Has anyone else noticed in the new Beatles Rock Band commercials: when the black electric guitar is handed to a band member, it has no strings on it? Just the neck and headstock appear, but clearly the guitar is unstrung. When he's shown playing it, the strings are on, for a nanosecond.
My theory: And implicit suggestion by the advertisers to demonstrate one needs no strings to be able to rock out, such as on the toy guitar that comes with the game. Think I'm wrong? That would be a pretty big oversight for people who are trained to research and pay a lot of attention to details. I suppose I could interpret some poetic meaning, but I doubt that was the intention of Madison Ave.
The unstrung guitar is at :10 and the guitar, suddenly strung, is at :13.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Innovating on a Shoestring
Thought-inducing spot below!
Shameless plug: If you don't subscribe to HBR in some form, you should think about it.
However, in the spirit of the piece and economy, copies are usually available at your local county or University libraries.
Shameless plug: If you don't subscribe to HBR in some form, you should think about it.
However, in the spirit of the piece and economy, copies are usually available at your local county or University libraries.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Are You Innovating or just Expanding Your Box?
I just came across a months-long unanswered post on a marketing/innovation site asking how we step out of our boxes. A very tired but still applicable metaphor. How many of us really are stepping out of our "boxes?"
I believe there are very few companies that actually have the financial, governmental and intellectual capital to really "step" outside of their boxes. Google comes close. While I believe most companies adore the concept, they can't implement it in a corporate setting. They instead, grow their boxes to fit the level of innovation they feel comfortable with and executives pat themselves on the back for being "progressive," even though as a best-case scenario, it's also what the competitors are doing. This does not produce the same results. Which are you doing?
I believe there are very few companies that actually have the financial, governmental and intellectual capital to really "step" outside of their boxes. Google comes close. While I believe most companies adore the concept, they can't implement it in a corporate setting. They instead, grow their boxes to fit the level of innovation they feel comfortable with and executives pat themselves on the back for being "progressive," even though as a best-case scenario, it's also what the competitors are doing. This does not produce the same results. Which are you doing?
Saturday, May 30, 2009
How's the Muscle Car Market?
There are about to be a LOT of very, very challenging jobs out there, and I don't think the pay is going to reward successes within appropriately. I don't mean teaching, soldiering or just picking butterbeans (Which I've done: my 1st job). I mean for marketers and bankers. Who on Earth has the nads, self-confidence and sense of philanthropy to take on whatever pieces of garbage are about to be forced on the country by our new car factories? And our banks, or even work for one of the many banks that took TARP money and have a Fed breathing down your neck, and the insane bureaucracy that will wrap it's tentacles around your company?
Have you seen the Chevy Spark? Or read reviews on even the new Honda Insight? Holy Crap! Classic US muscle and sport cars are about to see a big jump in value. I wonder about the future of the Corvette. By the time we are riding high on the upswing and money's loose again(I don't expect this to happen in my lifetime, and I have 50 good years on me) they are going to have given a nice return. If gasoline isn't $1000/oz by then, adjusted for inflation.
Is anyone else's head spinning?
Have you seen the Chevy Spark? Or read reviews on even the new Honda Insight? Holy Crap! Classic US muscle and sport cars are about to see a big jump in value. I wonder about the future of the Corvette. By the time we are riding high on the upswing and money's loose again(I don't expect this to happen in my lifetime, and I have 50 good years on me) they are going to have given a nice return. If gasoline isn't $1000/oz by then, adjusted for inflation.
Is anyone else's head spinning?
This is incredible.
I hate Papa John's pizza, and 99.9% of all publicly traded "pizza" places, but I'm going to have to order one just to try this out. The applications and where this could lead are mind-blowing.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Marketing technology
Buck Rogers of the 21st Century, Awaaayyyyy.....
This article explains, unbeknownst to it, what happens when the R&D department doesn't communicate with the marketing department. Cool ideas, but lost revenue, sunk costs, wasted time and resources.
Integration, people!
This article explains, unbeknownst to it, what happens when the R&D department doesn't communicate with the marketing department. Cool ideas, but lost revenue, sunk costs, wasted time and resources.
