Two powerful secrets to success
Long ago, I learned that there are two timeless, foolproof secrets to success. The first is to never share everything you know.
Look to your customers for answers
If you’re not sure why your company isn’t performing as well as it should, the answer may be closer than you think. Your customers may have the insight you need to figure out what you’re doing well and what you need to improve. Richard Whiteley’s excellent book, The Customer-Driven Company, cites many successful companies that … Read more
Marketing deceit is a lousy relationship-building tool
It’s been a couple centuries since Walter Scott penned “Marmion’s” well-remembered lines: “Oh, what a tangled web we weave/When first we practice to deceive!” But Sir Walter’s admonition to avoid deceit remains valid, and it’s sound advice for marketers. A greeting-card envelope appeared in this week’s mail. No return address, no stamp, just a colorful … Read more
Who really gives a damn about typos?
Maybe you think that those of us who call attention to typos and similar mistakes are being pedantic, or anal-retentive, just plain picky. If the meaning is conveyed, who cares about whether the words are spelled right or sentences are properly structured? Nobody, if it’s a comment about your Saturday night outing at the local … Read more
Why should I like your page?
Since social media caught fire, all sorts of companies and organizations have been aggressively trying to court followers. You get the solicitations through Facebook and other platforms asking you to like their pages, follow them on Twitter, or take whatever action is correct for the specific channel. When you visit a store or a restaurant, … Read more
My blue pet peeve
Imagine that you have a brochure or newsletter article in front of you, and some of the type is printed in blue. Now take your index finger, and tap it repeatedly. Did anything happen? The object may have developed a slight dimple and you received some kind of repetitive stress injury, but did anything else … Read more
Don’t let automation drive your marketing
Technology’s impact on the marketing world has been growing exponentially. Each year sees amazing new platforms that give marketers more power and greater opportunities. However, they also create a dangerous temptation to completely eliminate the human role … and with it, do away with common sense. I’ve written about this in the past, pointing to Staples … Read more
Election coverage goofs and more
Election coverage is fast-paced. I get that. But there’s always time to double-check what you’ve written. Unfortunately, many in the national media have been sloppier than normal this year. What’s particularly disturbing to me is when I see wrong words in Associated Press stories, given that the AP once set the standard for excellence. … Read more
Creativity isn’t always the answer
I work in an industry that places a great deal of emphasis on creativity and originality. Within some corners of that industry, creativity is worshiped with the fervor of a religion. If something isn’t new and innovative, it’s viewed as second-rate and embarrassing. It’s true that there are many times when it pays to … Read more
The kid that saved a customer’s business
The quick-service restaurant could be a little slow at times, so I called in my large order and was told it would be ready at 5:45. I walked in the door at 5:46, only to discover that not only was my order not ready; nobody had even begun to prepare my food. The manager … Read more