are responding in different ways. While some are worried, some are panic-buying. What you need to do for your company is to try to understand how your consumers are reacting, and develop a customised marketing strategy for them.

How, why, and what consumers buy have changed since the COVID-19 outbreak. Most consumers have generally been prioritising basic needs, such as cleaning supplies and hygiene products. E-commerce has also increased as more consumers now rely on the Internet to buy their groceries and other necessary products.

With a pandemic on hand, these trends are not surprising. Basic necessities should be everyone’s priority alongside food, medicine, personal safety, and financial security. With consumers adapting to these new routines, it can be expected that these new behaviours and habits will tide over to after the COVID-19 crisis blows over.

It would, therefore, be smart to prioritise supporting healthy lifestyles from now on. Having health strategies can make a huge difference in your business future. Since consumers are becoming more mindful of what they buy by limiting their food waste and being more cost-conscious, you might also want to make sustainable options a key part of your products from now on.

The COVID-19 crisis has slowed down everybody’s lives and affected how consumers view their health, personal hygiene, and relationships with other people. Consumers are making more use of technology now to support the ‘new normal’ and to keep their communities strong.

Consumers have changed how they spend their free time due to social distancing and isolation, as well, and it is highly likely that this behaviour will be sustained after the crisis. 61% of people have said that they plan to watch more news, while 55% plan on spending more time with their loved ones. There has also been a rise in education, entertainment, and DIY projects since the COVID-19 crisis began.

Looking at the types of apps consumers are downloading, most of the apps are related to news, education, entertainment, and healthcare. While consumer needs are pretty much still the same, technology is changing how consumers are dealing with things. This means that you need to focus on more digital methods for better consumer engagement.

While things are still very uncertain at the moment, it is unclear how long these changes will remain the same or whether new transitions will emerge as time goes by. However, by staying up-to-date with these changes, you can stay relevant and plan for the foreseeable future as needed. Either way, things will never be the same again – at least not for a while.

The article was written by Soon Koon.

Swedish furniture store IKEA is a well-known brand popular with people from practically all walks of life – from college students looking to furnish their temporary living quarters to homeowners who take home design seriously.

If you are wondering how IKEA was able to market themselves and win over the world, here are some of their marketing secrets.

This segment is the biggest segment of society and consists of people who consider personal satisfaction when shopping. This segment also prioritises value for money, and IKEA offers exactly that.

Customers keep coming back to IKEA because they are always satisfied with their products. Aside from the consistent quality, IKEA also makes sure that their furniture always looks good. Their minimalistic aesthetic is part of their charm and is part of what makes their pieces easily identifiable.

Their affordable prices are part of their marketing strategy. Affordability is so important to IKEA that they decide on the price of their furniture before actually constructing it. Aside from offering quality products at affordable prices, they also lower their prices by 2% to 3% every year.

The DIY assembly that IKEA offers may seem burdensome (if not downright frustrating) to some, but putting furniture together actually makes people feel more connected to them. Let’s not forget how people love to show off their finished creations on social media afterwards, providing IKEA with more free marketing.

The Bulla Bulla method refers to displaying products in a way that makes them look affordable. One way that IKEA does this is by filling a bin to the brim with a particular product. This is very effective as it usually makes customers think that they are making a smart purchase.

The displays at IKEA are not accidental. They position each section in specific ways that mimic real rooms. This generally makes each area exude a familiarity that customers will find calming. Since the furniture is set up in their natural environment, it gives customers a sense of comfort and provides them with real retail therapy.

People don’t just go to IKEA for the furniture; they also go for cheap food. IKEA’s food is just as iconic as their furniture pieces (Swedish meatballs, anyone) and we all know that people are generally in a much better mood when their stomachs are full and satisfied.

In many Asian countries, it isn’t surprising to for salespeople to approach customers looking around and asking if they can help in any way. This doesn’t happen in IKEA. Instead, their employees are instructed only to help out if a customer asks for it. This is a Scandinavian method – and it looks like it has been working for them.