Integration, people!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
I don't think Microsoft gets it.
Today MS unveiled their answer to competing with Google's pervasive search engine, to little fanfare: Bing. It stands for "But It's Not Google." An apt name.
Having never used this engine, but having tinkered with it's boring and obviously-named predecessor, Live Search, I deemed it uncutable to mustard. However, Microsoft surely doesn't lack engineers and talent to develop a highly potent search engine. They're Microsoft, for crying out loud. So what's the problem, and why will they never topple Google and other as-of-yet-unfounded companies in these lucrative markets? The brand.
Google has managed to develop what all marketing departments aspire for: mystique. Google has become more than a search engine. It's the leading edge in innovation. It employs the best, brightest and most creative (It's the #1 pick of dream employers by MBAs for three years) and is famed for it's corporate culture. The image Google has built is fun, light, easy and on our side. If we have an online gripe, they're working on it, and if it can be dreamed of, they're looking into it.
Then there's Microsoft, the pricey Wal-Mart of technology. Disfavor was heaped upon Bill Gates until he began dropping bags of money out of blimps via his and his lucky wife's foundation. As a large profitable corporation, they were attacked. For their seeming omnipresence and omnipotency they were chastised and sued. A lot. Headlines of lawsuits against your company=bad marketing, and not good publicity, despite the enduring saying. They aren't known as anyone or anything's allies. Their products have become iffy and also-rans. Who in the Hell actually has a Zune? They aren't innovators, and they aren't excited about the future in the way Google is.
It's all in the vibe and people, especially in these times, want good ones. Check out Google Wave: http://mashable.com/2009/05/28/google-wave-guide/ . These are solutions and this is innovation, not another "me-too" product. Google Earth is incredible. I've also looked into Google squared, the tool that will kill Wolfram|Alpha, and these items will be introduced as another great product that you take(for free) or leave, but will eventually end up using, but never because you must. Microsoft isn't competing on competence, so that leaves collusion, governance and flexibility. It has none of these on its side. Here lies their problem. I'm going to think of solutions.
Microsoft has become a victim of its own success. Back in the day it was known as the free-wheelin', be-bopping and scattin' place to work, and the money was pouring in. Now they make IBM look like Disney. Maybe that's an exaggeration. But their President and marketing team need to look in the mirror and be self-aware. It's a battle between the smart, awkward nerd, and the smarter cool kid. You can name the nerd Bing, but he's still going to be beaten.
Having never used this engine, but having tinkered with it's boring and obviously-named predecessor, Live Search, I deemed it uncutable to mustard. However, Microsoft surely doesn't lack engineers and talent to develop a highly potent search engine. They're Microsoft, for crying out loud. So what's the problem, and why will they never topple Google and other as-of-yet-unfounded companies in these lucrative markets? The brand.
Google has managed to develop what all marketing departments aspire for: mystique. Google has become more than a search engine. It's the leading edge in innovation. It employs the best, brightest and most creative (It's the #1 pick of dream employers by MBAs for three years) and is famed for it's corporate culture. The image Google has built is fun, light, easy and on our side. If we have an online gripe, they're working on it, and if it can be dreamed of, they're looking into it.
Then there's Microsoft, the pricey Wal-Mart of technology. Disfavor was heaped upon Bill Gates until he began dropping bags of money out of blimps via his and his lucky wife's foundation. As a large profitable corporation, they were attacked. For their seeming omnipresence and omnipotency they were chastised and sued. A lot. Headlines of lawsuits against your company=bad marketing, and not good publicity, despite the enduring saying. They aren't known as anyone or anything's allies. Their products have become iffy and also-rans. Who in the Hell actually has a Zune? They aren't innovators, and they aren't excited about the future in the way Google is.
It's all in the vibe and people, especially in these times, want good ones. Check out Google Wave: http://mashable.com/2009/05/28/google-wave-guide/ . These are solutions and this is innovation, not another "me-too" product. Google Earth is incredible. I've also looked into Google squared, the tool that will kill Wolfram|Alpha, and these items will be introduced as another great product that you take(for free) or leave, but will eventually end up using, but never because you must. Microsoft isn't competing on competence, so that leaves collusion, governance and flexibility. It has none of these on its side. Here lies their problem. I'm going to think of solutions.
