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🌟 TRANSFORMING CHALLENGES INTO OPPORTUNITIES 🌟

True success isn’t about avoiding challenges, but about transforming them into opportunities. Take Howard Schultz, the founder of Starbucks, as an example. At one point, he lost the deal to acquire Starbucks to a competitor—someone who was actively trying to steal it from him. Yet, through a combination of persistence and luck, he managed to turn the situation around.

Challenges are inevitable—they’re part of the game. Without them, life would be pretty uninteresting. When I’m faced with a tough situation, I like to take a step back, take a deep breath, and let it sit. I reflect and ask myself: How can I turn this into something that works for me?

Sometimes, it takes an hour. Other times, it might take days, months, or even longer. But I’ve found that if you give it time and space, the universe has a way of opening up, bringing clarity, and—just like sunlight through the clouds—you see how to turn that challenge into an incredible opportunity.

#Leadership #Resilience #GrowthMindset #HowardSchultz #OpportunityInChallenges #SuccessMindset #AlanPhilips #Brand #Creative #Fractionalcmo #Miami #miamibeach @themarketingdepartment_
STRATEGIC SHARING: PUTTING THE NEEDS AND DESIRES O STRATEGIC SHARING: PUTTING THE NEEDS AND DESIRES OF THE AUDIENCE AHEAD OF YOUR OWN—WHILE MAINTAINING YOUR INTENTION TO ACHIEVE A DESIRED OUTCOME.

Sharing prioritizes the audience, while classic advertising puts the needs of the individual or organization first. To be a great creator or communicator, you must share your ideas selflessly, focusing on the audience.

Look at the retail industry. For years, stores relied on seasonal mega-sales instead of improving their products, fostering loyalty, or adding real value. The result? Customers only shop when there’s a sale, profits suffer, loyalty erodes, and businesses close.

But some brands have found the antidote. In a world where people value meaning over money and experiences over material goods, the way to break through is simple: share, don’t sell. Be selfless, not selfish.

#Strategy #Leadership #Branding #Marketing #CustomerExperience #ContentMarketing #Innovation #Alanphilips #Brand #Creative #Fractionalcmo #Miami #miamibeach @themarketingdepartment_
Perception is reality. This is an amazingly powerf Perception is reality. This is an amazingly powerful tool for marketing and for business because you can shift people’s perception to create value where it didn’t exist before. 

It’s also a curse. Politically you can go on Fox News and see one thing. You can go on CNN and see a completely different thing and see a different thing in New York Times. Nobody knows what the truth is. 

We are living in a time where there is a crisis of truth. 

Someone can go from being a reality start to a candidate for President of the United States. Or someone can go from a Vice President that no one likes to front runner for President of the United States. Kim Kardashian can go from being perceived as a reality star to being perceived as a fashion icon. Based simply on the fact of how people see her and how certain media outlets portray her. 

Perception is powering all of this. Nobody knows what the truth is. Therefore nobody knows anything and we are all stuck in this world where we believe whatever we perceive. 

@themarketingdepartment_ 
#Brand #Truth #crisisoftruth #marketing #Alanphilips #creative #Miami #Miamibeach 
#cmo #fractionalcmo
What sets Amazon apart is its ability to deliver w What sets Amazon apart is its ability to deliver whatever you want, whenever you want it, with unmatched speed and convenience. 

The seamless, one-touch experience makes shopping anywhere else feel like a hassle. If it’s available on Amazon, that’s where I’m buying it—it’s simply easier. 

Amazon has made 10 times simpler to shop than any physical store.

What do you think?

@themarketingdepartment_  #CustomerExperience #ECommerce #Innovation #Amazon #UserExperience #Convenience #RetailTransformation #Tech #Brand #Creative #FractionalCmo #Cmo #alanphilips #miami #miamibeach
Adam Grant points out in his book Originals, “Cr Adam Grant points out in his book Originals, “Creative geniuses weren’t qualitatively better in their fields than their peers. They simply produced a greater volume of work, which gave them more variation and a higher chance of originality.”  