IKEA develops products based on the needs of their customers. To understand these needs, they conduct various consumer researches to come up with the right marketing objectives that will reveal their customers’ preferences and help the company grow.

Every brand starts from scratch, and IKEA has proven that with hard work and passion, success is never too far off.

The article was written by Soon Koon.

Due to COVID-19 pandemic, almost everything around the world is on paused. The novel coronavirus has disrupted the strategic decision-making framework for every business. In Singapore, the circuit breaker has extended for another 4 more weeks till 1 June 2020. Companies reduce their financial forecast for this year, and leaders need to get ready to bounce and rethink their business strategy for the post-COVID-19 world.

The rapidly spreading COVID-19 pandemic caught the world by surprise. Many retail shops and restaurants have closed as everyone stay at home. Millions of people have lost their job. How 'patient zero' got infected and transmitted the novel coronavirus to others is still unknown. 

After the circuit breaker, the lives' of humankind will change. The COVID-19 pandemic has impact everyone financially and psychologically. It could take months before we can resume living like our pre-COVID-19 lives.

In this fast-moving era, we need to think about what will be the likely business trends in the post-COVID-19 world. Let's look a look beyond COVID-19.

From remote working to yoga classes, virtual is the future. Meetings that were once thought that face-to-face interaction is a requirement can be done over Zoom or Google Meet. With the circuit breaker imposed, work has been stripped to bare bones. Employers are more comfortable with work from home as long as employees are accountable for the work delivered. Therefore, we are going to see more people working from home in the future. 

Classes that were usually taught in person will offer an online elective for students. Students can stay at home and attend their lessons remotely. Events shifting online will be more cost-effective and reduce the risk of contact. The increase in online classes, meetings, work and events will spur growth in a key area of technology known as Virtual Reality (VR). 

Virtual Reality will offer an immersive experience for people as they don't need to be physically there. The increase in demand for Virtual Reality will cause this technology to mature faster and bringing it mainstream at a lower cost.

The demand for workers for essential services skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic. As we are venerable to the virus, the need for social distancing leads to the demand for robotics.

Robots are the war heroes during our fight against COVID-19, and they have addressed the challenges posed by the pandemic. Robots are deployed to take vitals in hospitals and deliver food and medications to patients diagnosed with COVID-19. 

Disinfection robots are capable of shredding the DNA or RNA of any microorganisms with the use of ultraviolet-C (UVC) lights. Drones are used for temperature screening to measure the body temperature and detect the key symptom of the coronavirus, fever.

The demand for robotics innovation has caused the request for artificial intelligence (AI), sensors and other robot building parts to be highly sought after. With support from robots, this technology will play an important role in the post-COVID-19 world or during a future pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic will not kill off leisure and business travel. But, it definitely changes the way we travel. Welcome to the new era of air travel. Business travels have always been taken for granted as a necessity. People need to meet in person to make plans, manage projects and close off the deal.

This crisis has proven that business travel can be considered as a non-essential activity. With tools like Facebook Workplace, Slack and Trello, most of the work and networking can be done online. Although some things are better to be done in person, spending hours in travelling around the world isn't entirely necessary.

We are impressed with touchscreens, but COVID-19 crisis has made us aware that every touch surfaces could potentially transmit diseases. Therefore, in the post-COVID-19 world, there will be fewer touch screens and more contactless interfaces. 

Contactless payment like Apple Pay and GrabPay has been rolled out over the years. By using the technology like RFID or NFC, you can tap your smartphone or credit card and made payment for your purchases. There isn't a need for signature or PIN code.

The next technology that will likely to gain traction is voice control and facial recognition because there isn't a need for physical contact. Contactless technology will minimise human touchpoints and offer convenience and hygiene-centred ways.

With sporting events and musical cancelled around the world, eSports thrived during this stay home period. Twitch, one of the world's biggest streaming platforms for gamers, has a 24% increased in its viewership.

