The Marketing Problem That Money Alone Can’t Cure

I think we’re all finding it more difficult than ever to be marketers these days – results expectations are high, budgets have shrunk, resources have been cut and consumer spending figures are slower than in the past.  In other words, delivering a stellar, or sometimes even acceptable, return on marketing investment (ROMI) is tougher than [...]

The Future of TV

NEW YORK (AdAge.com) — In its heyday, “This is Your Life” was seen by a broad swath of viewers tuned into their Philcos all at once, never dreaming that someday it could be rebroadcast, paused live, accessed on another gadget, or that its entire run could be contained on a thin metal disc.
(read more)

Google pays for your airport WIFI this holiday season

Google (NSDQ:GOOG) is offering holiday travelers free Wi-Fi at approximately 47 U.S. airports from now until January 15, 2010. There’s no denying that this is a nice gesture. Though many of the nation’s airports are offering free Wi-Fi in some areas, the weary business traveler finds all too often that the Wi-Fi at airports comes at a [...]

Refranchising: Should You Buy In?

Lately, more and more franchise companies are converting a significant number of their company-owned units by selling them to franchisees. This trend, commonly referred to as refranchising or retro-franchising, can be driven by any number of motivations on the part of the company, and it may represent a wonderful opportunity for a careful buyer if [...]

How can I grow my business during the recession?

Despite the economic downturn, you still want to grow your business. What are some good strategies?  There are quite a few strategies to grow a small business during a recession–both online and offline.
(read more)

How Brands Like Microsoft Use Parties to Build Sales

Microsoft this month is spreading word of the release of Window’s 7 during several thousand parties hosted across the globe by employees and everyday people in their own homes. Each host receives a special Signature Edition of Windows 7 Ultimate to keep, as well as a party pack of supplies for guests.
(read more)

Q3 Credit Card Direct Mail Plummeted 71%

Consumers are seeing far fewer credit card offers in their mailboxes, and the offers are far less attractive than they’ve been in recent years, according to Mintel Comperemedia.
(read more)

Giving to Those Most in Need This Holiday Season, and All Year Long

Behind every retail brand, there is a team of people whose job it is to think of wonderful, amazing ways to give back to the community. These contributions can come in the form of new shoes for children whose parents can’t afford them, toys for needy families during the holiday season, food for homeless shelters [...]

Kohl’s Steps Up Marketing for Anticipated Brutal Holiday Season

NEW YORK (AdAge.com) — Kohl’s is ramping up its radio, digital media and direct-mail marketing programs this year, as it looks to compete in what is expected to be another rough holiday for retailers.
(read more)

Look Before You Leap at Change

Change is hard to deal with. Just thinking of the word can conjure visceral reactions and the expectation of difficulties, resistance, anger, betrayal, shock and misfortune. But hesitating before you implement a change isn’t necessarily bad. When problems occur in business, the most adaptable entrepreneurs jump at the opportunity to make a change. Occasionally, though, they leap [...]