A behind-the-scenes look at my own unfiltered shenanigans from the marketing trenches. A real-life, no BS view of what it's really like to market a small business and ideas to make it all feel a whole lot easier!
You guys!!!!!! Landman Season 2 premiers this Sunday and I could not be more giddy.
And the reason I am obsessed with this show is why everyone else is, too.
Because of Tommy Norris.
Love him or hate him, Tommy Norris is unapologetically Tommy Norris and he doesn't sugarcoat a thing.
He’s gritty, stubborn, loyal, swears like a sailor, drinks Michelob Ultra (because he is sober now), and doesn't know the definition of the word "subtle."
His vibe makes you think he is just a good old boy working the oil fields, but then BAM! He knocks out an epic explanation for something and you realize just how witty and intelligent he is.
All of that wrapped together is what makes some serious magic. Because every time he walks into a scene, you know exactly who he is and how he will throw down a killer retort or one-liner even before he opens his mouth.
That’s branding.
Not a logo. Not a color palette. Not a tagline.
It is consistency and being true to who you really are.
I think there’s a bit of an epidemic (too harsh?) of trying to fit in with what we think our brand should look like.
We scroll, we compare, and before we know it, our brand starts to sound like a watered-down version of everyone else’s. The “safe” fonts. The trendy colors. The same 3 words: authentic, intentional, aligned.
But the reason Tommy stands out isn’t because he tries to.
It’s because everything about him - from the the way he dresses, speaks, and even how he walks - aligns with who he actually is.
That’s the magic of a well-built brand: you don’t have to try so hard when it’s true.
In honor of Season 2 of Landman launching this week, I thought it would be fun to share some key advice we can all use from the brilliance of Tommy Norris' personal brand...
So here we go...I humbly submit for consideration "The Tommy Norris 5-Step Branding Playbook"
#1 Know Who You Are
Tommy doesn’t wake up wondering who he is or what role he has to play that day. He just is. Your brand should be just as clear. What you stand for, what you don’t, and who you serve. What makes you stand out from the crowd? Don't shy away from it, lean into it!
#2 Stay Consistent
The man wears the same dusty boots and denim every day. That’s a brand uniform. Consistency builds trust - in tone, visuals, and how you show up. Sure, your visual brand is important (logos, colors, etc), but think beyond - what does it smell like when you walk into your shop? What music is playing? What are the tangible, consistent touches that your customers automatically associate with your business?
#3 Don't Polish Away the Grit
The best part about Tommy is that he’s imperfect. Rough around the edges, but dependable and extremely loyal. Your audience doesn’t need perfection. They need honesty. Show the behind the scenes, publish the unpolished post, show up without being totally "done up" - don't be afraid to show your reality.
#4 Speak In Your Real Voice
Tommy’s not rehearsed, he’s direct. No buzzwords. No fluff. Lots of swearing. Your brand voice should sound like you every day, not you pretending to sound like you think you should. Fake (even if unintentional) is super hard to maintain - and exhausting. Just be YOU.
#Be Memorable By Being You
Tommy leaves an impression. He is hard to forget. Because being real makes a bigger impact than being “on trend.” Trends fade, real people don't. People relate to REAL.
And that’s what builds a brand people remember.
Not perfection.
Not polish.
Just the real you.
Cool. Now that I have somehow related Landman to marketing, who's watching on Sunday?! I've already got my spot on the couch reserved 😉
