Heavenly Beds at the Westin Hotel
Brilliant differentiation in a crushingly homogenous market.
When I used to use hotels, they all seemed the same to me.
Now that I don’t use them, they seem even less differentiated.
Except for one, that has penetrated my oblivion.
The Westin.
Bed Written
I first heard of the Westin years ago. Someone told me I HAD to stay there [...]
Maybe the problem with business is you
Today we welcome back Malcolm Owens to Small Business Owner. Following some recent experiences and observations Malcolm is keen to share his insights with you and get your thoughts. Welcome back Malcolm.
Please do not complain to me about a tight market, poor sales, dwindling store traffic and reducing profits when the biggest problem in your [...]
Missing Persons
Are we bereft of spirit?
Many of us have observed (or at least experienced) the course of economic rationalism.
From my experiences and observations, I’ve formed the schizophrenic view that:
Government is inefficient and ineffective.
AND
Capitalism is ruthless and lethal.
I’m now hearing that a mix of these forces may be the new way forward.
And from two interactions [...]
Business Cards from the Edge.
Hello, my name is …
Our business card discussion (Cardinal Sins) attracted more visitors than any other post.
Given this interest, I thought I’d update you on my quest for a non-crap business card.
Heaven Must be Missing an Angela
The very kind and very smart Angela den Hollander is redoing my business card.
She began proceedings by [...]
Cardinal Sins
I’m so ashamed of this confession.
But I can no longer conceal my offence.
Hello; I’m Paul. I’m a corporate communications expert.
And my business card is crap.
The Horror
Not only is this card boring, it’s utterly out of sync with my brand.
Because it’s too thin, it curls like fly paper when exposed to board room conditions.
If that’s not [...]
First Impression
Today I’m pleased to introduce Helen Robinett, Director of Image Quest. Perceptions are very powerful and this simple fact provided enough drive for Helen to turn a passionate interest into a full time personal image advisory service that helps people be the best they can be. Today Helen shares some of her insights with us. Naomi [...]
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 [...]
First Impressions
We know first impressions are crucial to human relations. (Just ask Helen.)
By extension, they also impact our business dealings.
Having just visited Bali, I now know first impressions are powerful enough to skew an entire world view.
Hard Landing
We’d been warned to take US$50 for our on-the-spot entry visas.
As we sweated in one of the immigration queues, [...]
Driven to tears
Delivery drivers.
What do you think of them?
Most businesses use couriers or delivery drivers at some time.
We hear plenty about rude, tardy, sleazy, unfit, dishonest and incompetent drivers.
Yet little is said about their situations or challenges.
Here, then, are my observations – from both sides of the fence.
I hope you’ll add yours.
Heat stroke
One summer [...]
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 [...]
