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.
Want your Facebook post to go viral? Start with 4 pivotal ingredients.
Lots of folks say there is no way to go viral. But the reality is you see viral posts all the time. It does happen, and it can happen to you as well.
How to Build an Empire in Uncertain Times. The story of Wrigley’s
At the top of their game the Wrigley’s family was one of the wealthiest families in the world. Learn how they broke into the big time when they actually had nothing to sell.
Seabiscuits and Monstars
I coach baseball for the same reasons I work as an ad guy. I dream for my kids to understand the underdog doesn’t need to have the most points to be the winner.
Empire Builders #003: Trump Decoded
It doesn't matter if you love him or hate him. Learn the 7 communication strategies he used to create his tribe and how you can use this to build yours.
Relational Employees
My phone buzzed with a text message that changed my life for the next two years. The assistant manager texted that he quit his job. He followed with a second bomb that everyone quits. No notice, no negotiations. Just quit.
What’s The Most Powerful Asset That Every Business Possesses?
The things that don’t seem to be about money usually produce the most money. A lot of times they require little to no ad dollars.
Ad Templates
According to the published research, 89% of award-winning ads could be classified into 6 basic templates. And the use of these templates boosted subjects' abilities to positively affect audience perception by 55%.
Empire Builders #002: HBO Magic
The method that HBO uses to create Emmy Award winning shows and how you can apply this to have the best advertisements on the planet. I can guarantee you Ridley Scott would agree.
Smelling Your Way to Good Vibrations
It is your job to have a strategy to incorporate the five senses for maximum effect on memory and feelings. Your job to build your story is entrusted to, as a 90’s kid would say, “the vibe.”
Empire Builders #001: The Story of the Drybar Blow Out
How Drybar turned this simple idea into a salon empire that grew from one single shop to a business that was recently acquired by Helen of Troy Ltd. for $225 million.
Private airstrips, planeloads of money and Lamborghinis
Never would you guess the family’s leaders dine with Persian princes and European presidents all while driving their simple blue Fords. Remember, your customers and your employees are watching.
The media is NOT the message.
I remember a Marshall McLuhan quote of “The Media is the Message.” So I asked Roy, what about McLuhan? The skies darkened, the floors parted, and a fiery hell appeared as Roy screamed.
Ira Glass on Great Advertising, Part 2
“The amount of time finding the decent story is more than the amount of time it takes to produce the story… I think that, like, not enough gets said about the importance of abandoning crap.”
Tipping Point of Retail and the S-Curve
A dozen years from now 50% to 60% of transactions will be occurring online. And a surprising advantage will go to stores who sell online but advertise locally.