Archive for December, 2019

How Did We Do on Our 2010 Predictions? A Look Back as We Approach 2020

Tuesday, December 31st, 2019

This is the time of year for predictions and, as we approach a new decade, we thought we’d take a look back at the last decade to see how well the predictions we made then have held up. Here’s what we said then, where we are now and what we predict for 2020. (more…)

Another Year Draws to an End

Friday, December 27th, 2019
It’s hard to believe that another year is drawing to an end. I can still vividly remember the countdown to Y2K and the anxiety so many were feeling as they wondered what a new century would mean in terms of digital disruption. The year 2000 came in with more of a whisper than a bang but, since that time, much has changed in terms of the ways technology continues to impact our personal and professional lives.

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Goodwill: Being Strategic About Your Giving Decisions

Thursday, December 26th, 2019

Supporting the local community can be expensive. Even large organizations have to be careful about how and where they lend their time – and money. Is there value – beyond personal satisfaction – in supporting local events and activities? Which ones? How can you say “no” graciously to the many requests that come your way? (more…)

10 Tips for Writing Great Copy!

Tuesday, December 24th, 2019

Whether you’re writing a brochure, copy for a newspaper ad, a script for a radio announcement or a page or blog for your web site, there are some tried and true techniques that can help you make sure that your copy gets the results you’re looking for.

Think about writing copy as making a sales pitch to a customer. Your goal is to persuade that customer to do something – most likely to purchase your product or service. Here’s how: (more…)

Let It Snow! Big Brands Risk Failure When They Rely on Third Party Partners

Thursday, December 19th, 2019

by Justin Grensing, Esq., MBA

Just in time for Christmas, Walmart Canada provides a great example of how aggressive sales expansion can tarnish a company’s brand.

There is a natural conflict that exists between sales growth and brand protection. As sales expand—whether geographically or in terms of volume of goods or number of customers, etc.—it is harder and harder for companies to maintain tight control over the products and services carrying its name and impacting its brand. (more…)

Peloton: The Latest Example of Consumer Outrage Over Ad Content

Tuesday, December 17th, 2019

Occasionally companies and their advertising teams will find themselves in hot water for controversial advertisements or campaigns that set out to be edgy or funny, but push the envelope a bit too far. Consider, among the many examples, Bacardi’s “ugly girlfriend” ad, Burger King’s sexually suggestive “Super Seven Incher” ads and Dove’s “Before & After” ad showing a transition from a black to a white woman.

Likely these companies knew they were taking a risk in putting those ads out there but didn’t fully appreciate the likelihood of the level of potential backlash. But sometimes ads not intended to contain any type of offensive content still manage to offend. (more…)

Payment Milestones: A Positive Cash-Flow Approach for Long-Term B2B Projects

Friday, December 13th, 2019

by Justin Grensing, Esq., MBA

In many B2B relationships, the amounts of money changing hands can be significant. For small businesses engaged primarily in the B2B realm, a single B2B client could make up a huge percentage of the small business’s total revenue. Moreover, the products and services offered to B2B customers can be fairly complex and take time to deliver in full. All of this makes the invoicing process a valuable tool for small-business owners serving B2B customers. A well-designed invoicing system can help smooth cash flows and provide revenue even before the ultimate completion of a final deliverable. (more…)

Making an Offer They Can’t Refuse—or Use

Monday, December 2nd, 2019

by Justin Grensing, Esq., MBA

The tension between the marketing function and the operations function has a well-established history. Marketing wants to sell, but operations has to deliver. Sure it’s great to come up with an idea to sell custom-built widgets at a low price with quick delivery. But, ultimately,  someone (operations) actually has to deliver. (more…)