Founders often obsess over what they sell, but consumers are driven by why it matters.>> Get the Award-Winning Book (Brandy): BrandyBook.usEvery toddler discovers the same magic word. A word that Einstein, The Beatles, and Steve Jobs also relied on:“Why?”In this Brandy episode, Reilly Newman and Scott Saunders explore why the question why is more than a phase kids go through. It’s a fundamental part of human nature, consumer psychology, and brand-building.Founders spend enormous energy perfecting the what and the how, but the real value — and the real decision-making power —lives in the why. Why choose this brand? Why is this product better? Why does this matter to me?Along with behavioral science and classic brand strategy, this conversation uncovers how “Why” creates:• Meaning• Story• Perceived value• Emotional connection• Differentiation in crowded markets• Why every consumer (consciously or not) is driven by “Why?”• How toddlers reveal a universal psychological truth about buying behavior• Why “why” is the fastest way to add perceived value to your brand• What founders get wrong when they focus only on features and benefits• How brands like Apple, Dyson, Tony's Chocolonely, and Space X embed their “Why” into every touchpointBecause the most successful companies don’t just answer what people buy.... they answer why they should care.What You’ll Learn:Have a brand marketing question?Reilly & Scott will answer it on the next episode!>> Ask Here: https://forms.gle/S237AyoG1vj9Wfzj6
You won't believe what 42% of Lays Chips consumers think about the product...>> Get the Award-Winning Book (Brandy): BrandyBook.usReilly Newman and Scott Saunders offer a meaningful thought to chew on this Thanksgiving: inaction isn’t free.We’re biologically wired to play it safe, to preserve the status quo, and to assume that doing nothing carries no cost. But in business, in branding, and in life, inaction is a decision; one that often carries more risk than the action we’re avoiding.In this reflective episode, the conversation explores:• Why founders instinctively overweight the perceived cost of action• The fallacy that the status quo is “safe” or “neutral”• How inaction quietly drains opportunity, momentum, and relevance• Why Nvidia's success is built on risks 20+ years ago.• Why the greatest rewards (in business and in life) require stepping into the unknown• How this mindset shapes marketing, risk, innovation, and strategic decision-makingDrawing from psychology and business strategy, Reilly and Scott challenge founders to rethink the role of fear, risk, and exploration to see both action and inaction as choices that shape the future of their company.A timely reminder that the biggest danger may not be trying something new… but holding onto something old.Have a brand marketing question?Reilly & Scott will answer it on the next episode!>> Ask Here: https://forms.gle/S237AyoG1vj9Wfzj6
Netflix is turning hit shows into real-world experiences, but is it right?>> Get the Award-Winning Book (Brandy): BrandyBook.usNetflix just opened Netflix House, a multi-level immersive experience where fans can step into real-world versions of their favorite shows like Squid Games, Stranger Things, and more. It’s bold. It’s ambitious. It’s a big bet on the experience economy.But… Reilly isn’t sold.In this debate-style episode of Brandy, Reilly Newman and Scott Saunders unpack the strategy behind Netflix House and they don’t see it the same way. Scott sees potential. Reilly sees misalignment. Together, they explore what Netflix is trying to achieve, what makes an experience truly meaningful, and why some IP translates beautifully to the real world… while other IP falls flat.They also zoom out to discuss what this shift means for small businesses, especially those who think immersive experiences are only for massive brands with massive budgets. (Spoiler: they aren’t.)Why Netflix is expanding into the experience economy—and whether it’s smart• The difference between immersive and gimmicky brand experiences• The psychology of “living inside a story” and how it shapes customer loyalty• Reilly and Scott’s opposing viewpoints and what founders should take from bothHave a brand marketing question?Reilly & Scott will answer it on the next episode!>> Ask Here: https://forms.gle/S237AyoG1vj9Wfzj6
