VALAR MORGHULIS?: KEY SIMILARITIES OF GAME OF THRONES AND THE WORLD OF MARKETING

Just this week, the Philippine Marketing Association hosted Game of Marketing, the First UnConference in the Philippines. Some members of our team were able to take part in this fresh take on the usual conference experience. What added value to the novel format was the overall theme, which essentially pointed out the learnings and insights that today’s marketers share with the characters of Game of Thrones.

Below are some uncanny similarities that GOT has with GOM; along with how we, as marketers, can capitalize on them not just to survive, but to flourish.

Different Kingdoms, Same Goal

In the same way that the world of Game of Thrones is divided into different kingdoms that are fighting for the throne, the marketing landscape is also divided into different industries, specialties, agencies, and companies fighting to come out on top. In the world of intense competition and dwindling budget allocations, we continuously strive to increase our industry influence, corporate capacity, and staying power.

While doing so is an essential part of growth and success, we cannot deny that viewing our peers as “adversaries” do more harm than good. After all, it is through integration and collaboration that we can defeat the enemy beyond the wall.

Machinery does not Always Spell Victory

In a battle, it is not uncommon for leaders to amass fighters, ships, and weapons. It seems that going bigger is the first step to victory. Some believe that conquering territories is the first step to domination.

There are merits to these claims, but they are not the end all and be all of everything. We have to remember that the sword is only as powerful as the man who wields it. If we were to be victorious, training our people, enriching their skills, and ensuring that they reach their full potentials should bear as much weight as reinforcing the fleet. It is through skilled warriors that we will be able to maximize our assets.

Valar Morghulis? Or Valar Dohaeris?

The world of marketing is a cut-throat industry where only the strongest players survive; but does this really mean that we should make the ultimate sacrifice just so our kingdom can come out on top? At the end of the day, we have the power to adopt the mindset that works best and feels right for us. Valar Morghulis? All men must die? Or Valar Dohaeris? All men must serve?

We should remember that the process of creating value for our clients and the industry can be done in a multitude of ways. Winning the throne is possible by capitalizing on individual strengths and getting the right men to serve your goal.

Survival does not entail “death”.

You just need to know how to play the game. You just need a winning strategy in order to do so.

For more of Team VCS’ learnings from the Game of Marketing, read our tumblr post.

To know more about our marketing services, visit our website here.

Vitalstrats Creative Solutions (VCS) is a creative agency based in Quezon City, Philippines. VCS specializes in content marketing, advertising, and video production. We use strategic creativity to help our clients grow their brands.

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