What Kind of Idiot Waits 567 Days to Buy a Car?

You might not realize this, but I have a lot in common with Elon Musk. Yes, the billionaire Tesla mogul and I share several things that might surprise you, including: 1. Fascination with space, and Mars in particular. Like Musk, I want to die on the red planet. Unlike Musk, I’d be fine if it… Continue reading What Kind of Idiot Waits 567 Days to Buy a Car?

I have such wonderful memories of that banner ad -No one ever

Last week Toys R Us closed their remaining stores, bringing a sad end to a 70-year old brand. In the final days of the store closings, for a brief time the top link on Reddit was a strangely poignant image of Geoffrey the Giraffe standing next to empty store shelves, waving goodbye. In the comments… Continue reading I have such wonderful memories of that banner ad -No one ever

Product Is Still King

Product is Still King

There’s a lot of talk these days about creating a great customer experience, standing out in a crowded market, telling your brand story in a compelling way, and a mobile-first strategy. Let me be clear—ALL of these things are important. Vital, in fact, if you want to be successful. However, I’d argue NONE of them… Continue reading Product Is Still King

A Little Sin is Always IN

Want to spice up your marketing message? Just look to the Bible. Wait. What? #WhatIsSheTalkingAbout? I’m talking about the seven deadly sins, friends. Those transgressions which are fatal to spiritual progress. I know. Heavy stuff. But if you take a few steps back, squint a little bit, turn your head sideways ever so slightly and… Continue reading A Little Sin is Always IN

DOES YOUR BRAND CARE?

Does Your Brand Care?

Does your brand stand for something? Is it more than just products and services? Does your brand have a cause greater than commerce? More and more, brands are aligning themselves with charitable causes. And customers are taking notice. Last year, Ad Age published a study by the research firm Toluna about the impact of brands… Continue reading DOES YOUR BRAND CARE?

The Experience Economy: Why I Can’t Sell My China

My husband and I are on a quest to downsize and get rid of “stuff” that serves no purpose in our lives. This includes our two sets of beautiful Wedgwood china that we lovingly chose many years ago. But, to our dismay, no one wants it. Not even our sons. And it’s not just me. My… Continue reading The Experience Economy: Why I Can’t Sell My China

HOW BBQ FLAVORS A BRAND EXPERIENCE

To truly stand out in today’s marketplace, you must do more than offer a product or service. You must create an experience, one that will resonate with customers. Don’t just serve, impress. Don’t just deliver, elevate. Make their time interacting with you something they cannot forget. What can your brand do to craft an experience… Continue reading HOW BBQ FLAVORS A BRAND EXPERIENCE

The Future of Brick-and-Mortar in the Millennial Age

Much has been written about the demise of America’s brick-and-mortar retail institutions due to the expansion of e-commerce and mobile technology. With slowing population growth, the future of retail sales will depend largely on increased individual spending, much of which will come from the demographic cohort known as Millennials. Some relevant facts about this group:… Continue reading The Future of Brick-and-Mortar in the Millennial Age

Aliens, Content and Conversion

There’s a conspiracy underway in the catalog business. It’s happening right under our noses. You know what I’m talking about, copy kidnappers! Someone has been rounding up copywriters and turning them into CONTENT EDITORS! “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” comes to mind. You know, the “snatched people” attend to their daily tasks, but they really… Continue reading Aliens, Content and Conversion