Costco and Nike Collaboration?>> Get the Award-Winning Book (Brandy): BrandyBook.usThis Brandy episode focuses on how memorable brand experiences depend on customer service. Brands like Target and Starbucks have recognized this in the wake of their recent troubles and put policies in place to ensure a better customer experience.Reilly Newman and Scott Saunders share their thoughts on this approach from a brand experience perspective and offer insights on how your company can deliver a better brand experience.Reilly describes the importance of customer service in an ever-increasing AI world as well as the core principle of "excellence" that drives a memorable brand experience. Scott dives into the generational shift among younger employees and the challenges employers and managers may face. More importantly, what does all of this mean for your brand and how your business can take advantage of these challenges in the Have a brand marketing question?Reilly & Scott will answer it on the next episode!>> Ask Here: https://forms.gle/S237AyoG1vj9Wfzj6
The return of a more caffeinated Mr. Pibb and is AI a bubble?>> Get the Award-Winning Book (Brandy): BrandyBook.usThis Brandy episode is a cocktail shaken with nostalgia, stirred with AI, and served with a twist of psychology.A cocktail of culture, code, and consumer psychology where Reilly Newman and Scott Saunders mix nostalgia, AI, and the new economy to explore how human behavior(and the stories we tell ourselves) shape what we buy, trust, and resist. From Mr. Pibb's nostalgic return to machine learning, it’s all about how products make us feel.What You’ll Learn:• Why nostalgia-driven marketing (like Mr. Pibb’s revival) taps into human emotion.• How consumer resistance to AI is rooted in being human• Reilly's prediction of the new economy emerging and if AI is a bubble.• The psychology behind “how does this make me feel?” in modern purchasing.• What car dealerships reveal about trust, tone, and human nuance.• Why understanding internal narratives is key to building brand loyalty in the new economy.Have a brand marketing question?Reilly & Scott will answer it on the next episode!>> Ask Here: https://forms.gle/S237AyoG1vj9Wfzj6
LISTEN IF YOU DARE! 💀 >> Get the Award-Winning Book (Brandy): BrandyBook.usIn this special Halloween edition of Brandy, hosts Reilly Newman and Scott Saunders dive into the dark side of branding where billion-dollar ideas turn into terrifying PR nightmares.From tone-deaf campaigns to design backfires and social-media slip-ups, they count down the Top 10 Brand & Marketing Horror Stories that still haunt boardrooms and marketing teams today. Don't be scared! Grab a pumpkin spice latte or something stronger... this one’s equal parts terrifying and enlightening.Have a brand marketing question?Reilly & Scott will answer it on the next episode!>> Ask Here: https://forms.gle/S237AyoG1vj9Wfzj6
When Amazon Web Services (AWS) went down, half the internet went with it. >> Get the Award-Winning Book (Brandy): BrandyBook.usWhen AWS went down, half the internet went silent. But for founders paying attention, it wasn’t just a tech glitch—it was a business lesson.In this episode of Brandy, Reilly Newman and Scott Saunders explore the brand implications of overreliance on platforms, algorithms, or single marketing channels. They reveal how many companies unknowingly operate with a single point of failure and what founders can do to diversify attention and build long-term brand resilience. This applies to brands, influencers, small businesses, and more!What You’ll Learn:• Why the AWS outage is a metaphor for fragile marketing strategies.• How overdependence on one channel limits your growth and stability.• The difference between rented reach and owned audience.• How to future-proof your brand against digital disruption.• The framework for building brand resilience in an unpredictable world.Because if one outage (or algorithm change) can take your business down, it’s not a strategy. It’s a risk.Have a brand marketing question?Reilly & Scott will answer it on the next episode!>> Ask Here: https://forms.gle/S237AyoG1vj9Wfzj6
Most brands chase content. Great brands create moments. >> Get the Award-Winning Book (Brandy): BrandyBook.usIn a digital world obsessed with “content,” few brands realize that what people truly remember are moments.In this episode of Brandy, hosts Reilly Newman and Scott Saunders explore why the future of marketing lies in designing experiences that spark connection, conversation, and community.They revisit themes from Season 1’s Grassroots Marketing episode to show how creating brand moments builds trust, fuels word-of-mouth, and inspires your audience to create content for you.What You’ll Learn:• Why “content creation” is less powerful than “moment creation.”• How to build experiences people can’t help but talk about.• The psychology behind memory, emotion, and brand loyalty.• How grassroots marketing thrives on meaningful moments.• Why every brand should measure moments of impact, not posts.Because the future of marketing isn’t about more noise... it’s about making moments that matter.Have a brand marketing question?Reilly & Scott will answer it on the next episode!>> Ask Here: https://forms.gle/S237AyoG1vj9Wfzj6
