Who doesn't love a good TED talk? We're huge fans of Ted talks here at Future Proof. We've spent countless hours trawling through ted.com gleaning whatever insights and knowledge we could.
For this blog we've pulled together our 6 favourite marketing-related TED talks for you to watch. In true TED fashion they tend to be more on the obscure end of the spectrum but hopefully you'll find them as thought-provoking and insightful as we have.
1. Selling Condoms in the Congo - Amy Lockwood
It is imperative that brands investigate & understand their customers. There's no point in having the new Facebook or Nike and when you market to your audience that the message is completely off.
Using an obscure example from her time in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Amy Lockwood uncovers the impact of understanding and appealing to your customer's tastes and behaviour patterns.
2. How to Start a Movement - Derek Sivers
This short video breaks down and explores the process of starting a movement. He explores how momentum starts to build in an intriguing way and where the credit for the movement should be apportioned.
Derek Sivers believes that the movement begins once the risk of ridicule is removed, as everyone else is already taking part. It's an interesting take and something that should be taken into consideration when rolling out your marketing campaigns.
3. 404, The Story of a Page Not Found - Renny Gleeson
How is it possible to stand out from the rest? By being different and finding opportunities to reach your target market and generate a connection with your brand that others don't.
Using the example of 404 errors, a universal pain point, to highlight how something so simple and painful for most can be turned into an opportunity of value to portray your brand & communicate with your audience.
Creativity is paramount and the impact of doing the small things right can help build a brand.
4. What Brands Can Learn From Online Dating - Sarah Willersdorf
Would you take your brand on a date? Would you swipe right? Is your messaging & brand values prevalent for consumers to see?
In online dating you only have a fleeting moment to make your impression, there is a huge overlap in how you convey the essence of your message to attract attention.
In this talk Sarah Willersdorf discusses the correlation between branding and online dating in a powerful way and breaks down a 3 step framework to ensure to make sure your brand ticks all the boxes for whoever your target audience are.
5. The Clues to a Great Story - Andrew Stanton
Our guiding principle for all content that you intend to produce (e.g. Long-Form, Podcast, Video or Pitch Decks) to ensure that there is a consistent underlying theme that brings all your information together. Your storyline can be based on fact or fiction but it is a hugely powerful tool to engage your audience and capture their attention from start to finish.
This talk by Disney Pixar's Andrew Stanton will provide the hints and tips on piecing together your story.
6. Life Lessons From an Ad Man - Rory Sutherland
What additional impact does advertising have on your product or service? How does it change the way you view the product? In this witty talk Rory Sutherland cleverly discusses how marketing impacts perception and the power of persuasion.
In the talk Sutherland covers perception, intrinsic value & impressions and how they impact branding.