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Marketing Lessons from Our Mothers

Think of all the marketing lessons we learned from our mothers. Naturally. Free. With no college tuition. All we had to pay was attention. Here are a few lessons I learned from my marketing teacher (my mom): Incentives: “You better clean up your room before your father gets home.” Sampling: …

Can You See Your Position Clearly?

Just a couple weeks ago, I went to see the 3D version of the Superman movie “Man of Steel” with one of my adult sons. About a half-hour into the movie, I got up and went to the concession stand for popcorn. Within a few minutes I returned to the …

First and Last Impressions Are the Most Important

The worst pitch of my life took place during August of 2006 in Tampa, Florida. August in Tampa is characterized by essentially constant daily high temperatures — around 90°F or higher throughout the month. Humidity ranges from 58% (mildly humid) to 93% (very humid). That’s great if you’re going to the beach. But it’s brutal if …

Beeps and Bounces: How Important Are They?

Beep. Beep. Beep. There it is again. That faint, tinny-sounding noise. Beep. Beep. Beep. It’s difficult to hear because oxygen deficit is causing my ears to ring. I’m “sucking wind,” and my labored breathing is the sound I hear the loudest. Beep. Beep. Beep. It’s my heart rate monitor telling …

Video Killed the Radio Star… But Brings Marketing to Life

It was a Friday night (technically, Saturday morning) at one minute past midnight on August 1st, 1981 when MTV (Music Television), a new cable channel, debuted its first music video. The first video featured the song “Video Killed the Radio Star” by a British New Wave duo called The Buggles. …

How to Write Like Lincoln

This column contains about 600 words. I would prefer it was only about 350 words. That’s because I can cover most of the relevant points I have to make on just about any subject in about 350 words. After that, my concentration and my writing gets kind of weak. Don’t …

Healthcare Learns Customer Service Is Good Marketing

The first time I was behind bars I was terrified. I didn’t believe I belonged there. I wanted out. “Wait, wait! Come back!” I yelled as I watched my loved ones walk away. Pretty tough situation for a five-year-old. No, I wasn’t some pint-sized Mafia kingpin. I had rheumatic fever …

The Spy, The Barista, T-Mobile Girl and Me

Get Your Point Across with Creativity FADE IN: INTERIOR, COFFEE CAFE — DAY The cafe, located inside the bookstore in a suburb of Ohio, called Boardman, is nearly empty. GEORGE, a professional marketing consultant, is the only customer. He’s sitting at a table by the window. Laptop open. Staring at a blank screen. …