I shaved this morning thinking about “commodity hell.” That’s when a market for a product is so crowded, every product is virtually the same. Interchangeable with the competition. And the only way to get ahead is to slash prices until the pain of profit loss squeezes either you or those competitors out of the business. This is not a position, generally, you want to fall into. But it happens… Continue Reading
On D-Day, hundreds of thousands of Allied troops pulled off the largest invasion in history, forcing their way into Nazi-occupied Europe. Strategy was key. So was equipment. But the real mettle of the moment came from the soldiers staging the… Continue Reading
In the another post, we figured out how to heap lots of “thanks” upon the plates of our best customers. Without further ado, here are seven more suggestions, numbered accordingly… 8 ) THANK-YOU “COUPONS” FOR THE NEXT PURCHASE – Okay, this… Continue Reading
“For a list of the ways technology has failed to improve the quality of life,” says Alice Kahn, “please press three.” I’m sure you know what she’s talking about. And even if you don’t, let me ask you this: How… Continue Reading
In the another post, we asked why some people are creative and others aren’t. This time around, let’s put it even more plain: Are YOU creative? Even though I.Q. tests supposedly measure your brain power, there is still no “Creativity… Continue Reading
I recently gave a Skype interview on how to use stories to make sales. I’m sure you guys know, I’ve talked about this a few times in my weekly e-letter (see the sign up box on this page). We even… Continue Reading
It’s shameless, really, the way I dote. To some of my friends, it’s even downright embarrassing. Yes, I confess, I’m crazy for Cupertino — particularly the stuff that comes out of you-know-which-company. The iPad and iPods, Macbooks, Minis, the Time… Continue Reading
Carnegie-Mellon, says the book “Made to Stick,” did a study. They invited participants in to take a survey. The topic wasn’t important — something about tech products — but what mattered was the small payout. Each participant got paid with five… Continue Reading
Interviewers will tell you, they hire based on qualifications… experience… results… and so on and so forth, blah blah, etc. Says Richard Wiseman, in his book “59 Seconds…” they’re mostly kidding themselves. And he’s got 30 years of psychological research… Continue Reading
I’ve gotten a few copy critiques in my day. I’ve given a few, too. And I’ve discovered there’s one essential element to making them effective: “ego butter.” Let me back up a bit, so I can explain by way of example… Continue Reading