Category Archives: Branding
An Appeal to Baby Boomer Marketers (Do not read this if you are under 35).
I was taken by a comment by Professor Kevin Keller from my alma mater The Tuck School of Business. He was giving his standard lecture to executives on the importance of branding, entitled the The Branding Imperative. (Yes, I know, … Continue reading
Filed under Branding, Marketing, Social Media
Intelligent Rule Breaking, Or Why the Post Office is Not Funny
Last week I took my children to see a family-oriented improvisational comedy troop. It was not funny, but I think it was my fault. I simply couldn’t enjoy it. My palms were sweaty. My stomach was clenching – all because of … Continue reading
Filed under Advertising, Branding, Group Dynamics, Management Theory, Marketing, Workability
The True Legacy of Steve
Like most people right now I’m over-idealizing Steve Jobs. I can’t help it. But, let’s face it. He wasn’t a saint. He didn’t cure diseases. And, apparently he could be brutal to employees, which I’m sure happens to anybody with … Continue reading
Filed under Advertising, Branding, Group Dynamics, Marketing, Workability
Integrity, Or Why Soccer Isn’t that Bad.
I think I figured out why I hate soccer. It is the least goal-oriented sport involving an actual goal. Everyone seems to be moving with great effort to put the ball in the net, but it seems to happen about … Continue reading
Filed under Advertising, Branding, Group Dynamics, Management Theory, Marketing, Workability
The Secret Calculus of Perceived Investment, Or the Gloop to Gloop Ratio.
Trapped in each of us is an emotional accountant keenly observing the people in our lives for tremblings of inequity. This mean spirited little troll evaluates each of our relationships, whether they be personal or professional, for a sense of … Continue reading
Filed under Branding, Group Dynamics, Management Theory, Marketing, Workability
Customer Service for Sinners
My wife lost her wallet in the Whole Foods parking lot. We’ve all been through the drill. Steps are retraced. Cars are turned inside out. Accusations are made. Divorce papers are filed. And, then the realization occurs: “I’m going … Continue reading
Filed under Advertising, Branding, Workability
The 7 Personalities of Great Meetings – Or, Who to Keep on the Bus.
Thanks to Jim Collins, whom I mentioned in my last post, we have an excellent metaphor for the Involvement dimension of Workability. Look at your team building process as having three choices. Avoid them at your own peril and enjoy lunch … Continue reading
Filed under Branding, Workability
The Seven Personalities of Bad Meetings – Or, How to Ride the Magic Bus
Magic Bus, Magic Bus, Magic Bus, Magic Bus I want it, I want it, I want it…(You can’t have it!) Think how much you’ll save…(You can’t have it!)] I want it, I want it, I want it, I want it … Continue reading
Filed under Advertising, Branding, Group Dynamics, Management Theory, Marketing, Workability
How to Start a Meeting: Workability, Chaos Theory, and Imagination
A man steps on a butterfly during a brief time travel safari to the Jurassic period, and changes the course of human history (Ray Bradbury, “The Sound of Thunder,” 1952.) This is a fundamental tenet of Chaos Theory that the … Continue reading
Filed under Branding, Workability
Cowboy Up – How to Understand Positive Intentions without Feelin’ Icky.
I never met a man I didn’t like.” William “Will” Penn Adair Rogers (November 4, 1879 – August 15, 1935), American cowboy, comedian, humorist, actor, and social commentator. I swear this quote has baffled me since the first time I … Continue reading
Filed under Branding, Workability