The first Brandy Q&A episode! >> Get the Award-Winning Book (Brandy): BrandyBook.usReilly Newman and Scott Saunders tackle a question from listener Megan W. (USA) who asked about renaming during a rebrand.Reilly and Scott unpack the decision from both a strategic and psychological angle, exploring how a name anchors perception, signals change, and impacts brand equity. They share real-world examples of when a rename unlocks growth and when it creates confusion.What You'll Learn:How to know if your name no longer fits your brand’s future.When renaming makes senseWhere renaming should happen in a rebranding processWhy clarity beats cleverness in renaming.How to evaluate brand equity and decide what’s worth keeping.Have a brand marketing question?Reilly & Scott will answer it on the next episode!>> Ask Here: https://forms.gle/S237AyoG1vj9Wfzj6Related Top Episodes:>> Wine Gone Wrong>> How Founders Fail Brands>> Transactions Kill Relationships>> Rebranding Rebrand: Jaguar Rebrand and More>> Theater of Brand: Story, Script, PerformanceFollow Motif Brands:LinkedIn | InstagramAbout Motif Brands: MotifBrands.comMotif Brands specializes in impactful brand transformations that drive results. Real rebrands that shift perceptions, elevate positioning, and create undeniable clarity in the market.Who is Reilly Newman?Reilly Newman is a strategist, speaker, writer, and trusted source for Inc, Forbes, Fortune, AP, MarketWatch, Quartz, The Drum, and more, offering insights on brand strategy, marketing, human behavior, and buyer psychology.Reilly's obsession with human behavior led him into the world of brand strategy, where he explores why people make buying decisions and how brands effectively sell themselves. Reilly founded Motif Brands, leveraging his expertise to guide business growth.Who is Scott Saunders?Award-winning graphic designer and creative director with over 30+ years of experience who loves the craft of storytelling, vintage typography, and branding. Scott writes and designs in collaboration with Motif Brands.
What can your business learn from Spirit Halloween? >> Get the Award-Winning Book (Brandy): BrandyBook.usEvery fall, empty storefronts rise from the dead, wrapped in orange, black, and Spirit Halloween branding. But behind the spooky props is one of the smartest business models in retail: a seasonal pop-up empire that thrives on agility, timing, and contextual relevance.In this episode of Brandy, Reilly Newman and Scott Saunders peel back the layers of Spirit Halloween’s “temporary takeover” strategy and explore what founders, marketers, and retailers can learn from it. They discuss how pop-ups, seasonal activations, and contextual experiences can become powerful tools for testing, expanding, and amplifying your brand without the long-term risk of new locations.What You'll Learn:How Spirit Halloween turns temporary real estate into an annual profit machine.How themes created instant relevance (and value!)Why agility and timing can outperform permanence in modern retail.How to apply the “pop-up mindset” to farmers markets, trade shows, collaborations, and local expansions.Ways to use context and seasonality to deepen relevance and create brand buzz.How to extend your physical presence without overextending your business.Don't be scared! This episode will raise the living dead in your brand. Have a brand marketing question?Reilly & Scott will answer it on the next episode!>> Ask Here: https://forms.gle/S237AyoG1vj9Wfzj6Related Top Episodes:>> Wine Gone Wrong>> How Founders Fail Brands>> Transactions Kill Relationships>> Rebranding Rebrand: Jaguar Rebrand and More>> Theater of Brand: Story, Script, PerformanceFollow Motif Brands:LinkedIn | InstagramAbout Motif Brands: MotifBrands.comMotif Brands specializes in impactful brand transformations that drive results. Real rebrands that shift perceptions, elevate positioning, and create undeniable clarity in the market.Who is Reilly Newman?Reilly Newman is a trusted source for Inc, Forbes, Fortune, AP, MarketWatch, Quartz, The Drum, The Food Institute, and more, offering insights on brand strategy, marketing, human behavior, and buyer psychology.Reilly's obsession with human behavior led him into the world of brand strategy, where he explores why people make buying decisions and how brands effectively sell themselves. Reilly founded Motif Brands, leveraging his expertise to guide business growth.Who is Scott Saunders?Award-winning graphic designer and creative director with over 30+ years of experience who loves the craft of storytelling, vintage typography, and branding. Scott writes and designs in collaboration with Motif Brands.
