20
entrepreneurial lessons
from Europe’s most inspiring brands
INTRODUCTION
In 2010, Brand and Strategic Professional Martijn Arets decided to quit his job, hand in his lease car, ignore all uncertainties and follow his dream. For five months, he traveled more than 12,500 kilometers across Europe in a one-of-a-kind Volkswagen T2 camper van, meeting with the leaders of 20 authentic European brands in what was to prove a unique trip: Brand Expedition. Â In this SlideShare presentation Martijn shares the most valuable branding and entrepreneurial lessons he learned while visiting these amazing companies.
Don’t think: ‘a growth story never stops’. You can have your tribulations as well.
Think global, but act local: take into account local needs and cultural differences.
Bring cultures together. Learn from each other. Respect each other.
What makes your organization unique? Define your DNA.
Stick to the core of your success.
Don’t grow for the sake of growth itself.
Never sell the majority of your stocks to someone you hardly know.
Success in the past is no guarantee for success in the future.
Preserve the core, stimulate progress.
Beware that everything you do will stick to your brand in the future.
It is soooo much easier (and fun) to share your own story. Be authentic. Be yourself.
Everyone is part of the team.
Small is the new big.
Every penny you spend today does not have to be earned back tomorrow.
Never stop looking for new platforms to spread your story.
The only way to find your boundaries, is by crossing them every now and then.
Not every idea requires a business plan.
Always take feedback (from employees) seriously.
You don’t have to earn money from every customer you serve.
Building up a reputation takes time, tearing it down is a matter of minutes.
You can read the full stories of the brands that Martijn has visited in his book:
Brand Expedition, a journey visiting Europe’s most inspiring brands
have a great jour ne y!
Website: www.brand-expedition.com Twitter: @martijnarets Facebook: www.facebook.com/brandexpedition YouTube: www.youtube.com/brandexpedition