There’s a Jeep commercial circulating right now that stars Harrison Ford talking about choices and how life doesn’t come with an owner’s manual. It’s one of those ads you watch the entire way through because it’s evocative and makes you feel something. You hardly even notice that they’re selling a vehicle, but you buy into the lifestyle presented, which is Jeep’s goal. Winning customers isn’t just about having a great product or service—it’s about making people feel something. The best brands don’t just sell; they connect, entertain, and even challenge their audiences. If you want to turn heads and build a loyal customer base, you don’t need to have Jeep’s ad spend. You can use these five powerful marketing techniques in your email, video, and social media campaigns. 1. Surprise Them with the Unexpected Have you ever seen a video of a ferocious gorilla cradling a stuffed animal? You notice it because it breaks the norm. It’s unexpected. Shocking or provocative marketing makes people stop scrolling and start talking. Use bold visuals, unexpected comparisons, or tackle an issue in a way no one else has. The key is to be tastefully disruptive—shocking for the right reasons, not just for controversy’s sake. Example: A coffee shop launches an ad/marketing campaign with the slogan, “Sleep is overrated.” The ad features people snoozing in unexpected places—like a boardroom or a wedding—only to wake up rejuvenated with a cup of their signature brew. It’s humorous, eye-catching, and reinforces the product’s value. 2. Align with What Matters to Customers More than ever, consumers—especially younger ones (hello, Gen Z)—want to support brands that align with their values. Whether it’s sustainability, diversity, or social justice, people are willing to pay more for companies that stand for something. Example: A fashion brand emphasizes its commitment to ethical manufacturing by showcasing the artisans who make their products, rather than just the clothes. The campaign highlights fair wages, sustainable materials, and real stories, making customers feel good about their purchases. Another example is a restaurant in Florida that printed on the first page of its menu that it pays the staff a living hourly wage with medical benefits as a reason for slightly higher dine-in prices. 3. Make Them Laugh Laughter is appreciated by most people and humor makes brands more relatable and memorable. If you can cause someone to chuckle (with you, not at you), they’re more likely to remember your business—and even share your content. Example: A bakery promotes its products with a campaign called “The Breakup Box”— designed for heartbreak recovery, featuring goodies decorated with phrases like “You were too good for them anyway.” It’s witty, shareable, and turns an everyday purchase into an experience. 4. Show What’s at Stake Fear-based marketing isn’t about scaring customers—it’s about showing them what they might lose if they don’t act. It works well for industries like insurance, cybersecurity, and health because it highlights risks people may not think about. Example: A cybersecurity company runs an ad featuring a business owner frantically calling IT after losing all their customer data to hackers. The tagline? “Hope is not a security plan.” It’s direct, powerful, and makes people think twice about their own vulnerabilities. 5. Tap into Nostalgia People love reminiscing about the past. Nostalgia creates an emotional connection, making your brand feel warm, familiar, and trustworthy. Whether it’s referencing pop culture, childhood experiences, or past trends, nostalgia-based marketing can be a powerful tool. Example: A toy store releases a campaign featuring classic ‘90s toys with the tagline “Some things never go out of style.” Parents who grew up in that era are instantly drawn in, eager to share a piece of their childhood with their own kids. Hollywood knows this power better than anyone. They came out with a movie based on that creepy cymbal-banging, drum playing monkey toy from the late ‘60s-‘70s. If you were a child then (or watched the movie Poltergeist), you know what I mean. Nostalgia is not always heartwarming, but it does make you feel something. The Winning Formula: Mix and Match The best marketing campaigns often blend these techniques. A campaign can be funny and nostalgic, or shocking and value-driven. The key is to know your audience and choose the right emotional trigger that will make them stop, think, and, most importantly, take action. (You’re still thinking about that monkey, aren’t you? That’s marketing power.) ------- Christina Metcalf is a writer and women’s speaker who believes in the power of story. She works with small businesses, chambers of commerce, and business professionals who want to make an impression and grow a loyal customer/member base. She is the author of The Glinda Principle , rediscovering the magic within. _______________________________________ Medium: @christinametcalf Facebook: @tellyourstorygetemtalking Instagram: @christinametcalfauthor LinkedIn: @christinagsmith

