Martha Harper – The Mother of Franchising
You’ve never heard of any of this. It’s a travesty. At age 7, she was rented out to be a house servant. By 1914, she has franchises in 128 cities.
Why Conflict Is Essential – In Advertising and Life
We demand conflict, tension, and drama — be it in sports, books, movies, or advertising.
Liquid Paper – One Secretary’s Secret
It was never intended to be an empire, she just wanted to make her work easier. Next thing you know, Gillette comes knocking.
A Marketing Lesson, With Love From Gaston
Spoiler Alert… Gaston doesn’t get the girl, and you likely won’t get the customer if you take his same approach.
What’s Your Ad Campaign’s Meta-Narrative?
Is the story of Rocky really about boxing? Or is it about an underdog’s epic journey? Great ads are like that too.
Good Things Come in Threes – Strategy, Message, and Budget
Without a well-structured strategy, owners often end up bobbing in the water with no landmarks in any direction.
Naugahyde – The Nauga is Ugly, but the Hyde is Beautiful
This is what you do when you have a strange name and need everyone to remember you.
What Kids Can Teach You About Story Persuasion
There’s a REASON why for every conflict we always want to know “who started it?”
How to Increase Brand Loyalty
Bill and three of my closest friends joined a cult and disappeared from my life. You might be asking yourself, “What does this have to do with marketing?”
Famous Dave’s – He was from the middle of nowhere, Wisconsin.
With location as an obstacle, Dave figured out how to become famous for Bar-B-Que.
Temporal Stresses in Marketing: Achieving Long-Term Success
We’re constantly bombarded with information and stimuli, and it’s easy to get caught up in the present moment.
Don’t Stop Pushing the Car: Effective Marketing When Times are Lean
Having worked with many, many business owners, the default is always panic.
The Common-Sense Mistake Sabotaging Your Ads
Are your ads aimed at winning the type of buying decision that your customers are actually making?
McKee Bakery – Innovatively embracing change
Behind the scenes including the girl who inspired their famous brand, Little Debbie. She now sits on the board of directors.
Your Company: Leaf or Kite?
A kite can fly. But only when it is bridled to something bigger than itself. It is part of a system that creates lift: A leader with a vision.