oh my DOT | Connecting the Dots #101

Recycle everything

Nowadays, we should work with ideas the same way we work with things – looking for ways to give them a second life. Maybe use them in a different way, pass them on to a family member or sell them on Vinted. In marketing, we tend to keep coming up with new things, even when the old stuff works and the data shows that it doesn’t affect effectiveness. Let’s be more mindful marketers, not YOLO marketers. What does this mean in practice?

Let’s experiment with content on different platforms (what’s a flop on TikTok may go viral on Shorts).
Let’s recycle successful content in a different time context.
We can use a functional idea for several years.
Let’s build brand asets, not throw them away after two years just because they bore us.

#1 Pinterest: Halloween
Halloween is coming and Pinterest has released a report that indicates what will be “in” this year. Nostalgia, maximum spookiness and eco-costumes are top of the trends.

#2 F1 x LVMH
In an unexpected but genius collaboration, Formula 1 and LVMH have teamed up to redefine luxury branding in the motoring world.

#3 Sound effects by BBC
If you need sound effects for a project (or just for fun), BBC Sound Effects has made a huge database of sounds available.

#4 Solar panels na balconies
Germany has installed half a million solar panels on balconies, a revolutionary step towards sustainability in cities. This trend is a step towards making clean energy accessible to all.

#5 The best drone videos of 2024
2024 was an exceptional year for drone videography. If you’re looking for visual inspiration, this selection of panoramas is something you shouldn’t miss.

#6 Niche sports: Breaking, table tennis and artistic swimming
Even as mainstream sports dominate the media, athletes in niche sports are finding creative ways to monetize their skills.

#7 Eat less, live longer?
New research shows that reducing calorie intake can significantly extend life expectancy. Fascinating reading about how diet affects aging and health.

#8 P&G Playbook
P&G managed to make a turnaround that has become a legend in the FMCG industry. Their strategy is now considered the gold standard for how companies can restore growth and market dominance.

#9 Streaming wars is over, Netflix won
Netflix gained 5 million new subscribers in the third quarter, confirming its leadership in streaming. What does this mean for the industry?

#10 CMO of Kraft Heinz on creativity
In the age of data-driven marketing, new Kraft Heinz CMO Todd Kaplan stands firmly behind the notion that creativity is a key driver of brand growth.

#11 Bookshops: New cool spots
Bookshops are making an unexpected comeback as trendy social spots. From cozy atmospheres to polished experiences, they’re now places worth spending time in.

#12 Google a Amazon are going nuclear
Both Google and Amazon have recently announced significant investments in nuclear energy as part of their sustainable strategies. AI and data centres powered by nuclear energy? That’s the future.

#13 Tesla’s Full Self-Driving under scrutiny again
Tesla’s Full Self-Driving software is once again facing a federal investigation. The debate over the safety and readiness of autonomous technology continues. At this point, I wonder about anyone who trusts this brand in the autonomous driving space.

#14 How to write better AI prompts
Writing effective prompts is becoming a key skill, especially as AI tools become more mainstream. Here’s a short guide on how to create better AI prompts for creatives and strategists.