Category Archives: Marketing

Introducing a Breakthrough in Advertising Measurement: The Abilene-O-Meter

As you have probably figured out by now, I believe the truth is best told with a heavy dose of humor. In fact, in Shakespeare the fools always told the truth before others realized it (and often too late). With … Continue reading

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Filed under Abilene Paradox, Advertising, Brand Strength, Branding, Marketing, Super Bowl Advertising

Prestidigitation and Brand Strength – A Hypothesis

When I was about 10 my father took me to the Magic Castle in Hollywood. What a strange and wonderful place. In every nook and cranny there was something mysterious and amazing (at least for a 10 year old). However, … Continue reading

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Filed under Abilene Paradox, Brand Strength, Branding, Employee Engagement, Marketing, Prestidigitation

To HP or not HP, that is the Distraction.

So HP’s new logo is not going to be their new logo. A company spokesperson definitively quashed the rumor by letting us know that “HP is one of the world’s most valuable brands and has no plans to adopt the … Continue reading

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Filed under Advertising, Branding, Management Theory, Marketing, Mission Statements

Arrogance and Opportunity, Or Fear the Rotting Apple

My multitouch Apple trackpad quietly stares up my nostrils with the malicious muteness of the Berlin wall. I’ve watched the Quicktime videos on how to operate my MacBook Pro with “simple” gestures. A single flick for this. A backwards triple … Continue reading

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Filed under Advertising, Arrogance, Entrepreneurialism, Indie, Listening, Management Theory, Marketing

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Filed under Branding, Group Dynamics, Management Theory, Marketing, 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

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Filed under Advertising, Branding, Group Dynamics, Management Theory, Marketing, Workability