Especially in an industry is rooted in the construction and building industry (where bigger and more imposing have long been "better"), it can be hard to even wrap your mind around how the consumer actually experiences the space. Imposing structures do not inspire a lingering shopper - who knew?
So, … Read on >
There’s been a recent flurry of “women’s site” activity:
- I’ve just read news of Dove.com’s new more social media-style web site. - Mom-blog, Dooce.com also recently got big coverage for its advertising sales numbers, even given the take-no-prisoners writing style of its founder, Heather B. Armstrong. - Yahoo just … Read on >
In my years of monitoring and analyzing marketing’s latest, one thing is for sure: pretty much every market segment is misunderstood and there has, without a doubt, been a study done on it. If you lined them up next to one another, whether men/women, Boomer/Gen Y, mom/single dad, wouldn’t all … Read on >
Did you ever notice that ours seems to be a self-regulating culture when it comes to gender and stereotypes? When the ways of the world get too masculine, women step in and stir up the waters to get their due, and, so too, when the world veers too heavily … Read on >
A recent poll of 2,500 American women by Woman’s Day/AOL Food, found that nearly 80% were not concerned with their children’s weight. As reported in MediaPost, the poll results also revealed this contradiction:
"80% believe eating healthier would be easier
if cost weren’t an issue; yet 85% said their … Read on >
As Colonel Nathan Jessep in "A Few Good Men," actor Jack Nicholson practically spits out the line: "You can’t handle the truth." When I read John Schmeltzer’s June 11th article (reg. required) in the Chicago Tribune about McDonald’s newly launched public relations move toward "transparency" with moms, that’s … Read on >
Whether or not, and how, a brand supports a cause is becoming a more and more relevant crossroad on a woman’s buying path. Still, this remains an oft-neglected consideration … Read on >
There is an article in yesterday’s Los Angeles Times (reg. required) about getting women to try the new Nintendo Wii product. Perhaps because I am not around … Read on >
I don’t know what you do with all your extra time, but I’m a dog mom. If I’m not walking Hilde, my Australian Shepherd who is so-gorgeous-I-could-die, I may well … 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.