Persistence is omnipotent. 
It is not about perfection it is about getting your work into the world and doing it again and again.  

Persistence is the determining factor in whether or not you will achieve success.

#success #persistence #marketing #brand #creative #alanphilips #miami #miamibeach #fractionalcmo #cmo @themarketingdepartment_
Disney is a breakthrough brand. The company you se Disney is a breakthrough brand. The company you see today is a mass media conglomerate. But it didn’t start that way. 

It was started by Walt Disney he made animated feature films which were very hard to make at the time. Each cell had to be colored individually. No only did you have to get the tech right you then had to get the story right as well. 

What is truly breakthrough is the fact that he took his dreams and fantasies and made them real life. He decided I like this world that exists only on film so much that I want to make it real. And all of us have been traveling to experience his fantasies for nearly a century.

It shows the value of mythology and intellectual property to be leveraged. Because once he created all these characters he then created a world to bring that to life. And those stories and IP continue to generate significant returns today.

How can you leverage your creativity to establish a breakthrough brand?

#DisneyMagic #WaltDisneyLegacy #CreativeVisionary #MediaEmpire #DreamBig #ImaginationToReality #StorytellingGenius #CinematicHistory #InnovationInAnimation #IPPower #MythologyInBusiness #TimelessCreativity #FantasyToReality #CulturalImpact #DisneyDreams #BuildingAnEmpire #alanphilips #cmo #fractionalcmo @themarketingdepartment_
What the f*ck is going on in California? Every da What the f*ck is going on in California?

Every day I go to a coffee shop in Miami and meet new, exciting, and successful people—all moving here from California.  

They’re moving because their homes are getting broken into. I met a girl who had all her appliances stolen out of her new construction home. Another person’s house in the nicest area of Beverly Hills was broken into three times.  

Three others said they went to San Francisco on business and saw countless people openly doing hard drugs on the street. This is supposed to be the hub of our tech industry!  

Now Shake Shack has just announced they are shutting down six stores because California hiked the minimum wage to $20 an hour.  

What the f*ck is going on in California?  Share some stories and let me know what you think. 

#CaliforniaCrisis #MiamiLife #RelocationWave #UrbanChallenges #BusinessShifts #CommunitySafety #SocietyTrends #LinkedInThoughts #EconomicImpact #Relocation #Alanphilips #miami #miamibeach #fractionalcmo @themarketingdepartment_
Your “boiling point” is defined as when your d Your “boiling point” is defined as when your desire, confidence, and knowledge surpass your fears, pushing you to take the leap into the unknown. 

I often speak with professionals in the corporate world that feel trapped by their jobs, bosses, and coworkers. The key is understanding your unique boiling point—the moment you realize you’re no longer afraid, but rather confident in your unique capabilities and driven by a desire for more freedom and growth.

When that moment comes, it’s time to embrace a new path and step out on your own.

What is your boiling point?

  @themarketingdepartment_  #Leadership #EntrepreneurMindset #CareerGrowth #CorporateEscape #SelfConfidence #Fearless #SuccessJourney #Motivation #Freedom #alanphilips #miami #miamibeach #cmo #fractionalcmo
After 35 years of living in New York, let me tell After 35 years of living in New York, let me tell you the harsh truth: New York is a big lie. The old mantra, “If I can make it here, I can make it anywhere,” has become a trap. People walk around thinking life has to be tough to succeed because it’s the New York way, but that’s just not true anymore.

The city’s monopoly on creativity and business is over. You don’t have to live in New York to succeed. 

Why struggle for the sake of struggle? Changes in culture and technology have made success and fulfillment available everywhere.  It’s time to choose your own way.
 @themarketingdepartment_ 
  #NewYork #UrbanLife #SuccessMindset #ModernLiving #RemoteWork #LifeChoices #WorkLifeBalance #LivingWell #2024Goals #alanphilips #brand #creativity #culture #miami #miamibeach #cmo #fractionalcmo
Determining your true purpose can be challenging, Determining your true purpose can be challenging, but I’ve found that asking three key questions can help clarify your path.

