Posts by: Tim J. Smith, PhD
To inspire the consumer, you must help him believe in something that he once thought was impossible. This is where innovators will thrive and institutions will die. Innovators will think in quantum leap fashion. “Institutions” will think incrementally
MoreApril Showers Rain … Rein … Reign … Recovery Expectations Rain … Rein … Reign … Brand value and stock value are…
MoreWhat is Starbucks? Is it a momentary retreat from the stress of work and life? Is it a fast-service coffee chain? Is it a snack shop? Is it a luxury coffee manufacturer? What is Starbucks reason for existence?
MoreFor many companies, 2008 has been a challenging year. The new realities of our current market and economy have impacted many sectors, and even more expect to feel the effects in 2009. This makes it even more important than ever to plan smarter, more effective ways to market to industrial and technical buyers in the year ahead. Based on research into market trends, here are strategic recommendations to achieve marketing success in 2009. All of these recommendations have something in common: better decision making when it comes to marketing choices.
MoreTempleton would go into the customer’s negotiating room with a metaphorical gun on the table. Customers would force him to place the gun against his head and ask him to drop prices or pull the trigger. Templeton didn’t know if the gun was loaded or not. For four years, Templeton managed this challenge, and the bullet never fired. Templeton’s method of managing this struggle over prices reveals a key to pricing in opaque business markets.
(True story account.)
MoreThe Leprechauns are Coming … Spring FORWARD. “Short term gains can destroy long-term goals. Evaluate the risks of price manipulation prior to…
MorePrice signaling is always a touchy subject. Managed right, it can improve profits and avoid any negative legal or ethical implications. Managed poorly, it can either be a missed opportunity to correct poor pricing practices or create a legal nightmare. Fortunately, there are both business case studies and legal precedence to guide executives and chairpersons through this challenge. If we read the signals right, Tyson Food is attempting to communicate in a legal and ethical manner, but there appears to be a failure to listen by Pilgrim’s Pride.
MoreDo you act authentically for your brand? Honestly…sincerely? And importantly, does what you do instill consumer confidence?
MoreAh February, Augustus and Julius liked it so much they took some for themselves. Možná ne. “Wisdom is knowing which action to…
MoreA Black Eyed Pea for Each Day of the Year … Trickle down economics may be doubtful, but trickle down empathy isn’t.…
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