Starbucks Chairman Howard Schultz is lamenting the erosion of the ‘romance and theatre’ that created the Starbucks experience. I must admit that while it has evidently been on the menu a while, I just noticed their Egg McMuffin-like creation, which along with drive-throughs and automated espresso machines, suggests "fast food" – hardly the experience that […]
American Ego
February 22, 2007 by Leave a Comment
Four unlucky souls are departing American Idol as the crowd has been thinned down to 20. Interestingly, virtually every ‘winner’ neglected to acknowledge the fans that supported them in their endeavor – with the exception of Gina from Naperville, Illinois. Amazing! – no smiles – no wave – just a tightlipped sigh and a turn […]
Support Your Supporters – Your Secret Advantage
February 18, 2007 by Leave a Comment
One aspect of marketing that I believe is significantly overlooked is the dynamic balance that drives our markets. When customers acquire our products and services, they support who we are and what we do – they validate the existence and purpose of our enterprise. Are you aware of this support and do you respect it? I […]
Flexible Mindset Engages Your Clients
February 6, 2007 by Leave a Comment
Chicago finally got another decent snowfall today! It started just after rush hour – or not, depending upon how early you rise. Yet, this picturesque, fluffy snowfall seems to be giving drivers fits as they crawl along at a snails pace. Some folks don’t seem to understand the key to driving in snow is to […]
Be Ready for the Opportunity to Make a Difference for Your Customer
February 3, 2007 by 24 Comments
Does your staff know how far they can go to help your customer? I had an experience yesterday that raised this question for me. I was returning to the airport from a speaking engagement to fellow green industry professionals. Here’s what happened. Just as the shuttle dropped me off at the Louisville, Kentucky airport, I […]
How Do You Know Your Market is Changing?
February 1, 2007 by Leave a Comment
Your markets are changing. Are you doing anything to measure these changes? Most of you have heard the story about how small changes go unnoticed until it’s too late. It’s a (made-up I hope!) story about a frog that is in a pot of water and the heat is slowly turned up in small increments. […]
Focus on Your Existing Customer
January 30, 2007 by Leave a Comment
Are you planning for inevitable changes in your business? What might those changes be? Too often we accept the status quo without strategically planning for what’s next, despite the rapid changes in our society. I own and operate a snow and Ice management company, a sister company to my green industry business, and we recently […]
Connect with Your Market – Make it Come Alive!
January 28, 2007 by Leave a Comment
Last Friday I was driving home from the airport after a speaking engagement. When I’m helping other business professionals with their marketing efforts, it catalyzes my own thinking about my businesses. It makes me more aware – not just of the steps I need to take to connect with my customers, but everything in general. […]
