The balls of Thomas Edison as source of creativity Image by StockSnap from Pixabay Thomas Edison invented the light bulb, but also together with William Kennedy Dickson in 1888, he created the first movie projector, the kinetoscope, and one of the first electric chairs with his employee Nikola Tesla (yes that one!) and much more. Pretty impressive. So what was his source of creativity? The power nap. The story goes that Edison took (at least) one nap a day while holding a ball in each hand. Below the ball was a metal pan underneath. His reasoning was that if he fell asleep, the balls would slip from his grasp and hit the pan with a loud noise, causing him to wake up abruptly and could write down his elusive, creative thoughts he could otherwise not grasp. I instantly recognized the method and wondered if research had been done to verify. Indeed there was: the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. They have found that during the ‘half-lucid state’, just as we fall asleep, there is a phase known as N1 – or sleep stage 1 – with non-rapid eye movement (not-REM) and that is exactly the moment of great creativity and insight. Edison wasn’t the only one using power naps. Famous power nappers are Winston Churchill, Albert Einstein, Aristotle Leonardo da Vinci and Salvador Dali to name a few. They also used it to boost creativity and insights. It a great way to start the rest of your day. Fresh and clear. The recipe: One cup of coffee and set the timer for 20 minutes. Happy Powernapping! Sources: New Scientist The Guardian on power nappers Image inspired by Salvador Dali
The power of storytelling, coffee (!) and 4 ingredients to be(come) a story creator.
The power of storytelling and 4 ingredients to be(come) a story creator. Image by StockSnap from Pixabay The story of coffee Long time a go, around 850 BC an Arab goatheader named Kaldi noticed how his goats acted strangely. When he looked what caused it, he saw they were eating certain berries. Intrigued by it, he tried them himself and was excited by the effect it had on him It didn’t take the Arabs long to figure out how to dry and boil the berries in what they called “qahwa a shortening of qahwa al-bun ‘wine of the bean’.” After that the Turkish used this brew as well and with them it travelled to the French who give the brew the name “cafe” and from there it was picked up by the Dutch who named it koffie and were responsible for making it enter the English language as “coffee”. From now on chances are, you’ll remember this story when you drink coffee and probably tell it is well. Stories made humanity Storytelling is as old as human civilization itself. It likely began with early humans sharing their experiences, knowledge, and wisdom through oral traditions, passing down stories from generation to generation. These stories served various purposes, such as educating others about survival skills, explaining natural phenomena, preserving cultural heritage, and entertaining communities. Our addicted to stories Why are we humans so addicted to stories? And how come they are so powerful. Think of the Bible or Koran, or the stories of Buddha. Or Harry Potter, Lord of the rings. These aren’t just stories, these are ‘religions’ (religions meant ‘that what binds’ from the Latin religio(n-)). So what is it? Well, let me highlight some reasons, first of all: We grew up with stories One of the reasons we like stories is we grew up with the. When we were children, lots of stories have been told to us. And boy did we like to listen to them! And as it is part of our childhood, it is also programmed deeply in our brain and we probably get an instant good feeling when we hear somebody tell a story. Good stories create images Storytelling is very graphical and that sticks; good storytelling creates images in our minds when we listen to them. That way you don’t have to process the words, you just look at the images as the story continues. That’s the power of paintings as well, they tell a story without words, so we can absorb it, without thinking. Reverse engineering of a story Actually, doing the reverse, is telling a story. Think of an image or scene and describe what you see. That’s a good way to tell stories, and it is amazing how the show in your brain works: If someone tells us about how delicious certain foods were and our sensory cortex lights up. If it’s about motion, our motor cortex gets active. Scientists found that the brain sees no difference between thinking about it or actually experiencing it. The same parts of the brain light up! Just imagine what a story can do. Stories invest in the listener Telling stories also means putting effort into it as a proof you want to make the other understand (it’s investing in the listener). That is the most pure form of engagement. The true meaning of engagement is occupy, attract, or involve (someone’s interest or attention) or engage someone in (cause someone to become involved in a conversation or discussion). But there’s more, whenever we hear a story, we look for relations to one of our existing experiences. That way we can much quicker understand a story. At the same time the brain of the teller and the listener synchronize, becoming a bit as one… The power of metaphors That’s why metaphors work so well with us. While we are busy searching for a similar experience in our brains, we activate a part called insula, which helps us relate to that same experience of pain, joy, disgust or else. Besides, it makes it easier to understand, no effort’s necessary, no decoding. Telling stories, instead of giving solutions, works so well because of this. The relating to stories and the synchronization of brains, makes that telling the context of an idea as a story makes that the listener is creating the idea himself as part of her of his own experience (leave your ego at home and don’t try to claim the idea). Three steps in creating a story Now I hear some people say: “I am not good at it, I cannot tell stories” but don’t worry, Yes you can. Anyone can. Try to imagine the idea, the point, the scene, the thing you want to make as a destination. Go back to where you are/stand and tell the story as the road to that destination. OK, 3 bullet points, but told as a story. A good way to become a storyteller is by: Image by Tumisu from Pixabay Inspiration for stories (and creativity): First: Be curiosity. Ask questions, learn, read and listen more, watch documentaries, series and movies, listen to the lyrics of music, open your eyes and look around (you get the idea). Second: Experience stories, listen to them, be open for new and weird ones Third: Think in images and feelings Fourth: Learn to tell a good story and that’s by doing, observing the listener. Hear with your third eye, see with your third eye en feel with all your senses. You know when it resonates. And remember: “Don’t be the traveler but focus on your listener being a passenger”.
