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
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 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
There’s a tendency among people in business — particularly younger people — to assume that lessons learned in the past have little value when applied to today. That’s especially true when it comes to marketing. Yes, channels such as email marketing and social media have been developed relatively recently. But the basic psychology that makes … Read more
One of the most common marketing mistakes made by today’s companies is regarding social media as a strategy. It isn’t. Social media is a channel, like the many other channels that are available to your business. Now, how you use social media and those other channels — that’s where the strategy comes in. I’ve seen … Read more
If I had one wish for the media, it would be to restore the long-lost position of copy editors — the unseen wizards who made reporters look smarter than they really were and could craft the pithiest of headlines. Had a copy editor been at the desk, Matthew Tully’s July 3 Indianapolis Star column wouldn’t … Read more
“So how many bookmarks do you need?” My blank expression led Jesus to realize that I obviously needed more information, so he continued. “We usually give you six bookmarks, but if you’d like, I can arrange to give you more.” Handing over a hefty three-ring binder, he pointed to the styles of bookmarks that were … Read more
My daughter introduced me to one of her favorite webcomics, and it’s become one of mine. Allie Brosh created the delightful blog (and subsequent book) called “Hyperbole and a Half.” It’s entertaining, if not easy to describe. Let’s just say that it’s a look at the absurdity of the world through childlike eyes and impressions. … Read more
I’m not big on making grandiose statements, but I’m making this one with a tremendous amount of confidence. If you’re involved in marketing, a company you’ve probably never heard of is using technology in a way that’s going to transform your industry. The July/August 2016 issue of Inc. Magazine includes an article about a company … Read more
Three cheers for the companies that are dedicated to developing the new and the exciting! The companies that aren’t satisfied with what’s already available, or who have recognized an entirely new way to accomplish something. The companies that are constantly focused staying at the forefront of their industries. If you run (or work for) one … Read more