Private labels aren’t just for grocery stores—they’re a masterclass in perception, value, and strategy>> Get the Award-Winning Book (Brandy): BrandyBook.usFrom Costco’s Kirkland to Target’s private brands, and Aldi’s recent repackaging redesign, these brands are proving that how you frame your offering can dramatically influence customer behavior.In this episode of Brandy, Reilly Newman and Scott Saunders explore the power of private labels and unpack the lessons founders and marketers can apply to both products and services. We compare different approaches, including Trader Joe’s and their unique shopping environment, to reveal how strategy, design, and context all play a role in shaping perception and driving value.What You'll Learn:Why private labels are more than just budget alternatives... they’re a tool for strategic positioning.What a private label is exactly.How Costco, Target, Aldi, and Trader Joe’s approach private labels differently and why it matters.How framing offerings can influence perceived value and customer loyalty.How to apply private label thinking to service businesses, not just products.Actionable insights on designing offerings, messaging, and experiences that feel premium while maintaining flexibility.Whether you’re a founder looking to launch a new product or a marketer wanting to differentiate your service, this episode will give you a blueprint for using strategic framing to build perception, value, and trust.Have a brand marketing question?Reilly & Scott will answer it on the next episode!>> Ask Here: https://forms.gle/S237AyoG1vj9Wfzj6Related Top Episodes:>> Wine Gone Wrong>> How Founders Fail Brands>> Transactions Kill Relationships>> Rebranding Rebrand: Jaguar Rebrand and More>> Theater of Brand: Story, Script, PerformanceFollow Motif Brands:LinkedIn | InstagramAbout Motif Brands: MotifBrands.comMotif Brands specializes in impactful brand transformations that drive results. Real rebrands that shift perceptions, elevate positioning, and create undeniable clarity in the market.Who is Reilly Newman?Reilly Newman is a trusted source for Inc, Forbes, Fortune, AP, MarketWatch, Quartz, The Drum, The Food Institute, and more, offering insights on brand strategy, marketing, human behavior, and buyer psychology.Reilly's obsession with human behavior led him into the world of brand strategy, where he explores why people make buying decisions and how brands effectively sell themselves. Reilly founded Motif Brands, leveraging his expertise to guide business growth.Who is Scott Saunders?Award-winning graphic designer and creative director with over 30+ years of experience who loves the craft of storytelling, vintage typography, and branding. Scott writes and designs in collaboration with Motif Brands.
What's the meaning of Black Friday?>> Get the Award-Winning Book (Brandy): BrandyBook.usBlack Friday isn’t just about the shopping frenzy... it’s about retailers moving from the red to the black by sacrificing margins for volume. But is discounting really the best strategy for most brands?In this episode of Brandy, Reilly Newman and Scott Saunders explore the origins of Black Friday and dive into why discounting can create a fleeting boost in sales while damaging your brand’s long-term perception. Founders and marketers will learn why value creation beats price cutting and how strategic pricing shapes the way your audience perceives your products.What You'll Learn: The history of Black Friday and why it’s centered on margin sacrifice for volume. Why discounting may feel like a win but can harm your brand equity and profitability. The psychology of pricing: why higher prices often signal higher quality. How founders can add value instead of chasing short-term revenue boosts. Examples of brands that maintain premium perception without resorting to price cuts. If you’re a founder or marketer looking to grow your business while preserving brand integrity, this episode will show you why smart pricing and value creation are your most powerful tools this holiday season.Have a brand marketing question?Reilly & Scott will answer it on the next episode!>> Ask Here: https://forms.gle/S237AyoG1vj9Wfzj6Related Top Episodes:>> Wine Gone Wrong>> How Founders Fail Brands>> Transactions Kill Relationships>> Rebranding Rebrand: Jaguar Rebrand and More>> Theater of Brand: Story, Script, PerformanceFollow Motif Brands:LinkedIn | InstagramAbout Motif Brands: MotifBrands.comMotif Brands specializes in impactful brand transformations that drive results. Real rebrands that shift perceptions, elevate positioning, and create undeniable clarity in the market.Who is Reilly Newman?Reilly Newman is a trusted source for Inc, Forbes, Fortune, AP, MarketWatch, Quartz, The Drum, The Food Institute, and more, offering insights on brand strategy, marketing, human behavior, and buyer psychology.Reilly's obsession with human behavior led him into the world of brand strategy, where he explores why people make buying decisions and how brands effectively sell themselves. Reilly founded Motif Brands, leveraging his expertise to guide business growth.Who is Scott Saunders?Award-winning graphic designer and creative director with over 30+ years of experience who loves the craft of storytelling, vintage typography, and branding. Scott writes and designs in collaboration with Motif Brands.
