Instead of focusing on immediate ROI, structure events to foster genuine connections and goodwill ("karma"). This builds a stronger, more resilient brand over time, even if it means creating opportunities for competitors by inviting them.
A personal brand has limitations in reach and appeal. Creating a universe of characters (IP) allows for the teaching of core values like patience or kindness to a broader audience, similar to how Jim Henson used the Muppets for social good.
Chasing a universal standard of "tastefulness" often leads to perfectionism and inaction. Instead, focus on having good intent to create value for a specific audience. Trust your own subjective taste, execute on it, and accept that it won't be for everyone.
The definition of "culture" is often limited to what's popular or "cool" in mainstream media. However, enormous, passionate cultures exist in niche verticals like fishing or hunting. Tapping into these overlooked communities can be a powerful branding strategy.
Fashion partnerships allow brands to quickly get physical products to market (6-9 months) and test consumer appetite. The "limited drop" model creates urgency and allows for experimentation—like "tapas instead of a big meal"—without the long lead times of other product categories.