Michael Kraabel

    Branding - Marketing - CMO - Creative Direction - Minneapolis

    Why Most Marketing and Agency Time Is Bullsh*t

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    In marketing and advertising agencies, the perception of productivity often clashes with the stark reality of time allocation. The industry thrives on the promise of innovation, creativity, and strategic brilliance. Yet, buried beneath the glamour and sheen lies a truth that many often shy away from: a significant portion of the time spent in marketing…

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    Embracing Real Work Over Rhetoric

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    The Joy of Being a Hands-On Creative and Marketing Executive: Embracing Real Work Over Rhetoric In marketing and creative strategy, there exists a dichotomy between those who relish hands-on involvement and those more inclined toward discussion and rhetoric. For individuals like myself, the allure of delving into the nitty-gritty of operations, actively participating in the…

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    Rational + Emotional Decision Making

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    When it comes to consumer behavior and decision-making, the contrast between rational and emotional decision-making choices stands as a captivating subject. The landscape of purchasing a product or service is often divided between those who rely on emotional impulses and those who meticulously weigh logical considerations. The pursuit of a harmonious equilibrium between these divergent…

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    The Importance of a Marketing Philosophy + Methodology

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    Having a defined philosophy is akin to having a compass that guides every decision. It sets the tone for how a brand interacts with its audience, shapes its identity, and ultimately influences its success. This philosophy acts as the foundation, aligning the brand’s values with its audience’s needs and desires. A marketing methodology brings structure…

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    The Power of Authentic Content

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    In the ever-evolving world of marketing, generating Authentic Content has emerged as a crucial strategy for businesses seeking to engage, build trust, and connect with their target audience. Authentic Content goes beyond the traditional advertising approaches, offering potential customers an honest and transparent look into the heart and soul of your business. Authentic Content, in…

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    Unintentional Entrepreneurship

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    Unintentional Entrepreneurship: From Experiment to Global Company – Lessons Learned Along the Way Let me take you on a journey – a story about accidental entrepreneurship that started as an experiment, questioning conventional marketing and branding approaches. As a consultant in the field, I often wondered if the methods I believed in – emphasizing content…

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    Chasing The Camel Trophy

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      We specialize in sourcing, importing, preserving, and restoring Heritage Land Rover Defenders. No other vehicle on the planet evokes a sense of wanderlust quite like a vintage Land Rover – a vehicle that has conquered every corner of the world and left an indelible mark on the face of travel and adventure. In our…

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    Brand Archetypes

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    Brand archetypes have emerged as a compelling framework to craft and communicate a brand’s personality, values, and identity. This approach, rooted in the psychological theories of Carl Jung, presents a way for brands to connect with their audience on a deeper, more emotional level. The essence of brand archetypes lies in their universality. These archetypes…

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    Empowering Through Education

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    Empowering Through Education: The Invaluable Impact of Giving Back to the Community The idea of giving back isn’t solely about financial contributions or charitable acts; it’s about imparting knowledge, fostering growth, and building a community. Teaching, in its various forms, whether it’s through a guest lecture, a keynote presentation, or nurturing your own team and…

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    The Unplugged Movie

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    The Most Embarrassing Creative Project I ever Completed   I was organizing old hard drives tonight and came across the Adobe Premiere Pro project file and footage of an old 48-hour film project I completed years ago.   It was a film I produced, directed, wrote, filmed, and acted in all by myself.   It…

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