There appears to be a blind spot in most corporation’s marketing strategies. Most organizations get the fact it’s very difficult to separate from the competition through product capabilities and quality. But far, far too many have shifted to the cliched statement of “we give the best customer service.” No specific description of what it means. No examples. No proof. Just a vague … [Read more...]
Best Practices Are Stupid
Interview with Stephen Shapiro For those of you who don’t know, I’m an Advisor and Radio Headliner for the C-Suite Network. A couple of months ago at a C-Suite meeting in Dallas I met Stephen Shapiro, author of the great book, BEST PRACTICES ARE STUPID. This week I’m breaking from my regular UNCOPYABLE BUSINESS mode and presenting a full 49-minute interview with Stephen about one of my … [Read more...]
Uncopyable Rock Star of the Week: Birkenstock
When you hear the word "Birkenstocks," you no doubt think of the classic sandals you see me wearing in this photo. I'd venture to say that even the most fashion-challenged could easily identify these by their distinctive style. They're not exactly attractive by traditional standards - like the Moon River, they're "wider than a mile." But they have a comfy, quirky vibe that's unique - and … [Read more...]
The One Thing You Can Do To Increase Marketing Results
In the 1991 movie, City Slickers, cowboy Curly (Jack Palance) shares his philosophy of life with Mitch (Billy Crystal). “One thing,” Curly says. “Just one thing. You stick to that and everything else don’t mean sh—.” “That’s great,” Mitch says, “But what’s the one thing?” “That’s what you’ve got to figure out.” Marketing isn’t as deep as looking for the secret to life, but there is one … [Read more...]
A Star Wars Hotel is Coming & I Can’t Wait
At last week’s D23 Expo, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts announced a new Star Wars-inspired resort will open in 2019. The thought of a Star Wars themed hotel doesn’t really rev me up, but read what Bob Chapek, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, had to say: “It’s unlike anything that exists today.” Bob said. “From the second you arrive, you will become a part of a Star Wars story! … [Read more...]
HELP! I’M TRAPPED IN AA’S FREQUENT PRISONER PROGRAM
Are you old enough to remember when air travel was a real pleasure? I started actively flying (primarily on American) when I was a freshman at Purdue University. Flying was fun. I looked forward to the experience. 36 years ago American Airlines started its frequent flyer program, arguably the most successful in airline history. Heavy travelers, like me, were rewarded for our loyalty. In the … [Read more...]
I drove 3206.3 miles to learn this lesson
My smoking’ hot wife, Kay, our bipolar border terrier, Shaka, and I just returned from a 14-day, 3206.3 miles road trip. In 30 years of marriage we’d never taken a long road trip. I can now check that off my bucket list! Of course, over 14 days we stayed at several small motels and ate at numerous restaurants that allowed dogs, giving us the opportunity to have some really great and too many … [Read more...]
Technology Part 2: Amazon Buys Whole Foods!
Amazon vacuums up Whole Foods. Pega World plans AI world domination. The technology steamroller continues to upset the apple cart of business. (What a mixed metaphor!) But really, what do YOU think about all this? How far should businesses go in using technology to manage customer relationships. And shouldn’t the customer have a say in all this? Join Steve in a follow-up discussion and learn … [Read more...]
ARE YOU USING TECHNOLOGY LIKE A HAMMER?
I think we all have a love-hate relationship with new technology. At the same time, we need to be very careful to not let technology get the upper hand, allowing it to cloud our thinking and our relationships with customers. What is that danger exactly and how is it similar to an issue raised in a 1990 TV commercial? … [Read more...]
The Business Genius of The Beatles
As this broadcast is being recorded, Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band is celebrating its 50th anniversary. There is no question both the album and The Beatles were, and still are, great examples of achieving an UNCOPYABLE status within their industry. Most people, however, are unaware of how focused The Beatles were on the fact they were a business. Yes, they ultimately produced … [Read more...]
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