Retailers Beware!
This is a departure. In this episode, Stephen Semple shares trends that he is seeing that are being embraced by retailers. Trends that are dangerously wrong.
Armed with Scissors and an Idea a Billionaire is Born. The Spanx Story.
Sara Blakely was getting ready for a party when she realized she didn't have the right undergarment to provide a smooth look. Like all revolutions: it was not easy.
Business lessons from a pro athlete
Most owners aren't "superstars." But they have a hidden superpower. Discover your superpower amidst the lessons from my friend Jean Hebert, a pro athlete and NHL referee.
What delivering newspapers taught me about pizza – The story of Domino’s.
How an orphan who was swindled out of his life savings grew the largest independent restaurant business on the planet.
Fish when the fish are runnin’
Morris was Vice President of Marketing of a $50 million business and his favourite saying was, "We go fishin' when the fish are runnin'." But Morris was wrong.
Higher Profits Through Testing of Every Variable
Let's say we increase the response rate on your offer from 1.5% to 1.85%. That’s enough to get marketers excited. “You’re kidding,” I can almost hear you say. I'll explain why.
How $1,500 of Flea Market Garb became Banana Republic
Banana Republic was founded by 2 journalists with the dream to make a little extra money so they could travel. Little did they know they would create a fashion juggernaut.
Facebook and John Deere 9620RX are both powerful tools I don’t need
In the beginning, connecting with long-lost friends was nostalgic. It was fun to catch up and reminisce about things long gone. Then the world changed.
By definition, an entrepreneur solves problems
Business ownership is not a career path. It’s a lifestyle choice. It’s not for everyone. There are sacrifices to be made.
Pat Weaver Changed the Face of Advertising Forever
You have not heard of him, but if you've ever run an ad on TV or Radio then you have him to thank. Learn the key to controlling eyeballs (and your own destiny).
Art is Not Subjective.
If you have the right artist, they make their decisions consciously and objectively for the purpose of drawing attention. And they do it using an invisible ally.
Mom was right, your so-called friends are using you.
Just like the friends that go to your neighbor’s party when the freebies are gone, Transactional Customers mooch from you until there’s nothing left to give.
Beachheads
A beachhead is a defended position on a beach taken from an enemy by landing forces from which an attack can be launched. In business, beachheads are found where competitors aren't willing to go.
A Trip to Italy Changes Everything for Starbucks
How a sip of espresso at a piazza in Italy transformed the coffee industry in North America. It seems obvious now. But trust me. This idea was crazy.
Growth, Blindspots and FOAG
When a customer answered with FOAG (Fine, Ok, Alright, Good), our staff challenged them. “Really, it was just ok?”