Why bullets kill and stories live forever
Why bullet points kill and stories live forever (a short story) Image unidentified In the world of PowerPoints (and Keynotes), there’s a timeless battle between the practicality of bullet points and the profound impact of storytelling. You see, bullet points appeal to the logical left brain, offering a structured but sterile way to convey information, but also boring and quickly forgotten. Yet, it is storytelling that truly captures the essence of human connection, engaging the emotional right brain with its authenticity and empathy. Important to realize, it’s not just about what we say, but how we make others feel. Storytelling transcends mere data points, creating a lasting impression that resonates with our deepest desires and aspirations. By tapping into the power of narrative, we can inspire action, foster trust, and create engagement. While bullet points may appeal to the left brain’s logical sensibilities, it is the right brain—the seat of creativity, emotion, and imagination—that truly holds the key to lasting impact and remembrance. That’s the power of storytelling, and it’s what sets great presenters apart. Tip: To avoid a cold turkey, create a structure in ‘bullet points’ and transform that structure into a story. Use images and put in only words the audience needs to remember, oh and practice in front of a mirror 😉 #nostorynoglory
Surfing the waves of change as the base for profit
Riding the Tidal Wave of Change: Strategies for SME Profitability Image from Deviant.com Change is inevitable. Whether we like it or not, the world around us is constantly evolving and transforming. The forces of economic, social, technological and environmental change are changing our markets, our customers, our competitors and our opportunities. But change is also a challenge. It requires us to step out of our comfort zone, learn new skills, adopt a new mindset and embrace new opportunities. It also exposes us to uncertainty, risk and resistance. Many of us prefer to hold on to what we know, what we do and what we have. However, change is essential, because it is the only constant there is. In fact, it is the key to survival and success in today’s dynamic and competitive environment. It is also the source of innovation and growth. It is a catalyst for improvement and excellence. It is the opportunity to create value and impact Image by Christopher White from Pixabay In this blog, I want to explore the importance of change for businesses, especially SMEs, because the more I thought about it, the more I realized that it has many interesting aspects. I will discuss why companies need to change, how they can change and the benefits/benefits. I will also share some tips and best practices on how to manage change effectively and efficiently, and that starts with being brave. I hope this blog will inspire you to embrace change as an opportunity and not a threat, that it will help you transform your company, your team and yourself for the better, and that it will ultimately give you a sense of purpose and meaning in your work. Welcome to the blog of change. Let’s begin. Why change matters for SMEs The Greek philosopher Heraclitus noted that the natural world was in constant state of moving (flux). These days, it feels like movement is accelerating and that companies need to even faster than ever to survive and thrive in a dynamic and competitive environment. So why does it matter?Why should we embrace change?How can we benefit from it? Here are some thoughts: Essential just to survive Companies that fail to adapt risk falling behind in an increasingly competitive and dynamic marketplace. By embracing change, SMEs can position themselves smart(er); not just to survive, but to thrive in changing circumstances. Future-proofing, creating resilience Companies that can adapt are more resilient in the face of uncertainties. By creating a culture that proactively responds to challenges and opportunities, SMEs can future-proof their operations, become more flexible and adaptable to change (mindset) and ensure long-term sustainability. Attract and retain (scarce) talent In an era when qualified talent is in high demand, companies that demonstrate a commitment to innovation, “purposful” and meaningful work are more likely to attract and retain top talent. Employees are increasingly looking for workplaces that align with their values and provide opportunities for growth and fulfillment. This is increasingly true for all generations. Meeting the customer’s enduring expectations Consumer preferences are evolving, with an increasing emphasis on sustainability, ethical practices and purposeful brands. SMEs that can align their offerings with these expectations will gain a competitive advantage and build stronger relationships with their customer base. Addressing societal challenges SMEs have the opportunity to make a positive contribution to society by addressing pressing issues such as environmental sustainability, social inequality and access to education (!) and healthcare (3.0). By integrating targeted initiatives into their business models, small and medium-sized companies can make a meaningful impact, improve their