As more people are practising social distancing, eSports has been filling the place of usual sports during these difficult times. Regardless of which eSports people are watching, one thing for sure is there will be increased numbers of viewership until COVID-19 runs its course. Thanks to eSports, the socially-distant world now feels a little bit more connected.

Businesses which do not offer an online option are facing financial issues, while businesses who had online capabilities ramp up their offerings. After the COVID-19 crisis, there could be a change in the shopping habits of consumers. Consumers will be more motivated than ever to stay home and shop online. Therefore, businesses will need to figure out ways to enhance online presence and services. 

With the increasing demand for online shopping after this pandemic, logistics and delivery services will need to acquire better inventory and delivery system. This will help to meet the surge in demand for the future.

While you are staying at home, local delivery services have been increasingly important to deliver food and other perishable products to your doorsteps. By having a central location for retail and food distribution, this will improve efficiency and more cost-effective.

Retailers can consider using technology to make things safer and convenient for consumers, from end to end. Cooked food can be prepared in a giant "dark kitchen" centres where drivers can pick up in one location. The change in retail and food distribution will bring forth a new retail experience for the post-COVID-19 world.

Besides technology, fashion-ready face masks could become an accessory in everyone's wardrobe. This could potentially be an opportunity for the textile industry. Fashion companies will need to come out with innovative and creative ways to make face masks comfortable, stylish and protective.

In comparison to the pre-COVID-19 outbreak, the post-epidemic phase will emerge a new consumer behaviour and trends. Businesses will need to be nimble and agile to adapt to the new world and re-strategise their business plans. Ramping up on digital transformation will lead to a more resilient business.

This pandemic has shown that humankind can be innovative, adaptable and resilient. The COVID-19 storm will pass and shine again after the storm. Are you ready to welcome the new world?

AM Collective is a branding and digital marketing agency born and based in Singapore. We are also a social media agency which also owns a group of digital properties. 

Our clients include Huawei, NTUC Enterprise, Grab, Starhub, Junction 8, Capitol Singapore and CHIJMES, among others.

We make every marketing idea into reality for every business.

The article was written by Soon Koon.

As a customer, we all want privacy. We want our files to be transferred from one end to another end securely. Early this year, Jeff Bezos, the Amazon founder and CEO, had his iPhone hacked after receiving a 4.4MB video file which contains malware on his WhatsApp. The incident was under investigation by the FBI.

Soon after, Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram wanted Jeff Bezos to use Telegram app instead of Facebook-owned WhatsApp. We know that we cannot say "WhatsApp is better than Telegram", or vice-versa until we have made a comparison between these two popular chat apps.

In October 2019, Telegram had 300 million users around the world, and this is a pretty impressive number. WhatsApp has over 1.5 billion users in 2019, making WhatsApp a lead among the other chat app competitors.

WhatsApp and Telegram shares many look-alike features, which most feature originated by Telegram. These features include web client, group chats, file sharing and message deletion. When it comes to file sharing, Telegram allows up to 1.5 GB of file transfer while Whatsapp allows up to 100MB. WhatsApp allows up to 256 members in a chat group, whereas Telegram pushed the chat group members from 5,000 to 100,000.

The one thing that WhatsApp offers, which is not available on Telegram is the support of video calls. Video calls are one of the most requested features for Telegram.

WhatsApp and Telegram both offer the same security degree. However, Telegram allows users to create a secret chat group and self destruct timer function. These two security features are not available on WhatsApp. Yet, WhatsApp uses a 60 digit code QR code verification to prevent unauthorised access.

When it comes to the security of chat backups, Telegram has a secure framework which allows the users to have more control over the chat backups. It's web client, the Telegram Desktop, enables users to log in and able to generate backup which can be saved in HTML or JSON file format. Additionally, Telegram Passport protect it's users' personal identification documents with better end-to-end encryption.

