How Professionalism is Smothering your Brand

Let’s be real, nobody’s out here craving another robotic corporate voice. We don’t wake up in the morning thinking, “You know what I need today? A brand that sounds like a legal disclaimer.” Nope. People want real. They want personality. They want to feel like they’re connecting with an actual human and not a corporate king in a three-piece suit.

And here’s the kicker, brands that get this are winning. They’re growing their audiences, creating deeper connections, and making sure their customers actually want to hear from them (instead of hitting “unsubscribe” faster than you can say “Dear Valued Customer”).

Want Proof? Let’s Talk McDonald’s.

Sure, McDonald’s has always been about consistency... same fries, same Big Mac, same questionable ice cream machine reliability. But lately? They’ve cranked their personality up to 11. Instead of boring corporate messaging, they’re serving up witty, cheeky social media posts and even texting fans as the person who runs the McDonald’s account. That’s right, you can get texts from the brand itself, but instead of sounding like a faceless corporation, it feels like you’re chatting with a friend who happens to miss snack wraps as much as you do. And people eat it up (literally).

Duolingo: The Brand That Killed Its Own Mascot (And People Loved It)

Duolingo took things even further. If you haven’t seen it, brace yourself... the language app killed its own mascot, Duo the green owl. Yep. One day, they just sent him to the afterlife in a dramatic, over-the-top fashion. But here’s the genius part: people loved it. It was funny, unexpected, and completely on-brand for Duolingo’s chaotic, playful personality. And just like that, the internet couldn’t stop talking about it.

So Why Does This Work?

In a world filled with automated replies and soul-crushing voicemail prompts, people are desperate for real human connection. Here’s why injecting personality into your brand is a no-brainer:

1. People Want a Face and a Voice.

We’re drowning in AI chatbots and automated emails that start with, “Your call is very important to us.” (Is it, though?) A brand that shows up with a fun, relatable voice makes people feel like they’re actually talking to someone who gets them, not just a corporate script.

2. People Want a ‘Friend’ to Keep Up With.

Life is stressful enough. Between doomscrolling and existential crises, people need a break. They’re looking for brands that entertain, engage, and make them smile. Whether it’s through funny posts, quirky emails, or unexpected antics (cough Duo’s dramatic demise cough), brands that feel like friends are the ones people actually want to follow.

3. People Want to Feel Like They’re Part of Something.

It’s not just about selling a product anymore. People want to belong—to a movement, a community, a shared joke. Brands that invite their audience into the story—whether through social media challenges, interactive content, or meme-worthy moments—create a loyal fanbase that sticks around for the long haul.

The Bottom Line? Drop the Stiff Professionalism and Let Your Brand’s Personality Shine.

Stop talking like a corporate memo. Be fun. Be human. Be the brand people want to interact with.

Because at the end of the day, brands that talk like real people will always connect better with, well… real people. And that’s the secret sauce to standing out in today’s world.