🚀 Why do customers really buy?

In recent months, we have launched exciting innovation projects with SMEs in Liechtenstein and Switzerland. One key finding: many companies see the Interface of innovation and sustainability an ideal position for yourself and others.

👉 But the "why" is often not explained by the price or a specific product feature alone. It's about emotional value, trust and identification with the company.

🔹 The key? A close integration of culture and brand.

Culture: The values you live by. It is reflected in how your team implements your mission in everyday life.

Brand: Your customers' perception of the value proposition you give them.

If the two are well coordinated, the result is a consistent, trustworthy message - which creates long-term customer loyalty.

📉 The problem: When culture and brand don't fit together

Many companies rely unilaterally on one of the two elements:

❌ Investments are made in a brand without developing the corporate culture
→ Employees quickly realize when values are just marketing platitudes. The brand appears untrustworthy.

❌ A strong corporate culture remains invisible to the outside world without coordinated brand communication
→ Customers do not recognize the true value of the company and remain unaffected.

➡️ The result? A lack of trust, reduced customer loyalty and a company that is losing momentum.

🎯 How to strengthen your culture and brand at the same time

✅ 1. clearly define corporate values
What makes the company unique? What values are directly associated with the brand?

💡 Example: The Swiss candy manufacturer Ricola relies on Tradition, innovation and closeness to nature - and lives these values both internally and in its external communications.

✅ 2. make values tangible
Company values should not just be displayed on the office wall - they should be reflected in every decision and every external communication.

💡 Tip: Find out how your organization lives the values in everyday life and where there is a need for action. Our digital Culture Cockpit gives you data-based insights - and shows the development over time.

✅ 3. develop authentic communication
The same language should be spoken internally and externally. Customers and employees should be able to rely on what the brand stands for.

💡 Example: At the outdoor manufacturer Vaude sustainability is not only communicated externally, but also practiced internally - with flexible working models, an appreciative culture and a consistently authentic language.

✅ 4. continuously measure & adjust
Does the brand really reflect the corporate culture? Where are there gaps between self-image and external image?

💡 Tip: Use a measuring instrument such as the Culture Cockpitto regularly review culture and brand perception. Integrate retrospectives into meetings and get Feedback from customers and partners for example through stakeholder interviews.

🏆 What can you do today?

1️⃣ Do a culture check: Ask your employees and customers what makes your company special. Do the answers match?
2️⃣ Analyze your brand communication: Does it reflect your values - or are there contradictions between internal culture and external perception?
3️⃣ Implement a concrete measure: For example a Internal value session or a Campaign that makes your values visible to customers.

🚀 Companies that consciously combine culture and brand build long-term customer and employee loyalty. They create trust, which translates directly into growth and success.