This is going to be legen—wait for it—dary! Check out this iconic suit-wearer's business & marketing secrets!

From the desk of Miles Everson:

Hello! How are you?

I hope you are all well-rested.

Let’s kickstart the day with an inspiring narrative from our “Marketing Marvels.” Every Monday, I feature people from whom we can learn remarkable marketing and business insights.

Today, let me talk about an iconic character from an iconic TV series.

Keep reading below to find out!

This is going to be legen—wait for it—dary! Check out this iconic suit-wearer's business & marketing secrets!

Imagine walking into a crowded room where everyone blends in… 

People are chatting and networking, but no one truly stands out… 

Suddenly, one person strides in with absolute confidence, dressed sharply, speaking with charisma, and instantly commanding the room… 

Without even realizing it, all eyes shift towards that person.

That’s the power of  presence !

In the world of business and marketing, presence is  crucial. It’s not just about what you sell, but how you present it, how you tell its story, and how consistently you live up to your brand. 

Few pop culture figures embody this lesson better than a certain fast-talking, suit-loving character from one of TV’s most beloved sitcoms: 

Barney Stinson from  “How I Met Your Mother” !

Stinson, portrayed by Neil Patrick Harris, was one of the breakout characters of the American sitcom,  “How I Met Your Mother”  (2005–2014). 

With his sharp wit, outrageous antics, and endless one-liners, Stinson became the character viewers loved to laugh at—and occasionally be inspired by.

On the surface, Stinson is the ultimate womanizer, spending much of his time concocting elaborate schemes to meet women, often pulling ideas from his infamous Playbook. 

He’s also known for his obsession with suits, his unforgettable catchphrases like  “Suit up!”  and  “It’s going to be legen—wait for it—dary,”  and his over-the-top lifestyle.

… but beneath the comedy lies a deeper story. 

Raised by a single mother, Stinson grew up believing that game show host Bob Barker was his father. 

His real father, Jerome Whittaker, turned out to be a much more ordinary man—a suburban dad who didn’t share Stinson’s flashy habits. 

Before reinventing himself as the confident, suit-wearing character fans adore, Stinson was once a free-spirited, hippie idealist whose heartbreak led him to transform into the “legendary” figure viewers know.

He works at Goliath National Bank in a corporate acquisitions role that’s humorously kept vague for much of the show. 

Yet, whether in his career or social life, Stinson demonstrates traits that—if you strip away the ridiculousness—hold surprising lessons for entrepreneurs, leaders, and marketers.

Let’s take a look at those:

• Confidence is the Ultimate Sales Pitch

  Stinson never second-guesses himself. He walks into every situation believing he’s already won. 

  In business, confidence can be the deciding factor in a deal, a pitch, or a negotiation. After all, clients and customers don’t just buy products; they buy into the belief and conviction of the person selling that to them.

  Lesson : If you don’t believe in your brand, no one else will.

• Brand Consistency Creates Recognition

  Stinson is synonymous with suits, legendary adventures, and memorable catchphrases. He is his own brand, and he never breaks character. 

  For companies, consistent branding builds familiarity and trust. Think  Apple ’s sleek design,  Coca-Cola ’s red, or  Nike ’s swoosh. Recognition leads to loyalty.

  Lesson : Create a brand identity so strong and consistent that people instantly associate it with you.

• Storytelling Captures Attention

  Every night out with Stinson comes with a wild, imaginative backstory—sometimes ridiculous, sometimes brilliant, yet always entertaining. 

  Similarly, businesses that weave storytelling into their marketing foster emotional connections. Facts may inform, but stories inspire action.

  Lesson : Tell a compelling story that makes people remember you long after the pitch.

• Creativity is a Competitive Advantage

  Stinson’s schemes are over-the-top but also unforgettable. In a crowded market, safe ideas fade into the background while creative, bold campaigns stand out. 

  Marketing that dares to be different is the kind of marketing that gets noticed.

  Lesson : Don’t settle for blending in. Bold ideas lead to legendary campaigns.

• Networking Opens Doors

  Stinson knows everyone and always finds ways to leverage his connections. 

  In the same way in business, networking isn’t just about collecting contacts; it’s also about building genuine relationships that create long-term opportunities.

  Lesson : The stronger your network, the more doors you can open.

• Adaptability is Essential

  Whether it’s pivoting when a play fails or reinventing himself after heartbreak, Stinson knows how to adapt. 

  In business, industries and trends shift quickly. The companies that succeed are those willing to pivot and reinvent when needed.

  Lesson : Stay flexible. Adaptation ensures survival and growth.

• Measure, Test, and Improve

  Behind his outrageous antics, Stinson is surprisingly data-driven. He keeps track of his “success rates,” refines strategies, and optimizes his methods. 

  Likewise, businesses thrive when they take the same approach—testing campaigns, measuring results, and iterating to improve.

  Lesson : Don’t just market. Analyze, learn, and improve continuously.

• Authenticity Builds Lasting Loyalty

  The most touching moment in Stinson’s story comes when he becomes a father. For the first time, we see him fully vulnerable, authentic, and real. It’s a reminder that, beneath flashy branding, people connect most with honesty and humanity.

  Lesson : Authenticity is more powerful than perfection when it comes to building trust and loyalty.

Stinson might be remembered as TV’s most outrageous bachelor, but behind the comedy lies a surprisingly sharp lesson in branding, storytelling, and self-presentation. 

His confidence, consistency, creativity, and adaptability are traits that every business and marketer like you can benefit from.

Sure, you probably shouldn’t follow his Playbook when it comes to ethics… but when it comes to building a strong brand, telling unforgettable stories, and daring to be bold, Stinson offers a  masterclass.

Keep these principles in mind!

After all, that’s how businesses can become nothing short of  “legen—wait for it—dary.”

Hope you’ve found this week’s topic interesting and helpful.

Stay tuned for next Monday’s Marketing Marvels!

Netflix  has solidified itself as the foremost streaming service in America despite competing against the likes of  Disney (DIS)  and  Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD).

Learn more about  Bela Bajaria  in next week’s article!