The pursuit of crazy ideas is much needed In our current world of copy and paste.
How many times have we heard companies say they want to be like Apple…
They want to look like Apple.
They want to sound like Apple.
They want to be Apple.
What truly defines Apple and similar innovators isn't just aesthetics or branding. It's about a cultural mindset that embraces the unknown and outlandish ideas.
This ethos, captured in Apple's famous 1997 manifesto by Lee Clow, Rob Siltanen, and the TBWA\Chiat\Day team, intersects with 'crazy enough' thinking in innovation and leadership."
“Here's to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They're not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can't do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.”
It’s time to be Apple by being crazy enough to be different than Apple.
AI In Movies - What's Accurate and What's Nonsense?
Artificial intelligence (AI) has been a staple of science fiction for decades, from HAL 9000 in 2001: A Space Odyssey to Samantha in Her. While these depictions of AI make for great entertainment, they often blur the lines between fact and fiction. In this blog post, we'll explore how AI has been portrayed in movies for the past 50 years and what is accurate and what is complete nonsense.
The Early Years
In the early years of AI in movies, robots and computers were often portrayed as emotionless and cold, lacking any kind of human-like qualities. Think of Robbie the Robot in Forbidden Planet or the Gort in The Day the Earth Stood Still. These robots were often depicted as tools or weapons, rather than as autonomous beings.
The 80s and 90s
In the 80s and 90s, AI began to take on a more human-like appearance and personality. Think of Bishop in Aliens or Johnny Five in Short Circuit. These AI characters were often portrayed as loyal companions or comedic relief, but were still limited in their capabilities and lacked true sentience.
The Modern Era
In more recent years, AI in movies has taken on a more nuanced and complex role. Films like Ex Machina and Her explore the concept of AI with more depth and detail, delving into questions of consciousness, emotion, and ethics.
What's Accurate and What's Nonsense?
While AI in movies has certainly come a long way, there are still many aspects of these depictions that are completely inaccurate. For example, the idea that AI can suddenly become conscious and turn against humans is a common trope in movies, but is not grounded in reality. Additionally, the idea that AI can have human-like emotions or desires is also unrealistic, as AI lacks the complex biological and psychological mechanisms that underpin human emotions.
On the other hand, there are some aspects of AI in movies that are accurate. For example, the idea that AI can automate certain tasks and improve efficiency is certainly a reality. Additionally, the concept of machine learning, where AI can learn and adapt to new situations, is also accurate and becoming more widespread.
Embracing AI in the Real World
While it's fun to explore the world of AI in movies, it's important to remember that the reality of AI is much more nuanced and complex. By understanding the limitations and possibilities of AI, we can work to harness its potential for good and minimize its negative impacts.
In conclusion, AI has been a staple of science fiction for decades, and while many of these depictions are inaccurate, there are still aspects that are grounded in reality. As AI continues to evolve, it's crucial that we continue to explore its potential and work to ensure that it benefits society as a whole. So, the next time you see an AI character on the big screen, remember to take it with a grain of salt – and embrace the power of AI in the real world.
Authenticity is..
Authenticity will be the buzzword of the 21st century. And what is authentic? Anything not devised and structured to make a profit. Anything that exists for its own sake, that assumes its own shape. But...nothing in the modern world is allowed to assume its own shape. The modern world is the corporate equivalent of a formal garden, where everything is planted and arranged for effect. Where nothing is untouched, where nothing is authentic. And what is the most authentic of all? The past. The past is unarguably authentic. The past is a world that already existed.... The past is real. It’s authentic. And this will make the past unbelievably attractive. People...want to visit not other places, but other times...medieval walled cities, Buddhist temples, Mayan pyramids, Egyptian necropolises...the vanished world. And they don’t want it to be fake. They don’t want it to be made pretty, or cleaned up. They want it to be authentic. —Michael Crichton, Timeline (1999)
- People want the real deal. They want it customized and available to them instantly and in any format they choose. It is up to marketers to differentiate themselves and provide memorable, genuine - authentic experiences.
More thoughts on Conversational Authenticity and Authentic Communications
Conversational authenticity
We all have that friend, the one who we are excited to see because we haven't seen them in a while, but when we do meet up they monopolize the conversation with all of their problems.
Then we re-realize why we haven't seen them in a while. They are a one-way conversation with themselves and they could be talking to anyone. We may get our chance to tell our story, but this conversation is not a real dialogue. It's not allowing for genuine, creative, authentic real time responses. It is difficult for people to have conversations that aren't trying to promote one sides agenda over the others.
It is especially difficult for brands to shift from message broadcasting, to a mass audience to authentic conversations with their advocates.
