<div class="wp-block-group"> <p>Move over, Spotify Wrapped. When it comes to end-of-the-year highlights, our (somewhat nerdy but very cool) creative team hungers for <a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/word-of-the-year#:~:text=Merriam%2DWebster's%20Word%20of%20the,and%20judging%20more%20than%20ever." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Merriam-Webster’s word of the year</a> (which we’ll talk about here) and <a href="https://www.pantone.com/color-of-the-year/2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pantone’s color of the year</a> (which we discuss in a <a href="https://marketmentors.com/blog/communication-is-colorful/">different blog</a>).</p> </div>   <div class="wp-block-group"> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Be Authentic</h2>   <p>The Word of the Year 2023, “authentic,” did not disappoint, especially as it relates so closely to the work we do every day. Not only is authenticity one of our team’s core values, but it’s also a key ingredient in every marketing strategy we cook up. It’s that important.</p>   <p>In fact, the <a href="https://www.brandwatch.com/reports/digital-marketing-trends/view/?utm_source=marketo&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=dmt-report&utm_content=report&mkt_tok=NDUyLVdVRS01NzIAAAGPv8Fxqbat0IytUxnPq0kNL-zP_gDZUGDHUjfQeqbxATgn2RlvUBIA7xj1kvEDKiMtWIZXuC04Mn3rNi23CSrE89gWdz4qfDvHvsEvMp3O-_5mWg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brandwatch 2024 Digital Marketing Trends</a> report notes that “authenticity-driven marketing will thrive” in the new year (and beyond). What does this mean?  For starters, brands must walk the talk. This means, for example, saying you embrace diversity is not enough. You have to demonstrate it in everything from hiring practices to HR policies, from communications to causes.</p>   <p>The rise in popularity of newer terms like “greenwashing” and “rainbow-washing” demonstrates that consumers won’t settle for superficial attempts to cash in on doing the right thing—they expect meaningful commitment and action.</p>   <p>If you don’t exhibit your brand’s authenticity, prepare to pay the price. Consumers are more in tune than ever with what rings true, and won’t hesitate to call out brands (often publicly and loudly) when reality doesn’t live up to the promise.</p>   <p>More than ever, companies must dig deep and decide who they are and what they stand for, and then lean into that truth through words and actions. You don’t have to be all things to all people, but to be successful, you must be honest. </p>   <p>We work with clients to help them unearth their truths and find their true north. Only then can we develop a strong brand foundation upon which to build <a href="https://marketmentors.com/expertise/marketing/">successful marketing strategies</a>.</p> </div>   <div class="wp-block-group"> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">With a Dash of Rizz</h2>   <p>Our team’s reaction to the <a href="https://languages.oup.com/word-of-the-year/2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oxford English Dictionary’s word-of-the-year</a>, “rizz,” was more mixed, and there is some controversy about its origins (is it short for charisma or coined as internet slang by a YouTuber?). Either way, we’re all about its definition—charm and attractiveness.</p>   <p>Not only is rizz something <a href="https://marketmentors.com/team/">our team</a> has in spades, but it’s what we work to bring to the table for our clients when blending the “secret sauce” that will appeal to the tastes of their target audiences. Combined with authenticity, a dash of rizz may provide the sizzle your customers crave!</p> </div>

Authentic with a Dash of Rizz: Add the Word of the Year 2023 to Your Brand Recipe

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