First, think back to what you loved doing before the world started telling you what you *should* do. As a child, what brought you joy and fulfillment? These early passions often point to your authentic self.

Next, imagine I gave you $50 million today—how would you choose to spend your time? Removing financial stress allows you to focus on what truly makes you happy and fulfilled.

Finally, consider how your friends and loved ones would describe you. Their insights, shaped by years of knowing you, can often highlight your core strengths and guide you toward your true purpose.

#PurposeDriven #CareerClarity #ProfessionalGrowth #SelfDiscovery #TrueCalling #Leadership #Vision #AuthenticLiving #PersonalDevelopment #MindsetMatters #Alanphilips #brand #marketing #creative #miami #miamibeach #fractionalcmo
Making short-term decisions often means sacrificin Making short-term decisions often means sacrificing something valuable in the long run—something you won’t be able to recover. 

On the other hand, long-term decisions require giving up immediate gratification. The challenge lies in balancing the two, but the real rewards come from long-term thinking. 

It’s tough to stay disciplined when short-term temptations, like a fun night out or a glamorous trip, are right in front of you. 

But once you grasp the inverse perspective—understanding that giving up now can lead to greater gains later—it becomes easier to make decisions that align with your true goals and values.
 @themarketingdepartment_ 
#ShortTermVsLongTerm #DelayedGratification #FutureFocused #LifeChoices #SacrificeAndSuccess #StayFocused #MindsetShift #alanphilips #stropez #yacht #brand #creative #miami #miamibeach #cmo #fraxctionalcmo #themarketingdepartment
In a world where anxiety is ever-present, it’s e In a world where anxiety is ever-present, it’s easy to fall into the trap of constant worry. But did you know that worrying is like praying for what you don’t want to happen— it’s like manifesting in the wrong direction? When we dwell on what could go wrong, we channel our manifesting energy into negativity. Imagine the power we could harness if we redirected that energy toward what we *do* want to happen. 💫 

To overcome anxiety, shift your focus from fears to desires. Manifest the life you want, not the one you dread. 

🌱 What are you manifesting today?

#BeatAnxiety #ManifestYourLife #PositiveVibes #MindsetShift #FocusOnTheGood #MentalWellness #AnxietyRelief #PositiveManifestation #LawOfAttraction #SelfGrowth #MindfulLiving #alanphilips #cmo #fractionalcmo #marketing #branding #creativity #miami #miamibeach  @themarketingdepartment_
We’re all emotional beings. To manage, sell to, We’re all emotional beings. To manage, sell to, parent, support, or lead people, we must understand and value the emotional as much as if not more than the practical.

The value tells you the story.

Sweetgreen vs. Just Salad
Apple vs. Samsung

The ability to increase value in the modern world lies in the emotional elements, applying your creativity to brand, experience, and product.

What do you think?
 @themarketingdepartment_ @jonnynemo @sweetgreen @justsalad 
#cmo #fractionalcmo #sweetgreen #justsalad #apple #samsung #miami #miamibeach #alanphilips #themarketingdepartment
Marketing Mistake 6: Believing Margins Are More Im Marketing Mistake 6: Believing Margins Are More Important Than Reputation

You need to make money to stay in business. But you won’t get the opportunity to make money if you don’t deliver on your promises. 

It’s easier to fix your margins than your reputation. Do the right thing today so there is a tomorrow. 

Happy customers are repeat customers.

Complimentary advice from the marketing department.

Do you put your customers first or your margins?

#cmo
#fractionalcmo
#alanphilips
#MarketingMistakes #ReputationMatters #CustomerSatisfaction #BusinessTips #EntrepreneurAdvice #CustomerLoyalty #SmallBusinessTips #MarketingStrategy #BrandTrust
Standard Hotels Acquired by Hyatt: The End of an E Standard Hotels Acquired by Hyatt: The End of an Era or the Beginning of a New One?

