An important lesson for brands from Mr. Rogers
By feeding his fish, everyone’s favorite neighbor inadvertently educated brands on the value of engaging consumers. Plus, Google Translate tries to teach IKEA Swedish, college girls text more than they sleep, a history of social media, and more.
Maybe it was the compassion for his neighbors, or perhaps those authoritative cardigans—probably the cardigans. Either way, Fred Rogers was a trove of valuable lessons that extend beyond childhood. In fact, Brandon Harig of Identity PR offers a key lesson for brands from the late PBS personality: Tell your audience you’re feeding the fish. Allow me to explain …
The Huffington Post reported last week on a Reddit user who shared a passage from the book “Dear Mr. Rogers, Does it Ever Rain in You Neighborhood: Letters to Mr. Rogers” revealing why the host always announced when he was feeding his fish:
“Dear Mister Rogers,
“Please say when you are feeding your fish, because I worry about them. I can’t see if you are feeding them, so please say you are feeding them out loud. Katie, age 5. (Father’s note: Katie is blind, and she does cry if you don’t say that you have fed the fish).”
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