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 >
I’ve written about storytelling a fair amount in this blog, and I gave a MarketingProfs webinar on it earlier this year, so most of you know how important I think it is. My favorite author on the topic is Annette Simmons, who wrote in her book,The Story … Read on >
One of the benefits of living in a teeny state with many colleges is that there are often a lot of interesting people speaking or talented artists singing at places … Read on >
With a recent story by Clifford Krauss(reg. required) in the New York Times, the motorcycle manufacturer has certainly gotten its due recognition for serving its own women’s market very well - but what can you learn from the folks at Harley-Davidson? Especially if you are in a male-dominated industry, … Read on >
How many of you have seen the new ad campaign for Blackberry (Ask Someone Why They Love Their Blackberry) - either in a business magazine or online - within … Read on >
I presented to a roomful of amazing people in the philanthropy "business" earlier this week in Cambridge, MA. A fair number of them were women who had been young during … Read on >
The financial services industry has been male-dominated and focused since the beginning of time (or, whenever it officially became an industry), and that is becoming a bit of an issue as the number of women with high net worth increases. They are not so easily sold with:
"Let me take care … Read on >
Last week I gave a presentation for the Pacific Coast Builders Conference (PCBC) in San Francisco, and then I hung around a bit to learn more. In addition to … Read on >
1) The June issue of Fast Company includes a great article by Polly LaBarre (reg. required) on Nau - a new enviro-friendly, outdoor/lifestyle apparel company that is choosing to do business in a very socially responsible way. A few of the many things that struck me: a) their pledge … Read on >
Having just returned from my high school reunion, where I talked with friends I hadn’t seen in 25 years and reconsidered my expulsion and re-admittance to said school (very long … 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.
