the mash

As marketers, there’s a lot we can do to build a compelling story around a brand or product. But when users can readily and consistently separate your product from the competition, you’ve got something special. Our Director of Brand Content Jen Molnar explains how a Lego sorting session sparked an ah-ha moment on the importance of developing distinctive (and memorable) physical product features.

The strength of your “fan following” is also the strength of your brand. And one powerful way to build that loyalty is to allow your customers’ creativity to shine through in your marketing. Associate creative director Erin Kunz explores the brands that shaped her adolescence and how embracing user-generated content helped them build an even stronger identity.

You’ve put in the company’s time. You’ve devoted the company’s money. So naturally, you want to see a high return on investment in your agency. While a lot depends on choosing the right partner, there are seven things you can do to maximize your relationship and get the most out of the branding, marketing and creative work you commission.

This year has brought a tidal wave in the evolution of AI image generators. Chris Graver, our associate creative director, takes them on and learns how to make them work with (rather than against) him in his efforts to fearlessly take on the future.

Your product has incredible features. But how will people feel because they chose it? We’re talking about the power of emotional versus rational appeals with our executive creative director and brand strategist, Anita Holman, who explains why stirring an emotional connection with your brand is a must-do if you want to stand out.

Building materials brands need to pay attention to the unique needs and problems of millennial homeowners. It’s a key factor to understanding your target audience, or the end-enjoyer. Yes, Millennials are turning 40 and they own homes. Take a note from two brand new homeowners on the Interrupt team—Aly and Ernest. From power tools to apps, get two insights from people living the dream right now.

Manufacturers cannot approach their sales process with a one-size-fits-all strategy. Especially when selling to architects. Knowing the roles and responsibilities inside the firm provides insight that helps manufacturers know exactly what these professionals need.

Marketing partnerships can create exponential success for the brands involved. Value-added, expansive audience, corporate-startup, and long-term strategic partnerships all offer wider exposure and an increased customer base for companies of all sizes and backgrounds.

The nature of business is changing even faster and more rigorously than in decades past. Marketing will serve as the main driver of this change, delivering greater customer experiences and more relevant business strategies through comprehensive data analysis.

Looking forward, we’re expecting big changes in the construction industry. It’s time to get prepared so you can prevent commotion in your operations and come out ahead. In this post, Bill takes us through his forecast of the future to help you understand what’s expected over the next few years.

Today, you can’t win business with fishing trips and golf outings. If you’re selling to the trades and businesses, you need a deeper understanding of your customers’ pain points, their business’ success factors and how you can help their business outperform their market. It’s a journey and in this post, we’ll help you get started on the right path.

Architects don’t want to be sold to, they want to be involved in a meaningful conversation.

Part 1: Lessons from the House of Mouse

We had the opportunity to attend the Hanley Wood “Builder Connections” conference in Dallas recently. It’s a great concept.

Manufacturers and suppliers need to wake up to how tech is changing LBM.

Business and leadership is simple; we usually just choose to make it more complex than it needs to be.

Here are a few tips to help your company spring into action for a successful 2015.

It’s a musical playlist that gets me thinking about the complexity of “simple.”

Expertise in the building materials channel is what ensures you get results.

It’s just what you needed, another appointment with a supplier rep who wants to stop in next week for a visit.