The Dalai Lama recently visited the Chicago area and suggested that we all let go of anger, hatred, and all of those things that don’t matter. I couldn’t agree more. Destructive emotions and the pursuit of things that don’t matter get in the way of living in a way that works for us. This morning […]
Do Your Customers Know They Are Special?
April 15, 2007 by Leave a Comment
How special are your customers to you? That’s exactly what they want to know. Recently I received a communication from the financial service I use to make my online investment trades. They explained that I am now an Apex™ customer and will be receiving a multitude of privileges. I wondered why I have been gifted […]
Entertain Your Market
April 11, 2007 by Leave a Comment
Having commented previously about American Idol, I just have to weigh in on the Sanjaya debate. First, with all due respect to Simon – It’s not a singing contest! While a given amount of talent is necessary, that is not what makes the difference. This show is about marketing yourself to an audience. It’s about […]
One Team – Five Promises
April 4, 2007 by Leave a Comment
I was very impressed with coach Pat Summit’s simple formula that enabled her Lady Vols to easily prevail over the Rutgers Scarlet Knights for the Women’s National Basketball Championship. Coach Summit focused each player’s attention on one thing – one quality that happened to be their unique contribution to the success of the team. She […]
What's Your No. 1 Gift?
March 28, 2007 by Leave a Comment
How do you stand out in your market? One way is to dominate it. Not with aggressive force, but skillful exection in one area where you are better than anyone else. I was watching the replays of Naperville, IL native Candace Parker on defense as the Vols made short work of Ole Miss. Parker is […]
It’s Been Fun Doing Business with You!
March 13, 2007 by Leave a Comment
We often hear that today you need to be easy to do business with. Some companies do indeed make business difficult. As crazy as this seems, they actually get in their own way of consummating a transaction. They seem to doubt the value of their offerings. But is being easy to do business with enough? […]
Ride the Wave Marketing Strategy
March 6, 2007 by Leave a Comment
When you think of marketing, what comes to mind — probably people, products, services, demographics and sales. Do you think of human behavior? How people buy – how they like to buy – and what makes them change their mind are very relevant considerations in developing your marketing strategy. While you are thinking about that, […]
Wake Up and Smell the Coffee
February 25, 2007 by Leave a Comment
Starbucks Chairman Howard Schultz is lamenting the erosion of the ‘romance and theatre’ that created the Starbucks experience. I must admit that while it has evidently been on the menu a while, I just noticed their Egg McMuffin-like creation, which along with drive-throughs and automated espresso machines, suggests "fast food" – hardly the experience that […]
American Ego
February 22, 2007 by Leave a Comment
Four unlucky souls are departing American Idol as the crowd has been thinned down to 20. Interestingly, virtually every ‘winner’ neglected to acknowledge the fans that supported them in their endeavor – with the exception of Gina from Naperville, Illinois. Amazing! – no smiles – no wave – just a tightlipped sigh and a turn […]
Support Your Supporters – Your Secret Advantage
February 18, 2007 by Leave a Comment
One aspect of marketing that I believe is significantly overlooked is the dynamic balance that drives our markets. When customers acquire our products and services, they support who we are and what we do – they validate the existence and purpose of our enterprise. Are you aware of this support and do you respect it? I […]