WhatsApp's chat backup are not stored on WhatsApp's servers. Therefore, backing up your chat history can be complicated. For iPhone users, WhatsApp chat backups are stored on iCloud. This means that the messages and media are not protected by Whatsapp end-to-end encryption. For Andriod users, WhatsApp chat history can be backup on Google Drive.

WhatsApp supports both voice and video calls. As long as you have a strong and stable network connection, you will get to enjoy a high quality of call experience. 

WhatsApp informs the sender if the message has been delivered and read by the other party promptly. In the chat system, WhatsApp will display double ticks when a message lands on the recipient's device successfully. The ticks will turn blue when the message has been read. WhatsApp will also indicate the timestamp of the message once read.

While Telegram uses end-to-end encryption only for secret chat, WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption everywhere. 

WhatsApp's current data backing system is secured, but some users may not be happy with it. Therefore, WhatsApp will provide an additional security layer to protect the backup chat histories on Google Drive. The chat backup will be encrypted with a password where neither Google or WhatsApp can access.

WhatsApp users can put status messages on their profile, which can be viewed by anyone in your contacts list.

Telegram offers cloud storage for its users to backup their chat histories such as images and files. Cloud storage provides the convenience of users when they log out and log in simultaneously on different devices. So, there is no worry about backup and restore of Telegram chat history. With cloud storage, you only need to upload your file once, and you can reshare the same file to someone else to save your data.

Telegram offers compression options for its users for both image and video files. When it comes to viewing, uncompressed images and video provide excellent quality.

Telegram users can communicate with another Telegram User through username if one doesn't have a contact number. 

A Telegram Channel has no limit on the number of members. The Creator, or administrator, of the channel, can decide who can post to a Channel, while Members can merely view the posts. Creating a Channel with only yourself allows you to do interesting activities as such, storing your notes and web links. 

Telegram is available on iOS, Android, Windows Phone, Windows PC, Mac OS X, Linux, and even through any web browser.

Secret chats are end-to-end encryption which can't be hacked. Additionally, with the self-destruct timer, messages will be destroyed after the set time. 

Telegram supports gif and Sticker packs based on their likings.

Telegram allows the inclusion of chatbots, which are AI users that can perform certain activities such as responding to a message or even take a poll in a group. 

Accessible through Telegram app, Telegram Support Force is a group of volunteers that help to solve Telegram users issues around the world.

Initially designed for Telegraph files only, many popular websites like Medium has also adapted Instant View. Instant View allows users to open an article on a website in less than a second.

To sum things up between WhatsApp and Telegram, Telegram will earn more points. Of course, there still could be many other points which may be minor. Telegram offers experience with its cloud service while Whatsapp provides convenience when it comes to voice and video calls. Additionally, WhatsApp is making things challenging for many of its competitors with its new features.

Although Whatsapp has more users using the chat app, it doesn't mean that it is better than Telegram. Plus, WhatsApp has been questioned many times about its privacy. In comparison, Telegram is considered a more secured messaging app.

It is important to note that different people have different requirements. Therefore, everyone has their own opinions between WhatsApp and Telegram based on their needs. So, do you think Telegram will overtake Whatsapp, or Whatsapp will still remain the most popular messaging app?

The article was written by Soon Koon.

Netflix had significantly grown since its humble beginnings when it introduced streaming services back in 2007. In 2013, they produced their first show, ‘House of Cards’, and they have gone nowhere but up since then.

In its earlier stages, building the Netflix brand meant finding the means to promote it while being an entirely new business. Here are three powerful tools that Netflix used to become a strong brand that it is today.

When creating your brand, you need to think about what you want your consumers to feel and recall whenever they hear your brand name. This may involve personal stories, promises, and personality traits. To build your brand, you need to think about what it is, what benefits your customers can get out of it, how it can improve other people’s lives, and what its personality would be if it were a person.

Ideally, you should be as clear, as precise, and as straightforward as possible. Imagine you are talking to a child about your brand. Also, introduce your brand the way that you would introduce a person. Doing so will bring about emotions in the people that you talk to and, in turn, make your brand more memorable. Make sure to mention how your brand can benefit your customers, as well.

