A little over a decade ago a small technology start-up was out of money, and about to give up. But a professional service group showed the entrepreneurs a way to convert intellectual property into a revenue stream; and the start-up was reborn. An eighteen month revenue stream that defied even the most optimistic pro forma … Continue Reading
Few things have the marketing impact of an unsolicited referral. Fewer still, the long term consequences of an unwavering commitment to excellence. Possibly because it is so rare. We were a party of four waiting for lunch in a Nashville restaurant that had come highly recommended by a friend. The company was good and conversation lively; … Continue Reading
The reception counter was large enough for three or four greeters to stand behind it in wait. There was only one. And she was scowling. I was with two friends as we approached the Greeter at the neighborhood location of a rapidly expanding restaurant franchise. Maybe the mere size of the desk, staged as an … Continue Reading
A few might dispute the notion, but most will agree — relationship trumps everything. Whether in the business or personal arena, relationship provides the context in which almost everything is interpreted. It influences judgement and defines value. The Relationship That Wasn’t Nearly a decade ago a small technology start-up was out of money, and about to … Continue Reading
A lifetime ago, in what seems like a galaxy far away, I spent some time in the broadcast industry. More specifically, in a radio studio. In that era, the fast paced “Top 40” genre topped most markets, and was designed to sound slightly anti-establishment with a shoot-from-the-hip tone. In reality, it was a highly structured, … Continue Reading
Marketing communication promises the world. Client-centered, value driven, deep experience and state-of-the-industry expertise. Even a cursory glance at web sites will turn up scores of variations on a client-centered theme. But let’s be honest; at times the experience doesn’t square with the marketing message. Here’s a story of one time when the experience and the … Continue Reading
