The mid-2000s: when social media was just starting to emerge, platforms like TikTok and Instagram were non-existent, and the iTunes store wasn’t even a blip on the radar. It was a time of uncertainty for marketers, as the old rules of marketing simply wouldn’t cut it in this new digital era. Companies who treated these new platforms like mere billboards found their efforts backfiring, with their messages lost in the noise.
But here’s the thing: those who embraced the new ecosystem and understood that marketing in this era was like a graceful jiu-jitsu move, or even a state of zen, found unprecedented success. They realized that going with the current instead of fighting against it made everything easier. They understood the power of not swimming against the tide and not resisting the current.
In fact, some of our best B2B PR campaigns thrived because we went with the situation instead of against it. Whether it was seizing a political moment with a viral open letter or persuading a major financial institution to steer clear of finances, these campaigns stand as shining examples of our best work.
Another recent example exemplifies this zen approach to marketing: the story of Lululemon, the $50 billion athleisure brand. Like many other major brands, Lululemon faced a unique challenge: the rise of knock-offs, also known as “dupes.”
Undoubtedly, Lululemon and other brands lose sales to these dupes. The traditional response would be to fight back, engage in legal battles, and protect their turf. But Lululemon, with its zen-inspired mindset, chose a different path. Instead of resisting the dupe trend, they found a way to make it work in their favor. They turned the tables on the situation, leveraging it as an opportunity to strengthen their brand and engage their customers in a remarkable way.
The lessons learned from their story extend beyond consumer brands; they can be applied to the world of B2B marketing as well.
The Challenge Faced by Lululemon
Dupes became more than just a nuisance. They evolved into a full-blown trend, especially among the influential Gen Z crowd. It’s like a game for them, discovering and flaunting these knock-offs like a badge of honor. The media caught on, and articles like “11 Best Lululemon Dupes on Amazon” suddenly made waves.
Social media platforms became the battleground for dupe enthusiasts. TikTok alone boasted a mind-boggling 3.5 billion views under the #dupe hashtag, while #lululemondupes racked up an astounding 150 million views. That’s right, millions of eyeballs were feasting on content related to Lululemon dupes.
Traditionally, a brand facing such a challenge would go in, guns blazing, ready to unleash legal wrath and protect its territory. But not Lululemon. No, they took a different path, a calmer approach.
Lululemon organized a bold move—a “Dupe Swap” event right at their Los Angeles store. They invited customers to bring in their knock-off Align pants and swap them for authentic ones. It was a gamble, but not a blind one. Despite the millions of dupes being sold and the insane amount of dupe-related views, the Align pants remained best-sellers for Lululemon.
They had faith in their strong brand culture, online and in-store communities, fitness and yoga resources, relatable ambassadors, and, of course, the quality of their products. They believed that all of these elements combined would shine brighter than any knock-off and convince people to choose the real deal.
In a world defined by deafening noise, Lululemon understood that the ultimate moat was its brand and community. They embraced the challenge, confident in their ability to sway the audience and build a loyal following.
According to Lululemon, a whopping 50% of the participants in the Dupe Swap event were new customers, with half of them under the age of 30. They not only engaged their existing customers but also attracted a whole new audience in the process.
B2B marketers can take a page out of Lululemon’s book. How many times have your prospects complained about those gate-kept reports that require more personal information than a secret agent’s dossier?
It’s time to take a step back, reassess, and ask yourself: What are you fighting that you could be using to your advantage? That’s the Zen way. It’s about finding hidden opportunities, embracing the challenges, and turning them into your secret weapons.
Embracing the Zen Way: Unleashing Your Marketing Potential
Take a moment to reflect on your current marketing efforts. Are there any battles you find yourself constantly fighting? Are there challenges or trends that you’ve been resisting instead of embracing? It’s time to identify those roadblocks and shift your mindset.
Remember, marketing is like a dance. It’s about finding that perfect rhythm and synchronizing your moves with the beat of the market. The Zen approach teaches us to let go of resistance and tap into the natural currents that surround us.
Here are some key principles of the Zen way that you can start implementing in your marketing strategy:
Awareness: Tune in to the pulse of your target audience. Stay updated on the latest trends, social media platforms, and cultural shifts. Understanding their needs, desires, and preferences is crucial to create campaigns that truly resonate.
Adaptability: Be ready to adapt and pivot. The marketing landscape is ever-evolving, and what worked yesterday may not work today. Embrace change, experiment with new approaches, and be open to trying different marketing tactics.
Authenticity: Your brand’s authenticity is your superpower. Build a strong brand culture, foster genuine connections with your audience, and let your values shine through. When you stay true to who you are, you create a magnetic force that attracts loyal customers.
Community: Nurture a vibrant and engaged community around your brand. Create spaces, both online and offline, where your audience can connect, share their experiences, and become advocates for your brand. A strong community acts as a shield against any challengers.
Innovation: Don’t be afraid to push boundaries and think outside the box. The Zen way encourages creativity and innovation. Look for unconventional solutions, explore new channels, and surprise your audience with fresh ideas that capture their attention.
Listening: Practice active listening. Pay attention to what your customers are saying, both directly and indirectly. Their feedback and insights can guide you in refining your products, services, and marketing strategies.
Balance: Find the delicate balance between being proactive and responsive. While having a clear vision and strategic direction is important, it is also important to be flexible enough to adapt to feedback and market dynamics. Balance is the key to maintaining harmony in your marketing efforts.
Remember, the Zen way is not a one-time strategy. It’s a mindset, a continuous practice of aligning yourself with the currents of the market. Embrace the challenges, find the hidden opportunities, and let your marketing efforts flow effortlessly.
Ready to really embrace Zen marketing? Reach out.