brand reputation and become more attractive to suppliers, investors and customers. Increasing competition and disruption Companies must deal with the increasing intensity and diversity of (international) competition in their markets. They must also be prepared for disruption by new entrants, replacements or new breakthrough technologies. Competition and disruption can challenge companies’ existing market positions, value propositions and competitive advantages. Ways to handle change more flexibly For starters, “It’s not the strongest of species who survive, but the ones most adaptable to change,” according to good old Darwin. Willingness to change is therefore critical. Depending on goals, abilities and context, there are many and creative ways to change. Read and see what fits: Embrace innovation Stay ahead by investing in innovative technologies, processes and business models that enable flexibility and efficiency. Cultivate a culture of purpose Provide a clear purpose that goes beyond profit and resonates with employees, customers and other stakeholders. A strong sense of purpose can inspire and motivate teams, foster innovation and attract like-minded partners and customers. Encourage continuous learning Encourage a culture of lifelong learning and skill development among employees. Provide opportunities for training, mentoring and professional growth to adapt to changing industry trends and technological advances. Create strategic partnerships Collaborate with industry peers, startups, academia and other innovators or stakeholders to leverage complementary strengths, access new markets, new ideas, different perspectives and drive innovation. Get together for coffee. Prioritize sustainability A heads-up of course would you say, but especially make it more than greenwashing. Integrate sustainability into core business operations by minimizing environmental impact, promoting social responsibility and ensuring ethical sourcing and production processes. Present and future generations expect no different. Think Different It’s from Apple, of course, but hasn’t lost relevance since. It is a way of looking, thinking and acting; it is a mindset. In a world where many people and companies tend to do what they were already doing, making a relevant difference is an interesting “short cut. Another way to think, or look at it, is “Resist the Usual” from Raymond Rubicam, one of the founders of Y&R. The power of Purpose and Meaning Ultimately, “Purpose” is critical for SMEs because it serves as a guiding principle that informs decision-making, motivates stakeholders and generates meaningful impact (“Purpose” and “Meaning” need to go hand in hand, especially since “Purpose” has been used far too loosely and lightly lately). Image by bfairbridge from Pixabay By adding “Meaning,” “Purpose” regains the meaning it has/had. By aligning
Master the Art of Business
Master the Art of Business: Transform Logic into Emotion Image from some Ai In the world of business, the significance of emotion transcends the confines of conventional logic. Logic serves its purpose, undoubtedly – navigating us from point A to B, laying the groundwork for market entry. Yet, in a landscape teeming with competitors fixated on mere table stakes, the path to true success requires a departure from the status quo. Pouring more resources into media, SEO, and SEA, and crossing fingers for mere visibility, is a futile strategy. We’re irrational creatures, triggered by emotions Human decision-making, despite our belief in rationality, is inherently irrational. Descartes, among others, might have envisioned us as rational beings, but we’re rational creatures only when there’s an emotion grabbing for our attention. As David Ogilvy wittingly notes, advertising without emotional impact is like to a tall ship drifting in the dark… David Ogilvy avec pipe Imagination emerges as the true catalyst for business transformation. While understanding logic forms a foundational base, true innovation and emotional resonance stem from thinking beyond the ordinary. Creativity, a manifestation of imagination, becomes the beacon leading us to uncharted territories. Boosting business, often counterintuitive, is grounded in applied rationality. Perfection in products or services is a precondition, but the real differentiator lies beyond a mere highlight of specs. Fearlessly venturing outside comfort zones unlocks the magic inherent in authenticity. The essence of a brand lies in unraveling the stories behind products or services – the narrative that resonates emotionally. Master the art of business For those seeking inspiration mastering the art of business, unconventional strategies await exploration: 1. Snoitnevnoc (Challenging Conventions (written backward ;-)): Flip the script by challenging assumptions and reversing typical thought processes. Instead of pondering how to enhance your brand, consider what could potentially harm or devalue it. 2. CCT (Customer-Centric Thinking): Elevate your brand by creating value that transcends current market offerings. Understanding both existing and potential customer needs becomes the compass guiding this approach. 