-
One way to ensure that brands have meaningful conversations is to create a conversational calendar. A "conversational calendar" is an "always-on", year long and beyond plan to provide useful content, promote a dialogue and find a balance between the brands needs and the needs of their advocates. It's starts by understanding what is valuable to your advocates. What gets them excited to engage with your brand? Is it a particular social cause you support, an issue they care about, a contest, free products, insider information, being listened to, special offers... Whatever it may be, you have to genuinely support what they care about and want to help (like Pepsi Refresh), and that means honestly caring about others and not just getting your brand messages weaved into the conversation. If you can engage and promote authentic conversations, you will be able to earn even more commitment from your advocates and purpose for your brand. Don't be that friend who doesn't listen, be that friend who asks questions and truly wants to know what the other wants and support them as much as possible.
photo credit
Communicating authentically
We all know that "Things have changed". The people have spoken and they want open honest "authentic" communications. They don't want to be called "consumers", "target audiences", or "prospects". They want companies to be open, trustworthy and "not be evil". They want to talk to real people, on the communication platform of their choice - whenever they want. They want companies to listen to them and their opinions heard. Most importantly, they want to connect and build relationships that are built on mutual respect and understanding. If you dig a little deeper into human communication, some psychiatrists will tell you that almost 90% of all communications between people has an intent to control. We feel more comfortable if we can predict what the other person will say and influence the outcome. Psychiatrists also say that; the more you try and control your messages, the more out of control you feel. When you are more focused on creating a favorable impression, than communicating authentically, you are reinforcing your fears and anxieties.
This is completely counter-intuitive for marketers! We create messaging strategies, scenario maps, response charts and outcome predictors based on how our controlled messages will be heard. We test messages, test more messages and change our messages all the time "to maximize impact with our target audience". We basically shove messages down the throats of our consumer targets, until we find one that resonates, whether they like it or not! Are we really listening to people? - There is an enormous difference between communication that comes with the intent to relate and communication that comes from the intent to control. Healthy communication fosters connection, trust, intimacy and respect. It's not about getting people to do what you want, It's about creating mutually beneficial solutions.
Companies are made up of people, so it should be easy for brands to find their "human" voice to communicate authentically. It is easier for new brands, like Zappos, that have grown up in this digitally connected social world to do this, but I believe that even companies that have been around for "a-while" can "open-up" and communicate authentically with the help of these: Ten thoughts about authentic communications.
1. It's about trust and transparency. 2. It's about the story - real and truthful 3. It's about real people, talking to real people 4. It's about listening, asking questions and letting people be heard 5. It's about commitment to a dialogue and being available 6. It's about being prepared to engage in real time 7. It's about being a leader that values the others opinions 8. It's about embracing the negative and truley trying to change it 9. It's about being sincere, honest and not replying from a legally approved script 10 It's about offering something of value to the conversation
photo credit
Authentic crisis management
Digital news outlets, in particular: blogs, social networking sites and forums are a potential source of negative conversations that could, if triggered or not addressed, become a major reputation issue or perhaps even a crisis for your brand. In order to prevent this from happening you should establish a comprehensive digital reputation management and crisis prevention plan. This plan can help ensure as much protection and warning to potential damaging developments.
The primary goals of the plan are to: - Establish a crisis action plan that can be implemented quickly and that addresses both potential negative issues, as well as supports positive conversations - Leverage your influencers, both paid spokespeople, community manager(s) and trusted media advocates - Establish a fully trained cross-functional Reputation Management Team inside of your organization Secondary goals: - Become a trusted voice in the digital landscape - Compliment and enhance any social engagement programs already in place
When a crisis/issue arises, follow these seven guiding principles. 1. Communicate quickly and accurately 2. Be transparent and consistent 3. Create a dialogue 4. Deploy SEM (Search Engine Marketing) techniques 5. Address detractors 6. Amplify/Activate advocates 7. Leverage your editorial assets (friends, 3rd party partners, endorsements, digital media partners, etc.)
The crisis framework should incorporate these pillars:
Listen - Establish weekly social media monitoring that specifically focus on potential issue topics - If an issue arises, expand reports to appropriate time intervals with response recommendations to take action against
Anticipate - Know where your promoters and detractors live online - Consider campaigns focused on potential issues during non-crisis times to develop relationships that could be revisited if needed - If an issue arises, engage influencers in rapid response efforts as needed, make sure to customize and humanize your responses as much as possible.
Develop - Create a response plan that addresses who, when and how to respond to each potential area and make sure that your site can handle live two way communication (no email forms) and the team is trained on how to communicate authentically in the digital space. Engage - Activate the response plan, consider a personal message from a company spokesperson that is genuine and not overly scripted. - If you have already established your relationships with advocates on Twitter, Facebook and blogs than you should have people that you can help get your point of view out. - This is the key to getting your brands voice heard. Advertise - Utilize search, online and traditional advertising to expand your point of view and create calm