Howard Schultz of Starbucks knows that customers don’t always know best. So how do you listen to customers without taking orders? You incorporate true innovative leadership.
Is Apple losing its hold on innovation? Ted Mininni and Brandweek offer some interesting takes on Apple’s competition. I think they’re just fine.
“Now we understand that the most important thing we do is market the product. We’ve come around to saying that Nike is a marketing-oriented company, and the product is our most important marketing tool. ” Phil Knight, CEO Nike My take: When your product becomes a marketing tool, then your purpose is finally centered on [...]
The next best thing rarely becomes the next best thing. Why products that position themselves as an updated version of another product never make it.
The concept of doodling is one that can’t be overlooked, regardless of what it is we’re doodling on. As marketers and small business owners, we too must keep up our chops. Prevent rustiness. Remain agile and nimble.
Ever wonder why the best ideas start on a napkin? I think I know part of the reason, and it’s over at Drew McLellan’s Marketing Minute.
You can have brilliant ideas, but if you can not get them across, your ideas will not get you anywhere.
– Lee Iacocca
Rules often get a bad rap, but it’s rules that actually make freedom and imagination possible. As I commented on his blog post, limits and rules provide the framework in which we can be creative. It’s creativity with direction.
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 [...]
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 [...]
