Baby Lessons: Tweaking

On December 27, 2008, in Baby Lessons, by Brett Duncan

So, as of December 6, 2008, I am a daddy. My son, Mason Merrick Duncan, was born at 3:43 pm on that day, and things have been a ‘changin’ ever since. And it’s been great.  Predictably, the blogging marketer in me can’t help but harvest some timeless lessons learned in caring for this new human [...]

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Constraining Yourself

On December 16, 2008, in Creativity, Uncategorized, by Brett Duncan

Mark has posted an excellent article on enhancing creativity by increasing your limitations. In essence, he explains that the blank page approach to creativity and innovation usually isn’t the most productive way to capitalize on our creative juices. Rather, limit yourself in certain areas and see what happens.  I completely agree with his belief, and [...]

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The “Ear Rental Business” – an interview with Phil Bernstein, part 2

On December 15, 2008, in advertising, Interviews, Phil Bernstein, Radio, by Brett Duncan

Below is part 2 of my email interview with Phil Bernstein. Be sure to check out part 1 of the interview here, and come back for the final piece of this enlightening time with Phil. Also, all apologies on not posting last week: I managed to get a little sidetracked with having a baby last [...]

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The “Ear Rental Business” – an Interview with Phil Bernstein, Part 1

On December 1, 2008, in advertising, Interviews, Phil Bernstein, Radio, by Brett Duncan

Brett’s note: One of the first blogs I read when I dipped my toe in the blogosphere’s waters was Portland’s Finest Advertising Blog by Phil Bernstein. I still read it today. Phil Bernstein was gracious enough to entertain my own curiosities a few months back, interview-style, and I wanted to share it with you in this [...]

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The Vault: Progress vs. Inertia

On November 29, 2008, in Innovation, by Brett Duncan

Brett’s note: The Vault is a look back at some of the more profound posts on MarketingInProgress.com. This one was originally posted on Sept. 5, 2007.  Progress vs. Inertia Does a day go by at your office that you’re not reminded of the system, or process, or procedure, or protocol? Yes, they’re all important, but [...]

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A Modern Parable: Ford and Toyota

On November 27, 2008, in Funny stuff, by Brett Duncan

I just got this in my inbox and thought I’d share. I don’t know if this is the origin of it, but it’s the top link in the Google Search.  Happy Thanksgiving! – The Management.  A Modern Parable. A Japanese company ( Toyota ) and an American  company (Ford Motor) decided to have a canoe [...]

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37 Marketing Tips for Start-Up Businesses

On November 25, 2008, in Links, Lists, by Brett Duncan

Jim has collected an amazing collection of concise marketing tips here worth looking at. Plus, he did it all through Twitter.  Here are a few of my favorites: Marketing is like a snowball. You have to keep rolling to see results. You can’t start and stop and start and stop.      – Cynthia Powell www.ChicksAndCubs.com [...]

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A Privilege

On November 20, 2008, in Customer Service, by Brett Duncan

After reading through the book summary of Relentless in Marketing Gurus, something simply struck me: When you consider marketing to your customers a privilege, everything changes.  The book, as best I can tell, focuses on the differences between Western marketing and Japanese marketing, whereas Western marketing relies on research and testing, while Japanese marketing relies on [...]

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Hippos, Recessions and Autopilots: Links Worth Reading

On November 16, 2008, in Weekend Reading, by Brett Duncan

Great reading from the past week: Fatigue is a much better teacher than autopilot. Too often we strive for coasting, when it’s actually the worst thing we can do.  Are Your Eyes Bigger Than Your Budget? The thought-provoker: “For a media mix to be effective, each element in the mix must be substantial enough to [...]

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After the Launch

On October 27, 2008, in Product Launches, by Brett Duncan

I’ve been a part of lots of product launches. Over the past six years, it’s safe to assume I’ve helped launch more than 50 new products, and about the same in campaigns, promotions and sales initiatives.  Most companies focus on the launch. They pour months into it, resources into it, and hopes into it. Then, [...]

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