Inspiration brought to you by the TM Planning Department

I realized those pottery painting parties I went to with my college roommates has evolved into a whole new DIY level when my latest Cool News released a post about a bike making class.  This isn’t just about making a bicycle, but a bamboo bicycle.  This isn’t just a bamboo bicycle, but an eco-friendly bamboo bicycle.

Working with the travel industry for over 7 years now, the Authentic Experiences consumer trend haunts me daily.  However, I believe this trend can be much more deep than the classic statement of “experiencing a culture over experiencing luxury.”  Think about this: rather than going to a Polynesian Culture Center in New Zealand (culture), why don’t you go work on a sheep farm and get a taste of true farmer living (micro-culture)? And voila!  The Epcot-version of New Zealand is replaced with early morning sunrises over sheep-peppered rolling green hills, dressed in suspenders and galoshes,  and eating meals fresh from the garden out yonder (well at least in my mind).

As marketers, perhaps we should tap more into the micro level of the unique and authentic aspects of our products and services rather than the macro mass approach of all things to all people.  Because really, what’s more interesting: The ability to make a bike or to make an eco-friendly bamboo bike?