#BS: McDonald's. Happy spiel.

Did you know the McDonald's Happy Meal was invented by a mom of five in Guatemala? (Or not, depending on who tells it...)

The backstory is fascinating (hear it on *The Best Idea Yet: https://lnkd.in/gehAzRuP). In my opinion, it also highlights some good, common-sense branding+business lessons. Here are my top picks:

💰 Follow the cash: Doña Yoly created these meals because she noticed that kids couldn't finish the regular-sized meals, aka waste. And whose money was paying for this waste? Not carefree kids. Practical parents. *target detected*

💖 Make 'em feel: A big reason Happy Meals sell is because of the toy. Because kids (read: every body) love a treat. It pays to delight your customers.

📢 Listen: Great ideas can come from anywhere in your org (sometimes, another country); ideas that can cement your brand and transform your business. Listen, even if you hate what you hear.

✅ Name it right: Some folks say a name is the first word in a brand’s story—so a bad name can end your story fast.** That's why “Happy Meal” endures: evocative, informative, memorable and simple. It’s a winner.

🧠 Bet on your brain: The Happy Meal happened because Doña Yoly bet on it. What a multimillion-dollar miss it would have been if she hadn't! Imagine your childhood without Happy Meals? (I can’t relate, but tell me what that feels like).

#BrandlySpeaking I'm lovin' it.