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?”
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.
Iron Chef Branding — 2 Practical Steps that Work in the Real World
Whip up that gourmet message, not from scratch, and not by following a predetermined recipe, but by making use of whatever ingredients are already on hand.
There Is No Word-of-Mouth “Marketing.”
Word-of-Mouth is now more critical to business success than at any time since the dawn of mass media. And yet you can’t make a customer talk about you.
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.
Lifetime value, road less traveled and Linda’s influence
When things go bad, which they will inevitably do, it will be your response that will either destroy or save the relationship.
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.
How Referral Fees Make You Look Bad And What To Do Instead
On the surface, referral fees make sense, right? Rewarding a customer for sending you business. Seems reasonable. But...
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.