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Opinionated positioning In the vibrant world of marketing, brands stand as more than mere logos or names; they embody personas that resonate with their audience, akin to individuals in society. Establishing a brand personality is not just about crafting a unique identity; it’s about articulating opinions that speak volumes, positioning brands as relatable entities with which consumers can form meaningful connections. This professional discourse delves into the pivotal role of brand opinions in distinguishing brands in a market rife with uniformity, underscoring the strategic imperative of aligning these opinions with core brand values.

A journey of gratitude and growth As we step into the festive season, marking the end of another year and the dawn of a new one, it’s a time for reflection and anticipation. This moment is particularly poignant at Twisted Toast Digital, as we look back on the world adapted to a new normal post-COVID-19.

Navigating towards a next frontier The recent disruptive, management, board and shareholder upheavals at leading generative artificial intelligence firm OpenAI has focused the technology world’s attention firmly on its next frontier, the search for systems with artificial general intelligence (AGI). According to an analysis created by The Economist, this has divided the AI cognoscenti into two basic camps. Doomers “believe that, left unchecked, AI poses an existential risk to humanity and hence advocate stricter regulation”, while boomers “play down fears of an AI apocalypse and stress its potential to turbocharge progress”.

The power of unity One of my favourite poems of all time is Welsh poet, Dylan Thomas’ “Do not go gentle into that good night.” While the poem is commonly interpreted as a son’s appeal to his ailing father to sustain his will to live, it has always resonated more profoundly with me, encapsulating the prevailing spirit of South Africans today. We’re a tenacious bunch and it is probably not too surprising that our desire to survive and thrive, no matter the adversity we face, is tattooed on our nation’s psyche. Which brings me to sport and more specifically rugby and our heroic Boks. 

Safety on the ocean: Lessons learnt As I finished final preparations for my intended Reverse Miller’s Run downwind surfski paddle on the beach in front of my local club, Fish Hoek Beach Sports Club (FHBSC) at just before 16:00 on Thursday afternoon, 21 September 2023, I activated the South African National Sea Rescue Institute’s NSRI SafeTRX app. I selected its continuous tracking setting, sealed my smartphone in its special waterproof bag and made sure its lanyard was securely fastened to my personal floatation device (PFD). This is the best thing I could have done before heading out, as soon enough, I needed to be rescued.

Students' prank leads to positive outcome “Borrowing” of Atterbury's giant Springbok jersey leads to donation to Atterbury Trust With Springbok spirit currently at a high, two Pretoria students took their enthusiasm for the Bokke campaign a bit too far. They decided to “borrow” the giant Springbok jersey that is dressed on the large Angus Taylor statue “Child of the Dust” by Atterbury Property during each Rugby World Cup tournament, for their own purposes. This renowned stone statue stands in front of the company's Clubhouse headquarters in Hazelwood, Pretoria.

Private following eliminates brand message fatigue Meta Platforms, much like other giants in the digital economy, has a knack for emulating the successful features or products of its rivals. They borrowed the Stories format from Snap and introduced Reels — a short video format inspired by TikTok’s success. With Threads, they even seem to pay homage to Twitter, if not X.

Align your brand with a cause that saves lives October marks the annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM), a campaign that brings the realities of breast cancer to the forefront of public conversation. With pink ribbons symbolising the struggle, hope and resilience of countless women, this month is far more than just a superficial observance. While awareness is crucial, it’s only a piece of the puzzle in the fight against breast cancer — a condition that is unfortunately increasing among South African women and stands as one of the most common cancers amongst women across races and classes.

What downwind surfski paddling teaches us about corporate success Navigating the sea of business opportunities is much like riding the ocean swells on a downwind surfski paddle. When we think of the infamous Miller’s Run in False Bay, South Africa, it’s not just about battling the elements; it’s about mastering a skill that’s as mentally challenging as it is physically demanding. Much like the business environment, the ocean offers us a mix of risk and reward, teaching invaluable lessons that can be applied in the corporate arena.

Why spring brings renewed optimism As the first sun of Spring Day stretches its golden arms across the horizon, there’s an undeniable feeling of rejuvenation in the air. The season carries with it not just the promise of fresh flowers, budding trees and balmy air, but a sense of renewed vitality that reverberates through the community, from homes to businesses. As we revel in this natural upturn, there is a unique power to this positivity that extends into thinking at Twisted Toast Digital.