Marketing as-usual "truths" to Unlearn
In the shadow of marketing's dodgy past lies an urgent call for transformation
As marketers, there are hundreds of things to unlearn that no longer serve life. Do you feel like your marketing toolkit is from an era that no longer fits? You are not alone. Globally, marketers, copywriters, brand agencies, designers, and other creatives are questioning the existence of Marketing-as-usual.
In the shadow of marketing's dodgy past lies an urgent call for transformation. The Marketing industry, once the main driver behind unchecked consumption and growth, now stands at the crossroads, bearing the weight of social, economic, and environmental imbalances it helped to create and accelerate. The realization dawns that the path to a sustainable future requires a bold departure from the 'business as usual' mentality.
Ever pondered how our beliefs in Marketing shape the world around us? From flat earth theories to outdated medical practices, history is peppered with misconceptions that, once challenged, paved the way for progress. Now, it's our turn to question the marketing paradigms that define our era.
Scarcity Sells
Growth at all costs
Insecurities are exploitable
Humans are deeply competitive
Consumer first, human second
Belonging is product-based
Wellbeing is a limited commercial good
Individual worth can be elevated by products
Happiness is a commodity that can be bought
Planned obsolescence boosts frequent purchases
Targeted advertising through big data is the norm
Showing gratefulness and love requires commercial gifts
Happiness is based on quick solutions & instant gratifications
Encourage overconsumption and drive debts through payment schemes
Success = Vanity Metrics (Career, Followers, Bank Balance, Number of Cars)
What marketing as-usual truths do you want to (un)learn?
Please share your thoughts in the comments; we can all (un)learn from each other on this journey!
(Un)Learning Marketing As Usual Program
Do you have want to question and unlearn what we’ve been taught to think around how marketing should function? This June we are starting the (Un)Learning Marketing As Usual Program. It is an opportunity for those ready to unlearn and re-imagine the role of marketing.