Everything in life is a blessing and a curse.

✨ **Capitalism Wins:** 
I’m thrilled for everyone involved in the acquisition of Standard Hotels by Hyatt. It’s a huge financial win and could mean massive growth for the brand. But, as an arbiter of brand, marketing, and creativity today is bittersweet. 💸

🎨 **A Legacy in Hospitality:** 
Standard was never just another hotel—it was the ultimate counterculture brand, born in 1999 by the visionary André Balazs. It redefined boutique hospitality with its bold, creative spirit. Now, at 25, it’s stepping into a corporate world that might just strip away that magic. 🏨

💡 **The Corporate Reality:** 
Breakthrough brands aren’t built within large corporations—they’re bought by them. Hyatt sees potential in Standard, hoping to amplify its success through loyalty programs and distribution networks. But, more likely than not, Standard will lose its soul, much like we’ve seen with other iconic brands that were corporatized such as Intermix, Vice, Glossier and many others. 📉

😔 **A Creative Loss:** 
Gone might be the days of cutting-edge art installations, exclusive events, and that authentic, rebellious vibe that made Standard a cultural beacon. Standard Culture was the first hospitality content marketing platform.  The Boom Boom Room was the Studio 54 of its time.  Standard Miami Spa was ahead of its of its time and the cultural epicenter of Miami Beach. When the short term bottom line becomes the sole focus, the trust that was built for brand erodes and so does the long term value. 🎤

🚀 **The Future Awaits:** 
While this chapter closes, a new opportunity arises for the next countercultural brand to emerge. Here’s to hoping it captures the same spirit that made Standard unforgettable. 👏

What do you think?  Big Win? Or Big Loss?
@themarketingdepartment_ 
#StandardHotels #CorporateTakeover #BrandEvolution #Creativity #NextBigThing #hyatthotels #cmo #fractionalcmo #alanphilips #themarketingdepartment
Telic and atelic pursuits—two concepts I recentl Telic and atelic pursuits—two concepts I recently encountered from Aristotle—offer a powerful lens through which to view our lives.

A telic pursuit has a defined beginning, middle, and end. Think of renovating your house with your partner. It’s fulfilling in the moment, but once it’s done, that fulfillment has a clear endpoint.

On the other hand, atelic pursuits are infinite. They’re never-ending sources of growth and joy. Playing chess, surfing, learning to cook, or becoming a parent—these are activities that continue to evolve, offering constant opportunities for improvement and fulfillment.

For true, lasting fulfillment, we should aim to invest more time in atelic pursuits. These are the endeavors that keep giving back to us, day after day, year after year.

Are you spending more of your time on atelic or telic pursuits? Let me know.

#cmo #fractionalCMO #miami #alanphilips @themarketingdepartment_
Elon Musk once said, ‘Brand is just perception. Elon Musk once said, ‘Brand is just perception. Over time, it will match reality—sometimes ahead, sometimes behind.’

Your brand is the story people tell about you, whether you’re in the room or not. 🛠✨ Keep shaping that perception until it aligns with your vision. Your brand isn’t just what you say; it’s what others believe. 🚀
 @themarketingdepartment_ 
#ElonMusk #BrandPerception #Visionaries #EntrepreneurLife #Innovate #MarketingMastery #SuccessMindset #Storytelling #brand #marketing #tesla #cybertruck
Discover the power of the “Happiness Matrix,” Discover the power of the “Happiness Matrix,” an idea from Jim Collins, the brilliant mind behind *Good to Great* and *Great by Choice*. 📚 Recognized as one of the most influential business writers of our time, Collins approached happiness with the same rigorous research mindset that made him a legend.

For an entire year, Collins meticulously tracked his days, ranking each one on a scale from 1 to 5—5 being a fantastic day, and 1 being a bad one. 🗓️ Next to each ranking, he jotted down notes on what he did that day. This wasn’t just a casual exercise; it was a systematic way to understand the patterns of his life.