Are you focused on the short-term details of your business or the long-term vision of your brand?>> Get the Award-Winning Book (Brandy): BrandyBook.usIn this episode of Brandy, Reilly Newman and Scott Saunders explore the critical difference between business clarity and brand clarity.Business clarity is near-sighted: immediate, functional, and operational. Brand clarity is far-sighted: visionary, contextual, and strategic. True success comes from balancing the two, allowing your brand to guide your decisions while keeping your business grounded in reality.From identifying where your business may be reactive rather than proactive to understanding how brand perception influences long-term growth, this episode offers actionable insights for founders, marketers, and service-based businesses looking to build lasting impact.You'll learn:Why business clarity alone is not enough for long-term growth.The difference between near-sighted business focus and far-sighted brand strategy.How to align your operations and marketing with your brand’s vision.Actionable steps founders and marketers can take to sharpen both business and brand vision.By the end of this episode, you'll understand why clarity is not just about what you do today. It’s about shaping how your brand is perceived tomorrow.Have a brand marketing question?Reilly & Scott will answer it on the next episode!>> Ask Here: https://forms.gle/S237AyoG1vj9Wfzj6Related Top Episodes:>> Wine Gone Wrong>> How Founders Fail Brands>> Transactions Kill Relationships>> Rebranding Rebrand: Jaguar Rebrand and More>> Theater of Brand: Story, Script, PerformanceFollow Motif Brands:LinkedIn | InstagramAbout Motif Brands: MotifBrands.comMotif Brands specializes in impactful brand transformations that drive results. Real rebrands that shift perceptions, elevate positioning, and create undeniable clarity in the market.Who is Reilly Newman?Reilly Newman is a trusted source for Inc, Forbes, Fortune, AP, MarketWatch, Quartz, The Drum, The Food Institute, and more, offering insights on brand strategy, marketing, human behavior, and buyer psychology.Reilly's obsession with human behavior led him into the world of brand strategy, where he explores why people make buying decisions and how brands effectively sell themselves. Reilly founded Motif Brands, leveraging his expertise to guide business growth.Who is Scott Saunders?Award-winning graphic designer and creative director with over 30+ years of experience who loves the craft of storytelling, vintage typography, and branding. Scott writes and designs in collaboration with Motif Brands.
Are consumers trading clicks for queues? This may be the start of a massive trend.>> Get the Award-Winning Book (Brandy): BrandyBook.usConsumers are making a shift... opting for in-person experiences over digital convenience. From sit-down restaurants to malls and live events, the trend is clear: physical, “inline” experiences are back in demand. But what does this mean for your brand?In this episode of Brandy, Reilly Newman explores the behavioral patterns driving this shift, analyzing why consumers are choosing experiences over online ordering. Scott Saunders and Reilly discuss what brands can learn from these changes, and how founders and marketers can strategically respond.You'll learn:Why inline experiences are growing despite the convenience of online alternatives.The difference between shopping and buying.Behavioral patterns across industries — restaurants, malls, entertainment, and more.Opportunities for brands to leverage experiential strategies for engagement and loyalty.Advice for service businesses and consumer-focused brands navigating this trendWhether you’re designing experiences, marketing services, or planning your next growth strategy, this episode gives you a playbook for responding to a world where consumers crave real-life interaction.Have a brand marketing question?Reilly & Scott will answer it on the next episode!>> Ask Here: https://forms.gle/S237AyoG1vj9Wfzj6Related Top Episodes:>> Wine Gone Wrong>> How Founders Fail Brands>> Transactions Kill Relationships>> Rebranding Rebrand: Jaguar Rebrand and More>> Theater of Brand: Story, Script, PerformanceFollow Motif Brands:LinkedIn | InstagramAbout Motif Brands: MotifBrands.comMotif Brands specializes in impactful brand transformations that drive results. Real rebrands that shift perceptions, elevate positioning, and create undeniable clarity in the market.Who is Reilly Newman?Reilly Newman is a trusted source for Inc, Forbes, Fortune, AP, MarketWatch, Quartz, The Drum, The Food Institute, and more, offering insights on brand strategy, marketing, human behavior, and buyer psychology.Reilly's obsession with human behavior led him into the world of brand strategy, where he explores why people make buying decisions and how brands effectively sell themselves. Reilly founded Motif Brands, leveraging his expertise to guide business growth.Who is Scott Saunders?Award-winning graphic designer and creative director with over 30+ years of experience who loves the craft of storytelling, vintage typography, and branding. Scott writes and designs in collaboration with Motif Brands.