Microsoft has become a victim of its own success. Back in the day it was known as the free-wheelin', be-bopping and scattin' place to work, and the money was pouring in. Now they make IBM look like Disney. Maybe that's an exaggeration. But their President and marketing team need to look in the mirror and be self-aware. It's a battle between the smart, awkward nerd, and the smarter cool kid. You can name the nerd Bing, but he's still going to be beaten.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Use Tie Downs in Persuasive Communication - wikiHow
Helpful strategies when you're dealing with a wet blanket. I've noticed job interviewers like to clam up in hopes the victim, I mean applicant, will ramble on nervously and incoherently during the interrogation. Using these tie downs will give you a chance to regroup, involve the others on a personal level and draw your audience into a personal interchange, rather than what often turns into a monologue.
MBM
from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit
Have you ever spoken to someone who was really drawn to what you were saying? You were talking and they couldn’t help but to keep nodding their head and saying words like “yeah”, “uh-huh”, “then what happened”. When you are getting eager reactions such as those from your listeners, doesn’t that give you some kind of signal that what you are saying is very interesting or compelling? Well what about the opposite? You're talking and your listener gives you little or nothing to work with. Perhaps you're trying to sell this person on some kind of idea or product, and all they are doing is looking you straight in the eye with no expression. Has that ever happened to you? This article will show you how to use tie downs in order to change that. Tie downs are small phrases or brief sentences you use after you say something to give your listeners opportunities to interact and agree with you. Every time you get agreement from the listener, you "tie them down" emotionally and make them easier to persuade.
MBM
How to Use Tie Downs in Persuasive Communication
from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit
Have you ever spoken to someone who was really drawn to what you were saying? You were talking and they couldn’t help but to keep nodding their head and saying words like “yeah”, “uh-huh”, “then what happened”. When you are getting eager reactions such as those from your listeners, doesn’t that give you some kind of signal that what you are saying is very interesting or compelling? Well what about the opposite? You're talking and your listener gives you little or nothing to work with. Perhaps you're trying to sell this person on some kind of idea or product, and all they are doing is looking you straight in the eye with no expression. Has that ever happened to you? This article will show you how to use tie downs in order to change that. Tie downs are small phrases or brief sentences you use after you say something to give your listeners opportunities to interact and agree with you. Every time you get agreement from the listener, you "tie them down" emotionally and make them easier to persuade.
Steps
- Speak with energy and enthusiasm. Tie downs won't work if you have a negative or neutral tone. Having energy and enthusiasm when you speak makes a world of difference. Many times, it’s not what you say but how you say it. This is hard to convey through text, but let’s say you are telling someone about a party. You can say "Hey man, there’s a party this weekend, you should come..." or "Hey man! There’s this awesome party this weekend! You gotta be there!!" Practically the same words but said with more excitement can be the difference between whether that person comes to the party or not.
- Elicit a response. Throw in a few words in or at the end of your statement that requires some sort of acknowledgment from your listener. The agreement can be in the form of a verbal response (“yes”, “of course”, “sure”), a head nod, or even attentive silence.
- A common way to use tie downs is to seek agreement with negative contractions: "Hey man! There’s this awesome party this weekend! You gotta be there!! You love parties don’t you!?" "Wouldn't it be great to be able to walk to town whenever you want?" Practice turning statements into questions by inserting these words into the beginning, middle, or end:[1]
- don't (You want a king size suite, don't you? Don't you just love this window?)
- doesn't (It makes you feel great, doesn't it? Doesn't this apartment feel spacious?)
- isn't (Isn't this easy? The view is spectacular, isn't it?)
- wouldn't (Wouldn't it be great to look out the window and see your kids playing there? That would be amazing, wouldn't it?)
- can't (It just can't get any sunnier than this, can it? Can't you just imagine what summer is like here?)
