Coffee, Tonga Guy, and Mr. B

Tonga Guy

Is Tonga Guy a branding genius?
I can’t figure out if Olympian Pita Taufatofua, Tonga Guy in popular culture, is a genius at personal branding, an unusually gifted athlete, or both. Tonga Guy became a social media sensation at the 2016 summer Olympics when he marched shirtless and oiled up during the opening ceremonies. He competed in the taekwondo tournament then. He’s now representing Tonga in cross country skiing at the winter Olympics in South Korea and has people wondering how he will dress for the today’s opening ceremonies. 

Most of us never get the chance to compete in any high-profile competition. It must be a true blessing to compete at both a summer and a winter Olympics. But is Tonga Guy a competitive athlete, or a dude riding a branding strategy?

A commitment to culture
This report in Industry Week offers some good points companies and other organizations should consider when refining their “culture”. A variety of elements contribute to a successful culture, including some lighter items such as free snacks and ping pong. In my view, the most crucial component can be found in the “Golden Rule” - treat others as you want them to treat you. There are variations on the theme, but the essence is a commitment to show others the respect and kindness you hope they will extend to you. Without that simple foundation, all you really have left is free snacks.

The rise of the social media influencers
CBS News looks at the growing influence of social medial influencers in advertising. Individuals with a significant social media presence are more influential than celebrities in moving consumers to a point of purchase, according to the report. It seems familiar faces from social media frequently are the tipping point in a purchasing decision. I find that interesting.


From the Nearly Forgotten Hits file
Feb. 9, 1955: Big Joe Turner releases “Flip, Flop and Fly”. The song peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Many artists have recorded cover versions of the song, but Turner's take on it remains my favorite.

– Thank you for reading. Email comments to kbottswrites@gmail.com. Enjoy the coffee and the Olympic games, and may you find a sense of peace in your day.