The following year, he analyzed this data. What made the great days stand out? What common threads ran through the bad ones? Armed with this knowledge, Collins made conscious changes to spend more time doing what truly made him happy. 📈 This isn’t just about tracking your mood; it’s about designing your life with intention.

Imagine the possibilities if you did the same. By treating your happiness as a system, you can pinpoint what genuinely brings you joy and make those moments more frequent. Why not give it a try? Your happiness might just lie in the details. 🌟 #HappinessMatrix #JimCollins #LifeOptimization #PersonalGrowth #IntentionalLiving @themarketingdepartment_
In today’s business landscape, scarcity is often In today’s business landscape, scarcity is often rewarded in a culture overflowing with excess. This principle is the cornerstone of the luxury industry. Owning a limited-supply product—a car, handbag, or pair of sneakers—can make you feel special, even superior. This is rooted in what’s known as “hunger marketing,” a strategy designed to drive emotional decision-making by creating a sense of scarcity. 

But what happens when excess becomes the norm? When luxury brands have thousands of stores, or developers flood the market with high-end condos, the scarcity that drives demand can evaporate. Marketers then turn to “manufacturing scarcity” to keep demand high. 

The diamond industry is a classic example. De Beers controls diamond supply to maintain high prices, similar to how OPEC manages oil. Online platforms play on this too, with prompts like “Only five left”—whether true or not. 

The truth is, we value things—and people—more when they seem less available. This response to scarcity is hard-wired into us, and while it can be both a blessing and a curse, understanding it is key to appreciating the abundance we truly have.  @themarketingdepartment_ #brand #creative #scarcity #versace #lvmh #fractionalcmo #marketing #brandmarketing #branding
One of my favorite stories is about a fisherman an One of my favorite stories is about a fisherman and a New York executive. 

The exec flies down to an island for vacation and, while taking a walk on the beach, he notices a fisherman having lunch with his family. The enticing aroma draws him in, so he approaches and asks, “What are you cooking?”

The fisherman replies, “I caught this fish today, and we’re having it for lunch.” Then, he generously offers, “Would you like to join us?”

The exec sits down and, after tasting the fish, says, “This is the best fish I’ve ever had.” The fisherman smiles and says, “Thank you. My family and I eat this fish every day.”

Immediately, the businessman starts thinking like a capitalist and tells the fisherman, “This is great fish—you should start selling it.” The fisherman mentions that he already sells it at the local market.

The businessman continues, “You should sell it to the other islands. We could find a way to package it and ship it. Then, we could expand to North America, go worldwide, and eventually go public. You could make a ton of money and do whatever you want.”

The fisherman simply replies, “But I already do whatever I want?”

@themarketingdepartment_ 

#CMO #FractionalCMO #Brand #MarketingDepartment #Miami #MiamiBeach
Movement marketing is the practice of leading and Movement marketing is the practice of leading and inspiring a group of people to organize around a shared belief or idea, also known as a brand.
 Defined Leadership: Every movement needs a leader to guide and inspire the direction. Think of Barack Obama and his voters, Donald Trump and those rallying to “Make America Great Again,” or Apple and its loyal fans.

Effective Communication: Leaders must have a way to connect with their followers, their “disciples.” This is crucial for spreading the message and maintaining momentum.

Shared Rituals: Movements thrive on rituals that bring people together. Whether it’s attending church on Sunday, gathering at Apple product launches, or running with the Nike Run Club, these shared experiences reinforce the movement.

Purposeful Change: Every movement is driven by a goal—a change it’s working toward. Without this, the movement lacks direction.

Tribal Identifiers: Symbols like logos or crests serve as a rallying point. They say, “People like us do things like this.” The Apple logo, Nike swoosh, or a cultural symbol—these are more than just marks; they’re declarations of belonging.

The architecture of a movement provides a simplified framework for building your brand by outlining all of the elements necessary to lead, organize, and inspire people to join you on your journey.

@themarketingdepartment_ 
#Marketing #Leadership #BrandBuilding #Community #alanphilips #cmo #fractionalcmo #marketingdepartment
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