1) Recent Social Technologies/Spike TV research shows that "guys are still deciphering what it means to be a man in the post-feminist world," and, as Social Technologies Senior Analyst Chris Carbone further explains: "Life is complex, and even contradictory and—just like women—guys … Read on >
1) There is officially evidence that Americans are choosing to eat more healthily, and that they are compromising on other purchases to make it so even in these economically challenging times. Here’s the MediaPost article by Karlene Lukovitz, which cites NPD Group research and their “National Eating … Read on >
If money can no longer be thrown about and perceived as a status measurement tool, where do people turn to gauge their place in society in times of economic challenge? It’s a tough call, because this sort of situation cuts to the quick, psychologically. Very few people would actually admit … Read on >
One of my favorite transparent marketing examples from Don’t Think Pink, which I use pretty often in my presentations (especially when my audience is fairly male-dominated) is that of ESPN: The Magazine. That brand (in … Read on >
1) Though I report on both the ups and downs of the brand, I am, at the core, a Lululemon lover. That’s why it was interesting to read that the yoga apparel retailer’s new CEO is a woman with a Starbucks background. Margaret Brennan’s CNBC interview with … Read on >
Do you remember when you started to notice people drinking water in bottles? Since those of us who are Baby Boomers or Gen Xers grew up with soft drinks (or "pop" as we used to say in my Midwestern neck of the woods) all around us, that changeover was extremely … Read on >
Count me as one of the 40.5 million women (out of 90 million people) expected to watch the Super Bowl on February 3rd. Where usually I am not … Read on >
In my most recent HuffingtonPost piece, I write about the trendiest trend ever: holistic buying. Today’s consumers are taking the “it all matters” perspective, so integrating your marketing channels or emphasizing linear facts or ignoring their environmental expectations won’t work. They are looking for more: more … Read on >
This just in: Lululemon, a yoga/fitness-wear maker with much marketing savvy and that I, for one, have been going ga-ga overfor a few years (even though it is not inexpensive), has been caught in a contradiction. This is something that could happen to any brand, but this news is worth … Read on >
1) Gander Mountain is currently promoting its bubble gum pink firearms for girls and women (perhaps just in time for the holiday season?). So, what I want to know is: if you were a savvy female gun-user, and wanted the best product for yourself or your daughter, would the … Read on >
Peak: How Great Companies Get Their Mojo from Maslow
by Chip Conley
I'm a big psychology buff, so this application of Maslow's hierarchy of needs to the business realm fascinated (and resonated) with me. As Conley mentions, psychology in business has long been about "fixing it," but that won't necessarily "offer the opportunity for transformation to a more optimal state of being or productivity." Everyone can learn from this discussion.
The Sexual Paradox: Men, Women and the Real Gender Gap
by Susan Pinker
A fascinating examination of how sex differences play out over the life span. One interesting quote: "For most women it's less a question of who's able to win. It's whether competing feels good and is worth the cost."
Robin Hood Marketing: Stealing Corporate Savvy to Sell Just Causes
by Katya Andresen
Andresen writes that causes can learn from traditional marketers, but after reading this, I'd argue that traditional marketers can learn from the causes profiled. An interview with Andresen is included in my eBook, 9 Minds On Marketing.
You Just Don't Understand: Women and Men in Conversation
by Deborah Tannen
Men have a more asymmetrical, positioning approach to communication, while women have a more symmetrical, connecting approach. This is a classic worth revisiting frequently.
BOOM: Marketing to the Ultimate Power Consumer -- The Baby-Boomer Woman
by Mary Brown and Carol Orsborn
It's a hot topic - and the case studies and examples presented in BOOM can offer up insights to get you started.
