There’s something about brands that know how to have fun. I reckon the Toyota Prius fits in this category. Their recent advertisement asking the crowd to work out the plural version of the word Prius is very catchy. (I’m a long time jingle lover). It’s also a cool way to build some anticipation and awareness of the new range
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUor4gdFoyg]
Is your brand having fun?
I was really excited to read about the new Eday hatch electric car which will be launched in 2012. It’s very cool for a few reasons including: It’s price is under $10,000. It’s an Australian startup. They are IT focused, not automotive focused. All the major functions are controlled electronically. It’s also the first eco / electric car option which isn’t priced at a premium, so it’s a total game changer.
What I find most interesting in the article is the advantage of zero infrastructure. When industries go through significant change as the automotive industry is, existing infrastructure can be a major disadvantage. Not only can it define how things should be made, but it also has the added burden of it needing to be supported financially. It demands asset utilisation and so limits the potential for a real change in product output.
The only way to innovate in an industry is to re-imagine the best way to build something from scratch. To ignore what we know about the incumbent mode of operation and create a new one. It is examples like the Eday that should inspire entrepreneurs to believe that that no company or industry is all powerful.
I’ve been thinking late that many of our so called labour saving inventions are simply a bad idea. Including but not limited to escalators, revolving doors, auto opening doors and electric hedge trimmers. These tiny ‘exercise saving’ devices have become so pervasive that we had to invent other little machines which are ‘labour creating’ – like gym memberships, treadmills and other contraptions we’d find in a gym….
Net result = obesity crisis
Here’s an idea: remove all the unneeded labour saving devices, (exclude those needed for disabled access) reduce energy requirements, remove the need for gyms and improve the health of the populous.
Startup crew out there – create something which helps society.
I saw this auction sign board while walking in my local village. A real estate agent who has the night light powered by a solar panel. The first I’ve seen of it’s kind. I was surprised.
It’s not a huge innovation, it may even cost them more than a standard electric powered light does, I’m note sure. What I am sure of is this, it moves them and ‘us’, all a few steps forward. To using better and smarter technology.
I felt good about it, good enough to be writing about it here. So the question is this:
What small things can your startup do to take it’s brand, and us all a few small steps forward?