Monthly Archives: July 2011

July 26, 2011 · 9:08 am

Thermostats

Thermostat for controlling the temperature in ...

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I finally got around to looking at Sunday’s paper and in the Times’ magazine I found this interview with Cornel West.  Now, as you know we don’t do politics here so I have no comments in this space about most of what Dr. West had to say.  However, there was one quote that I found to be relevant to those of us with a business focus and I’d like to share it with you.  While Dr. West was referring to President Obama, I think what he had to say applies to any of us who are responsible for managing organizations and dealing with changing circumstance.  But let’s see what you think. Continue reading →

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July 25, 2011 · 2:50 pm

Familiarity Nixes Contempt

I’m a little tardy in posting today and I apologize.  Funny how time slips away, as Willie would say.  In any event, I have a quick question for you and then a few data points you might find of interest.

What’s the most important factor in consumer thinking when buying electronics?  What influences the brand decision?  How about when buying clothing?  Do you think it’s the same as electronics?  Well, it is, and that factor is familiarity.  This is according to The NPD Group Brand Landscape Report and reported late last week.  Why do you care? Continue reading →

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July 22, 2011 · 9:04 am

When To Shut Up

It’s time to end the week on a food-related note as is our custom here. I was out last evening with some former work colleagues, most of whom I hadn’t seen in quite a while. It was fantastic to see them and to catch up. Most were pleasantly surprised at the physical changes I’ve been making and a few pulled me aside to know how they could do the same. I explained it to them as I did to you all in this space.
Someone ordered some snacks for the group to enjoy as we conversed and imbibed. It was the usual bar food fairly even divided between the pretty healthy yet tasty (veggie plates, humus) and utter crap but so delicious (fried mozzarella).  What was interesting to me was who chose to eat (and drink) what – some of the same people who expressed a desire to get healthier were eating the junk and drinking fruity, high sugar drinks.  And that’s where the business lesson came in. Continue reading →

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