With thanks: Free Stock photos by Vecteezy I recently read a blog by Seth Godin, titled: "No thank you". I have included the blog in it's entirety at the bottom of this page. The theme of the blog was about expressing gratitude to people, but in a meaningful way, rather than relying on "the easy way out". He talks about ChatGPT offering to write a thank you note for you. This theme of [...]
Leadership. Open minds. Parking your Ego. Gathering previously unknown information. Understanding Real Strategic Marketing vs. Digital Marketing. Strategic Mindset vs Tactical Mindset. These are the critical components that will allow you, as a leader in an organization, to facilitate business growth in an organized and logical way. It will enable you to navigate the waters of complexity and [...]
The chief marketing officer at a big company has an impossible job. The typical duration of a CMO is 18 months because once the CEO realizes that hype for money can’t solve their problems, they get restless. The problem lies in what people think “marketing” is. Marketing isn’t paying for ads, changing the logo or building a social media presence. Marketing is product design, [...]
I was doing some research recently on why companies fail, as well as why companies don't grow. It struck me after reading a number of opinions and viewpoints that there were indeed some common themes between these two situations. While that did not surprise me, the common themes were quite striking, as was the one factor that applied to non-growing companies only. Success and failure have [...]
The days of compartmentalizing business functions into tightly controlled areas of influence (like marketing, sales, operations etc) are long gone - we just need to accept this Change Reality and buy into a new way of thinking: Business Growth. "Good fortune is what happens when opportunity meets with planning." Thomas Edison It is no coincidence that Edison had the foresight and [...]
For years, Jet Stores operated in the South African retail space as a lower- to mid-income clothing and footwear retail company. The chain was part of the largest and most sophisticated retail group in the country. Jet was seen as the cash cow for the group, and was an important strategic asset for the organization. As the chain evolved over the years, I was involved in leading the development of[...]
I have been saying this for years. Change is upon us and as a business executive or leader making important decisions you only have 2 choices: either embrace change or become a casualty. It really is as simple as that. Just ask Target, Sony, Mexx, Smart Set, Jacob, Holt Renfrew (some stores), Sears Canada, Future Shop who are just some of the high profile casualties. Ask some of the Wal Mart[...]
How many times have you seen or experienced (first hand) the following scenario: A company announces a new strategy with much fanfare and excitement and one year later, despite all the “work” that goes into it, it seems to be failing miserably. The most critical question to ask is: was the new strategy implemented fully, with the new attitude and approach that was recommended, or was the [...]