In the dynamic world of marketing and brand building, finding the right approach can make all the difference. This is where “The Lego Technique” comes into play—a method inspired by the versatility and simplicity of Lego bricks. Just as Legos allow us to create complex structures by assembling individual pieces, The Lego Technique helps in constructing a robust brand by focusing on foundational elements and iterative progress.
The Goal: Visualizing the Final Structure
Before you start building, you need to have a clear picture of what you want to achieve. In branding, this means understanding your long-term goals and how you want your brand to be perceived. With this vision in mind, every brick you lay—every marketing campaign, product launch, and customer interaction—should align with this overarching goal.
Example:
Nike’s “Just Do It” campaign wasn’t just a slogan; it was a vision to inspire athletes at every level. This clear goal guided their branding efforts and led to the global powerhouse we see today.
The Foundation: Starting Small
Every successful brand begins with a solid foundation. In the Lego Technique, this foundation is your core brand identity—values, mission, and vision. Just like laying the first few bricks of a Lego set, these foundational elements set the stage for everything that follows.
Example:
When Apple started, it wasn’t the tech giant we know today. It began with a clear vision of making user-friendly computers. This core idea laid the foundation for its brand, which has evolved but always remained true to its original mission.
Laying One Brick at a Time: Iterative Progress
The beauty of Lego bricks lies in their simplicity and ease of assembly. The Lego Technique emphasizes taking small, manageable steps in building your brand. Each marketing initiative, social media post, or customer engagement is a brick that contributes to the overall structure.
Example:
Coca-Cola’s consistent yet evolving advertising campaigns are a testament to this. Each ad, whether it’s the iconic “Share a Coke” campaign or their festive holiday commercials, is a small brick contributing to the larger brand image of happiness and togetherness.
Flexibility: Adapting and Changing Bricks
One of the most valuable aspects of the Lego Technique is its flexibility. In the real world, not every strategy will work perfectly the first time. Like swapping out a Lego brick that doesn’t fit, brands must be ready to adapt and change tactics when necessary.
Example:
Netflix started as a DVD rental service but pivoted to online streaming when the market shifted. This flexibility allowed them to stay relevant and become a leading entertainment provider.
Versatility: Using Different Styles
Just as Lego sets can be built using different styles of bricks, brands can achieve their goals through various methods. Whether it’s through innovative advertising, social media engagement, or community involvement, the key is to be versatile and open to different approaches.
Example:
Red Bull’s brand strategy includes extreme sports sponsorships, content creation, and traditional advertising. This versatile approach has helped them build a unique and recognizable brand.
Brand Building is Not a Puzzle
A crucial aspect of the Lego Technique is understanding that brand building is not a puzzle. There’s no single way to do things, and there’s not always a definitive shape that fits perfectly everywhere. Just like Legos, you can achieve your goals with versatility. Instead of finding missing pieces, you create new pieces that fit perfectly into your evolving brand strategy.
Example:
Tesla didn’t follow the traditional automotive industry path. Instead, they created their own route by focusing on electric vehicles and renewable energy, showing that you don’t have to find the existing pieces but can create new ones to fit your vision.
The Final Structure: A Strong and Cohesive Brand
By following the Lego Technique, brands can build a strong, cohesive identity that withstands the test of time. The end result is a brand with a solid foundation, clear goals, and the flexibility to adapt and grow.
Example:
Disney’s brand has evolved over decades, starting from animation to theme parks, and now streaming services. Each step, each “brick,” has contributed to its status as a beloved global brand.
The Lego Technique offers a practical and versatile approach to brand building. By starting with a strong foundation, setting clear goals, progressing iteratively, and remaining flexible, brands can construct a resilient and dynamic presence in the market. Just like building with Legos, it’s about taking one step at a time, adapting as needed, and eventually creating something remarkable. Instead of viewing your brand as a puzzle with missing pieces, see it as a Lego set where you can create and fit new pieces as you go, ensuring a versatile and result-oriented approach.