The Problem With Puppies

So many (cute) red flags...

The problem with puppies...
I know everyone loves puppies. I do, too.
They are cute, and when you post them, people linger and even click.
But...

Posting puppies BECAUSE they’re cute should be a huge red flag. 🚩🚩🚩
It doesn't mean you're out of ideas (but you are).
It doesn't mean you don't know what to post (but have to to post anyway, ew).

It means you have NO STRATEGY.

A real strategy tells you what to post.
A real strategy tells you who to speak to.
A real strategy shows you how to go deeper, and talk about the things your audience cares about, but no one is talking about...

...because they are too busy posting puppies.

So the next time your social media team/agency/manager slips a "puppy post" into your social media calendar, you are 1000% right to feel your neck hairs tingle.

You aren't differentiated.
You aren't being strategic.
You're literally trying to "out cute" your competition.

Even if you were in a position where posting puppies made a kind of sense, like you worked at PetsMart, there’s a problem.

Wouldn't posting puppies also make sense at VCA?
Or PetCo?
Or OneVet?
Or Thrive?
Or Banfield?
Or NVA?

And when they ALL post puppies... then what?
Cutest puppies win?
Most puppies win?

I get it. There are people in your organization (or marketing agency, sigh) who like puppies, who think puppies are a great way to attract eyeballs.

Puppies are a clear red flag that you have no strategy. 🚩🚩🚩
That you don't understand your differentiated value.
And that's the issue.

And that's NOT how you hire great people, is it?

-James

Want a quick giggle? Check this out.