3. ERRC (Eliminate-Reduce-Raise-Create): A holistic strategy involving the elimination of unnecessary factors, the reduction of elements below industry standards, the elevation of specific aspects beyond norms, and the creation of entirely new factors through innovation. This method sets companies apart, attracting new customers in an otherwise crowded market. Some examples of companies wo did exactly that: Blendtec: Humor and Relatability: Blendtec, a blender manufacturer, gained widespread attention through their “Will It Blend?” video series. The humorous videos feature the blending of unusual items, from iPhones to golf balls. It’s one of my all-time favorites. The emotional appeal lies in the entertaining and unexpected nature of the content, creating a memorable and shareable brand experience. This unconventional approach helped Blendtec massively increase brand visibility and sales. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0H8VLjFmgYo Zappos: Customer Happiness and Company Culture: Zappos, an online shoe and clothing retailer, focuses on creating an emotional connection through exceptional customer service and a unique company culture. Their emphasis on customer happiness, embodied in initiatives like surprise upgrades and personalized interactions, goes beyond transactions. By fostering positive emotions, Zappos has built a strong brand reputation and customer loyalty. MailChimp: Creativity and Playfulness: MailChimp, an email marketing platform, stands out by infusing creativity and playfulness into its branding. From quirky marketing campaigns to their playful mascot, Freddie the chimpanzee, MailChimp appeals to the emotional side of users. The brand’s unconventional and approachable image has contributed to its popularity, especially among creative professionals and small businesses. I hope you found this an inspiring story and sparked inspiration that propelled you forward in your thinking and doing. When you’ve seen the light but still want more or an extra ‘rational’ to get started, contact me here or here: +31618987510. Do Good,The Hoff
AI versus Human intelligence: And the winner is…
Human Intelligence versus AI and the winner is… Image from Deviant.com Literally: That depends on the question. Asking the question determines the outcome of what AI is going to create or the kind of answer it will give and it’s where Human Intelligence is best. Asking the question, or more precise, defining the problem is a thing (only) humans can do. A good definition of the problem makes the difference between fighting the symptoms or curing the core. It’s like a great agency or creative brief, hence my intrest. Einstein said it Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge gets you from A to B, imagination will get you anywhere,or Picasso: Anything you can imagine is real. Imagination, feeling, understanding, serendipity, original creativity, soulful, it’s where only humans excel and that’s great. It’s the continuation of ‘our’ evolution, creating a new space of being. From Homo Sapiens to Homo Sentient, from “wise” or “intelligent” to “perceive” or “feeling”. A great space to be. Also a space where we can – and have to – embrace AI and start seeing the beautiful power. The positive potential is overwhelming. But, like anything that’s new, we need to adapt, understand, learn, integrate, manage and yes it’s scary, and we need to understand and manage, but once we’re there, a new world (and universe) will emerge. Abstract Portret (1930) by Pablo Picasso It reminded me of this beautiful overview of shifts (I found on the interweb and adapted). That makes me feel very, very human and on the journey of humanity. From 3D to 5D: From Teacher to InspiratorFrom Study to GrowthFrom Guru to GuideFrom Fear to LoveFrom Boss to InspiratorFrom Doubt to TrustFrom Restriction to ExpansionFrom Unknowing to EmbracingFrom Separation to UnityFrom Mind to HeartFrom Ego to SoulFrom Conditioning to EvolvingFrom Scarcity to AbundanceFrom Dis-ease to HealthFrom Old to AgelessFrom Sapiens to SentientFrom God outside to God withinFrom Knowing to ConsciousnessFrom ReaCtive to Creative Notice they are the same word. Only the “C” has been moved.When you “C” things correctly, you become Creative, rather than Reactive. Image from deviant.com
Synchronicity grows brands and people
SYNCHRONICITY GROWS BRANDS & PEOPLE Connecting Carl Jung and Joseph Jaworski I came across Joseph Jaworski’s book “Synchronicity: The Inner Path of Leadership,” where he explores the concept of synchronicity as it relates to leadership and personal development. As I belief in humanizing brands (for multiple reasons), I was interested to see if branding and brands can use synchronicity for ‘personal’ development (Jung is about personalities). And as it turns out: yes. Jaworski describes synchronicity as meaningful coincidences or events that seem to be connected in a significant way. These events are seen as more than mere chance or randomness; they carry a deeper, often spiritual, significance. When recognized and embraced, he beliefs it can lead to a more profound understanding of oneself, the interconnectedness of events, and the potential for transformative leadership. Interestingly, Jaworski based his