3 Helpful Marketing Strategies We’ve Learned from Elon Musk and Steve Jobs

03/28/20 • 3 min

Elon Musk is an entrepreneur who founded X.com (now known as PayPal) in 1999, Space X in 2002, and Tesla Motors in 2003. After selling his startup company Zip2, Musk became a multimillionaire before he even turned 30. Steve Jobs, on the other hand, was an entrepreneur, inventor and designer who co-founded Apple Computer and in turn dictated the evolution of today’s technology.

Both of these tech wizards have made their mark in the world with their success and without a doubt, they are both great marketers. As such, we’ve put together 3 helpful marketing strategies that we’ve learned from them in this article.

Mention your competitors by name

Brands may avoid mentioning other brands during presentations or talks because they do not want to step on any toes or want to avoid looking like a bad person by doing so. However, this is something that both Apple and Tesla have already done.

In 2007, during the launch of the very first iPhone, Jobs talked down on his competitors, particularly MotoO, BlackBerry, Nokia e62, and Palm Treo. Not only did he point out each phone’s flaws, but he also proved why the iPhone was better than their products.

Musk has openly bashed Ford on stage, as well, saying their Ford Tough slogan couldn’t be true and even saying that their cars’ doors were made out of tissue paper. And the audience loved it!

Musk even showed footage of a Cybertruck pulling an F Ford-150 uphill once.

Try to turn bad publicity into good publicity

Musk does a great job at avoiding disaster, thanks to his counter actions and his strategy to always put the consumer first. This was especially evident during the Roadster launch in 2017, which he launched to make up for the delay of Tesla Model 3 deliveries.

To pacify the customers who were waiting for their Tesla Model 3, he gave them the option to drive a Roadster in exchange for having to wait another year for their Tesla Model 3. Of course, it is important to time these things perfectly, too, though.

Use social proof

If you’ve ever gotten curious after seeing a long line of people queuing up for something, that is the impact of social proof. In today’s day and age, people always seem to want what other people want, regardless of whether they had any inclination of wanting it in the first place.

Jobs was a master at this. He was able to hype people up so much that they ended up lining up for the iPhone even when the smartphone market was already overly saturated at the time.

Musk also did the same with cybertrucks, which now has a much wider audience of customers who want the design, look, sustainability, and horsepower that they have to provide.

How AM Collective can help your business in digital marketing?

AM Collective is a branding and digital marketing agency born and based in Singapore. We are also a social media agency which also owns a group of digital properties.

Our clients include Huawei, NTUC Enterprise, Grab, Starhub, Junction 8, Capitol Singapore and CHIJMES, among others.

We make every marketing idea into reality for every business.

The article was written by Soon Koon.

Mention your competitors by name

Musk has openly bashed Ford on stage, as well, saying their Ford Tough slogan couldn’t be true and even saying that their cars’ doors were made out of tissue paper. And the audience loved it!

Musk even showed footage of a Cybertruck pulling an F Ford-150 uphill once.

Try to turn bad publicity into good publicity

Use social proof

Jobs was a master at this. He was able to hype people up so much that they ended up lining up for the iPhone even when the smartphone market was already overly saturated at the time.

Musk also did the same with cybertrucks, which now has a much wider audience of customers who want the design, look, sustainability, and horsepower that they have to provide.

How AM Collective can help your business in digital marketing?

AM Collective is a branding and digital marketing agency born and based in Singapore. We are also a social media agency which also owns a group of digital properties.

Our clients include Huawei, NTUC Enterprise, Grab, Starhub, Junction 8, Capitol Singapore and CHIJMES, among others.

We make every marketing idea into reality for every business.

The article was written by Soon Koon.

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How Muji Took Over the World?

Image source: Muji

Founded in 1980, Muji is as a private brand under Japanese supermarket known as The Seiyu. Back then, foreign luxury brands were gaining popularity due to Japan's growing economy.

On the other hand, there was also a huge market for affordable and low-quality products in Japan. Ironically, Muji was born seeing the gap for no-frills affordable and quality products in the market. Muji started with 9 household goods and 31 food items. As of today, Muji is well-know as a home and lifestyle brand which offers over 7,000 goods ranging from fashion to furniture. As of 2018, Muji has over 900 stores worldwide.

Story of Muji brand

The full name of Muji is Mujirushi Ryohin 無印良品, which means 'no brand quality goods'. Muji's philosophy for 'no brand quality goods' can be seen in the brand's simplicity as well as the functionality of their items. Instead of being on trend, Muji focuses on a minimalistic product design which will stand the test of time.

Asako Shimazaki, President of Muji USA. Image source: Fast Company

From storage boxes to knitted socks that don't slip off people's feet, Asako Shimazaki, President of Muji USA, said they want to fix problems that will arise daily. Every Muji products are designed to deliver one function they were made for. Henceforth the idea, 'Muji is enough'.

Muji wants to give its customers a rational satisfaction. Instead of "this is what I want", "this will do" should be in their mind believing that Muji's products will fit their needs.

Kenya Hara, Muji's art director. Image source: Yatzer

One of Muji's most interesting ideology is 'emptiness'. Kenya Hara, Muji's art director, said that traditional Japanese design focuses on simplicity. Such ideology allows people to use Japanese products; however they want to. For example, some of Muji's products can be combined or applied to suit the person's lifestyle.

Three principles of Muji that drive it's success

So, what are the core principles of Muji which help them deliver it's 'no brand quality goods'? They are selection of materials, streamlining of processes and simplicity in packaging.

Selection of materials

Material selection is Muji's most important criteria as it affects quality. Muji is also known to buy in discarded industrial materials due to their appearance in bulk at a low price. The company also choose natural materials which align to their next principle, streamlining of processes.

Streamlining of processes

Muji tries to do what is enough when it comes to processes in manufacturing. Using natural materials, the company don't have to worry about dyeing or painting. By streamlining its processes, Muji can reduce wastage and cost during their manufacturing.

Simplicity in packaging

Image source: Muji

When it comes to Muji's packaging, there is nothing flashy. Muji packs their items in simple and plain packaging or containers. Through simplifying packaging, Muji helps to save unnecessary resources.

What is Muji's business strategy?

While IKEA and Uniqlo are Muji's closest competitors, the 'no brand' Japanese company has carved a niche positioning for itself. Muji's products are easily recognisable and appeal to many because of its aesthetic design.

No fuss at all

Muji's products fit into many homes around the world. Even though the products are built for a specific purpose, Muji's products are easy to figure out. No fussy control buttons, plug and it works.

Strong Japanese brand

Muji is a well-know international household brand. The company don't limit itself to Japanese styles, but it remains strong as a Japanese brand. As most Japanese brands are often associated with the term 'quality', this gives Muji an edge against its competitors.

Affordable pricing and sustainability

Muji is a Japanese brand that believes so strongly in its philosophy and brand values. The dedication in manufacturing 'no brand quality goods' can be seen in their core principles. When it comes to the selection of materials, Muji focuses on quality. Use what is necessary can be seen in Muji's processes. Finally, the packaging is kept simple. With the three mentioned core principles, Muji can keep its product pricing affordable and environmentally friendly.