After the Positioning Model comes to the Branding Pyramid, which will embed your brand into the mind of your consumers. Great brands like Netflix showcase focus on the emotional benefits when it comes to this to make them more relatable. They also aim big, promising their customers something to look forward to in the future.

The Branding Pyramid can help you level up your brand’s attributes and benefits to jolt emotions and make your brand memorable. Although Netflix has provided the same benefits over the years, the product changed greatly – from sending out DVDs via mail to providing streaming services to creating original content.

To make the most of the Branding Pyramid, make sure you evoke the right emotions. Make them positive, personal, and powerful. Additionally, always think big and think ahead. Ask yourself what you want to do for your customers and the world in the long run. Dream big and make plans to make valuable contributions. This will help you create a legacy, just like Netflix and help you reach your full potential.

After the Positioning Model and the Branding Pyramid comes the Concept Summary, where you represent your brand’s ideas to potential customers in a summary that people of any age can understand. Netflix came up with several concept summaries to suit their brand promise, and you should create different ones as your brand grows, as well.

Keep in mind that your brand will keep growing and that you will keep learning, but you should also stay true to what your brand can offer. This will help you communicate your vision more effectively. While Netflix described itself with many words back in the day, it became much easier to communicate with customers as time went by as it became more successful and more popular.

Hopefully, with these tools, you’ll be able to create a strong brand in the same way that Netflix did and soar to great heights.

Image source: Muji

Founded in 1980, Muji is as a private brand under Japanese supermarket known as The Seiyu. Back then, foreign luxury brands were gaining popularity due to Japan's growing economy.

On the other hand, there was also a huge market for affordable and low-quality products in Japan. Ironically, Muji was born seeing the gap for no-frills affordable and quality products in the market. Muji started with 9 household goods and 31 food items. As of today, Muji is well-know as a home and lifestyle brand which offers over 7,000 goods ranging from fashion to furniture. As of 2018, Muji has over 900 stores worldwide.

The full name of Muji is Mujirushi Ryohin 無印良品, which means 'no brand quality goods'. Muji's philosophy for 'no brand quality goods' can be seen in the brand's simplicity as well as the functionality of their items. Instead of being on trend, Muji focuses on a minimalistic product design which will stand the test of time.

Asako Shimazaki, President of Muji USA. Image source: Fast Company

From storage boxes to knitted socks that don't slip off people's feet, Asako Shimazaki, President of Muji USA, said they want to fix problems that will arise daily. Every Muji products are designed to deliver one function they were made for. Henceforth the idea, 'Muji is enough'. 

Muji wants to give its customers a rational satisfaction. Instead of "this is what I want", "this will do" should be in their mind believing that Muji's products will fit their needs.

Kenya Hara, Muji's art director. Image source: Yatzer

One of Muji's most interesting ideology is 'emptiness'. Kenya Hara, Muji's art director, said that traditional Japanese design focuses on simplicity. Such ideology allows people to use Japanese products; however they want to. For example, some of Muji's products can be combined or applied to suit the person's lifestyle.

So, what are the core principles of Muji which help them deliver it's 'no brand quality goods'? They are selection of materials, streamlining of processes and simplicity in packaging.

Material selection is Muji's most important criteria as it affects quality. Muji is also known to buy in discarded industrial materials due to their appearance in bulk at a low price. The company also choose natural materials which align to their next principle, streamlining of processes.

Muji tries to do what is enough when it comes to processes in manufacturing. Using natural materials, the company don't have to worry about dyeing or painting. By streamlining its processes, Muji can reduce wastage and cost during their manufacturing.

Image source: Muji

When it comes to Muji's packaging, there is nothing flashy. Muji packs their items in simple and plain packaging or containers. Through simplifying packaging, Muji helps to save unnecessary resources.

While IKEA and Uniqlo are Muji's closest competitors, the 'no brand' Japanese company has carved a niche positioning for itself. Muji's products are easily recognisable and appeal to many because of its aesthetic design.

