Maker’s Mark teaches us how not to “dilute” our brand

Maker’s Mark. This bourbon has been sold in a very distinctive bottle sealed with red wax since 1954.  In addition to great packaging and taste, you can count on its 45% alcohol by volume / 90 proof the same way you can count on the annual Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Or can you? In…

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Being open to change is totally “kosher.” Talk to Manischewitz. Oy!

Manishchewitz. The tried and true American Kosher brand for 120+ years.  If you are an American Jew, the brand is a constant symbol of kosher food for the Passover holiday, offering the basic staples of matzo, sweet red wine, and macaroons. It is the marketing equivalent of the “one trick pony”: one product set for…

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Steve Jobs succeeded by failing – Your job interview should be no different

Steve Jobs. His legendary status as a successful visionary, entrepreneur and technology pioneer have inspired countless tributes, articles and testimonials since his untimely passing.  Just a quick google search shows what has been written about his success.  He is also being commended for how much he actually embraced failure. The Washington Post, “How we succeed…

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Be Careful What You Wish For…

Professional fantasy. It takes you away from your current work, your current “office” and draws you to that oh, so special place where you feel you SHOULD be. You begin the day with a smile. You are valued. You are working with people you choose to be around. You decide how best to approach your…

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Who is your brand ambassador? – Part Deux

The marketers at Procter & Gamble sure are having a good time. In what seems to be a joke on the Old Spice Brand, they used Fabio as its brand ambassador.  On July 22, 2011, brandchannel’s site reported in its post, “P&G Trims Fabio’s Stint as the New Old Spice Guy,” that Isaiah Mustafa would return as the Old Spice Guy.…

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Passion – Pass it On!

I just love this blogpost of Tristan Walker, a Stanford MBA, who reached out to the founders of foursquare for a summer internship: While there is sense of informality in his approach, it is clear that Tristan is excited about the organization and wants to work for them.  He sent 8 emails before they responded,…

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