Cracker Barrel recently attempted a rebrand — and the public reaction was brutal. What went wrong?>> Get the Award-Winning Book (Brandy): BrandyBook.usIn this episode of Brandy, Reilly Newman and Scott Saunders dive into the psychology behind the backlash and analyze the strategic missteps that led to a branding misfire.From the perception traps to the messaging mistakes, we break down why some rebrands fail and what founders and marketers can learn to avoid the same fate. This episode isn’t just about Cracker Barrel; it’s about understanding the principles of brand perception, audience expectations, and strategic execution.You'll learn:Why the public rejected Cracker Barrel’s rebrand and the psychology behind it. Strategic errors in messaging, positioning, and execution that brands must avoid.How to anticipate audience perception and safeguard brand equity.Lessons for service and consumer-focused businesses navigating brand changes.Actionable insights for founders and marketers on successful brand transformation and when to rebrand.Whether you’re a founder planning a rebrand or a marketer responsible for brand strategy, this episode gives you the tools to anticipate reactions, design effective messaging, and protect your brand’s reputation.Have a brand marketing question?Reilly & Scott will answer it on the next episode!>> Ask Here: https://forms.gle/S237AyoG1vj9Wfzj6Related Top Episodes:>> Wine Gone Wrong>> How Founders Fail Brands>> Transactions Kill Relationships>> Rebranding Rebrand: Jaguar Rebrand and More>> Theater of Brand: Story, Script, PerformanceFollow Motif Brands:LinkedIn | InstagramAbout Motif Brands: MotifBrands.comMotif Brands specializes in impactful brand transformations that drive results. Real rebrands that shift perceptions, elevate positioning, and create undeniable clarity in the market.Who is Reilly Newman?Reilly Newman is a trusted source for Inc, Forbes, Fortune, AP, MarketWatch, Quartz, The Drum, The Food Institute, and more, offering insights on brand strategy, marketing, human behavior, and buyer psychology.Reilly's obsession with human behavior led him into the world of brand strategy, where he explores why people make buying decisions and how brands effectively sell themselves. Reilly founded Motif Brands, leveraging his expertise to guide business growth.Who is Scott Saunders?Award-winning graphic designer and creative director with over 30+ years of experience who loves the craft of storytelling, vintage typography, and branding. Scott writes and designs in collaboration with Motif Brands.
What if the most famous energy drink in the world isn’t really about the drink at all?Brand News: MSNBC Rebrand Flop>> Get the Award-Winning Book (Brandy): BrandyBook.usReilly Newman and Scott Saunders discuss how Red Bull turned an outsourced product into an $11.2 billion empire powered by perception, media, and culture.What You'll Gain From This Episode:• Why Red Bull doesn’t even manufacture its own drinks• Pull vs Push marketing and how Red Bull used them• How they built Red Bull Media House, F1 teams, and extreme sports into marketing machines• The real numbers behind their 12.6 billion cans sold in 2024 and where the revenue comes from• What founders and marketers can steal from Red Bull’s playbook to transform a small brand into a forceFor founders, marketers, and brand builders: this episode shows why your product isn’t the star.... your brand is.Have a brand marketing question?Reilly & Scott will answer it on the next episode!>> Ask Here: https://forms.gle/S237AyoG1vj9Wfzj6Related Top Episodes:>> Wine Gone Wrong>> How Founders Fail Brands>> Transactions Kill Relationships>> Rebranding Rebrand: Jaguar Rebrand and More>> Theater of Brand: Story, Script, PerformanceFollow Motif Brands:LinkedIn | InstagramAbout Motif Brands: MotifBrands.comMotif Brands specializes in impactful brand transformations that drive results. Real rebrands that shift perceptions, elevate positioning, and create undeniable clarity in the market.Who is Reilly Newman?Reilly Newman is a trusted source for Inc, Forbes, Fortune, AP, MarketWatch, Quartz, The Drum, The Food Institute, and more, offering insights on brand strategy, marketing, human behavior, and buyer psychology.Reilly's obsession with human behavior led him into the world of brand strategy, where he explores why people make buying decisions and how brands effectively sell themselves. Reilly founded Motif Brands, leveraging his expertise to guide business growth.Who is Scott Saunders?Award-winning graphic designer and creative director with over 30+ years of experience who loves the craft of storytelling, vintage typography, and branding. Scott writes and designs in collaboration with Motif Brands.