- don't (You want a king size suite, don't you? Don't you just love this window?)
- Make a statement, followed by "...right?" Usually this is paired with a statement about what the listener wants. ("You want to get out of here as quickly as possible, right?" "You're looking for the best deal, right?")
- For some people whose native language is not English, such as people whose first language is Spanish, the word "no" can be used in the same way: "You're looking for a 2-bedroom apartment, no?"
- For some people whose native language is not English, such as people whose first language is Spanish, the word "no" can be used in the same way: "You're looking for a 2-bedroom apartment, no?"
- A common way to use tie downs is to seek agreement with negative contractions: "Hey man! There’s this awesome party this weekend! You gotta be there!! You love parties don’t you!?" "Wouldn't it be great to be able to walk to town whenever you want?" Practice turning statements into questions by inserting these words into the beginning, middle, or end:[1]
- Sprinkle minor agreements throughout the conversation. While tie-downs can be used for strong, persuasive statements ("This car would look nicer with a sunroof, wouldn't it?"), they're most handy for getting agreement on minor points. The more you can get a person to agree with you, even about little things like the weather ("Oregon summers are fantastic, aren't they?), the more receptive they will be overall. Agreement implies empathy, and empathy garners trust.
- Embed a command. Tie downs are also a good way to slip in a subconscious command. Make a list of things you want the listener to do, such as: trust me, buy today, sign now. Then figure out ways to incorporate them into a tie down. Since embedded commands work on a subconscious level, they don't even have to be used in the context you're after; they only need to sound like the command, and the subconscious mind will likely interpret it the way you want it to be heard. For example: "Time flew by today, didn't it?" Add a little extra emphasis to the command for maximum effect.
- This is one of many subconscious persuasive techniques that can be used in conjunction with tie downs.
- This is one of many subconscious persuasive techniques that can be used in conjunction with tie downs.
Tips
- Many bloggers naturally use questions toward the end of their blog when asking for their readers' opinions on what they just wrote. However, if you use tie downs throughout your post, you will further engage the reader. Tie downs give the reader subconscious cues to be ‘involved’. With the feeling of involvement comes participation. With participation, you will get more action on your blog.
- Tie downs can also be used by people who need to get others to cooperate. For instance, police officers can use them when making an arrest,[2] teachers or professors can use them with their students ("I'm dropping your grade because of your 7 absences, as written out in the syllabus" versus "You know having 7 absences negatively affects your grade, right? You read the syllabus, didn't you?") and managers can use them with their employees ("You're late for the third time this week" versus "This is the third time you're late this week, isn't it?").
Warnings
- When used in excess, or with too much exaggeration, you risk sounding condescending or pushy.
- If people see through your tactics, they might have much less respect for you than if you had been honest in the first place. For long-term relationships, it's best to be honest.
Related wikiHows
- How to Persuade People with Subconscious Techniques
- How to Be Persuasive
- How to Upsell
- How to Communicate in an Assertive Manner
Sources and Citations
- Persuasive.net - Original source, shared with permission.
- ↑ benwarsop.wordpress.com
- ↑ http://www.officer.com/web/online/On-the-Street/Tag-Ons--Hang-Ons/21$32324
Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Use Tie Downs in Persuasive Communication. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.
NAACP Branch Readies for Confederate Flag Fight - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com
NAACP Branch Readies for Confederate Flag Fight - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com
Posted using ShareThis
The NAACP is really stretching these days. This is what is known as an ineffective, poorly targeted, inefficient strategy, or more colloquially, a waste of time and resources.
I will admit their strategic integration regarding the issue has been comprehensive.
Posted using ShareThis
The NAACP is really stretching these days. This is what is known as an ineffective, poorly targeted, inefficient strategy, or more colloquially, a waste of time and resources.
I will admit their strategic integration regarding the issue has been comprehensive.
People Can Run, But Can They Hide?
Maryland's Millionaires Missing
I knew this was going to happen, I just didn't know when or which step it would be.
