What my mutt taught me about modern marketing?
Working in marketing can really take it out of you. Algorithms, ROI, click-through rates, reports, strategies and the constant pressure to make the next campaign “work” — preferably straight away.
After a full day in front of screens, I sometimes feel like I’ve completely run out of creative energy. That’s when I use my most reliable reset button.
My dog.
He’s just a regular mutt, and spending time with him — whether we’re out for a walk or simply doing nothing together — is the best way for me to switch off.
Recently, while throwing his favourite ball, I realised that this little, furry expert in being man’s best friend teaches me something about marketing every single day.
And I mean real, human-to-human marketing — the kind we so often talk about at industry conferences.
Here are three things my dog has taught me.
1. Authenticity Beats Perfection
My dog doesn’t have a pedigree, perfect proportions or the kind of training you see in films. Sometimes he trips over his own paws. Other times, he barks at a plastic bag that clearly hasn’t done anything wrong.
And that’s exactly why I love him.
In marketing, we often try too hard to be perfect. We polish every message, write corporate-sounding posts and make sure everything looks flawless.
The problem is that there is often very little left behind the polished surface.
People don’t want to connect with a perfect robot. They want to connect with someone real.
Brands that show their human side, share behind-the-scenes moments, admit small mistakes or communicate genuine emotions have a much better chance of building a relationship with their audience.
This doesn’t mean doing everything carelessly. It means not pretending to be someone you’re not.
Be like a mutt.
Not perfect. Just real.
2. Loyalty Isn’t Built Through Discounts
My dog isn’t with me because I buy him the most expensive premium food. Although, of course, I do take good care of his stomach.
He’s with me because I give him time, make him feel safe and am consistent. He knows that when I promise a walk, there will be a walk. And when I throw the ball, I’ll probably do it another fifteen times.
In business, we often try to build customer loyalty through discounts, promotions and sales campaigns.
It can work. But usually only until someone else offers a lower price.
Real loyalty is built somewhere else — through good service, genuine value, keeping promises and making the customer feel that the brand actually understands their needs.
A customer who trusts you won’t necessarily leave just because a competitor is a few złoty cheaper.
3. Sometimes You Just Need to Leave Your Desk
When I’ve been sitting at my computer for too long, my dog comes over, puts his head on my knee and looks at me as if he’s saying:
“Right, that’s enough. Let’s go outside.”
At first, I’m slightly annoyed. I still have things to finish.
But I usually give in.
After a few minutes of walking, sniffing bushes and watching everything happening in the park, I suddenly come up with an idea I’ve been struggling with for days.
Coincidence? Maybe.
Or perhaps an overstimulated marketer simply isn’t able to think creatively.
Constantly analysing charts, reports and results can trap us in one way of thinking. Creativity needs space. Sometimes it also needs boredom, silence and a proper break from the screen.
A walk with your dog doesn’t have to be a waste of time.
It can be part of the creative process.
One Last Thought
Good marketing and a good relationship with a dog have something in common: emotion, attention and an interest in the other side.
So the next time you get stuck on a strategy or campaign, try stepping away from your screen for a moment.
Go for a walk. Take a break. Look at the world from a slightly different perspective.
Then ask yourself:
What can I do to make my customer feel as important, safe and cared for as my dog does when we’re playing together?
The answer might be simpler than you think.