Viral marketing trends may be shiny, but they lack the substance your brand needs to grow. >> Get the Award-Winning Book (Brandy): BrandyBook.usReilly Newman and Scott Saunders break down why chasing only vanity metrics (vitality, likes, followers, or trending formats) creates the illusion of progress without building anything real.At a marketing summit in Orlando, an attendee asked Reilly about a “trending tactic” their team wanted to try — and it sparked a larger conversation about Fool’s Gold Marketing.What You'll Gain From This Episode:• Why trend-chasing marketing is seductive but ultimately fleeting.• How obsessing over viral moments can distract founders and marketers from true brand strategy.• Practical advice for service and product businesses on balancing marketing momentum with brand longevity.• Actionable insights on how to shift your mindset from chasing ciral moments to seeking long-term results. If you’re a founder or marketer tired of chasing fleeting numbers and ready to build a brand that lasts, this episode will give you the clarity and strategy to shift your focus from what’s popular to what’s powerful.Have a brand marketing question?Reilly & Scott will answer it on the next episode!>> Ask Here: https://forms.gle/S237AyoG1vj9Wfzj6Related Top Episodes:>> Wine Gone Wrong>> How Founders Fail Brands>> Transactions Kill Relationships>> Rebranding Rebrand: Jaguar Rebrand and More>> Theater of Brand: Story, Script, PerformanceFollow Motif Brands:LinkedIn | InstagramAbout Motif Brands: MotifBrands.comMotif Brands specializes in impactful brand transformations that drive results. Real rebrands that shift perceptions, elevate positioning, and create undeniable clarity in the market.Who is Reilly Newman?Reilly Newman is a trusted source for Inc, Forbes, Fortune, AP, MarketWatch, Quartz, The Drum, The Food Institute, and more, offering insights on brand strategy, marketing, human behavior, and buyer psychology.Reilly's obsession with human behavior led him into the world of brand strategy, where he explores why people make buying decisions and how brands effectively sell themselves. Reilly founded Motif Brands, leveraging his expertise to guide business growth.Who is Scott Saunders?Award-winning graphic designer and creative director with over 30+ years of experience who loves the craft of storytelling, vintage typography, and branding. Scott writes and designs in collaboration with Motif Brands.
Jeff Bezos built Amazon by being obsessed with the customer, not the competition. >> Get the Award-Winning Book (Brandy): BrandyBook.usIn this episode of Brandy, Reilly Newman and Scott Saunders dive deep into one of Jeff Bezos' most powerful principles: "Customer focused, not competitor focused." We explore how Amazon’s relentless pursuit of customer satisfaction has helped it dominate the market, and why brands across industries should adopt the same mindset to create sustainable growth and lasting brands.What You'll Gain From This Episode:• Why a customer-centric approach is more effective than focusing on competitors.• The importance of understanding customer needs and constantly adapting to their expectations.• How founders can be obsessive and what this means for the brand and business.• Healthy obsession vs Unhealthy obsession in business• How your business can apply this principle to build trust and long-term success.• Actionable insights on how to reframe your brand strategy to prioritize customer experience over competitive comparison.Shift your brand's mindset and embrace customer-first strategies and you'll see why this approach is crucial for brand growth and market positioning.Have a brand marketing question?Reilly & Scott will answer it on the next episode!>> Ask Here: https://forms.gle/S237AyoG1vj9Wfzj6Related Top Episodes:>> Wine Gone Wrong>> How Founders Fail Brands>> Transactions Kill Relationships>> Rebranding Rebrand: Jaguar Rebrand and More>> Theater of Brand: Story, Script, PerformanceFollow Motif Brands:LinkedIn | InstagramAbout Motif Brands: MotifBrands.comMotif Brands specializes in impactful brand transformations that drive results. Real rebrands that shift perceptions, elevate positioning, and create undeniable clarity in the market.Who is Reilly Newman?Reilly Newman is a trusted source for Inc, Forbes, Fortune, AP, MarketWatch, Quartz, The Drum, The Food Institute, and more, offering insights on brand strategy, marketing, human behavior, and buyer psychology.With over 15+ years of experience, Reilly's obsession with human behavior led him into the world of brand strategy and marketing, where he explores why people make buying decisions and how brands effectively sell themselves. As an entrepreneur, Reilly founded Motif Brands, leveraging his expertise to guide business growth.Who is Scott Saunders?Award-winning graphic designer and creative director with over 30+ years of experience who loves the craft of storytelling, vintage typography, and branding. Scott writes and designs in collaboration with Motif Brands.
