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
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
Ready for some pig heart and stomach on a bun? Not salivating yet? I’ll add BBQ sauce and pickles. Still not hungry? You might be surprised that it’s been a success for McDonald’s. Of course, they don’t call it barbecued heart, stomach, and tripe. They call it McRib. And it’s a perennial top-seller for the … Read more
Here’s a handy trick for proofreading more effectively that I learned years ago from a boss: read what you’re proofing backwards. Start at the end, and read it word-for-word in the wrong direction. I’m completely serious, and it’s one of the most effective ways I’ve found — especially when I’m proofing something I wrote. That’s … Read more
He was a successful engineer with a nagging problem. It didn’t bother anyone else, but it haunted him during his commute, in the shower, and when his golden retriever woke him up at 3 a.m. for a quick trip outside. He knew that a common process could be dramatically improved, and he had a hunch … Read more
Worried that what you’ve written sounds a little too light and fluffy? Concerned that your words seem to be traveling all over the place instead of delivering a clear message? Thanks to a handy tool within Microsoft Word and most other word processors, and with a little bit of self-discipline, you can easily make your … Read more