Why smiles matter at ThinkOTB
Smiles. Simple, right? But they’re so much more than just expressions. On World Smile Day, we’re reminded that smiles are shortcuts to connection, positivity and trust. And at ThinkOTB, that really resonates because the best ideas come from teams who feel energised, clients who feel supported and work that sparks a bit of joy.
In marketing, emotions are everything. If a campaign makes you smile, chances are you’ll remember it. Smiles break down barriers, create human connections, and build trust not just in brands, but in the people behind them.
Inside an agency, that same principle applies. It’s easy to get lost in deadlines and to-do lists, but taking the time to celebrate small wins, check in on a teammate or share a laugh goes a long way. Smiles remind us that even at our busiest, protecting happiness is just as important as hitting a deadline.
That’s why World Smile Day is such a lovely pause button. A chance to stop, breathe and remember why we love what we do. For us, it’s about creating ideas that deliver results and make people feel good. And when that leads to a smile? Well, that’s when we know we’ve nailed it.
Here’s where it gets interesting. Martin Seligman, known as the father of Positive Psychology, suggests it’s not always happiness that causes positive emotions but the other way around. It’s those little sparks of positivity (like a smile or a laugh) that actually build our sense of happiness over time.
And that’s exactly how we see it at ThinkOTB. Smiles, positivity, kindness; they’re not just “nice extras” in our culture. They’re the fuel for creativity, collaboration and connection. When our teams feel positive, they’re braver with ideas, more open to new thinking, and more authentic with clients. And that makes the work stronger.
So today, let’s celebrate smiles. Because they really are at the root of creativity, connection, and brilliant work. At ThinkOTB, we’ll keep building a culture where smiles aren’t just a by-product, they’re part of the process.
Fun Fact:
Did you know that the first smiley face was created in 1963 by Harvey Ball, and then used in cartoons, comics and for political movements. It’s also where the popularity of the smiley face emoji came from!
