Newsletter 6 (Nov 9-15)

BrandSwamy

Part 1: Strategy

Marketing tip/style

The Missing Piece of Milka 

The quest for the last piece. In 2013, Milka, a Swiss brand, released 10 million Milka chocolate bars, but each of them had one square missing. People thought it was an unfortunate factory mistake at first.

But that was until they realized and found the code on the wrapper. They entered it onto the Milka website and then got two options: the option to take the last piece for themselves, or they could give it to their loved ones (or any random person) with a beloved note or message to their loved ones. 

These were often considered heartfelt or touching brands. Milka did not only create a chocolate bar with pieces missing; they created an emotional movement. This kind of marketing works as people love brands that do something for their loved ones. 

Healthcare brands and hospitals often overuse this technique, so it was really fascinating when a biscuit—no, a chocolate—brand made use of this style. 

PART 2 - Brand Story

Pinterest: The Future of All Investigations

 Ben Silbermann grew up in Des Moines, Iowa, in a family that valued curiosity and learning. He was the kind of child who collected everything — stamps, stones, insects — not because they were valuable, but because each one told a story.

That small habit of collecting would later become the foundation for one of the most quietly influential platforms on the internet. 

After graduating from Yale, Ben worked briefly at Google, but he didn’t feel fulfilled there. He wanted to build something that connected people through their interests — something visual, calm, and personal.

Along with Evan Sharp, an architect with a deep love for design, he began building Pinterest in 2009 — a place where anyone could “pin” ideas, images, and inspirations they found meaningful. In the beginning, almost no one noticed.

The early days were slow, and Ben spent countless hours personally emailing users, listening to feedback, and improving the product. There were no viral launches or flashy campaigns — just quiet persistence.

Gradually, people began to use Pinterest to plan weddings, remodel homes, organize recipes, and collect creative ideas. By giving people a digital space to express what inspired them, Pinterest became something unique — not another social network for noise and comparison, but a visual library of dreams and possibilities.

What started as one man’s love for collecting evolved into a platform that inspires millions to create, plan, and imagine better versions of their lives. 

PART 3 :-

TWO GREAT BOOKS: 

Do Epic Shit – Ankur Warikoo 

Do Epic Shit by Ankur Warikoo is a collection of honest reflections and life lessons on failure, success, and self-awareness — motivating readers to live with purpose and take bold action. 

My Trade – Andrew Marr 

My Trade by Andrew Marr offers an insider’s view of journalism, exploring the craft, ethics, and evolution of news reporting from someone who’s lived inside the newsroom. 

 

PART 4 :

TWO GREAT VOICES: 

“Solving big problems is easier than solving little problems.” — Sergey Brin 

“There is only one boss — the customer.” — Sam Walton 

PART 5: 

THIS WEEK’S ACTIONABLE

 The “Behind the Scenes” Show the human side of your brand — your employees, the messy desks, and the late-night shifts. Basically, a video or photo showing the true behind-the-scenes of your brand.