Just a quick note on the passing of a colorful New Yorker. Former NYC mayor Ed Koch passed away this week at the age of 88 years old. He was a larger than life character both inside and outside of New York. His signature phrase, “How’m I doing?” was delivered to heads of state and cab drivers with the same earnestness and sincerity.

Koch respected the responses he received. This did not mean that he changed the way he lived or governed, but he appeared to be preternaturally aware of what people thought about him and his policies at all times. In reality, he made it his business to be aware.

In his passing, I think we can take away a little brand guidance. As marketers, it is pure hubris to not care what others are thinking about our brands. This knowledge may not shape our policies, products, services and direction. Or it might do just that.

So, at least for today, get out there and ask your customers:

“How’m I doing?”

Ed would give you a thumbs-up!

About Arthur Germain

Arthur Germain, Principal & Chief Brandteller of Communication Strategy Group is the curator and main blogger for Brandtelling, a blog about Brand+Storytelling.

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