Michael Kraabel

    Branding - Marketing - CMO - Creative Direction - Minneapolis

    Building a Brand by Growing Smaller

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    Throughout my career in advertising, I always thought my agency needed to pitch and win every client we could. When I went out on my own to start a new company, my instincts were to grow as big and fast as possible. In both cases, I was wrong. If someone had told me to stay…

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    Historical Overview of Branding and Marketing from Ancient Markets to the Industrial Revolution

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    From ancient marks of craftsmanship to the trademarks of the industrial age, branding and marketing have become central to the commerce and culture of societies worldwide. This historical evolution set the stage for the sophisticated marketing strategies of the modern era, demonstrating the enduring importance of branding in connecting producers with consumers. The branding and…

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    Customer Evolution through Aspirational Identity

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    In a time when consumer expectations extend beyond product functionality to encompass personal growth and identity enhancement, brands face the imperative to evolve. This is where the Voyager Brand Value Model (VBVM) comes in, a conceptual framework designed to anchor brand value in the aspirational identity of the consumer. By shifting focus from the transactional…

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    Voyager Brand Value Model Exploration

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    It’s time for us to move beyond the purpose-driven “why” framework and other brand models that focus exclusively on the customer in a static state. A new approach, focusing on “who” the customer becomes through engaging with the brand, emphasizing their aspirational identity and transformational journey, should be explored. This model shifts the focus from…

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    The Adaptive Brand Ecosystem Model

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    Adopting and developing a brand model provides structure and direction to branding activities. It ensures strategic focus, guides investment in high-impact initiatives, fosters innovation, guarantees consistency across touchpoints, enables effective measurement and evaluation, and aligns internal stakeholders. Most of all, it serves as a blueprint for your marketing and brand campaigns. However, not all models…

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    Beyond Purpose-Driven Brand Marketing

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    Throughout history, brand marketing has continually adapted to new technologies and shifts in consumer preferences. From simple marks of craftsmanship to complex digital campaigns, brand marketing has become a fundamental aspect of business strategy, aiming to build brand equity, loyalty, and a strong emotional connection with consumers. As consumer preferences change, so must our methods…

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    The Third Place

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    In the quiet hum of a bustling coffee shop, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the low murmur of conversations, lies the essence of what sociologists call “The Third Place.” A concept popularized by urban sociologist Ray Oldenburg, it refers to those inclusive locations that are neither home (the first place) nor…

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    Creative Collaboration With Generative AI – Part One

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    Even though I’ve spent most of my professional career developing some pretty advanced digital marketing campaigns, I admit that I am somewhat of a Luddite.  This goes back quite a while, I’m afraid to admit.  I remember when USB 1.0 came out and threatened to replace the precious serial ports on my computer.  I thought…

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    Artificial Intelligence (AI) vs. Human Intelligence (HI) in Creative

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    My initial stance was to be highly skeptical of using artificial intelligence (AI) in branding and marketing. The very idea of AI weaving its way into a space so profoundly reliant on human insight, emotion, and connection seemed, for lack of a better word, apocalyptic.  After all, the creative industry typically thrives on nuances I…

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    The Future of Fractional Creative Leadership

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    Over the past couple of years, I have witnessed the rise of a trend: the emergence of fractional marketing executives as the norm rather than the exception. These seasoned professionals offer their expertise to companies on a part-time or project basis, providing strategic leadership without the full-time commitment. This model has gained traction across various…

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