CVS Quits for Good: Purpose or just PR?
- Written by: Alexandra Reilly
There's been a lot of discussion lately about CVS Caremark's decision to stop selling cigarettes by October 1, 2014 in its stores.
Critics claim it's just a red herring gesture to outflank competitors for lucrative healthcare contracts.
Cheerios: a brand aligned or an empty campaign?
- Written by: Martha Bartlett Piland
The Big Game is over but the conversation about the commercials continues. This year, 3 commercials tied a brand to a cause. Though they all had an emotional tug, it made me wonder whether they were authentic to the core—or simply an empty campaign.
3 ways employees can add ZING to your ad campaign
- Written by: Martha Bartlett Piland
Focus groups are wrapped and results from the consumer panels are in. You're ready to launch a new ad campaign and WOW the world. Will you WOW your employees, too? Here are 3 reasons you should.
How good intentions can toll a brand's death knell
- Written by: Martha Bartlett Piland
We've all witnessed it: the company retreat that gets people fired-up and ready to change the world. But soon, the insistent voices of daily work drown out the enthusiasm.
New year's revolutions for winning brands
- Written by: Martha Bartlett Piland
Have you made any business resolutions for the new year? Better yet: a business revolution. It's a new year, full of possibilities. Here are some ways to create far-reaching changes that make '14 your best year yet.
Is your brand shade-worthy?
- Written by: Martha Bartlett Piland
Twentieth century philosophers Timbuk3 sang "the future's so bright, I gotta wear shades..." Their '80s era music video on MTV leaves a message for leaders of this century. You have a bright future ahead, too... if you broadcast your vision in ways that are just as engaging to internal audiences.
How one ceo, a big fat excuse and a million yards of bad karma burned a brand
- Written by: Martha Bartlett Piland
"Frankly, some women's bodies just don't actually work [for Lululemon yoga pants]" famously said Chip Wilson, chairman of Lululemmon.
There's only been an "I'm sorry I'm not sorry" from Chip.
The Forrest Gump warning for brands everywhere
- Written by: Martha Bartlett Piland
Do you know people who poke a hole in the bottom of a chocolate to see whether or not it's the one they want? The culprits I know never throw away the damaged piece they've decided against. They just sneak it back into the box. (As if no one will notice!)
Proud to wear the mustache
- Written by: Alexandra Reilly
We've all had one. At one time or another. You know what I'm talking about. A mustache. Maybe it's a milk mustache. A milk shake mustache. Or a pink Kool-Aid one. Then there's the one you get from an extra foamy cappuccino.
Don't be afraid to bite off more than you can chew
- Written by: Martha Bartlett Piland
"Martha Ellen Bartlett, that's entirely too big a bite for a young lady."
I heard it more than once at the dinner table when I was growing up. I think it means that I enjoy food—and life—with passion. And as an adult, I still occasionally get a bit carried away.