Muji's products fit into many homes around the world. Even though the products are built for a specific purpose, Muji's products are easy to figure out. No fussy control buttons, plug and it works. 

Muji is a well-know international household brand. The company don't limit itself to Japanese styles, but it remains strong as a Japanese brand. As most Japanese brands are often associated with the term 'quality', this gives Muji an edge against its competitors. 

Muji is a Japanese brand that believes so strongly in its philosophy and brand values. The dedication in manufacturing 'no brand quality goods' can be seen in their core principles. When it comes to the selection of materials, Muji focuses on quality. Use what is necessary can be seen in Muji's processes. Finally, the packaging is kept simple. With the three mentioned core principles, Muji can keep its product pricing affordable and environmentally friendly.

The 'no brand' brand don't have huge advertising budgets. Word of mouth is what Muji relies on to spread brand awareness. The company put its resources in ensuring they deliver an excellent in-store experience for their customers.

Image source: Fast Company

Instead of running massive campaigns, Muji prefers to reach people through in-store events and talks. In return, this will keep their marketing costs low and product pricing low. Occasionally, Muji will make advertisements to reflect the brand. One such example is Muji's 2003 campaign to showcase Muji's idea of 'Emptiness'.

Today, Muji has evolved from a famous lifestyle household brand to serving food in Asia and hotels dressed with Muji's furniture and products. For a brand with 'no brand', Muji did a pretty impressive job.

The article was written by Soon Koon.

Elon Musk is an entrepreneur who founded X.com (now known as PayPal) in 1999, Space X in 2002, and Tesla Motors in 2003. After selling his startup company Zip2, Musk became a multimillionaire before he even turned 30. Steve Jobs, on the other hand, was an entrepreneur, inventor and designer who co-founded Apple Computer and in turn dictated the evolution of today’s technology.

Both of these tech wizards have made their mark in the world with their success and without a doubt, they are both great marketers. As such, we’ve put together 3 helpful marketing strategies that we’ve learned from them in this article.

Brands may avoid mentioning other brands during presentations or talks because they do not want to step on any toes or want to avoid looking like a bad person by doing so. However, this is something that both Apple and Tesla have already done.

In 2007, during the launch of the very first iPhone, Jobs talked down on his competitors, particularly MotoO, BlackBerry, Nokia e62, and Palm Treo. Not only did he point out each phone’s flaws, but he also proved why the iPhone was better than their products.

Musk has openly bashed Ford on stage, as well, saying their Ford Tough slogan couldn’t be true and even saying that their cars’ doors were made out of tissue paper. And the audience loved it!

Musk even showed footage of a Cybertruck pulling an F Ford-150 uphill once.

Musk does a great job at avoiding disaster, thanks to his counter actions and his strategy to always put the consumer first. This was especially evident during the Roadster launch in 2017, which he launched to make up for the delay of Tesla Model 3 deliveries.

To pacify the customers who were waiting for their Tesla Model 3, he gave them the option to drive a Roadster in exchange for having to wait another year for their Tesla Model 3. Of course, it is important to time these things perfectly, too, though.

If you’ve ever gotten curious after seeing a long line of people queuing up for something, that is the impact of social proof. In today’s day and age, people always seem to want what other people want, regardless of whether they had any inclination of wanting it in the first place.

Jobs was a master at this. He was able to hype people up so much that they ended up lining up for the iPhone even when the smartphone market was already overly saturated at the time.

Musk also did the same with cybertrucks, which now has a much wider audience of customers who want the design, look, sustainability, and horsepower that they have to provide.

AM Collective is a branding and digital marketing agency born and based in Singapore. We are also a social media agency which also owns a group of digital properties. 

Our clients include Huawei, NTUC Enterprise, Grab, Starhub, Junction 8, Capitol Singapore and CHIJMES, among others.

We make every marketing idea into reality for every business.

The article was written by Soon Koon.