One of the devices we use often when explaining complex concepts, processes or technologies is the so-called “Hero Graphic” – a diagrammatic visualization of a business model or process. A successful diagram can telegraph information at a glance that would otherwise require pages or explanation. Read More
A new study called the “2009 Emerging Consumer Consortium” (ECC) will provide the first definitive data and analysis of how the current economic crisis has altered consumer needs, attitudes and behaviors. The research, which will carefully and systematically cover 12,000 individuals across a wide range of demographics, begins Q1 2009 and will include at least three semiannual updates. Read More
Remember that great scene from Animal House when the Deltas have all been expelled and Bluto (John Belushi) rallies the frat to one final pointless act of vengeance? Well, a couple of days ago, we shot a team of sales reps for a consulting company re-enacting that scene, applying their own internal personas and messages and more than a few inside jokes. It was impressive how over-the-top they were willing and able to be. As internal communications, the piece works brilliantly. Read More
One of the 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing is the law of focus – which reads “the most powerful concept in marketing is owning a word in the prospect’s mind”. But creating that short label requires sacrifice. When you stand for something, you necessarily don’t stand for something else. Read More
It was not a surprise to read in Adweek about the quickening decline in media spending. With consumer confidence at an all time low advertisers are cutting back on media expenses. No doubt, gut reactions are driving these decisions as most statistical models are stumbling around in uncharted territory. Read More
As a company that works largely in internal communications, we’re often unable to post or even show much of our best work. Like every legitimate player in this game, we respect NDAs, and appreciate that discretion is part of what the client is paying us for, especially where sensitive matters are concerned. And like them, we do have a few discrete samplers that clients have signed off on. Read More
I’ve been in corporate communications for a long time. I’ve created internal communications for companies in transition, companies in crisis, companies in ascendancy and companies in decline. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned that is common to all of these, it is that Mom was right: honesty really is the best policy. Read More
A recent conversation with my brother convinced me that no area of marketing is as shrouded in mystery (and sometimes B…S…) as the discipline of branding. Every agency, it seems, has its own idea about what a brand is and a proprietary process for developing one. But to find out what’s inside the black box, you often have to pay a hefty price of admission. Read More
When we decided to develop our new Web site, we decided that it was time we began hosting a blog to contribute insights and opinions and, admittedly, get to know more people who we might be able to help one day. We then dutifully committed to having as many of us as possible participate as much as possible. But despite my having advocated for it, I’m still working on getting comfortable with the act of blogging. I suspect I’m not alone. Read More
Microsoft PowerPoint 2007 offers a greater number of object shapes than previous version by far, but if you still find yourself in need of a custom shape and have access to a vector drawing program (or know someone who does), here is a solution for you. *(This tip is for PC users only)
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