Advertising Has Been Outlawed. Now What?
The thought experiment is this: If you had to turn up the lever on something that isn’t advertising, what would it be?
Whose Bentley is that?
The boss drives a Bentley to work. What happens? Employees think, “I bring in all the sales. I paid for that."
September is the new January! Why not?
The nice thing about milestones is you, yes you, get to choose when the mile starts.
Starting Takes Courage. Staying Takes More.
Ask yourself: has the plan failed, or have we just reached the point where courage needs to become endurance?
Afraid of the Camera? Your Business is Paying the Price
When you start doing something, all of a sudden it becomes easier to continue. It's the law of momentum.
Stairs to your North Star are worth the Climb
In life and in marketing, keeping stuff easy on one level seems… Smart. But is it really?
The AI Nervous System Still Needs Direction and Belief
AI can speed you up, but it won't notice you're walking in the wrong direction.
The Hidden Skill Behind Every Great Ad
Every terrible ad that's ever hit the airwaves was approved by someone. Think about that.
Kindness Is Free
Observations after 3 decades of returning to my Happy Place. Why does everyone line up for Tommy's Hot Dog stand?
Why Great Brands Are Unreasonable
Most people have no idea the Pirelli calendar exists. That may be part of why it works.
Don’t Be Too Efficient
We forgive big companies that treat us like cattle, but at a small company, it can destroy all faith and trust.
Why 80% of Businesses Are Running on Broken
Your brand has a story. The question is whether it's true.
You Have to Be the Captain
For whatever "sea" you're crossing, something subtle but vital separates sailors from true captains.
Have You Fallen Prey to The Committee?
You developed a Good Idea. They said, “Let’s make it stronger. Build consensus.”
Don’t Be an Egg-Laying-Woolly-Dairy-Pig
You instinctively know what that phrase means. Trying to please everyone satisfies no one.