ideas on Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, who we all know as the inspirer of the 12 brand archetypes (personality types), but Jung was also the one that came up with the term “synchronicity.” According to Jung, synchronicity is the occurrence of events that are not causally related but are meaningfully connected in a way that suggests a deeper, underlying order to the universe. So, they both explore how individuals perceive and interpret the world around them, although from different angles. Synchronicity adds a layer of depth to Jung’s exploration of the human psyche by suggesting that external events can have profound psychological significance. Combining both views and mix it with some creativity, let’s philosophize about the potential impact of these ideas on brands and branding: 1. Authenticity: Understanding the concept of synchronicity can lead brands to focus on authenticity and alignment with their core values and purpose. This can help create a brand identity that resonates more deeply with employees, society and customers. 2. Innovation and Creativity: Synchronicity encourages leaders to tap into their intuition and collective wisdom. Brands that embrace this concept may foster a culture of innovation and creativity, leading to the development of unique and market-leading products and services. 3. Stakeholder Engagement: Brands that emphasize self-awareness and meaningful connections can build stronger relationships with their customers. By recognizing the interconnectedness of all things, they may approach stakeholders (employee, society, suppliers and customers) engagement with a more empathetic and holistic perspective. 4. Decision-Making: Synchronicity suggests that decisions should be made with a deeper understanding of context and a focus on collective intelligence. Brands that adopt this approach may make more ethical and socially responsible decisions, enhancing their reputation. In a world overflowing with options, your brand can rise above the cacophony. Jung’s personality theory and Jaworski’s synchronicity insights offer a symphonic approach to branding—a resonant, meaningful connection that lingers in the hearts and minds of your audience. So, as you chart your branding voyage, remember the wisdom of these intellectual thinkers. Seek synchronicity, embrace personality diversity, and let your brand and all involved grow in all dimensions. If you’re interested, let’s discuss ways to synchronize your brand and company.
Unlocking Full Potential: The Ultimate Guide to Thrive in an Ever-Changing World
UNLOCKING FULL POTENTIAL: The ultimate guide to thrive in an ever-changing world It’s not the strongest of species that survives, it’s the ones that are most adaptable to change. – Darwin The only thing we know for sure about the future is that it won’t be anything like today. The best way to deal with that is to adapt for change. We still need our specialists like designers, copywriters, logical thinkers, project managers, branding experts (even more), AI specialists, scientists of all disciplines, storytellers, artists, developers, managers, journalists, trainers, strategists, and more and so on. Of course! But by developing a new set of meta-skills on top, together we can increase the output quality, reduces stress and stay ahead of the curve. We need to learn to work together more than ever, embracing the change, creating a more beautiful world and have a lot of fun along the way. Not just for our generation(s), also for the future ones, our children. We cannot keep on teaching the the ‘old’ stuff, so they can get a job. Mainly because we don’t have a clue of what jobs exist in 12-15 years. Als there we need to start adapting the curriculum for change. “The purpose of life is to share ideas, not to reinforce social conventions and that requirers freedom of thinking and doing.” So here’s the really short summary of the meta-skills to learn and teach: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Initiative and Entrepreneurship Collaboration Across Networks and Leading by Influence Agility and Adaptability Effective Oral and Written Communication Assessing and Analyzing Information Love and Open-Mindedness Curiosity and Imagination In a world that’s changing faster than a superhero’s costume, these skills are the additional superpowers. They’re your Swiss Army knife for success, helping you and the people you work with navigate the twists and turns of tomorrow’s adventures, creating the ultimate hybrid team to fix and to create it. So, gear up and get ready to conquer the future! Feel free to comment, criticize and add. Extended version: 1. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving We spend so much time teaching people how to answer questions that we often forget to teach them how to ask them. Asking questions—and asking good ones—is a foundation of critical thinking. Before you can solve a problem, you must be able to critically analyze and question what is causing it. This is why critical thinking and problem solving are coupled together. 