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29.10.2024

Brand Philosophy as a metaphor for Life: What Marketing can tell you about human nature

Brand philosophy

In a world where brands have become an integral part of everyday life, brand philosophy is more than just a sales strategy. It is a metaphor that reflects broader truths about human nature, aspirations, dreams, and values. In both philosophy and marketing, we see attempts to understand who we are and what we really want.

Brand as a mirror of human nature

The brand's philosophy encompasses stories, missions, values, and promises. Ideally, it strives for something higher than material benefits, understanding that people are looking for a brand not only for a product, but also for a sense of belonging. These stories, which aim to create a connection between the brand and the consumer, reveal key aspects of human nature.

Every brand, be it Nike or Apple, creates a certain set of ideas and concepts around itself. Nike talks about winning over yourself and the will to succeed, Apple-about creativity and freedom of choice. Here, marketing approaches philosophy by telling stories that resonate with deep-rooted human aspirations.

Brand values as a reflection of human values

When a brand declares that it stands for certain values, such as environmental friendliness, honesty or equality, it is not just following trends, but responding to real changes in society. For example, companies that declare their commitment to sustainable development understand that modern people value the planet and strive for conscious consumption. As in life, these values help us create an internal hierarchy, build up from others, and set boundaries. For example, if a brand chooses the path of honesty and openness, then it makes a commitment to tell the truth, even if this may harm its sales.

Why are we attracted to brand stories?

One of the reasons why brands are so important to us is their ability to create compelling stories. These stories transform brands into living beings that you can empathize with and identify with. Brands seem to "tell" us about their successes and failures, values and philosophies, which makes them closer to us.

Stories are one of the fundamental human needs. We perceive the world through the prism of narratives, and even our own life experience is a kind of story. If a brand can create engaging and inspiring stories, it actually becomes part of our own narrative.

Identity and Personalization: Finding Yourself

Strong brand — it's not just a set of products, it's an identity. When choosing brands, we not only choose convenience or quality, but also express ourselves. People use brands to express their identity, goals, and vision of the world.

Nike and Adidas, Apple and Samsung — these are not just competitive companies, they are different identities, different philosophies. Some people gravitate towards philosophy."ust Do It"which encourages you to act without regard for obstacles that others choose "Think Different"that emphasizes individuality and creativity.

The Art of Sociology in Marketing

Brand — this is something that exists not only in the minds of marketers, but also in the interaction between them and society. The brand's history is not fixed: it evolves along with social changes and shifts in perception. It is in this process that the social and philosophical aspects of our time are reflected.

Take, for example, global trends such as the growing interest in inclusivity, sustainable development, or mental health. These ideas are embodied not only in marketing campaigns, but also in brand philosophies. Modern marketing is becoming a means of transmitting significant social signals. Brands are starting to talk more and more about topics that touch us more deeply than the product, whether it's equality, mental health, or caring for the environment.

Brand as a Myth: Social constructs and metaphors of life

Another aspect of the brand's philosophy is related to myths and symbols. How I wrote it Jean Baudrillardbrands create simulacra that break away from the original and take on a life of their own. This is reflected in the "mythologization" of brands, when they become something more than just a set of products and services.

Coca-Cola it has long ceased to be just a drink; it has become a symbol of celebration and friendship. Starbucks — it's more than coffee; it's a lifestyle that promotes the idea of a 'third place' — a space that is neither home nor work, but gives you the opportunity to be yourself. These are myths that live in people's minds, and they are as real as philosophical concepts.

How does marketing help us understand ourselves?

Marketing in the context of brand philosophy is not so far from an existential search, when each person seeks to find meaning and create their own identity. We identify ourselves through the things we buy, through the brands we surround ourselves with. The choice of a particular brand may reflect our aspirations for freedom, for self-expression, for knowledge.

Marketing points to the universal needs of people: to be noticed, understood, and feel important. These principles are at the heart of most successful brands that not only offer a product, but also strive to satisfy the need for self-expression, in determining their place in this world.