Volunteering builds leadership skills like empathy, strategy, and communication. Giving back enhances employee engagement, company culture, and your network. You don’t need extra time or money—start small, start now. Volunteering often opens doors to unexpected personal and professional growth. Leaders who volunteer are more fulfilled and connected to their communities. 604 words ~ 3 min read In today’s fast-paced business world, leaders are constantly searching for ways to grow—both personally and professionally. But there’s one path to growth that’s often overlooked: volunteering. Volunteering isn’t just about giving back; it’s a leadership accelerator that builds empathy, sharpens strategic thinking, and fosters stronger connections. And the best part? You don’t have to wait until you have “extra” time or resources to get started. Small actions today can lead to profound impacts tomorrow. The Case for Volunteering The personal benefits of volunteering are well-documented. People who volunteer report 27% higher levels of life satisfaction. They experience lower stress and greater emotional well-being ( CNCS ). For professionals and business leaders, the payoff is even greater: Volunteering develops empathy , an essential leadership trait. Serving on nonprofit boards or committees strengthens governance and decision-making skills . Community involvement expands your professional network and boosts your personal brand . Deloitte’s research highlights that employees who participate in workplace volunteer activities are 57% more likely to feel connected to their company’s culture and mission ( Deloitte Volunteerism Survey ). Start Small—But Start Now Many professionals put off volunteering, waiting for the “right” time—when they’re more successful, financially secure, or less busy. But if you wait for perfect conditions, you could be waiting forever. Here’s a simple three-step plan to get started within the next 30 days: Clarify your passion. What causes matter to you—education, health, economic development? Start with what resonates. Leverage your network. Ask colleagues or friends where they volunteer. You’ll be surprised by the connections and opportunities close by. Commit to one small action. Whether it’s one hour a month or lending your skills to a nonprofit’s strategic plan, start with what fits your life right now. What Happens Next May Surprise You Volunteering often leads to unexpected opportunities. You may start by helping at a local event and end up joining a nonprofit board. Or you might discover a passion that redefines your personal mission—or even sparks a career pivot. As Harry Kraemer, former CEO of Baxter International, shares in his leadership insights: “Start small, but be open to where volunteering takes you. Over time, you can grow into roles that allow you to make an even greater impact.” You’ll also become a stronger leader. Volunteering hones key leadership skills: listening, empathy, resilience, and decision-making in complex environments. These are the same traits that set successful business leaders apart. Lead by Example—And Create a Culture of Giving Back If you lead a team or a business, encouraging volunteerism can strengthen your entire organization. Companies that prioritize volunteering experience higher employee engagement, improved morale, and stronger ties to their communities. Consider these steps: Offer paid volunteer days or flexible schedules to encourage employees to give back. Partner with local nonprofits for company-wide volunteer initiatives. Recognize and celebrate volunteer efforts within your team. The Bottom Line Volunteering isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a leadership strategy that pays dividends. You grow as a leader, build your network, and create lasting positive change. Why wait? Start today. Your future self—and your community—will thank you. Further Reading: Why Volunteering Can Be Great for Business – Harvard Business Review Empathy Is the Most Important Leadership Skill – Harvard Business Review --- The Leavenworth-Lansing Area Chamber of Commerce is a private non-profit organization that aims to support the growth and development of local businesses and our regional economy. We strive to create content that not only educates but also fosters a sense of connection and collaboration among our readers. Join us as we explore topics such as economic development, networking opportunities, upcoming events, and success stories from our vibrant community. Our resources provide insights, advice, and news that are relevant to business owners, entrepreneurs, and community members alike. The Chamber has been granted license to publish this content provided by Chamber Today, a service of ChamberThink Strategies LLC.