ANT & THE LION source: http://www.slideshare.net/faisalkhadia/the-ant-fable

This was first brought up to me by Rhys not too long ago.

http://www.slideshare.net/faisalkhadia/the-ant-fable

It's just so funny as to WHY most companies we know still practice this bizarre behavior. Would it be just less stressful (and much happier) for everyone if we kept all things simple and forthright? I reckon we just DO the work - do it GREAT - turn it around and deliver and go home.. It isn't really rocket science to figure this out. Break down all barriers and layers. Lead by being a doer yourself:)

SAIGON STUDIO FIT OUT: MIDWAY POINT

So stoked and excited to share these with you. Rhys and I (and everyone) are hard at work to finish our studio fit out in Saigon. Things are definitely rocking here at AP Branding. Having a solid house and foundation is critical to deliver great work (and what better way to bring this 'foundation' alive by breathing life in to our Saigon studio).

Stay tuned for further updates.

CLIENT SATISFACTION IS JUST SO INDISPENSIBLE

Since it is a Thursday today, I'd like to show some throwback love.  I am sure that most of you remember these stills. Circa 1996 remember?

Jerry Maguire may be seen as a feel good, love story; but can't we just step back and see how it is made relevant in today's service-oriented setting? This guy got fired from a six digit role in a big MNC no doubt (with no bad apples but just pure intentions!),  lost ALL of his clients and was left with just ONE. He never gave up on this one client, nurtured him; and just delivered great work and his life  - professionally and personally -  experienced a 180 degree turnaround. Wouldn't our lives be easier too if we just had this mindset of embracing our clients, making their business as if it was ours and just found solutions by delivering great work? #tbt

Photo stills owned by TriStar Pictures, 1996.

INNOVATING BREAD FILLS BY NO LESS THAN THE MARKET LEADER IN CHEESE SPREADS

This is another evidence of hard work fresh off AP Branding's NBD oven: Cheese Whiz Milky Delight. It is the brand's foray in to the sweet bread fill segment, innovating and expanding its repertoire outside its cheesy and salty overtures. We are keeping our fingers crossed for favorable off-take results. Available in supermarkets and groceries nationwide (in the Philippines). GO GRAB ONE. 

DAY ZERO OF SAIGON STUDIO FIT OUT

This wasn't a bad way to end a very productive week: A good meeting to plan the proposed 2-week fit out of AP Branding's 2nd setup: Our very own Saigon Studio! 

Stay tuned as more news will unfold in the next few weeks.

SAFEGUARD REJUVENATION

Rhys and I were doing our usual trade visit in Manila and noticed this latest 'dress change' from this market's #1 brand in soap: Safeguard. I don't think the output was bad; bringing its usual icon to be bolder, stronger, much confident and definitely helping deliver stand out on shelf (also ensuring that key visual equities are still intact so as to achieve a logical transition as to where Safeguard was!)

A key dictum I'd like to share when managing visual transitions of market leaders: Be respectful of its current visual equities; and don't just change for the sake of change itself. 

MILLER'S GAMBLE

I saw this ad recently and thought of sharing this with everyone. Miller - as beer brand - is one of the front runners of a cold filtered brew; delivering a mouthfeel that is clear and crisp; and not too heavy and 'bloaty' on the stomach. This is their foray in product innovation - flipping the brand's tide - and offering a wholly-bodied and full-flavored experience.  They also did it via a deliberate full kick of 6.9% alcohol content and a noticeably bold and amber structure to ensure differentiation vs. the core offer. Notice the Miller brandmark is only seen as an endorser; and allowing the FORTUNE name to be given much emphasis and personality. As a genuine beer guy, I'd like to get my hands on this.

Source: Miller Print Ad March 2014 

BEING TOO QUIRKY FOR QUIRKINESS' SAKE

I couldn't help it but notice this label. Stature is refined and does exude that minimum sophistication befitting a gourmet offer. Yet see the text that sort of behaves as a sub brand? What's that about? Imagine if it was just written straight & without breaking the letters  - C L A S I C O. Wouldn't it be easier for everyone? Pack itself does have enough personality but why complicate???  KISS. Keep It Simple S________ :)