What's the return on investing in brand?! What if brand is the ROI?!>> Get the Award-Winning Book (Brandy): BrandyBook.usReilly Newman and Scott Saunders explore the idea that brand does not have a return on investment because — it is the return.Just like the relationships we nurture with loved ones, brand is about building connections, not just expecting a tangible byproduct. Reilly highlights his experience during a podcast interview, where he drew a parallel between brand and personal relationships, asking: “What’s the return on your relationship with your spouse or children?” The relationship itself is the return; there are no separate profits. Similarly, brand’s true ROI lies in the relationship it builds with customers over time.What You'll Gain From This Episode:• Why branding is relational—and how it can transform your business.• How to shift your mindset from short-term transactions to long-term brand investments.• How investments in design, messaging, processes, and customer experience all work together to shape your brand.• The psychology behind brand perception and how it mirrors personal relationships.• Real-life examples of how businesses create strong, lasting relationships through brand.• Why the real return on investment in branding isn’t sales—it’s the connection you create with your audience.If you’re looking for a deeper understanding of how brand and business are intertwined, and why focusing on relationships drives success, this episode is a must-listen.Have a brand marketing question?Reilly & Scott will answer it on the next episode!>> Ask Here: https://forms.gle/S237AyoG1vj9Wfzj6Related Top Episodes:>> Wine Gone Wrong>> How Founders Fail Brands>> Transactions Kill Relationships>> Rebranding Rebrand: Jaguar Rebrand and More>> Theater of Brand: Story, Script, PerformanceFollow Motif Brands:LinkedIn | InstagramAbout Motif Brands: MotifBrands.comMotif Brands specializes in impactful brand transformations that drive results. Real rebrands that shift perceptions, elevate positioning, and create undeniable clarity in the market.Who is Reilly Newman?Reilly Newman is a trusted source for Inc, Forbes, Fortune, AP, MarketWatch, Quartz, The Drum, The Food Institute, and more, offering insights on brand strategy, marketing, human behavior, and buyer psychology.With over 15+ years of experience, Reilly's obsession with human behavior led him into the world of brand strategy and marketing, where he explores why people make buying decisions and how brands effectively sell themselves. As an entrepreneur, Reilly founded Motif Brands, leveraging his expertise to guide business growth.Who is Scott Saunders?Award-winning graphic designer and creative director with over 30+ years of experience who loves the craft of storytelling, vintage typography, and branding. Scott writes and designs in collaboration with Motif Brands.
Themes are all around us and humans are starved of them... Is your business leveraging themes?Brand News: Converse shoes are slippers?!>> Get the Award-Winning Book (Brandy): BrandyBook.usIn this episode of Brandy, Reilly Newman and Scott Saunders explore the critical role of themes in branding and how motifs help shape a brand's identity. Themes provide the foundation for a brand's story, while motifs act as the recurring elements that reinforce and enhance that story across all touchpoints. From the scent and shutters of Abercrombie and Fitch to the cleanliness of Buc-ee's, themes prevail when it comes to being beloved and memorable because themes help your brand be distinct and consistent.Whether you’re a founder or marketer, understanding how to build a cohesive brand theme will help you create a deeper connection with your audience.What You'll Learn+ What are themes and motifs in branding, and why are they crucial to brand identity?+ Why we are called Motif Brands™+ How motifs act as the language that communicates your brand’s story.+ Real-world examples of brands that mastered themes and used motifs to deepen customer connection.+ Actionable insights on how to incorporate motifs into your brand to reinforce its core values and message through themes.+ How small businesses can leverage themes and motifs to create a distinct identity without a massive budget.By the end of this episode, you’ll have a deeper understanding of how themes and motifs can not only help you define your brand but also elevate the experience your customers have with it.Have a brand marketing question?Reilly & Scott will answer it on the next episode!>> Ask Here: https://forms.gle/S237AyoG1vj9Wfzj6Related Top Episodes:>> Wine Gone Wrong>> How Founders Fail Brands>> Transactions Kill Relationships>> Rebranding Rebrand: Jaguar Rebrand and More>> Theater of Brand: Story, Script, PerformanceFollow Motif Brands: LinkedIn | InstagramAbout Motif Brands: MotifBrands.comMotif Brands specializes in impactful brand transformations that drive results. Real rebrands that shift perceptions, elevate positioning, and create undeniable clarity in the market.Who is Reilly Newman?Reilly Newman is a trusted source for Inc, Forbes, Fortune, AP, MarketWatch, Quartz, The Drum, The Food Institute, and more, offering insights on brand strategy, marketing, human behavior, and buyer psychology.With over 15+ years of experience, Reilly's obsession with human behavior led him into the world of brand strategy and marketing, where he explores why people make buying decisions and how brands effectively sell themselves. As an entrepreneur, Reilly founded Motif Brands, leveraging his expertise to guide business growth.Who is Scott Saunders?Award-winning graphic designer and creative director with over 30+ years of experience who loves the craft of storytelling, vintage typography, and branding. Scott writes and designs in collaboration with Motif Brands.