2. Initiative and Entrepreneurship Ever dream of being a game-changer, a trailblazer? It’s time to turn those dreams into reality. Take charge, make things happen, and become a pro at finding opportunities in unexpected places and start doing (instead of just talking about them). 3. Collaboration Across Networks and Leading by Influence Picture a world where your work buddies could be anywhere, from the next town to a whole other continent. That’s the beauty of modern teamwork. But here’s the twist: it’s not about being the boss. It’s about being the guide, the influencer who leads with flair. 4. Agility and Adaptability We live in a VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous) world. Hence, It’s important to be able to adapt and re-define one’s strategy. In this, being a quick-change artist is the name of the game. Forget about rigid routines – embrace the dance of change and learn to adapt like a chameleon. 5. Effective Oral and Written Communication Imagine your words being like magic spells, casting a spell of clarity and inspiration. It’s not just about talking the talk – it’s about making your ideas sparkle, persuading others with your passion, and nailing down your point. 6. Assessing and Analyzing Information Welcome to the information age, where data is the new gold. But not all that glitters is gold, and you’ve got to be the savvy miner. Sift through the info chaos, spot the nuggets of truth, and become a master at separating fact from fiction. 7. Love and Open-Mindedness Yes love makes the world go round. It’s a powerful force that fosters connection and empathy among individuals and promotes open-mindedness, collaboration and understanding. By nurturing love (and empathy), people develop a foundation of resilience and unity, energy and creativity 8. Curiosity and Imagination Think like a kid again – full of wonder and endless possibilities. Curiosity isn’t just a quirk; it’s your fuel for innovation. Let your imagination run wild and dare to explore uncharted territories. It is the reason Albert Einstein famously said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” So again, in a world that’s changing faster than a superhero’s costume, these skills are the additional superpowers. They’re your Swiss Army knife for success, helping you and the people you work with navigate the twists and turns of tomorrow’s adventures, creating the ultimate hybrid team to fix and to create it. So, gear up and get ready to conquer the future! Feel free to comment, criticize and add.
Crazy ones
Crazy ones What makes you laugh? What makes you adore? What touches you? What sticks? Most of the time it is something out of the ordinary or extraordinary or beyond order, something with an emotional trigger. It’s how we remember best. It’s the brain that wakes up from routine. The brain is a funny thing. It’s always busy saving energy, so anything that can be ‘automate’, it will. Labels, patterns, structures, It’s also predominantly a left brain operation. Beyond the ordinary is where artists find their inspiration. And yet, most of us try not to be out of the ordinary, but try to blend in. Being ordinary is a safe comfort zone. But that’s not where the magic happens, that’s completely outside comfort zones. It’s where inventions are made, where the best jokes come from, it’s the birth place of creativity. It’s also where great brands come from, brands created by extraordinary people. People with a vision and the bravery to resist the usual and be different (thank you Steve Jobs). Interesting is the fact that ordinary people admire extraordinary people, but the balance has to be right. Every company deserves one ‘crazy’ person, to stir things up, let in new air, new ideas (and get the freedom to do so). It’s good for business, because if you keep doing the same, don’t expect a different outcome. This one’s for inspiration:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-z4NS2zdrZc&t=2s Make the extraordinary happen!
Less Profit, More Happiness
Less Profit, More Happiness It sounds like a contradiction, but it’s not. The ideas is simple: Companies should define a profit ceiling. Anything they earn above, is used for positive investment like education, sustainability, pollution, improve farmer’s prices, equal opportunities, culture, the community, you get the idea. Now what happens? Employees who work for companies like that are proud (purpose) and more productive, more creative and willing to share ideas. Because they’re happy and proud, they will talk about it with at parties, social media, friends and family, (company branding) and attract new, like minded employees. For Social Media, these companies have more to tell than just about their products or servies. They can show their ‘human’ side, which is more suitable for the channel and more interesting, which creates positive awareness. Consumers are more inclined to buy products from companies that do good for the world and if the quality is good, will probably talk about it plus there’s already an increased visibility, so sales go up. Bottomline: happy people (employees, suppliers, consumers, stakeholders), sales go up, production cost go down, profit goes up…. so more money that’s going to be positively invested. In other words, we should invest in happiness. It’s (almost) a perpetuum mobile.