I've already heard of professionals cutting back on their hours and working couples planning longer vacations to avoid becoming, in the eyes of government, the evil rich. Many that have studied hard, at great expense in several ways, made wise decisions and have managed to build themselves and their businesses into above-average income producers, are about to be penalized for their dedication and hard work. The charge verges on an explicit threat: join the masses or we'll put you there.
As we've studied in economics, finance and through our life's lessons, incentives are all that matter. The incentives vary of course, but we pursue activities that we believe we'll be rewarded for and eschew those that are less attractive, or disincentives. Achieving Americans are about to be soaked, and their reaction will be historic.
We've teetered on the 50% threshold for some time now, curiously so, in fact. Nearly half of this country pays no income taxes, while the other "half" ponies up for the US's operating expenses. The operating expenses, through political positioning, now include "refunds," entitlement programs, and bloated and fraudulent policies that benefit those with their hands out on the other side of the fence. And we're about to experience a January 1 surprise. That's waking up after a year of plugging along diligently, and blowing it out on New Year's eve to realize in a blurry drunken haze, you blew everything you've worked for on a terrible bet with some guys that mean business, and buying all your "less fortunate" friends drinks all night.
Some people are going to manage to skip out before the tab comes, and the manager sits down with a calculator to see what everyone left owes. Maryland's high taxes(some of the highest in the country, behind NY, NJ, Mass., and possibly a few other states) seem to already be opening the gates for permanent relocation. My lovely and humble state of SC stands to reap some benefits as permanent address boxes are checked in Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach, Charleston and other vacation spots. A low tax state that houses many vacation homes.
But can they hide? Not likely. In addition to the brain drain we're about to experience, I think we may see some major demographic shifts within our borders and elsewhere.
Being an ex-pat doesn't seem like the stretch it once was.
I knew this was going to happen, I just didn't know when or which step it would be.
I've already heard of professionals cutting back on their hours and working couples planning longer vacations to avoid becoming, in the eyes of government, the evil rich. Many that have studied hard, at great expense in several ways, made wise decisions and have managed to build themselves and their businesses into above-average income producers, are about to be penalized for their dedication and hard work. The charge verges on an explicit threat: join the masses or we'll put you there.
As we've studied in economics, finance and through our life's lessons, incentives are all that matter. The incentives vary of course, but we pursue activities that we believe we'll be rewarded for and eschew those that are less attractive, or disincentives. Achieving Americans are about to be soaked, and their reaction will be historic.
We've teetered on the 50% threshold for some time now, curiously so, in fact. Nearly half of this country pays no income taxes, while the other "half" ponies up for the US's operating expenses. The operating expenses, through political positioning, now include "refunds," entitlement programs, and bloated and fraudulent policies that benefit those with their hands out on the other side of the fence. And we're about to experience a January 1 surprise. That's waking up after a year of plugging along diligently, and blowing it out on New Year's eve to realize in a blurry drunken haze, you blew everything you've worked for on a terrible bet with some guys that mean business, and buying all your "less fortunate" friends drinks all night.
Some people are going to manage to skip out before the tab comes, and the manager sits down with a calculator to see what everyone left owes. Maryland's high taxes(some of the highest in the country, behind NY, NJ, Mass., and possibly a few other states) seem to already be opening the gates for permanent relocation. My lovely and humble state of SC stands to reap some benefits as permanent address boxes are checked in Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach, Charleston and other vacation spots. A low tax state that houses many vacation homes.
But can they hide? Not likely. In addition to the brain drain we're about to experience, I think we may see some major demographic shifts within our borders and elsewhere.
Being an ex-pat doesn't seem like the stretch it once was.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Blue Horseshoe loves Blu Star.
Blu Star Airlines wouldn't have had to file bankruptcy, had it stuck it out 20 more years. It would be subsidized by taxpayers, bought by the taxpayers, then handed to Martin Sheen and his men to run, with the government slapping them on the back. Job well done!, The senators would say as they adjourn to their Potomac River manses to reflect on their mediocre college careers.
Post #1
So many people to thank for the opportunity to set up this Blog. I'll only thank my dog for now.
What strategies to share? Some entertainment while you think about it.
What strategies to share? Some entertainment while you think about it.
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