Karen Kohn

📺 RuPaul’s Drag Race🌈 offers key lessons for brands aiming to connect authentically with the LGBTQ+ community: 1. Be Authentic: Genuine representation matters. Involve LGBTQ+ individuals in your campaigns. 2. Celebrate Diversity: Showcase a variety of voices and experiences within the community. 3. Support Year-Round: Engage with the LGBTQ+ community consistently, not just during Pride Month. 4. Empower and Advocate: Partner with organizations like the ACLU to support broader social causes . By embracing these principles, brands can build strong, genuine connections and foster loyalty within the LGBTQ+ community. 🌟 #LGBTQMarketing #BrandStrategy #Inclusivity #MarketingTips

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With a world focused on instant gratification sometimes the importance of consistent brand presence goes unnoticed. Chief Brand Officers are the unsung heroes that keep the ship from hitting that iceberg. This is a good read if you are interested in finding out how instrumental branding is to your success.

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I recently wrote a piece for Creativebrief on The Evolution of Fandom and how embracing the power of fandom gives brands an opportunity to connect in meaningful ways with audiences. "What once used to be nerdy is now cool. What once used to be niche is now big. 16 of the 30 highest grossing films of all time are in some way related to Superheroes, Science fiction or Fantasy. But why is that? To understand why fandoms are so powerful, we must delve into the psychology behind them. Fandom is not just about liking something; it’s about identity, community, and emotional fulfillment. At its core, fandom satisfies fundamental human needs for belonging and identity. It answers the questions: Who am I? Where do I belong." Thanks to Creativebrief 😎 for sharing. A link to the full article is in the comments! #fandom #fanculture #nerd #nerdculture (Image is from the Batman Unmasked exhibit in London, earlier his week)

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For brands, the highest honor, and greatest reward, is irrational love. The benefits are many. People are more likely to forgive you, pay more for your products, stay loyal when new competitors emerge and they'll instantly want your product...no. matter. what. As we dream up the next INNOCEAN USA, building and measuring irrational love for brands is critical to our mission. And the person at the heart of this is Cindy Scott, author of the Ad Age article below.

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Dear Pinterest Ads Manager, In the past decade, you've had the advertising world at your hands for the taking. You have uniquely ironed out your space as the 'Discovery' platform. You are undoubtedly driving inspiration for planners across home decor, DIY, food/bev, beauty, fashion, and more. 𝘞𝘩𝘺 𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘴𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘢𝘥𝘴? - Your algorithm is light years behind, despite having the best in-platform signals for real-time shoppers. - Your ad creative opportunities are limited, despite a native focus on visual aesthetics and product imagery. - Your landing page experience is frustrating, despite people actively seeking product information. Performance+ is a step in the right direction but please, be better. ADV+ and PMAX are eating your lunch. Sincerely, Performance Advertisers

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What up! I’m Sr. Derrick Whitfield Sr., your go-to Graphic Designer for unconventional brands seeking to make a real impact. - Proudly collaborating with respected clients, my work has blessed renowned platforms like the House of Blues, BET, The 2021 Sundance Film Festival, The Grand Hyatt San Diego, The Hyatt Regency San Diego, TBN Christian Network, JESS SIMS - Peloton Instructor, House of Harlow 1960, and the Gathering Spot in Washington D.C., Nike NYC and Hypebeast. Together, we've created some mind-blowing visual masterpieces that leave audiences in awe. - I'm all about taking your work to new heights, and I'm excited to offer my creative services to commercial brands. I got a sharp eye for what's fresh and innovative, and I promise to whip up designs that connect with your audience and take your brand to a whole new level. - But my journey isn’t just about art; it's about breaking down barriers and making the graphic design world more diverse and inclusive. My creative business opens doors for creatives from every walk of life. We will make the design industry stand out with some real diversity! - Each brand is unique, and I get how important it is to customize designs that match your brand's vibe and vision. My work isn’t just about looking good; it's a strategic tool to get your message out there, captivate your audience, and leave a lasting mark. - Thanks for checking out my bio and work. When you're ready to get unconventional with your branding, remember that Whitfield Designs Company has your back, and the possibilities are endless. Let's go on this creative journey together and turn your vision into a masterpiece. I can't wait to earn your business and be a part of your brand's incredible success! . . . . . . #creativesatwork#creativepreneur#bipocbusiness#blackowned#pocbusiness#dreamersanddoers#solopreneur#branding101#smallbusinessowner#discoverunder5k#gwinnettcounty#gwinnettcountyga#diversityandinclusion#gwinnettsmallbusiness#bipocdesigner#serviceprovider#veteranownedbusiness#calledtocreate#calledtoserve#thankyouforyourbusiness

