The Evolution of Brand Positioning for Modern Marketers with Laura Ries

Welcome back to the podcast. Today, we're talking about a counterintuitive but powerful marketing strategy from the brilliant Laura Ries: defining a "strategic enemy." The concept is simple yet profound. Instead of trying to be a vague, all-encompassing "best," your brand gains credibility and loyalty by clearly stating what it opposes. This isn't just a marketing gimmick—it’s how the human brain works. Our minds latch onto conflict and contrast far more easily than abstract claims. A brand that stands against something—be it a competitor, an industry convention, or even an old way of thinking—creates a tribe of followers who share that opposition. This strategy demands ruthless focus and the courage to make sacrifices. It means letting go of the fear of missing out and doubling down on a single, powerful idea.