Making Stuff Up
We’ve seen how business strap lines can become part of mainstream culture.
How about words?
Hoover, Xerox and Google all went from brand names to generic English terms.
Can we give our brands a similar boost?
Word Up
In almost every book he writes, Seth Godin either invents or takes control of another term, from permission marketing to purple cow [...]
Strap Yourself In!
The ripping response to our elevator pitch debate got me thinking of an even shorter (yet possibly more important) business branding element.
The strap line.
Also called the tag, tag line, end line, slogan and motto, this is a short, memorable phrase designed to connect consumers with a product, campaign or organisation. (Once again, Wikipedia nails it.)
For [...]
What Does Exclusive Mean?
Not with those shoes!
As we’ve gathered a galaxy of brilliant brains to this blog, there’s something I wish to ask.
Something that’s been bugging me for decades:
Does exclusive actually mean anything in business?
I’m not sure it does.
A Lot of it about
Google yields 0.9 billion results for exclusive. That’s thrice more than for bread.
It’s obvious exclusive [...]
The Pud is in the Proofing
The writing’s on the wall.
When it comes to good English, there are two schools:
It’s a load of useless nit picking.
It’s utterly vital.
When it comes to good English in business, I have one thought:
Get it right, or else.
It’s not just me who thinks this. Check these quotes:
I’m not going to apply for a company that [...]
Thy Will Be Done!
Have your muesli and eat it too!
Our Flip Shelton just had a HUGE win with her new all-Australian breakfast range.
And all we had to do was ask.
This good news story proves it’s possible to change a system from without.
Which is very good news for you.
Made to Measure
Flip said to me:
I’d love your thoughts on [...]
WHO TO HIT – know your target
Today the Small Business Owner blog is pleased to welcome Leah Klugt from Inkblot Design Studio, who shares some great insights into knowing your target market. Welcome Leah! Naomi
You’ve heard the saying “know your target market” a thousand times – heck if you’re brave enough to Google it you will get about 49,400,000 [...]
Radio. Get ‘em Where They Live!
Radio ads are cheaper than you may think.
Radio ads are so cheap and effective, I’m amazed clients don’t use them more often.
They’re particularly useful when your audience is remote, passive or oblivious to your existence.
Radio is great fun to do. And because people choose to listen, it really gets them where they live.
Here are [...]
Cheesy Grin
Here’s a good-news story.
The other week I had lunch at my Dad’s.
On removing one of a trio of cheeses, I spotted a card in the bottom of the box.
It had a nice look, a classically grabby headline, a friendly tone and a sense of humour.
It told a winning, honest, educational and unusual story.
Call
I was much [...]
Bible study
Do you believe your industry ‘bible’?
Most industries have a directory of suppliers and service providers.
Often, this large book is referred to as the ‘bible’ of its sector.
I’ve been in my industry bible for many years.
In that time, the listing has gleaned some website hits, few inquiries and no custom.
It’s true my entry is modest.
Almost ethereal.
Yet [...]
You want thighs with that?
Who and what is this mystery girl?
As you can see, the HURRY! SALE is Now On.
Also On is a svelte siren with sparkly eyes and shiny lips.
Who is she and what does she mean to us as customers and businesspeople?
Is she
The owner making a cameo (a la Francis Ford Coppola in Apocalypse Now)?
A vain [...]