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I got that feeling, because Im at Target, Sipping a latte, Shopping for nothing, but buying everything. Isn't this Yargets overall strategy? They want us to stroll, roam, browse, and enjoy being in their store. This ad is absolutely hilarious and brilliant. It highlights the thing about Target that we all love and evokes emotion. While watching this commercial I saw myself in a few of these characters (cough, cough, the latte drinker, and plant enthusiast). 🎵 Perfect song choice. When it feels like a no-brainer that this ad worked.... that means its a real gem and a marketing win. Watch the Ad 👉 https://lnkd.in/gSQ2e9nY #Target #TargetStores #targetCommercial #FunnyCommercial #Marketing #MarketingWin #MarketingSuccess #MarketingInsights

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Brand love or brand growth? Choose both. Through creativity, commerce has transformed from transactional tactics to inspiring brand experiences that happen to sell a whole lot of stuff. I hope you enjoy my thoughts on Creative Commerce. MRM McCann Worldgroup ADWEEK

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What's on the menu for top automotive features of interest for Gen Z? Hint: Its not Apple CarPlay!

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Some of you have been asking where you can view our new Deloitte documentary. It is streaming live on deloitte.com right now—see link below. While the pilot episode features an unbelievable true story, I hope you all check out episodes two through five that speak to how trust can be applied to business… And share your feedback!

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Calling everyone who's ever sat through an awkward creative presentation. Over the last decade, we’ve made a shift at Mortar that’s changed the game for our creative process. Instead of starting with "big ideas" and treating creative briefs as launching pads, we’ve adopted a framework focused on imagining what we want our target audience to say--that singular Aha moment of delight and surprise—and it’s paid off. I don’t remember one creative presentation that has missed its mark since we adopted this framework. The difference? Aha briefs aren’t about blasting off into the creative unknown. They’re landing zones. They’re about aligning the team and the client around a clear, shared vision of how we want customers to respond. This focus keeps the creative work sharp, purposeful, and, most importantly, effective. So, while big ideas can be exciting and captivating, we’ve found that aiming for that Aha moment—with a disciplined, collaborative approach—consistently delivers results that hit the bullseye. See www.mortaragency.com for more. #CreativeStrategy #AhaMoments #MarketingInnovation #ClientCollaboration #BreakthroughThinking #MarketingFramework #OriginalIdeas #TargetedCreativity #MarketingSuccess #BrandDevelopment

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It’s hard to believe that I first became a Creative Director 25 years ago - time flies. But from the very start, before becoming a CD, I learned a few things and gained some knowledge along the way, all of which helped me sustain my career and helped me to be a better Creative Director. Here they are. 1. Getting to know the business from the top down, from the start. 2. Seeking out mentors and advisors. 3. Learning the rules so that I could confidently break them. 4. Studied the work of those who succeeded in the industry and then forged my path. 5. Learning how to be patient. 6. Being a sponge for inspiration and knowledge. 7. Asking questions, always. 8. Realising that an ego is not a great copilot. 9. Managing fear. 10. Taking risks is worth the risk. 11. The importance of having a trusted posse. 12. Working overseas away from my comfort zone was a great move. 13. Trusting my gut and becoming a good decision-maker. 14. Accept my mistakes and failures. 15. Doing workshops, training, and courses. 16. Finding great collaborators. 17. Accepting that I was not the only one to encounter self-doubt &/or imposter syndrome at times. 18. Not allowing a comfort zone to dull my creative mind. 19. Saying yes to opportunities. Even the ones that scared me. 20. Taking time out. 21. Ignoring critics. 22. Not taking myself too seriously. 23. Celebrating my wins and better understanding my losses. 24. Having fun along the way. 25. Never working for anyone I couldn’t have a long and enjoyable dinner with. {Disclaimer: I failed twice at this, but I soon learned from my mistakes.} To celebrate recently hitting 25,000 followers on LinkedIn I am offering 25 coaching sessions of 125 minutes each which can be used any time over the next 2.5 months all for a very discounted price. Offer ends Oct 2 at 5 pm. Yes, I get carried away with numbered themes - welcome to my mind. Contact me for more details and  to secure your spot - [email protected] ✳ Note: there are only 19 spots left of the 25. ✴ Oh, and if it's Creative Director Coaching you're looking for, I have spots available now. #creativedirector #creativecoach #creativity

