Quotes – Phil Knight: “Play by the rules, but be ferocious.”

Pronunciation: /fəˈroʊʃəs/ (fuh-ROH-shus)

Ferocious means very fierce or aggressive. Think of a lion protecting its cubs – that’s ferocious. In business, it means being bold and determined while still acting ethically. It’s about having a strong, passionate drive to succeed.

Why is understanding this quote important for your business? Because it highlights a crucial balance. Following the rules – ethical business practices, legal compliance, and fair competition – is essential for long-term success. However, simply playing by the rules isn’t enough. You also need that ferocious drive, that unwavering commitment to achieving your goals, to stand out from the crowd and truly thrive.

At The Company, we believe in a systematic approach to marketing that combines ethical practices with a ferocious pursuit of results. We call it Zero Noise Marketing. It’s about cutting through the clutter and focusing on strategies that genuinely work.

The Zero Noise Marketing Approach

Our methodology is built on a 3+1 blueprint:

  • Assess: We begin by thoroughly analyzing your current marketing efforts, identifying weaknesses and untapped potential.
  • Strategize: We develop a customized plan aligned with your specific goals, resources, and budget.
  • Execute: We implement your strategy with precision, using proven methodologies and systematic processes.
  • +1 Optimize: We continuously monitor, refine, and improve your marketing to ensure ongoing growth.

This approach emphasizes:

  • Anti-Noise Philosophy: We focus on what delivers results, eliminating wasteful tactics.
  • Merit-Based Marketing: We measure success by tangible results, not vanity metrics.
  • Systematic Approach: We build repeatable, scalable processes for sustainable growth.
  • Human-Centric Technology: We leverage technology to enhance human interaction, not replace it.
  • Community Economic Development: We support local businesses and community growth.
  • Owned vs. Rented Solutions: We prioritize marketing assets you control.

We believe in building sustainable, measurable marketing systems, not chasing fleeting trends. Our approach is data-driven, yet deeply rooted in understanding human behavior and building authentic connections with your audience.

For help with developing a ferocious yet ethical marketing strategy, give us a call at 613-777-5001.

“The Bride”.  A an example of an experimental, or concept album project from 2022.  Painted in acrylic. (Private collection)

Building Confidence Through Language: A Guide for the Collector

One of the biggest barriers for aspiring art collectors is not a lack of taste, but a lack of confident language. People know what they are drawn to, but they often struggle to articulate the ‘why’ behind their emotional connection. Providing them with a basic vocabulary can be transformative.

By explaining core artistic concepts, we can bridge this gap. An artist’s newsletter or a gallery brochure could break down:

  • The Architecture of Composition: How lines and shapes lead the eye and create a focal point.
  • The Emotional Weight of a Color Palette: Why a limited, muted palette feels different from a vibrant, high-contrast one.
  • The Role of Value in Creating Depth: How the interplay of light and shadow builds a believable world.

It’s like being given a phrasebook in a foreign country; suddenly, you can navigate and connect with more assurance. Consider Edward Hopper, whose stylized realism simplifies scenes to their emotional core. Understanding this allows a collector to explain why the work feels so dreamlike and memorable. This knowledge doesn’t replace the emotional response; it validates it.

The Dialogue Between Feeling and Form

Great art speaks to us on two levels: the immediate, gut-level emotional reaction and the deeper intellectual appreciation. You might feel the perpetual warmth and light in a Monet, which immerses the viewer in the sensory experience of a moment. Conversely, you might sense the rugged, stoic soul of the landscape in a piece by Canada’s Group of Seven, which evokes a feeling of profound solitude.

These feelings are universal, but the ability to discuss why we feel them builds a stronger connection. From a marketing perspective, this education slots perfectly into the buyer’s journey. During the “comparison” phase, an artist who also educates their audience is building a relationship of trust and authority, making the final “decision” more likely.

Conclusion: A Bridge of Shared Understanding

Art, in its purest form, is an act of communication. Whether through the calculated narrative of a storyteller or the freeform expression of a poet, the artist extends an invitation to the viewer. By providing the language to understand this invitation, we empower collectors to move beyond simple preference and into the realm of true appreciation. It transforms a simple transaction into a meaningful connection, where the viewer doesn’t just own a piece of art—they become part of its ongoing story.


About the Author

Jaeson Tanner is a Marketing Thinker at Zero Noise Marketing and a narrative artist once in a blue moon. You can see his work on Instagram at @jaeson_tanner.