Fun is Still A Powerful Branding Tool

In communications, we spend a lot of time focused on strategy, messaging, and media training, and rightly so. But there is another tool that – when appropriate – helps PR pros and brands alike cut through all the clutter and stand out beyond one news cycle.

That would be fun.

I am not talking about gimmicks (though I’ve been known to love a gimmick now and then). I am also not talking about stunts for the sake of attention.

Even in serious industries, we’re communicating with humans. That applies to campaigns, certain products, and to spokespeople. The most effective leaders aren’t the ones who rigidly recite talking points; they’re the ones who sound real. When media messaging and training creates space for a story, warmth, and even a touch of humor, audiences lean in. Personality, when grounded in substance, builds trust and memorability.

Case in point: ChatGPT.

Yes, it’s useful and efficient. But it also does unexpected, creative, even playful things. That blend of functionality and delight keeps people coming back.

Everyone has probably seen the recent example, “the caricature challenge” that asks folks to prompt it to create a caricature of themselves and their career based on everything it knows about us.

The results are a pretty good mirror at what our personal and collective brands look like online, offering some real substance. But beyond that…they are just darned fun!

Not one to pass up a fun opportunity, our team took the challenge and created our own caricature. We’ve been laughing together ever since. This less than five-minute exercise  didn’t replace the serious work. It was a welcome break. A chance to do something fun. It energized us. And that energy, the kind that makes people feel connected and creative,  also helps great ideas come to life.