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The sad thing is I have been told by too many people over the years that they have received this response, I even got it early in my career. Leading creative people is not an easy job, but if you’re not cut out for it get out of the hot seat. Many are great at the role and some suck at it. The ones that suck at it are not only damaging people’s careers they are also damaging the agency and doing a disservice to the clients. The second part of the title is the most important - ‘Director’. Imagine a feature film shoot. An A-grade actor is in front of the camera and does a scene, it doesn’t work out and the top-notch Director says - “Nah, don’t like it, keep trying.” It wouldn’t happen. The Director would give “direction”, explain why the scene isn’t working, and give some inspiration to help guide the actor towards delivering the best performance possible. Also, the Director would not suddenly jump in front of the camera and take over and do the acting themself. Something some Creative Directors sometimes do, even from the outset. An agency Creative Director needs to behave the same as a top film Director and ‘direct’, the majority do this, but alas there are many who don’t, and that leads to dissatisfaction from creative people who are missing out on growing their careers. Whenever I am asked by people I mentor and coach what they should do when they find themselves working under a crap Creative Director, my advice is always - “Start looking for a new job with a Creative Director who knows what they are doing.” Titles are not just titles, they are responsibilities. Work with the people who take the role seriously, you’ll learn a lot from them and grow, and in fact, they will also learn and grow by leading you. It’s a win-win for all. ⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡ If you’re looking for creative coaching and guidance, I work with people looking to take the step up to leadership and with those who have suddenly found themselves in the role and want to get it right. I have a couple of openings for June, get in touch and we’ll chat. #creativity #creativedirector #creativecoach #creativecareers

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S/O to Whitney Alexander's Substack for this fantastic ADWEEK spotlight. As a 40+ woman, I am definitely feeling the lack of focus by most consumer brands, ironically, when I'm the most willing (and able) to spend more for quality. Only 5-10% of marketing budgets are earmarked for an over-50 audience, BUT: 💰 Women drive 70-80% of all consumer purchasing, either through buying power or influence  💸 And women older than 50 drive $15 trillion in spending power—which is 27% of all consumer spending in the U.S. 🤑 By 2030, women are expected to control much of the $30 trillion in wealth that is soon to transfer from baby boomers to younger generations—namely millennials, who will all be in their mid-30s to late-40s by then [GASP]. The article lists General Motors, Buick and L'Oréal as exceptions, who else do you think is doing a good job at this? https://lnkd.in/ee_ssgGD

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Join Theorem's Michele (Schuessler) Bavitz and SiriusXM Media's Molly Fuard for a fireside chat at the TV and Streaming Summit on the 21st and 22nd May! 🔥 As an #advertiser or a #marketer, you will be amazed to see where the #digital age #advertising has reached through #connectedtv and similar networks. 📈 A new-age marketing platform to learn more about and experiment with, as a #digitalmarketer. 🧪 🔊 Check it out and then check us out there! 💯 Cheers! 🚀 #digitalmarketing #onlinemarketing #connectedtvnetwork #ads #adnetworks #digitalmedia #onlineads #onlineadvertising #digitaladvertising

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On one of my first weeks at Xpedition I went down to LA to visit our set for our Fitbit client in the YouTube Playa Vista studios and it was impressive in size and scale to say the least. 100s of videos made in half a dozen languages in just a few weeks. What I found most impressive, though, was the vibe. Everyone was cheerful, chatty, sharing ideas, having fun, laughing often, music was going, and it felt like one big summer camp inclusive of clients, talent and the 100+ Xpedition crew. All the sets I’d been on before were serious, a top-down-direction approach. Only one person could talk to clients, only the director spoke on set. Talent were spoken at, and only a few people could share ideas. Most everyone was stiff as a board and, if I’m being honest, as a serious young professional out to prove herself I’m sure I contributed right into that tone on more than a few occasions. Imagine my surprise to see how Xpedition ran a soundstage! Vibe aside, the work was actually better. Issues were brought up, ideas came from many, clients raised ideas and concerns on the spot, the talent had a blast and their personalities shone through. The work could get done on time and on budget and people could have fun and contribute. We think all sets should be like this - for the benefit of the work and the people - so my lovely Xpedition colleagues have shared some of their tips for creating collaborative, inclusive sets. Take a read, share if you’d like, and reach out if this is the type of experience that would benefit your work.

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Gaming + Brand Experience = building authentic worlds for fans and communities to experience better. Check out all the ways Jack Morton Worldwide see the future of gaming experiences evolving in the latest 5 in 5!

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 In "Time Well Spent", Greg Graham explores a bold new approach to workplace compensation, challenging the outdated time-based pay model. Graham challenges the traditional time-based pay model, advocating for a shift towards value-driven compensation that truly recognizes impact. Employees, contractors, or agency partnerships, will gain insights into practical approaches like profit-sharing, retainer models, and value-based pricing that reward the quality and outcomes of work over hours logged. For leaders, HR professionals, and anyone working with creative agencies or strategic consultants, this book is a must-read! #FutureOfWork #ValueBasedCompensation #WorkplaceInnovation https://lnkd.in/dfZiwS43

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Embracing AI is essential for staying competitive and driving innovation. It enhances efficiency, uncovers new opportunities, and transforms how industries operate. A mindset of adaptability and learning ensures organizations can harness AI’s potential to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving world.

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